Danshig Religious Festival - Highlight of August In Mongolia Ancient Culture of the Mongols – Altan Ovoo Mountain Worship Outstanding Photos of Naadam Festival Indigenous Marriage of Tsaatan Tribe in Wild Taiga Nomadic Culture Festival presents authentic tradition of the Mongols Events In July In Mongolia - Don't Miss Out! Facts about Aishol-pan, the eagle huntress of Mongolia Taiga Travel diary to Dashing through snow Tsagaan Sar the main celebration of the Mongols WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT NAADAM FESTIVAL BEFORE YOU ATTEND? Interesting Facts About Camels Tsaatans - the Reindeer People
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Discover the Mongolian Gobi Desert, a vast landscape of stunning sand dunes, rocky formations, and serene oases. Experience nomadic hospitality in traditional ger camps and witness Mongolian herding rituals. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot rare species like Bactrian camels and wild asses, while history buffs explore dinosaur fossils at the Flaming Cliffs. Adventurers can enjoy camel trekking and off-road drives across diverse terrain. At night, marvel at fiery sunsets and the Milky Way. Throughout the year, from scorching summers to frosty winters, the Gobi showcases its ever-changing beauty. Indulge in traditional Mongolian cuisine amidst this tranquil desert setting and support sustainable tourism initiatives.</p> <h3 align="center"><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>Exploring the Majestic Landscapes of Mongolia's Gobi Desert</strong></span></h3> <p>Discover Mongolia's Gobi Desert, a vast expanse of ever-changing landscapes where towering sand dunes, some over 200 meters tall, shift gracefully with the wind. Millennia of erosion have sculpted the desert into a canvas of unique geological formations, revealing ancient history in each stratified layer of rock.</p> <p>Its iconic features are rocky outcrops and the dramatic granite peaks of the Gurvan Saikhan Mountains, home to rare wildlife like the snow leopard and endangered Gobi bear. The Flaming Cliffs, or Bayanzag, stand out for their rich fossil beds, where paleontologists have unearthed dinosaur eggs and bones, vividly preserving a prehistoric world.</p> <p>Despite its harsh environment, the Gobi supports diverse life, including hardy desert flora like saxaul trees and resilient grasses, showcasing nature's adaptability in extreme conditions. </p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/Gobi_desert_Nomadic_life.jpeg" /></p> <h3 align="center"><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>Wildlife Wonders of Mongolia's Gobi Desert</strong></span></h3> <p>Explore Mongolia's Gobi Desert and its diverse wildlife, showcasing nature's resilience in one of Earth's toughest terrains. Meet the iconic Bactrian camel, famed for its dual humps and ability to thrive in sparse vegetation and extreme climates. The desert is also home to endangered Gobi khulans and Mongolian gazelles. At the same time, overhead soar majestic raptors like vultures and eagles, alongside desert-dwelling birds such as the Pallas's sandgrouse, enriching the region's biodiversity. Among its enigmatic residents is the rare Gobi Bear, "Mazaalai," uniquely adapted to endure extreme temperatures and scarce water, highlighting the desert's allure for wildlife enthusiasts and researchers alike.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/Gobi_argali_sheep_wildlife_mongolia.png" /></p> <h3 align="center"><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>Legends and Mongolia's Rich Cultural <strong>Heritage</strong></strong></span></h3> <div> <p>The nomadic herding culture of Mongolia's Gobi Desert is rich with traditions deeply tied to the land. Nomads primarily herd sheep, goats, horses, camels, and yaks, moving seasonally in search of pasture and water. Traditional ger camps, circular tents made of wood, felt, and canvas, serve as their homes, providing winter warmth and summer ventilation. Hospitality is central, with visitors welcomed warmly and offered traditional dairy products like airag, suutei tsai, and aaruul. Meals shared with nomadic families feature hearty dishes such as buuz, khuushuur, and various mutton dishes. Interacting with local herders offers insights into their daily lives, including tasks like milking animals and preparing for seasonal migrations, showcasing their deep knowledge of the Gobi's natural resources and survival skills.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/Visit_mongolian_family.jpg" /></p> </div> <h3 align="center"><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>Echoes of Antiquity</strong></span></h3> <p>Step into the Mongolian Gobi Desert, a land steeped in archaeological wonders that reveal millennia of human history. This rugged landscape offers profound insights into ancient civilizations that thrived amidst its harsh yet captivating terrain. At the Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag), renowned for their dinosaur fossils, paleontological expeditions have uncovered a wealth of skeletons, eggs, and other relics dating back millions of years. These discoveries illuminate the evolution and behavior of dinosaurs, offering a glimpse into a prehistoric world that once inhabited this ancient realm. Delve into the Gobi's archaeological marvels and embark on a journey through time, where each fossil unearthed tells a compelling story of our planet's past.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/Mongolian_dinosaures.png" /></p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/MOngolian_gobi_flames.jpg" /></p> <h3 align="center"><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>Thrilling Pursuits in Mongolia's Gobi Desert</strong></span></h3> <p>Embark on an unforgettable journey into Mongolia's Gobi Desert, where adventure awaits at every turn. Whether trekking atop camels across towering sand dunes, hiking to discover hidden oases, or experiencing the adrenaline rush of off-road desert driving, you'll immerse yourself in a vibrant tapestry of experiences blending excitement, exploration, and the raw beauty of nature.</p> <p style="margin-left:36pt;">1. Camel Trekking: Ride atop camels along ancient routes through shifting sand dunes, experiencing history and culture intertwined with the desert landscape.</p> <p style="margin-left:36pt;">2. Hiking to Hidden Oases: Explore rugged terrain to uncover lush green paradises hidden within the desert, offering tranquility and life-giving waters.</p> <p style="margin-left:36pt;">3. Off-Road Desert Driving: Navigate challenging sand dunes and rugged landscapes in 4x4 vehicles for an exhilarating adventure that connects you deeply with the untamed wilderness.</p> <p>In the Gobi Desert, adventure beckons from every horizon, promising unforgettable moments and a profound connection with one of the world's most awe-inspiring landscapes.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/Gobi_camel_riding_sand_dune.png" /></p> <h3 align="center"><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>Celestial Symphony</strong></span></h3> <p>Step into Mongolia's Gobi Desert, where each evening paints a natural masterpiece. Breathtaking sunsets streak the sky with crimson, orange, and gold, casting reflections across tranquil waters or rugged landscapes. As twilight deepens, city lights fade, revealing a pristine night sky ablaze with stars.</p> <p>Far from urban glare, the Gobi Desert is a sanctuary for celestial enthusiasts. Constellations emerge in full glory, captivating stargazers and astrophotographers alike. It's a chance to witness the universe in its purest form, where each twinkling light tells a story of cosmic wonder and endless possibilities.</p> <p>Experience the spectacle of sunset and night skies in the Gobi Desert, where nature's beauty unfolds and the stars above invite contemplation of the cosmos. Here, you can stay in a "millions of stars" hotel, far from the typical luxury, yet offering an unparalleled connection with the natural world. </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/uploads/Mongolian_gobi_desert_night_star.jpg" /></p> <h3 align="center"><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>Exploring Mongolian Cuisine in the Gobi Desert</strong></span></h3> <p>Delve into the heart of Mongolian cuisine, a culinary journey shaped by nomadic traditions and the rugged Gobi Desert. Dairy products like airag, suutei tsai, yogurt, and cheese are staples, reflecting a deep connection to the land. Meat is central, with dishes like bansh, buuz, and khorkhog showcasing mutton, beef, and occasionally horse meat for hearty sustenance in harsh conditions.</p> <p>Grains like wheat and barley become staples such as bread and noodles, providing essential carbohydrates. Wild foods from the Gobi, including herbs and plants, add unique flavors and nutritional diversity. Travelers on Gobi Desert tours can enjoy authentic Mongolian meals, each dish a testament to cultural heritage and adaptation to the environment. Whether dining in a ger camp or amidst the desert, every bite tells the story of Mongolia's culinary richness and the resilience of its people. </p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/Mongolian_traditional_foods.png" /></p> <h3 align="center" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>Gateway to Adventure</strong></span></h3> <p>Embarking on a journey to Mongolia's captivating Gobi Desert is surprisingly accessible with several convenient options for travelers:</p> <ul> <li>Guided Tours from Ulaanbaatar: <ul> <li>Organized tours from Mongolia's capital offer diverse itineraries lasting from a few days to over a week.</li> <li>Tours typically include transportation via robust 4x4 vehicles or domestic flights, accommodation in ger camps or tents, meals, and knowledgeable guides.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Transportation Choices: <ul> <li>Domestic Flights: Direct flights from Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad near the Gobi Desert provide a swift option. 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It focuses on real shooting time, better positioning, and working directly with eagle hunters in the Altai Mountains. The Golden Eagle Festival brings together Kazakh eagle hunters from across western Mongolia. Over two days, you can photograph fast action as eagles are released from mountain ridges, traditional horseback games, and strong portrait moments in natural light.</p> <p data-end="1060" data-start="770">Beyond the festival, the tour includes private shooting sessions with eagle hunters in Sagsai and around Tolbo Lake. These sessions give you more control over light, background, and composition — ideal for portraits, horseback scenes, and storytelling images without the pressure of crowds. This is a small group photography tour designed around field conditions. We plan for early morning and late afternoon shooting, work with natural light, and allow enough time in each location to build a strong and varied portfolio.