Wednesday, July 07, 2010

Why should I visit Mongolia?

Mongolia lies at the heart of Asia, on the balance between the ‘East’ of China, and the vast wilderness of Siberia in Russia. This huge, sparsely populated land encompasses a fabulous array of pristine landscapes and a nomadic people whose lives are in many ways unchanged from the days of Genghis Khan and the mighty Mongol Empire.

Here, where nomadic herders still depend on nature for survival, you’ll find priceless luxuries like open space, untouched wilderness, and pristine air and water in abundance, each cherished by the Mongolian people. And as the 19th largest country in the world, Mongolia’s considerable size means an enormous variety of landscapes, and plenty of room for guests. Awesome expanses of rolling steppe, home to Mongolia's famous horses and herdsmen, meet high glacial mountains, impenetrable forests and deep, crystal lakes.

Like the Mongol Empire of Genghis Khaan’s time that stretched from Japan to Hungary, Mongolia today remains a place of natural and cultural diversity and nearly endless possibilities for discovery and adventure. Cherished by her people, and unspoiled in her beauty, Mongolia waits to be discovered by you.

Authentic Nomadic Culture
One of the last remaining pastoral people in the world, a third of Mongolia’s population is engaged in nomadic or semi-nomadic livestock herding.

Unrivaled Hospitality
For millennia, Mongolian nomads have known that survival in one of the globe’s most remote and sparsely populated environments with its extreme climatic conditions (short, warm summers and long, severely cold winters) depends upon their ability to collaborate.
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Unspoiled Nature and Abundant Wildlife
Landlocked between China in the south and the vast Siberian wilderness in the north, Mongolia is the geographic heart of Asia.

Genghis Khan and the Largest Empire in World History
Founder and ruler of the Mongol Empire in the 13th century, Mongolians consider Genghis Khan the father of modern Mongolia.

Naadam - The Greatest Annual Sporting Event in the World
Sometimes also called the “2nd Olympic Games”, the Great Naadam Festival is the age-old celebration of the test of courage, strength, dexterity, and marksmanship of the Mongolian Nomads.

Traditional and Modern Mongolian Music
Music is an integral part of Mongolian culture and the Mongolians are renowned for their love for music and singing. Any Mongolian celebration always turns into a celebration of singing.

A Vibrant and Stable Democracy in Central Asia
After Russia, Mongolia was the second country in the world that turned to communism in the early 20th century, and it was the second country that, through peaceful means, brought an end to communism in 1991.

A Peaceful Multi-Religious Tradition
Centuries ago, Genghis Khan supported freedom of religion amongst his people. Today’s main spiritual practices in Mongolia are Buddhism and Shamanism.

Adventure Travel at its Best
Mongolia’s unparalleled scenery and large variety of pristine landscapes makes it the premier destination for the adventurous explorer.
Horseback trekking, climbing expeditions, hiking tours, kayaking, riding reindeer, hunting with eagles, and fishing are amongst the many activities for those who want healthy dose of physical exercise in one

4 comments:

Nancy said...

There is also a vibrant arts scene in the Mongolian capital of UlaanBaatar. Visitors don't expect the sophisticated and skilled level of all arts in Mongolia, but this is one positive aspect of the heritage of the 70 years that Russia dominated the life of Mongolia. The Russians promoted literacy, education and arts and sent many promising young people to study in Moscow, Prague and Budapest.

The Mongolian Museum of Modern Art, somewhat hidden about a block from Sukhbaatar Square, has a remarkable collection that includes Russian-style realism and every different kind of figurative and abstract paintings and sculpture. At the Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts, there is a superb collection of Buddhist art and artifacts that include the influences of earlier shamanistic practices, as well as drawings and paintings from earlier eras.

Another place for a continually changing display of contemporary Mongolian art is the Gallery of the Artists Union of Mongolia, just across Peace Avenue from Sukhbataar Square. The show there changes WEEKLY! and there is a stunning array of very skilled painting and sculpture. Understandably, landscapes and horses are plentiful in all media.

The Opera and Ballet theater puts on a wide range of western and Mongolian performances most of the year.

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