Blissfully distant from the hustle bustle of the rest of the world, yet accessible enough for the avid road-tripper to embark upon an adventure like no other – Mongolia is a picture of exquisiteness.
Expansive, verdant and exceptional; legendary Genghis Khan’s homeland is a treasure trove of fascinating traditions, festivals that celebrate Mongolian valour, historic scientific discoveries, hypnotic natural panoramas and rare flora and fauna.
Here are a few things that make this landlocked nation a dream destination for that inimitable road trip you have been waiting to undertake.
Capital Cityscape
Mongolia’s only city in the truest sense of the word, Ulaanbaatar is situated on the banks of the Tuul River; encircled by mountains that host dreamy pine forests in the north and vividly green steppes in the south. A curious combination of Soviet-era remnants, traditional Mongolian influences and fast-paced urban developments – the city of Ulaanbaatar is a city of swiftly shifting contrasts where both ends of the horizon seem to be co-existing harmoniously.
Sporting Glory
Known since time immemorial for their strength and skill in the battlefield, Mongols have carried on the proud tradition by way of the festival of Naadam. Locals participate in three main “manly” competitions; archery, wrestling, and horseback racing as part of festivities which are believed to have originated with the rise of the Great Mongolian Empire, and was the mainstay of Genghis Khan’s strategy to ensure his warriors stayed in peak physical condition. The year 2010 saw the festival of Naadam being inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
Gargantuan Gobi
The wonderfully daunting Gobi Desert is a miracle of nature, and not in the least a small one! The mesmerizing Yol Valley, huddled in the lap of the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan mountain range, and home to the majestic and very rare Lammergeier [bearded vulture]; the gorgeous Flaming Cliffs, where dinosaur eggs were first discovered by American palaeontologists almost a century ago in 1922; the many astonishing shades of Gobi, along with the ancient mysteries it nurtures, makes for an inimitably surreal experience.
Nomadic Idyll
Mongolia is one of the last few existing societies where the nomadic way of life is still very much prevalent. Traditional gers (white felt yurts) can be seen peppered across the emerald green of the vast countryside, savouring their solo presence beneath a screen of glittering stars.
You will find local herdsmen and their families more than eager to share their customs and manner of living with any visitors. In fact, Mongolians are known for their hospitality and will prove to be definitely some of the warmest people you will ever meet.
Buddhist Bliss
Two characteristic landmarks that deserve more than a visit or two from anyone who is looking to decipher the mysticism that marks Mongolia are the Ongiin and Erdene-zuu Monasteries.
A curve in the Ongiin River hosts the remains of two ruined monasteries, which together accommodated about 28 temples in their prime before being destroyed in the communist surge of the 1930s. The vast complex, with one small temple erected later in the day, is today referred to as Ongiin Khiid.
Erdene-zuu, on the other hand, is widely accepted to be the earliest surviving Buddhist hermitage in Mongolia. Fenced by the magnificent ruins of erstwhile Kharkhorin City’s colossal walls with 108 stupas, Erdene-zuu was built in the latter half of 1500s. At its peak it is supposed to have housed over 60 temples, with scores of monks in residence. After having been destroyed almost completely in the 1930s, the renowned monastery has been resurrected to much of its former glory today.
If the highly bucket-list-worthy Mongolia has set your senses afire, then give in to the wanderlust and join Adventures Overland on our soon-to-be-launched road trip to this beautiful country. We promise you will have only luxury and ease for company, as you cruise through the ‘Land of the Blue Sky’ in your very own 4×4 SUV.
A collection of stories and experiences of the Adventures Overland travellers from around the world
which portray the exact moments we strive to live for.
Yogesh Maganlal Kanji Manek
Road to London
Road-to-London is a unique and life-altering experience through unconventional
landscapes.
Rina Bhansali
Turkey 2022
Every expedition is loaded with the most memorable sensory experiences.
Prashant Saboo
Jordan
It was one of the best holidays of my life. I am waiting to make more plans with Adventures Overland.
Dilpreet Singh Bindra
Africa 2019
My journey continues with AO to fulfil my quest to explore the world.
Pravin Thakur
Lahaul Spiti
The water crossing was such a high. It’s incredible, loving every moment..
Raunak Dembla
LAHAUL & SPITI
It feels like one big group and they ensure you leave with memories and friends to last a
lifetime.
Komal Shah
LAHAUL & SPITI
They make families among members of trip. I would like to join for many more trip with
AOL.
Sandip Gandhi
Jordan Expedition
The tour preparations were to extreme detail and the hospitality was just fantastic.
Puneet Agarwal
Winter Drive in Russia
Driving through Russia in winters is breathtakingly beautiful. I dont remember the last
time when I saw 17 people so happy about themselves.
Yogesh Maganlal Kanji Manek
Road to London
Road-to-London is a unique and life-altering experience through unconventional
landscapes.
Doyle Vas
Road to London
Had the time of my life on Road to London in 2018.
Shona Walton
Winter Drive in Russia
These guys don’t know the meaning of the word problem. The organization of the whole trip
was very smooth.
Dilpreet Singh Bindra
Road to London
My journey continues with AO to fulfil my quest to explore the world.