</p> ', 'excerpt' => '<table bgcolor="#F5F5F5" border="0" bordercolor="#111111" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" id="AutoNumber1" style="font-family: Tahoma; border-collapse: collapse;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px;" valign="top" width="50%"><b>Services included in the cost:</b><br /> <br /> Accommodation: Hotel***,* ger camp, tented camp <br /> Guiding and interpreting service <br /> Full board meals <br /> Domestic flights <br /> Transport: vehicle 4x4 or minivan<br /> Entrance fees to protected areas and national parks<br /> Museums and cultural performance<br /> Horses Camping equipments</td> <td style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px;" valign="top" width="50%"><b>Services not included in the cost:</b><br /> <br /> International airfare <br /> Personal equipments <br /> Optional activity cost <br /> Excess baggage charges<br /> Single room supplement <br /> Alcoholic drinks <br /> Sleeping bag <br /> Travel Insurance</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> ', 'file1' => 'eagle-festival-photo-tour-mongolia-ayan-travel.jpg', 'file2' => 'Mongolia-golden-eagle-festival-photography.jpg', 'alt_for_file1' => 'eagle-festival-photo-tour-mongolia-ayan-travel', 'alt_for_file2' => 'Mongolia-golden-eagle-festival-photography', 'days' => '7', 'price' => '2490', 'type' => 'tour', 'url' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), 'CustomFields' => array() ), (int) 1 => array( 'Node' => array( 'title' => 'Golden Gobi and Kharkhorin Tour Mongolia-10 days', 'slug' => 'golden-gobi-and-kharkhorin-tour', 'body' => '<p data-end="352" data-start="192">This journey focuses on Mongolia’s most iconic Gobi landscapes and the historic capital of Kharkhorin, offering a shorter and well-balanced travel experience. You will travel from the Gobi Desert to Kharkhorin, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire. Along the way, you will visit the Khongor Sand Dunes, Flaming Cliffs, and Yol Valley, and experience the wide open landscapes of southern Mongolia. The journey then continues to Kharkhorin, where you will explore Erdene Zuu Monastery and learn about Mongolia’s history and culture. You will also visit local nomadic families and see how they live. In addition, you will visit Hustai National Park to see the rare wild horses (Takhi) in their natural environment. This tour is a good choice for travelers who want to see Mongolia’s main highlights in a shorter, easy-paced itinerary.</p> ', 'excerpt' => '<table bgcolor="#F5F5F5" border="0" bordercolor="#111111" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="0" id="AutoNumber1" style="font-family: Tahoma; border-collapse: collapse;" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px;" valign="top" width="50%"><b>Services included in the cost:</b><br /> <br /> Accommodation: Hotel***,* ger camp, tented camp <br /> Guiding and interpreting service <br /> Full board meals <br /> Domestic flight <br /> Transport: vehicle 4x4 or minivan<br /> Entrance fees to protected areas and national parks<br /> Museums and cultural performance</td> <td style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 11px;" valign="top" width="50%"><b>Services not included in the cost:</b><br /> <br /> International airfare <br /> Personal equipments <br /> Optional activity cost <br /> Excess baggage charges<br /> Single room supplement <br /> Alcoholic drinks <br /> Sleeping bag <br /> Travel Insurance</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> ', 'file1' => 'Gobi tour Mongolia with ayan travel.jpg', 'file2' => 'Kharkhorin-and-gobi-tour-mongolia.jpg', 'alt_for_file1' => 'Gobi tour Mongolia with ayan travel', 'alt_for_file2' => 'Kharkhorin-and-gobi-tour-mongolia', 'days' => '10', 'price' => '2450', 'type' => 'tour', 'url' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), 'CustomFields' => array() ), (int) 2 => array( 'Node' => array( 'title' => 'Sagsai Golden Eagle Festival Tour in Mongolia 2026 ', 'slug' => 'sagsai-golden-eagle-festival-tour-mongolia', 'body' => '<p>The <strong>Sagsai Golden Eagle Festival</strong> takes place in Sagsai village in Bayan-Ulgii province, home to the largest community of <strong>Kazakh eagle hunters in Mongolia</strong>. Set against the dramatic landscapes of the Altai Mountains, this remarkable gathering celebrates the ancient tradition of eagle hunting — a deep bond between hunter and golden eagle that has been passed down through generations.</p> <p>With its motto, <em>“Promoting the cultural heritage of humanity – the art of eagle falconry traditions</em>,” the festival is dedicated to preserving this extraordinary heritage while welcoming visitors to witness it in its authentic cultural setting.</p> <p>What makes the Sagsai Golden Eagle Festival truly special is the experience beyond the competitions. Visitors can welcome Kazakh nomadic families as they arrive with their livestock during the<strong> seasonal migration</strong>, and even take part in assembling a Kazakh ger (yurt). These moments offer a rare chance to experience the living culture of Mongolia’s nomadic communities.</p> <p>The festival is also known as one of the most <strong>photography-friendly cultural events in Mongolia</strong>. As a company specialized in photography expeditions, <strong>Ayan Travel </strong>organizes the festival experience with photographers in mind. Guests have the opportunity to observe and photograph eagle hunters, golden eagles, and nomadic life from close range, moments that are rarely accessible at other festivals.</p> <p>Join our <strong>Sagsai Golden Eagle Festival Tour</strong> to experience the nomadic lifestyle and eagle-hunting culture while celebrating one of Mongolia’s most fascinating living traditions together with the local team behind the festival. </p> ', 'excerpt' => null, 'file1' => 'Sagsai_eagle_festival_tour.jpg', 'file2' => 'Sagsai_golden_eagle_festival_tours_mongolia.jpg', 'alt_for_file1' => 'Sagsai_eagle_festival_tour', 'alt_for_file2' => 'Sagsai_golden_eagle_festival_tours_mongolia', 'days' => '5', 'price' => '1890', 'type' => 'tour', 'url' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), 'CustomFields' => array() ), (int) 3 => array( 'Node' => array( 'title' => 'Short Tour to Golden Eagle Festival 2026', 'slug' => 'mongolia-short-tours-golden-eagle-festival-join', 'body' => '<p>The Golden Eagle Festival is one of the traditional cultural heritage and all visitors can experience while traveling in Mongolia. During the two-day festival, you have the chance to get thousands of amazing images of trained Eagles. The evening before the Golden Eagle Hunting Festival the small community offers competitors, many of whom have traveled as far as 140 miles on horseback, a special performance of Kazakh dance, song, and music-and we are invited!</p> ', 'excerpt' => null, 'file1' => 'Golden-eagle-festival-mongolia-short-tour.jpg', 'file2' => 'short-tour-to-golden-eagle-festival-mongolia-ayan-travel.jpg', 'alt_for_file1' => 'Golden-eagle-festival-mongolia-short-tour', 'alt_for_file2' => 'short-tour-to-golden-eagle-festival-mongolia-ayan-travel', 'days' => '4', 'price' => '1640', 'type' => 'tour', 'url' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), 'CustomFields' => array() ), (int) 4 => array( 'Node' => array( 'title' => 'Mongolian Blue Trail to Spiritual Shaman Tour', 'slug' => 'mongolian-blue-trail-to-spiritual-shaman-tour', 'body' => '<p style="text-align: justify;">Shamanism is the oldest religious practice in Mongolia and centers on beliefs and rituals associated with a shaman, a man, or a woman regarded as having access to the “spirit world”.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Shamanism is faith without books. All teaching and instruction have been given orally, passed from shaman to shaman over the centuries, and its traditions learned by heart. Mongolian shamans enter an ecstatic trance state in which the shaman is empowered to engage with the spirits I order to protect and heal members of the community, to guide souls, and cure illnesses.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The shaman might wear a headdress to resemble a bird, with the tail of a pheasant and the body costume of a fish. Drums are used to help the shaman enter the trance-like state, as chanting begins and the shaman “transcends “into another world while the body dances, swirls, or totters with jerky movements. Shamanism went underground during the former communist period but has been revived recently.</p> ', 'excerpt' => '', 'file1' => 'Mongolian Blue Trail to Spiritual Shaman tour.jpg', 'file2' => 'Tsaatan_taiga_tours_mongolia.jpg', 'alt_for_file1' => 'Mongolian Blue Trail to Spiritual Shaman tour', 'alt_for_file2' => 'Tsaatan_taiga_tours_mongolia', 'days' => '15', 'price' => '3290', 'type' => 'tour', 'url' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), 'CustomFields' => array() ), (int) 5 => array( 'Node' => array( 'title' => 'Mongolia Overland Tour 2026/2027', 'slug' => 'mongolia-overland-tour', 'body' => '<p>This is the best way to discover Mongolia, travel through the breathtaking landscapes, experience nomadic lifestyle and culture. This 16 day overland tour takes you to the most popular travel destinations of Mongolia. You will encounter yourself in chilling areas of Lake Khovsgol, known as Blue Pearl of Mongolia, the second most voluminous fresh water lake in Asia. Then travel to Mongolia’s historical site, Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape - UNESCO’s world heritage. You will also explore Gobi Desert where prehistoric remains, impressive sand dunes and camel herding nomads are awaiting your visit. Our experienced tour team will let you explore all the wonders this trip offers.</p> ', 'excerpt' => '', 'file1' => 'Mongolian_jeep_tours.jpg', 'file2' => 'Overland_Tour_Mongolia.jpg', 'alt_for_file1' => 'Mongolian_jeep_tours', 'alt_for_file2' => 'Overland_Tour_Mongolia', 'days' => '16', 'price' => '2990', 'type' => 'tour', 'url' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), 'CustomFields' => array() ) ) $videoBlog = array( 'Node' => array( 'title' => 'Inveiling the Enchanting Gobi Desert', 'slug' => 'inveiling-the-enchanting-gobi-desert', 'body' => '<p>Welcome to the Mongolian Gobi Desert, a land of awe-inspiring landscapes that stretch across endless horizons. Discover the Mongolian Gobi Desert, a vast landscape of stunning sand dunes, rocky formations, and serene oases. Experience nomadic hospitality in traditional ger camps and witness Mongolian herding rituals. