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- Destinations
- Asia
- Mongolia
Mongolia
Mongolia is an unlikely tourist destination but one that proves
irresistible to lovers of wide-open spaces, untamed wilderness and
raw natural beauty. Outside of the capital Ulaanbaatar, where over
half the population lives, visitors encounter a land blissfully
unaffected by the modern world. It is a journey back in time where
nomadic lifestyles are perfectly in tune with the natural rhythms
of the landscape, and the people are renowned for their warmth and
hospitality.
Mongolia is three times the size of France and twice the size of
Texas, yet with under three million people, it is the most sparsely
populated country on earth. The main economic activity is livestock
tending, although the country's considerable mineral wealth is
beginning to be exploited.
Key attractions are the Gobi Desert with its astounding Khongor
sand dunes; the varied sights of Gorkhi-Terelj National Park; vast
and pristine Khövsgöl Lake near Moron; and Karakorum, former
capital of the Mongol Empire and home to Mongolia's most important
monastery. Throughout it all there is the amazing scenery, ranging
from desert steppes to snow-clad mountains, that is earning this
country a reputation as an ideal destination for adventurers
embarking on camel trekking, 4X4 excursions, rock climbing and
desert safaris.
Ulaanbaatar itself is more a functional centre with few must-see
attractions to speak of. One worthwhile site, however, is the
National Museum of History (with an entire floor dedicated to
Genghis Khan, founder of the Mongol Empire). Under his grandson
Kublai Khan, Mongolia became the world's first superpower, spanning
from modern-day Korea to Poland and encompassing 22 percent of the
globe at its peak.
Democracy only came to Mongolia in 1990, after being under the
yoke of Soviet Russia for most of the 20th century. The most
destructive consequence of that regime was the systematic
eradication of the native Buddhist faith. Over 7,000 monasteries
were destroyed, with only four surviving. Over 20,000 monks were
killed. Today, Buddhism is once again flourishing and people are
rejoining the traditions that have sustained them for
centuries.
Information & Facts
Customs
The most important aspect of Mongolian social etiquette is the
ideal of hospitality. Mongolians are famously welcoming of
foreigners, although they expect - in return - that visitors show
respect for Mongolian culture, by being enthusiastic and compliant
guests. Travellers who enjoy 'roughing it' will probably find more
success in Mongolia if they maintain their personal appearance -
dirty clothes, long hair, and unkempt beards are generally frowned
upon. Vodka-drinking is an inveterate feature of Mongolian culture,
and being able to 'hold your liquor' is probably your shortest
route to social acceptance. Finally, although there are some harsh
standards of conduct, and high expectations placed on Mongolian
women, these do not apply to foreigners.
Duty Free
Travellers to Mongolia may bring with them up to 200
cigarettes/50 cigars/250g of tobacco, one litre of vodka, two
litres of wine, three litres of beer, and personal goods valued up
to US$1, 000. Pornographic materials and narcotics are
prohibited.
Language
Khalka Mongol predominately, with some Turkic and
Russian
Passport Visa
Foreign passengers to Mongolia who do not qualify for visa
exemption AND who are holding confirmation of a pre-arranged visa,
can obtain a single-entry visa on arrival at Chinggis Khaan
International Airport (ULN), provided that (i) their passport is
valid for at least one year beyond the date of their arrival in
Mongolia; (ii) they are in possession of two passport photos; (iii)
they are arriving from a country without diplomatic representation
of Mongolia; and (iv) a sponsor in Mongolia submits a request on
their behalf to the Mongolian Immigration Authority. The fee for
visas issued on arrival is MNT 95000 and USD 3. NOTE: It is highly
recommended that your passport has at least six months validity
remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel
destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to
those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Safety
Travellers to Mongolia should not be unduly concerned about
their personal safety. As in every city, exercise caution in
Ulaanbaatar, especially at night, as theft has been known to occur.
Watch out for pickpockets at the airport. Be careful when using
public transport, or when driving yourself around Mongolia - road
conditions can be poor, and visibility (especially at night) is
often less than ideal.