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot rare species like Bactrian camels and wild asses, while history buffs explore dinosaur fossils at the Flaming Cliffs. Adventurers can enjoy camel trekking and off-road drives across diverse terrain. At night, marvel at fiery sunsets and the Milky Way. Throughout the year, from scorching summers to frosty winters, the Gobi showcases its ever-changing beauty. Indulge in traditional Mongolian cuisine amidst this tranquil desert setting and support sustainable tourism initiatives.</p> <h3 align="center"><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>Exploring the Majestic Landscapes of Mongolia's Gobi Desert</strong></span></h3> <p>Discover Mongolia's Gobi Desert, a vast expanse of ever-changing landscapes where towering sand dunes, some over 200 meters tall, shift gracefully with the wind. Millennia of erosion have sculpted the desert into a canvas of unique geological formations, revealing ancient history in each stratified layer of rock.</p> <p>Its iconic features are rocky outcrops and the dramatic granite peaks of the Gurvan Saikhan Mountains, home to rare wildlife like the snow leopard and endangered Gobi bear. The Flaming Cliffs, or Bayanzag, stand out for their rich fossil beds, where paleontologists have unearthed dinosaur eggs and bones, vividly preserving a prehistoric world.</p> <p>Despite its harsh environment, the Gobi supports diverse life, including hardy desert flora like saxaul trees and resilient grasses, showcasing nature's adaptability in extreme conditions. </p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/Gobi_desert_Nomadic_life.jpeg" /></p> <h3 align="center"><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>Wildlife Wonders of Mongolia's Gobi Desert</strong></span></h3> <p>Explore Mongolia's Gobi Desert and its diverse wildlife, showcasing nature's resilience in one of Earth's toughest terrains. Meet the iconic Bactrian camel, famed for its dual humps and ability to thrive in sparse vegetation and extreme climates. The desert is also home to endangered Gobi khulans and Mongolian gazelles. At the same time, overhead soar majestic raptors like vultures and eagles, alongside desert-dwelling birds such as the Pallas's sandgrouse, enriching the region's biodiversity. Among its enigmatic residents is the rare Gobi Bear, "Mazaalai," uniquely adapted to endure extreme temperatures and scarce water, highlighting the desert's allure for wildlife enthusiasts and researchers alike.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/Gobi_argali_sheep_wildlife_mongolia.png" /></p> <h3 align="center"><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>Legends and Mongolia's Rich Cultural <strong>Heritage</strong></strong></span></h3> <div> <p>The nomadic herding culture of Mongolia's Gobi Desert is rich with traditions deeply tied to the land. Nomads primarily herd sheep, goats, horses, camels, and yaks, moving seasonally in search of pasture and water. Traditional ger camps, circular tents made of wood, felt, and canvas, serve as their homes, providing winter warmth and summer ventilation. Hospitality is central, with visitors welcomed warmly and offered traditional dairy products like airag, suutei tsai, and aaruul. Meals shared with nomadic families feature hearty dishes such as buuz, khuushuur, and various mutton dishes. Interacting with local herders offers insights into their daily lives, including tasks like milking animals and preparing for seasonal migrations, showcasing their deep knowledge of the Gobi's natural resources and survival skills.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/Visit_mongolian_family.jpg" /></p> </div> <h3 align="center"><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>Echoes of Antiquity</strong></span></h3> <p>Step into the Mongolian Gobi Desert, a land steeped in archaeological wonders that reveal millennia of human history. This rugged landscape offers profound insights into ancient civilizations that thrived amidst its harsh yet captivating terrain. At the Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag), renowned for their dinosaur fossils, paleontological expeditions have uncovered a wealth of skeletons, eggs, and other relics dating back millions of years. These discoveries illuminate the evolution and behavior of dinosaurs, offering a glimpse into a prehistoric world that once inhabited this ancient realm. Delve into the Gobi's archaeological marvels and embark on a journey through time, where each fossil unearthed tells a compelling story of our planet's past.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/Mongolian_dinosaures.png" /></p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/MOngolian_gobi_flames.jpg" /></p> <h3 align="center"><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>Thrilling Pursuits in Mongolia's Gobi Desert</strong></span></h3> <p>Embark on an unforgettable journey into Mongolia's Gobi Desert, where adventure awaits at every turn. Whether trekking atop camels across towering sand dunes, hiking to discover hidden oases, or experiencing the adrenaline rush of off-road desert driving, you'll immerse yourself in a vibrant tapestry of experiences blending excitement, exploration, and the raw beauty of nature.</p> <p style="margin-left:36pt;">1. Camel Trekking: Ride atop camels along ancient routes through shifting sand dunes, experiencing history and culture intertwined with the desert landscape.</p> <p style="margin-left:36pt;">2. Hiking to Hidden Oases: Explore rugged terrain to uncover lush green paradises hidden within the desert, offering tranquility and life-giving waters.</p> <p style="margin-left:36pt;">3. Off-Road Desert Driving: Navigate challenging sand dunes and rugged landscapes in 4x4 vehicles for an exhilarating adventure that connects you deeply with the untamed wilderness.</p> <p>In the Gobi Desert, adventure beckons from every horizon, promising unforgettable moments and a profound connection with one of the world's most awe-inspiring landscapes.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/Gobi_camel_riding_sand_dune.png" /></p> <h3 align="center"><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>Celestial Symphony</strong></span></h3> <p>Step into Mongolia's Gobi Desert, where each evening paints a natural masterpiece. Breathtaking sunsets streak the sky with crimson, orange, and gold, casting reflections across tranquil waters or rugged landscapes. As twilight deepens, city lights fade, revealing a pristine night sky ablaze with stars.</p> <p>Far from urban glare, the Gobi Desert is a sanctuary for celestial enthusiasts. Constellations emerge in full glory, captivating stargazers and astrophotographers alike. It's a chance to witness the universe in its purest form, where each twinkling light tells a story of cosmic wonder and endless possibilities.</p> <p>Experience the spectacle of sunset and night skies in the Gobi Desert, where nature's beauty unfolds and the stars above invite contemplation of the cosmos. Here, you can stay in a "millions of stars" hotel, far from the typical luxury, yet offering an unparalleled connection with the natural world. </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/uploads/Mongolian_gobi_desert_night_star.jpg" /></p> <h3 align="center"><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>Exploring Mongolian Cuisine in the Gobi Desert</strong></span></h3> <p>Delve into the heart of Mongolian cuisine, a culinary journey shaped by nomadic traditions and the rugged Gobi Desert. Dairy products like airag, suutei tsai, yogurt, and cheese are staples, reflecting a deep connection to the land. Meat is central, with dishes like bansh, buuz, and khorkhog showcasing mutton, beef, and occasionally horse meat for hearty sustenance in harsh conditions.</p> <p>Grains like wheat and barley become staples such as bread and noodles, providing essential carbohydrates. Wild foods from the Gobi, including herbs and plants, add unique flavors and nutritional diversity. Travelers on Gobi Desert tours can enjoy authentic Mongolian meals, each dish a testament to cultural heritage and adaptation to the environment. Whether dining in a ger camp or amidst the desert, every bite tells the story of Mongolia's culinary richness and the resilience of its people. </p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/Mongolian_traditional_foods.png" /></p> <h3 align="center" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>Gateway to Adventure</strong></span></h3> <p>Embarking on a journey to Mongolia's captivating Gobi Desert is surprisingly accessible with several convenient options for travelers:</p> <ul> <li>Guided Tours from Ulaanbaatar: <ul> <li>Organized tours from Mongolia's capital offer diverse itineraries lasting from a few days to over a week.</li> <li>Tours typically include transportation via robust 4x4 vehicles or domestic flights, accommodation in ger camps or tents, meals, and knowledgeable guides.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Transportation Choices: <ul> <li>Domestic Flights: Direct flights from Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad near the Gobi Desert provide a swift option. Further transport arrangements can then be made locally.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'excerpt' => null, 'file1' => 'Mongolian_gobi_blog_news_.jpg', 'file2' => null, 'alt_for_file1' => 'Mongolian_gobi_blog_news_', 'alt_for_file2' => null, 'type' => 'mongolia_travel_news', 'url' => array( 'plugin' => 'nodes', 'controller' => 'nodes', 'action' => 'view', 'type' => 'mongolia_travel_news', 'slug' => 'inveiling-the-enchanting-gobi-desert' ) ), 'CustomFields' => array() ) $mostReadBlogs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Node' => array( 'title' => 'WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT NAADAM FESTIVAL BEFORE YOU ATTEND? ', 'slug' => 'what-to-know-about-naadam-festival-before-you-attend', 'body' => '<h3><strong>What does Naadam mean?</strong></h3> <p> According to the book named “TRAVEL”, published from DK, Mongolian Naadam Festival is highlighted the only must see attraction for tourists in July. So, why is this Festival so attractive for both locals and travelers? Naadam is the festival of “National Pride” and it is the only one of its kind; it is a sophisticated and eloquent expression of nomadic culture, it is the honored celebration of a national independence, and it is an outstanding combination of arts and sports.</p> <p>Here are the 10 interesting facts about the festival you must know before planning the trip.</p> <p> </p> <h4 style="text-align: center;"><strong>1. When is the Naadam Festival held? </strong></h4> <p>Naadam Festival is Olympic Games of Mongols and held in <a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/best-events-in-july-in-mongolia" target="_blank">the most enjoyable and festive month in the country.</a> The main celebrations will be held annually on 11-13 July at Central Stadium and Khui Doloon Khudag in the country’s capital, Ulaanbaatar. But you have opportunity to enjoy the festival more closely with locals in other parts of the country hold their own as well.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Mongolia naadam festival horse race" src="/uploads/Local_Naadam_festival_horses.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <h4 style="text-align: center;"><strong>2. WHY “THREE GAMES OF MEN”</strong></h4> <p>Weird, but inspiring ‘Mongolia’s Three Games of Men’-Archery, Horse Racing and Wrestling are the main games. The origin of Naadam Festival is closely related to the history and culture of the country. It was one of the main practice of war. Before and after major battles, the three sports of men- wrestling, horseracing and archery- were exercised as an organized event, which later adopted its present name- Naadam. It is not only sports game including art, tricks, tactics but also ethic and cultural performance such as singing, dance, traditional costume, parade etc.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Mongolia local naadam festivals" src="/uploads/Mongolia-Naadam-Festival.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Mongolians revere certain parts of bones of their livestock and use them in religious rites, plays and traditional games.</p> <p>In recent years Knuckle Bone Shooting- a team game getting popular and it became “Fourth” main sports of the festival. Teams of six to eight players flick thirty domino-like marble tablets on a smooth wooden surface towards a target of sheep knuckle-bones.</p> <p> </p> <h4 style="text-align: center;"><strong>3. WHAT IS MONGOLIAN NATIONAL WRESTLING?</strong></h4> <p> Wrestling is a unique combination of traditional sports manner and cultural elements of eagle dance, long song etc. It also has thousands of years of historical development in Mongolia.</p> <p>Comparing to other wrestling competitions it has several specialty such as no time, space and weigh limit, 512 wrestlers are typically compete each other by tournament and this number increased to 1024 on the occasion of important anniversaries. Wrestlers must have strong discipline, moral and respectfulness to elders, high titled wrestler and audiences.</p> <p>There are four main parts in the Mongolian Wrestling costumes including Four-sided hat, shoulder vest & snug shorts (Zodog & Shuudag), Cloak and traditional boots for using men only.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Mongolia local naadam festivals" src="/uploads/wrestlingLocal_Naadam_festival4.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <h4 style="text-align: center;"><strong>4. MONGOLIAN HORSE RACING</strong></h4> <p>A horse role and culture is the biggest tradition of the Mongols in the daily and national life. Mongolians are said that “Nation born on horseback” and every child who grows in countryside learn to ride a horse when they are 3 to 5 years.</p> <p>See the longest horse race ridden by children might not imagined.</p> <p>Actually horse racing is scientifically sport and it races except winter time, when grass grows. To train a horse for race keeping under a special regimen at least one month before race and horse jockeys are usefully between 5 and 13 years of age and lead their horse across the steppes, over various distances between 10 and 26 km depending on horse age.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Mongolia local naadam festivals" src="/uploads/Horse_racing_Local_Naadam_festival.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Soyolon- Five-years-old horse racing is most popular for locals and according to ancient Mongolian myth that says it is possible to charge its spirit and fortune by getting in touch with the whirled up dust and sweat of horse after racing.</p> <p>Children sing a special song named GIINGOO, a mantra of GOD of HORSE- Khayankhyarvaa before and after racing.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Mongolia local naadam festivals" src="/uploads/Naadam_Horse_racing_game1.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Please notice that Horse Racing field is located 35 km from Ulaanbaatar named Khui Doloon Khudag, on the way you go to Khustai NP or Karakorum.</p> <p> </p> <h4 style="text-align: center;"><strong>5. WHAT IS MONGOLIAN ARCHERY?</strong></h4> <p>Due to its traditional lifestyle, ancient people used their version of bows and arrows for hunting and in later it started to be used as a weapon during the battle. During the Naadam Festival, all male, female and child archers who wears traditional costumes, compete in three categories: Khalkh, Buriad and Uriankhai archery, which have differences in the bows and arrows used, as well as the distance of the target. Archery is symbol of strength, vision, patience, sense and concentration. You can enjoy it outside of stadium, before opening ceremony starts, due to it starts early in the morning.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Mongolia local naadam festivals" src="/uploads/Archery.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <h4 style="text-align: center;"><strong>6. HOW THE OPENING CEREMONY GOES?</strong></h4> <p>The opening ceremony starts at 11 A.M after “Nine White Banners” are carried by honored guard from Government Palace to be settled in the middle of Stadium and then the speech of President of Mongolia. Naadam Festival is very colorful event where people revive their Nomadic spirit, history and heritage. Opening ceremony has a great chance to enjoy and photograph Mongolian culture, art performances, song and dance, colorful parade, traditional costumes and miracles of Mongolian military force etc.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Mongolia local naadam festivals" src="/uploads/Naadam_openning.jpg" /></p> <p>Everybody wears the most colorful and attractive traditional costumes with many different styles, like actors wear their best in Red Carpet of Oscars.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Mongolia local naadam festivals" src="/uploads/Naadam_opening_ceremony3.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Photographers must buy a photo permission from Festival Organizer and it is allowed to photographing and video graphing in white lane. Therefore, please prepare zoom-lenses to capture more authentic photos.</p> <p>After the ceremony ends Wrestling tournament will start. Most of the tourists enjoy opening ceremony and go to horse racing place.</p> <p> </p> <h4 style="text-align: center;"><strong>7. A CHANCE TO EXPERIENCE OTHER CULTURAL EVENTS AT A SAME TIME</strong></h4> <p>There are few cultural events will run under the Hospitable Ulaanbaatar Program between 10 and 15 of July annually. In the afternoon of 10<sup>th</sup> of July you will fully enjoy Mongolian Traditional Costume Festival- Deeltei Mongol, “Ceremony of Nine White Banners” and in the evening one of the Mongolian best operas “Uchirtai Gurvan Tolgoi-Three Dramatic Character” will be held in open air theatre at the central square.</p> <p>In the night of 11<sup>th</sup> of July “Night of Ulaanbaatar”, Mongolian Dance Festival including modern and traditional dance show (12 Jul), Morin Khuur- Horse-headed Fiddle Festival (13 Jul), Ulaanbaatar Swing Night- Jaaz show (14 Jul)- the open air shows will be held in Sukhbaatar Square. Enjoy.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Mongolia local naadam festivals" src="/uploads/Ulaanbaatar_Naadam_.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p style="clear: both"> </p> <h4 style="text-align: center;"><strong>8. WHAT SURROUNDS CENTRAL STADIUM?</strong></h4> <p>From a long time ago Naadam was only fest which gathering local people same time in same place. In the rest of the time nomadic people had very busy to visit each other and they only take care of their livestock, which is not easy job. When they gathered in same place they also do a barter, sell good and talk a gossip etc. Nowadays it is almost same in the area and surroundings of the Central Stadium is too crowd of people, bazaar, entertainment, lottery and food and beverage kiosks like a fair. For instance, if you forget to take your umbrella or sunglass you can buy it from local bazaar as cheap as you can.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Mongolia local naadam festivals" src="/uploads/Naadam_festival_Around.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <h4 style="text-align: center;">TASTE TRADITIONAL MONGOLIAN FOODs & DRINKs</h4> <p>Of course you will ask what is the main dish of Naadam Festival? Definitely “round” KHUUSHUUR, fried dumpling is the main dish and once you taste it, you will never forget the taste and next time eager to eat it. At the stadium, good Khuushuur making kiosk has a queue and they make it quickly in front of you.</p> <p>Drinking fermented mare’s milk- Airag also known as Kumis is the highlight of the Festival for locals. Because Airag appears only in summer time from June to September. Please don’t miss a chance to drink this alcoholic beverage nearly 5% alcoholic content.</p> <p>HOW DOES IT TASTE? I want to say JUST DRINK IT.</p> <p> </p> <h4 style="text-align: center;"><strong>9. JOIN LOCAL NAADAM FESTIVAL OUTSIDE OF ULAANBAATAR</strong></h4> <p>Local Naadam Festival is more attractive for travelers, because of truly authentic, enthusiastic, no dramatic and allows you to experience first-hand by visiting locals. Here you can photograph and talk with locals without any prohibition. Mongolian traditional Ger dwelling used to be as restaurants in countryside. Most of the people ride a horse and run through the vast steppe without any traffic rule.</p> <p>The festival is like a small fair. Local people come from all the province to either participate in the festivals to sell food and toys, or to run small carnival games for children and youngsters.</p> <p>If you don’t like too touristic things LOCAL NAADAM is the best choice. </p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Mongolia local naadam festivals" src="/uploads/Local_naadam_festival.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Mongolia local naadam festivals " src="/uploads/Local_Naadam_festival1.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <h4 style="text-align: center;"><strong>10. HOW TO BOOK HOTEL AND TICKETS OF NAADAM FESTIVAL?</strong></h4> <p>July is the PEAK SEASON of tourists. While it is peak, the price of accommodation is doubled (desk rate price) and must book it at least 6 months before. Centrally located accommodation even guesthouses are fully booked in this time. Tour operator and local agents will be your reliable partner in the field.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Mongolia local naadam festivals" src="/uploads/NaadamStadium.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Central stadium has 18 sections and four of them use for tourists. Nowadays booking a NAADAM TICKET by online is impossible. Ticket price for tourist section with roof is 25$, but you need to buy both opening and closing ceremony tickets. It will be sold a week before it runs and it is not easy to buy individually even for Mongolians.</p> <p>Therefore, tour companies are best choice to book and arrange both accommodations, tickets and tour throughout Mongolia.</p> <p>Ayan travel team is expert for arranging tours of Naadam festival which was named as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of UNESCO in 2010, as soon as you’re different interest, expectation of tour such as discovery and photography tours.</p> <p> </p> <p>Here is the link might help you to plan your trip to Mongolia during the truly authentic Festival of Nomads- Naadam.</p> <p>Suggested tour: <a href="http://www.toursmongolia.com/tour/mongolia-naadam-festival-2018-tour" target="_blank"><strong>Mongolia Naadam Festival - 2019 Tour-11 days</strong></a></p> <p>If you are passionate with photography we suggest following tours: <a href="http://www.toursmongolia.com/tour/classic-mongolia-photography-tour"><strong>Classic Mongolia Photography tour-14 days</strong></a></p> <p>Or if you have limited time to travel in Mongolia and need to experience and photograph local and city Naadam Festival on the same trip, then we recommend : <strong><a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/tour/naadam-to-naadam-guided-photo-tour" target="_blank">Naadam to Naadam Guided Photo Tour </a></strong></p> <p> </p> ', 'excerpt' => null, 'file1' => 'What-to-khow-before-you-attend-mongolian-naadam-festival.JPG', 'file2' => null, 'alt_for_file1' => 'What-to-khow-before-you-attend-mongolian-naadam-festival', 'alt_for_file2' => null, 'type' => 'mongolia_travel_news', 'created' => '2017-04-21 00:00:00', 'url' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), 'CustomFields' => array() ), (int) 1 => array( 'Node' => array( 'title' => '10 Reasons to visit Mongolian Altai Mountains ', 'slug' => '10-reasons-to-visit-mongolian-altai-mountains', 'body' => '<p> </p> <p> Altai Tavan Bogd National Park is an impressive natural reserve and is famous for its 5 highest peaks and largest Potanin glacier, lying on more than 4,000m above the sea level, the highest and westernmost region of Mongolia. </p> <p>The park has not only natural wonders but also it has cultural and historical wonders including thousands of ancient rock carvings, listed on UNESCO World Heritage Site, mysterious stone men and burial mounds and uncommon nomadic cultures of Kazakh and Tuva people. </p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="visit Mongolia Altai tavan bogd Mountains" src="/uploads/Golden_eagle_festival_altai_mountain_mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p>There are also beautiful hidden lakes Khoton and Khurgan, worshipped Shiveet Khairkhan Mountain, crystal clear rivers and rare wildlife.</p> <p>Travel Mongolia and take a trip to Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, in <a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/destination/western" target="_blank">western Mongolia </a>can be a great adventure. If you take a trip to Mongolia you should not miss this amazing cultural, historical and natural rich National Park. </p> <p>Here are the ten reasons to visit Altai Tavan Bogd National Park of Mongolia. </p> <p> </p> <h3><span style="color:#800000;"><strong>1.<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Mongolian Altai Mountains </strong></span></h3> <p> </p> <p><img alt="visit Mongolia Altai tavan bogd Mountains" src="/uploads/Altai_tavan_bogd_morning.jpg" /></p> <p> Mongolian Altai is the largest mountain system in Mongolia. Beginning in the mountain group of Tavan Bogd /5 saints/, one of the elevated parts of the country, it stretches south-east and consists of a number of ridges close to each other and average altitude of the ridges is 3,000-3,500meters.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="visit Mongolia Altai tavan bogd Mountains" src="/uploads/altai_mountains_mongolia_western_site.jpg" /></p> <p>The highest point is Mt.Khuiten/4374m/ means “cold” and another peak is Nairamdal means friendship, where Russian, Chinese and Mongolian borders meet. Other peaks are Malchin/Herder/, Burged/Eagle/ and Ulgii/ Land/. Altai Tavan Bogd National Park is the highest and remotest park of Mongolia, established in 1996 and covers 6,362 square kilometers.</p> <div> </div> <h3><span style="color:#800000;"><strong>2.<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Largest lakes in Altai Tavan Bogd National Park</strong></span></h3> <p> </p> <p><img alt="visit Mongolia Altai tavan bogd Mountains Khoton khurgan lakes" src="/uploads/Lakes in western Mongolia-Khoto Lake.jpg" /></p> <p>Altai Tavan Bogd National Park contains numerous beautiful lakes. The largest Lakes are <a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/destinations/khoton-lake" target="_blank">Khoton</a>, <a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/destinations/khurgan-lake" target="_blank">Khurgan</a> and Dayan. Khoton and Khurgan Lakes are connected with wide channel and surrounded by snow caped mountains and beautiful scenery.</p> <div> </div> <p><img alt="visit Mongolia Altai tavan bogd Mountains Khoton_khurgan lakes" src="/uploads/lakes in Altai Tavan Bogd NP.jpg" /></p> <p>There is an island covered by woods in the middle of Khoton Lake and the lake is also source of Khovd River which drains the Altai Mountain. These two lakes are home to several species of fishes, some of them are only in western Mongolian basin. Also, many local nomads live around the lakes where you can visit and experience their culture.</p> <p> </p> <h3><span style="color:#800000;"><strong>3.<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Glaciers of the Park </strong></span></h3> <p> </p> <p><img alt="visit Mongolia Altai tavan bogd Mountains" src="/uploads/Altai_Mountain_potanin-glacier.jpg" /></p> <p>There are more than 10 glaciers in Altai Tavan Bogd Mountains and 3 of them can be seen when you are heading to the park. The largest glacier is Potanin, 14km long and named Grigory Potanin, Russian explorer who first discovered this glacier. Potanin Glacier is decreasing in size in last years as other glaciers around the world. You can hike on the glacier with experienced local guide and take a hike and enjoy the beautiful peaceful scenery. </p> <h3> </h3> <h3><span style="color:#800000;"><strong>4.<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Rock carvings of Mongolian Altai Mountains </strong></span></h3> <p> </p> <div><img alt="visit Mongolia Altai tavan bogd Mountains" src="/uploads/Rock carvings Mongolia.jpg" /></div> <p>The most complete and best preserved visual record of human prehistoric representation is existing in Mongolian Altai Mountains, inscribed on UNESCO Heritage Sites as <strong><a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1382" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800000;">“The Petroglyphic Complex of the Mongolian Altai”.</span></a></strong></p> <div> </div> <p><img alt="visit Mongolia Altai tavan bogd Mountains" src="/uploads/visit Mongolia Altai tavan bogd shiveet_khairkhan Mountain.jpg" /></p> <p>About 10,000 petroglyphs and number of ancient human statues/stone man/ are close to <strong><a href="http://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/UNESCO's-newest-World-Heritage-Sites-Petroglyphs-Complexes-of-the-Mongolian-Altai-Mongolia." target="_blank"><span style="color:#800000;">Shiveet Khairkhan Mountain</span></a><span style="color:#800000;"> </span></strong>which show us the thousands years of ancient tribal history and culture dated back from Neolith to Bronze age and the meaning and expressiveness of this rock art might be transition from ancient hunters, warriors and societies to livestock breeding and the beginning of the classic nomadism in Mongolia.</p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/tour/sagsai-golden-eagle-festival-tour-mongolia" target="_blank"><img alt="sagsai golden eagle festival mongolia" src="/uploads/Sagsai-Golden-Eagle-Festival-Tour-Mongolia-By-Ayan-Travel.jpg" /></a></p> <div> </div> <h3><span style="color:#800000;"><strong>5.<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Standing rocks and stone men are also popular </strong></span></h3> <p> </p> <div><img alt="visit Mongolia Altai tavan bogd Mountains" src="/uploads/9.Archeological sites in western Mongolia.jpg" /></div> <p> </p> <p>There are about 700 standing rock and stone men exist in the world and more than 500 of them are located in Mongolia. Near the Shiveet Khairkhan Mountain, there is a complex of Turkic stone men dating back to 6-8th century.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="visit Mongolia Altai tavan bogd Mountains" src="/uploads/Standing Rocks in Mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <h3><span style="color:#800000;"><strong>6.<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Visit Kazakh and Tuva Nomads in the park</strong></span></h3> <p>Altai Tavan Bogd National Park is located in ethnically diverse region of western Mongolia. Kazakh, Tuva and Uriankhai people have been living here for thousands of years and still keeping their nomadic heritages and lifestyle. Their culture and religion are diverse too.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="visit Mongolia Altai tavan bogd Mountains" src="/uploads/Visit_kazakh family in Mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p>Tuva people have worshipped Shiveet Khairkhan Moutnain since they had settled in Mongolian Altai and it means that they protect this region including its wildlife and historical/cultural heritage sites for hundreds of years which gives us the chance for discovering our ancestors’ way of living and beautiful wild nature. </p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="visit Mongolia Altai tavan bogd Mountains" src="/uploads/Visit kazakh family in Mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p>Don’t miss to visit in Kazakh family, their hospitality is amazing like other Mongolian nomads.Kazakh people believe in some strange sayings that “the family cries and they might be unlucky when guests not to visit their home” so Kazakh family offer their last meals to their guests, even they don’t have any food for them. Every Kazakh family owns Dombor-the national musical instruments and the <strong><a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/golden-eagle-the-hunter-bird-in-mongolia" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800000;">golden eagles for prey</span></a></strong>. You can experience their unique culture, lifestyle and amazing hospitality. </p> <div> </div> <h3><span style="color:#800000;"><strong>7.<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Eagle Hunters and Golden Eagle Festival </strong></span></h3> <p> </p> <p><img alt="visit Mongolia Altai tavan bogd Mountains eagle hunter" src="/uploads/Kazakh Eagle hunter Mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p>Altai Tavan Bogd national Park is home to golden eagles. Hunting with golden eagles is one of the most important traditions of Mongolian Kazakhs. They train their eagles at its young age and hunt with eagles in winters. In the beginning of October, in Bayan-Ulgii province,<strong><span style="color:#800000;"><a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/why-you-should-visit-sagsai-golden-eagle-festival-in-mongolia" target="_blank"> </a>T</span><a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/mongolian-golden-eagle-festival-and-eagle-hunters" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800000;">he Golden Eagle Festival</span></a><a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/why-you-should-visit-sagsai-golden-eagle-festival-in-mongolia" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800000;"> </span></a></strong>is held for promoting Kazakh’s ancient tradition to their next generation and to the world. On this fascinating festival, you will see and enjoy uncommon cultural activities and have great opportunity to take stunning photos.</p> <p>Here you can enjoy the <a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/incredible-photos-from-spring-golden-eagle-festival" target="_blank">most impressive golden eagle and eagle hunters' photos</a> by <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Ch.BatzayaPhotography/" target="_blank">Batzaya Photography</a>. </p> <div> </div> <h3><span style="color:#800000;"><strong>8.<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Fauna of the Altai Mountain National Park of Mongolia</strong></span></h3> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/uploads/Snow-Leopard-In-Mongolia-Photography-By-Batzaya-Choijiljav.jpg" /></p> <p>The National Park is habitat of large mammals, including, red deer, brown bears, gray wolves foxes and marmots. Endangered snow lynx, <strong><a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/photography-of-snow-leopards-in-mongolias-wild-west" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800000;">Snow Leopard,</span></a></strong> <strong><a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/wildlife-photography-discover-mongolian-wild-side" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800000;">Argali wild sheep </span></a></strong>and impressive birds, golden eagles, Eurasian eagle owl, snowcock, and several species of falcons. Also, thousands of migratory birds, pass through in spring and fall, including Eurasian spoonbill, relict, and <strong><a href="https://www.birdmongolia.com/bird-blog/bird-mongolia-shows-life-of-siberian-cranes-in-photos" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800000;">6 species of crane</span></a></strong>, gull and Black Kite hawk. Mongolian Altai is one of the best destination for fishers, Potanin Osman, Mongolian Grayling, found only in western Mongolia and other several species of fish are famous Taimen, Lenok Trout are in the rivers and lakes of the park. </p> <div> </div> <h3><span style="color:#800000;"><strong>9.<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Flora of the National Park </strong></span></h3> <p> </p> <p><img alt="visit Mongolia Altai tavan bogd Mountains" src="/uploads/Flora of Altai Tavan Bogd NP.jpg" /></p> <p>Mongolian Altai Mountain the eco region is the habitant of many endemic and endangered species of plants including, Rhodiola rosea Juniperus communis and Altai onion /Allum Altaicum pell/ some of them are used for medicine and food by locals. Half of the flora of Siberia is found to be here. Generally the flora of the park has poorly studied so it is great destination to scientists.</p> <div> </div> <h3><span style="color:#800000;"><strong>10.<span style="white-space:pre"> </span>Western Mongolia - Outdoor Activities and Photographic Destination</strong></span></h3> <p> </p> <p><img alt="visit Mongolia Altai tavan bogd Mountains" src="/uploads/Kazakh Nomads in Western Mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p>Mongolia is a true destination of photography and outdoor adventures. If you are a photographer looking for new, exotic place to photograph, then Mongolian Altai Mountain is the right destination for you. Check out<strong><span style="color:#800000;"> </span><a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/best-photo-spots-in-western-mongolia" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800000;">the best photo spots in western region of Mongolia</span></a><span style="color:#800000;">.</span></strong> You can hike, climb, trek, camp and horseride are popular activities in this awe inspiring region. Landscapes are diverse too, including desert steppe, dense forests, peaceful meadows, crystal clear lakes, Mountain Rivers and glacier and snow caped mountain adventures await you.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="visit Mongolia Altai tavan bogd Mountains" src="/uploads/western mongolia trip.jpg" /></p> <p> You can trek anywhere in the park and most people hike or ride horses and camels. It is good way to explore surrounding area of the park. Riding and package carrying horses and camels can be rented through both local tour operators and families. Fishing inside the park is great with 5 species of fish, some of them are only found in the Western Mongolian Basin. The lakes and rivers contain Taimen, Lenok Trout, Osman, Grayling, and Pike. Fly fishing during the summer is attracts sportsmen from all over the world and ice fishing is popular among locals during the winter. Fishing inside the park is permitted from June 15 to April 15.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="visit Mongolia Altai tavan bogd Mountains" src="/uploads/Climbing Altai Mountains of Mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p><strong><a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/stunning-photos-of-mongolian-altai-mountains" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800000;">Climb the highest peaks of Mongolia</span></a></strong>. To climb the Khuiten Peak needs world class skills and climb the Malchin peak is easier, so you have opportunity to enjoy the view from the roof of Mongolia.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="visit Mongolia Altai tavan bogd Mountains" src="/uploads/riding tour in Altai Mountains of Mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p>Horseback riding is one of the best way to explore deep in this large park. Riding through the diverse landscapes like locals and visit the highlighted sites of the park. There are more adventures await you which could not be expressed by the words. Ayan Travel (<a href="http://www.toursmongolia.com" target="_blank">toursmongolia.com</a>) the local adventure tour operator arranges all kind of tours to the park. Just come and experience! </p> <p> </p> ', 'excerpt' => null, 'file1' => 'ten-reasons-to-visit-mongolian-altai-mountains1.jpg', 'file2' => null, 'alt_for_file1' => 'ten-reasons-to-visit-mongolian-altai-mountains1', 'alt_for_file2' => null, 'type' => 'mongolia_travel_news', 'created' => '2017-07-04 00:00:00', 'url' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), 'CustomFields' => array() ), (int) 2 => array( 'Node' => array( 'title' => 'Sagsai Golden Eagle Festival in Mongolia', 'slug' => 'why-you-should-visit-sagsai-golden-eagle-festival-in-mongolia', 'body' => '<p>Sagsai Golden Eagle Festival is held annually in western Mongolia and is a 2-day festival that annually runs 17 to 18th of September, co-organized by eagle hunters, local officials, and Mongolian tour operator company Ayan Travel.<font color="#37474f" face="Roboto Mono, monospace"><span style="font-size: 14px; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.95);"> </span></font>The festival covers with Kazakh cultural activities, eagle hunting competitions, meeting ups with famous eagle hunters, and special photographic workshops in majestic Altai Mountain ranges at the pleasant time of the year. This year the festival will be held between 2024-09-17 and 2024-09-18 in Sagsai Village, Bayan-Ulgii Province, West Mongolia. Here are the top ten reasons why you should visit the Sagsai Golden Eagle Festival.</p> <h2><span style="color:#008080;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>1. Golden Eagle Festival Is Getting the World’s Most Trendy Event</strong></span></span></h2> <p>According to world-class publications, there are some new words started to be seen The Golden Eagle Festival, Eagle Hunting in Mongolia, Kazakh Eagle Hunters, Ancient Tradition Is Still Alive in Mongolia …etc. That is true, appreciate journalists from around the world to promote this incredible human culture which nestles in the remote Altai mountains in Mongolia.</p> <p><img alt="sagsai-eagle-festival" src="/uploads/sagsai-eagle-hunters-mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p>Since the soul-touching Film made about wonderful teenage eagle huntress Aisholpan, the hidden tradition of eagle hunting has been captured the world’s attention. She has been practiced eagle hunting with her father. In 2014, she participated the eagle hunting competition against the adult, experienced eagle hunters during the annual Golden Eagle Festival in Mongolia. So the film, the destination, the young generation, and the tradition of eagle hunting is all about the epic story of human culture and nature which truly steal your heart and can be the reason you should visit the Golden Eagle Festival in Mongolia.</p> <p><img alt="sagsai eagle festival mongolia opening parade" src="/uploads/sagsai-festival-mongolia-opening-parade.jpg" style="float: left; max-width: 49%; margin-right: 10px; " /></p> <p><img alt="the eagle huntress aisholpan" src="/uploads/aisholpan.jpg" style="float: right; max-width: 49%;" /></p> <p style="clear: both"> </p> <h2><span style="color:#008080;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>2. Sagsai Golden Eagle Festival Offers Chance To Know About Kazakh Culture </strong></span></span></h2> <p>Once you decided to travel to west Mongolia, especially visit eagle hunters, one of the most important things to do is experiencing the nomadic lifestyle of the local people and Kazakh culture. </p> <p><img alt="nomadic migration at sagsai" src="/uploads/sagsai-festival-culture-day-nomadic-migration.jpg" /></p> <p><strong>On the first day</strong> of the Sagsai Golden Eagle Festival you will totally immerse yourself into the authentic Kazakh culture by visiting hunters’ families, the most hospitable people on earth, following nomadic migration, learning their customs, experiencing in ger/yurt assembling, tasting local cuisine.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/Sagsai-golden-eagle-festival-Mongolia-by-Ayan-Travel.jpg" /></p> <p><img alt="eagle-hunter-family" src="/uploads/sagsai-festival-mongolia-visit-kazakh-family.jpg" style="float: left; max-width: 49%; margin-right: 10px; " /></p> <p><img alt="eagle-hunter-family-in-west-mongolia" src="/uploads/sagsai-festiva-visit-kazakh-family.jpg" style="float: right; max-width: 49%;" /></p> <p style="clear: both"> </p> <p>All visitors are invited to have warm talks with popular hunters, listening to epic stories, and speeches in the afternoon. As it is a cultural event, folk music performance is included in the program, the perfect chance to see them in their national embroidered costumes.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/Sagsai_Eagle_festival_concert.jpg" style="float: left; max-width: 49%; margin-right: 10px;" /></p> <p><img alt="kazakh folk performance" src="/uploads/Eagle_festival_folk_performance.jpg" style="float: right; max-width: 49%;" /></p> <p style="clear: both"> </p> <h2><span style="color:#008080;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>3. Explore The World Of Eagle Hunting During The Festival </strong></span></span></h2> <p>Hunting with eagles has been practiced by Kazakh and Kyrgyz people for thousands of years in central Asia. Today in Mongolia, this is still living among the Kazakhs in its ancient form.</p> <p><img alt="eagle-hunters-sagsai-festival" src="/uploads/eagle-hunitng-mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p>The giant golden eagle soaring over the prey, and the hunter or Berkutchi /eagle hunter I Kazakh language/ calling his eagle while galloping on horseback to the prey, the hunter eagle swooping down and landed on the prey hand with her full speed.</p> <p><img alt="hunitng-with-eagles-in-mongolia" src="/uploads/The-Eagle-Hunting-in-Mongolia-sagsai.jpg" /></p> <p><img alt="eagle-prey" src="/uploads/hunting-eagle-prey.jpg" style="float: right; max-width: 49%;" /></p> <p><img alt="the golden eagle" src="/uploads/hunting-eagles-prey.jpg" style=" float: left; max-width: 49%; margin-right: 10px; " /></p> <p style="clear: both"> </p> <p>This is the most amazing moment to show us how the eagle and the man have built a special, spiritual relationship during their training period. It is said that there are five methods of hunting with eagles used among Kazakh falconry. You will learn all about the eagle hunting, its traditions and see thrilling competitions on the second day of the festival.</p> <p><img alt="eagle hunter at sagsai eagle festival" src="/uploads/Eagle-Hunter-in-Mongolia-Sagsai.jpg" /></p> <p><img alt="tug of war at eagle festival" src="/uploads/eagle-hunting-festoval-competition.jpg" style="float: left; max-width: 49%; margin-right: 10px; " /></p> <p><img alt="kuk-bar at eagle festival" src="/uploads/eagle-festival-kuk-bar.jpg" style="float: right; max-width: 49%;" /></p> <p style="clear: both"> </p> <h2><span style="color:#008080;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>4. Photography Workshops At Sagsai Eagle Festival</strong></span></span></h2> <p>We are helping our clients to “Be the eye to the world”, the words make us motivated as a photo tour organizing team. The 2-day festival is dedicated to all levels of photographers and filmmakers. The Golden Eagle Festival is so photogenic and very rich in unique objects to capture.</p> <p><img alt="photography tour to sagsai festival" src="/uploads/sagsai-golden-eagle-festival-mongolia-photography-workshops.jpg" /></p> <p>The hunter eagles, elegantly geared horses, traditionally embroidery dressed locals, festival parade, thrilling games on horseback, cultural ceremonies, performances, eagle hunting actions, ethnic portraits, and natural beauties are all in front of you. </p> <p><img alt="portrait photography at sagsai eagle festival" src="/uploads/eagle-hunter-portrait.jpg" /></p> <p>Special photo sessions are included in the program and if you need more professional service please just tell us and let us make your lens be the eye to the world. Photography workshops are held by talented, professional photographer Batzaya Choijiljav, who has been arranging and taking photographic adventures throughout Mongolia for more than a decade.</p> <h2><span style="color:#008080;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>5. Why Sagsai Is An Ideal Place For The Eagle Festival</strong></span></span></h2> <p>Sagsai soum, or village is a perfect habitat of giant eagles, wildlife, and nomadic people. The most eagle hunters of west Mongolia, are living in this small village, so we can call this place as a Hot Spot of Eagle Hunting Tradition in Mongolia. The Eagle Festival takes place in 35km from the Ulgii town, in a convenient area of Sagsai (river) valley surrounded with magnificent mountain backdrops. Special thanks to the local officials of Sagsai village for the cooperation with organizing the Sagsai Golden Eagle Festival and it helps us to make our festival more local and tourism-friendly and well-organized.</p> <p><img alt="sagsai-is-ideal-place-for-eagle-hunting-festival" src="/uploads/Sagsai-golden-eagle-festival-location.jpg" /></p> <h2><span style="color:#008080;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>6. September Is Pleasant Time For Travelling To Eagle Hunters In Mongolia</strong></span></span></h2> <p>When nature turns into its most beautiful color, September is considered to be a suitable period to travel in Mongolia. The temperature is milder than October and a bit cooler than warm August. Pleasant days are good for festive attenders, and the clear nights are perfect to shoot night sky photography. It is also an important period for the eagle training to prepare them for winter hunting. So September is the best time to travel to the eagle hunting festival in Mongolia.</p> <h2><span style="color:#008080;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>7. Not Too Touristy Festival of Mongolia Gives Us Great Freedom</strong></span></span></h2> <p>If you are a crowd escaper, creative artist, or passionate photographer and need to produce eye-catching works during your travels, or need to have uncommon images of the eagle festival then Sagsai Golden Eagle Festival is the right attraction for you. All the participants are so pleasant to allow us to meet, to have an interview, and to photograph them, the competitions take place right in front of you, so just focus on your passionate subjects.</p> <h2><span style="color:#008080;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>8. Other Activities Around The Sagsai Festival</strong></span></span></h2> <p>As it is festive, the trade fair, souvenir stands, coffee corner, night events other services, or activities are available during the festival. Tourists are invited to attend our special arranged activities, which would be a surprise for now. </p> <p><img alt="sagsai festival" src="/uploads/sagsai-eagle-festival-trade-fair.jpg" style=" float: left; max-width: 49%; margin-right: 10px;" /></p> <p><img alt="eagle festival in sagsai" src="/uploads/sagsai-eagle-festival-other-activities.jpg" style="float: right; max-width: 49%;" /></p> <p style="clear: both"> </p> <h2><span style="color:#008080;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>9. Contribution To Local People’s Livelihood of Altai Region</strong></span></span></h2> <p>The contribution of tourism towards improving the livelihoods of local people in the remote Altai region of Mongolia. As an organizer of the festival, we have made some economic and social contribution to the local people, especially for young kids. For our clients, this is not the only contribution to the local hunters’ livelihood but also to educate, to inspire international audiences to promote this exotic heritage through their lenses. Sagsai Golden Eagle Festival offers some special sessions for your project if you would like to create outstanding impacts on the society.</p> <p><img alt="contribute to local people at sagsai festival" src="/uploads/contribution-to-eagle-hunters.jpg" style="float: left; max-width: 49%; margin-right: 10px;" /></p> <p><img alt="contribution to local society at sagsai" src="/uploads/contribute-local-people-at-sagsai-festival.jpg" style="float: right; max-width: 49%;" /></p> <p style="clear: both"> </p> <h2><span style="color:#008080;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>10. Ayan Travel Experienced Travel Company In Mongolia</strong></span></span></h2> <p>For the last decade, we have been successfully arranging adventure, event-based, and photography tours throughout Mongolia, under the lead of Batzaya Choijiljav, the active traveler, talented photographer, and verified photo contributor to the world-class agencies. Based on our previous travel experiences, we organize Sagsai Golden Eagle Festival with the help of local eagle hunters, official places of Mongolian tourism organizations, and our valuable partners and clients. </p> <p><img alt="ayan travel team at sagsai festival" src="/uploads/Ayan_travel_group_at_eagle_festival.jpg" /></p> <p>For the basic tour operating services, such as meals, accommodation, transportation, travel, photography gear organizing, and keeping all visitors' safety, are arranged by our travel specialists and local partners. Our well-experienced tour guides, photography crew are here to make your trip wonderful. The Team at Ayan Travel try our best to make your trip successfully completed.</p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;">A Picture Says A Thousand Words, But A Video Shows A Thousand Pictures.</p> <p style="text-align: center;">The atmosphere of <strong>Sagsai Golden Eagle Festival </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uEsnklHGwko" width="560"></iframe></p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/M8ZWRegCSxo?start=10" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p> <p style="text-align: center;">Here we suggest<span style="color:#024748;"> </span><u><a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/tour/sagsai-golden-eagle-festival-tour-mongolia"><span style="color:#0099ff;">Sagsai Golden Eagle Festival Tour 2024</span></a><font color="#800000">. </font></u></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> ', 'excerpt' => null, 'file1' => 'Sagsai_festival_blog_picture.png', 'file2' => null, 'alt_for_file1' => 'Sagsai_festival_blog_picture', 'alt_for_file2' => null, 'type' => 'mongolia_travel_news', 'created' => '2020-01-14 00:00:00', 'url' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), 'CustomFields' => array() ) ) $usefulBlogs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Node' => array( 'title' => '2 Weeks in Mongolia - What To Do?', 'slug' => '2-weeks-in-mongolia-what-to-do', 'body' => '<h2>Our recommendation for a two week Mongolia itinerary</h2> <p>Are you looking for recommendation for Travel Mongolia? Are you asking for someone’s help or suggestions right now? Haven't got much time but you want to take a Mongolia trip? <br /> You'll get a different answer from anyone you ask about the must-sees and must-dos in Mongolia tour. So it can be tough to make sure you get the most from your tour Mongolia so we've pooled our knowledge and put together the ultimate 2-week Mongolia trip. However, we share some of our tours to put into perspective how you need to go about planning a trip to Mongolia with just two weeks at your disposal. That way you’ll get a better feel for a place and get to know the best things to do while your visits Mongolia. Understand that you will never have time to see EVERYTHING. And be okay with it.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="2 weeks tour in Mongolia" src="/uploads/2 week in Mongolia trip.jpg" /></p> <p><em>Spending your time in Mongolia for two weeks...</em></p> <h2><br /> How should I spend 2 weeks in Mongolia?</h2> <p>For all tour in Mongolia, experiencing in nomadic life is of utmost importance if you want explore real culture and adventure travel. In Mongolia it means you’ll spend less time getting inside and more time exploring unchanged and untouched of wildlife and tradition and culture of nomadic herders, also wandering ancient history sites and enjoying natural beauty that make Mongolia world-famous. <br /> Trip from Ulaanbaatar to the countryside, be prepared to experience a wide range of vibes and experiences. We wouldn’t go from the west to east and back. That’s the mentality you have to have with travelling in Mongolia. You can choose your Mongolia tour destinations. Travel Mongolia within 2 week is not enough, not long time, however we recommend you the perfect 2 weeks tour in Mongolia with us.<br /> If you’re a<a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/tips-for-the-first-time-travelers-in-mongolia" target="_blank"> first-time visitor to Mongolia,</a> you need to put some thought into your Mongolia travel planning. Moreover highlight of your 2 week Mongolia is<a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/the-top-5-must-see-events-in-mongolia" target="_blank"> festivals and events</a> of the regions, which attracts lots of interests, you decide to travel.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Naadam festival opening ceremony " src="/uploads/Naadam openning ceremony.jpg" /></p> <p><em> Naadam Festival - National Holiday of Mongolia. Opening ceremony in the central stadium of Ulaanbaatar city. </em></p> <p> </p> <h2><span style="font-size:20px;"><span style="color:#B22222;">The Perfect 14 Day Mongolia Itinerary </span></span></h2> <h3><strong>Ulaanbaatar Day 1-2</strong></h3> <p style="text-align: justify;">Your tour will start from UB, capital city of Mongolia. It’s a heck of an introduction to the country though, so prepare yourself.<br /> So, what to do in Ulaanbaatar? Well, A lot! <br /> At the top of your travel list should be Gandan Monastery and the Bogd Khaan Museum. This is the number one religious sights of Mongolia, and for good reason. Gandan Monastery, which houses the Migijid Janraisag statue with 26.5 meter high which is tallest indoor statue in the world, is generally regarded as the most important Buddhist temple in the country.<br /> There are many more temples, monasteries and museums in Ulaanbaatar, so you won’t be short of temples and Buddha statues. <br /> Some notable highlights include Zaisan Square (Soviet Union Memorial) and you can walk 300 meters on staircase with more than 600 steps and reach the Memorial and also view UB city from top of the mountain.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="Mongolia ulaanbaatar " src="/uploads/Ulaanbaatar_city.jpg" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><br /> And, of course, there’s more to Ulaanbaatar than monasteries. Ulaanbaatar has fantastic nightlife and shopping, with some of the best restaurants and bars in city. <br /> Another attraction in UB city is the Chinggis square –heart of the city, large colonnade monument of Chinggis khaan, Ogedei, Khubilai khan dominates the square’s north side directly in front of government palace.<br /> Other than that, our advice for UB is to spend some time getting acclimatized, experiencing culture of the people, wandering Ger-streets, checking out the traditional music concerts, and immersing yourself in night life of the city.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="Mongolian capital city Ulaanbaatar" src="/uploads/Ulaanbaatar_capital_city.jpg" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Sukhbaatar Square in the center of Ulaanbaatar city </em></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <h3 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Gobi Desert and ancient capital Karakorum Day 3-7</strong></h3> <p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/mongolian-gobi-through-the-lens-of-photographer" target="_blank">Travel to Gobi desert Mongolia</a> start by flight to Dalanzadgad and drive to Yol Valley and explore Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National park. Then you will go to Khongor Sand Dunes and recommend you sand skating, the most famous and touristy section of the Gobi desert.<br /> Next stops will be Bayanzag –cemetery of dinosaurs and Ongi Monastery. This mysterious desert offers you to explore prehistoric sites such as dinosaur fossils and ancient sea bed remains. Experience nomadic lifestyle, meet local people, try camel riding, hike on sand dunes, take stunning pictures and collect beautiful memory while you are travelling.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="Gobi desert tours mongolia" src="/uploads/hongor_sand_dune.jpg" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><br /> After that you will head to Orkhon Waterfall. Full check out most important travel destinations including Ruins of Chinggis Khan‘s ancient capital Karakorum and the first established monastery of Mongolia-Erdene-zuu and many more and its Museum and Tuvkhun Monastery. It is one of the most important cultural regions in the world and was recognized by the UNESCO world heritage and Turkic exploring. Combinations of natural beauty and historical sites are wonderful out there in province of Arkhangai.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="Erdenezuu monastery Mongolia" src="/uploads/erdenezuu_monastery1.jpg" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <h3 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Khovsgol Lake Day 8-12</strong></h3> <p style="text-align: justify;">Next main Mongolia tour attraction heads from <a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/provinces/arkhangai" target="_blank">Arkhangai</a> to Khuvsgul lake. There you’ll find the camp houses on shore of fresh water lake of Khuvsgul, where many foreigners base themselves long term thanks to the nice view, mysterious reindeer herder‘s way of living and ancient shaman rituals. There’s a fantastic exploring of untouched life of reindeer herders, arguably the most mysterious ethnic group in the world, a gorgeous Taiga nature beauty on the shore of lake, and it is national park of Khuvsgul. <br /> Northern part of Mongolia is the land of <a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/I-Documented-Mongolia%E2%80%99s-Mystical-Tsaatan-Reindeer-People" target="_blank">Tsaatan people</a>, reindeer herders and beautiful Khuvsgul Lake National Park. Visit Tsaatan minority of Mongolia, experience their primitive life style, meet authentic shamans to get knowledge of them and ride reindeer through the Taiga.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="Khovsgol lake Mongolia" src="/uploads/Khovsgol_lake.jpg" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="Khovsgol lake and darkhad valley" src="/uploads/darkhad_valley.jpg" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <h3><br /> <strong> Ending your 2 week Itinerary Day 13-14</strong></h3> <p style="text-align: justify;">Back in UB.<a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/popular-weekend-trips-around-ulaanbaatar" target="_blank"> Experiencing the best tour attractions near UB</a> – enjoying Chinggis Khaan Equestrian statue near UB city and where it has historical statues and museums. Shopping and cultural performance and have some free day for yourself.<br /> Transfer to the Airport and Departure.<br /> What are your thoughts on this itinerary or do you have any questions about it? <br /> I’d LOVE to hear if you use this itinerary on your visit!</p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p> </p> <h2><span style="font-size:28px;">Need a longer Itinerary? Consider Mongolian Travel Destinations </span></h2> <p style="text-align: justify;">In case the above 2 week Mongolia travel itinerary doesn’t check all your boxes, or you were looking for a longer itinerary (or you just want to try and pack more in!), here are some more of our Mongolia travel destinations for you to think about adding to your itinerary.</p> <p> </p> <h3><span style="font-size:22px;"><span style="color:#B22222;"><strong>2 week trip to Western Mongolia</strong></span></span></h3> <p><u>Why western Mongolia?</u></p> <p>Because it is homeland of Eagle hunters and Khazakhs and also includes thousands of ancient rock carvings which is listed on UNESCO World heritage site and also Mongolian Altai mountains.</p> <p> </p> <p><u>Must see places</u> –Mongolian Altai Mountains, Altai Tavan Bogd national park, ancient rock carvings, Mysterious stone men and burial mounds, Golden eagle festival and Mongolian Kazakhs.</p> <p> </p> <p><u>Things to do</u> – reaching western part of the nation, climbing the mountain, trekking, sightseeing ,walking and photographing in national park, horse riding, visiting local nomadic families, seeing and experiencing eagle hunters and exploring local towns.</p> <p> </p> <p><u>How to get there </u>– domestic flight, off road minivan or jeep and horse.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Altai mountains " src="/uploads/Altai_mountain_tuva_family.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Eagle hunting tour in Altai Mountain Mongolia" src="/uploads/Altai_mountain_eagle hunting.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Suggested tours</strong></p> <p> - <a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/tour/adventures-in-altai-tavan-bogd-mountains-tour" target="_blank">Adventures in Altai Tavan bogd Mountain tour</a></p> <p> - <a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/tour/golden-eagle-festival-mongol-altai-mountains-photographic-expedition" target="_blank">Golden Eagle Festival and Mongol Altai Mountains Photographic Expedition</a></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Related Articles and Topics</strong></p> <p>- <a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/destination/western" target="_blank">Mongolian travel destination, Western Mongolia</a> </p> <p>- <a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/10-reasons-to-visit-mongolian-altai-mountains" target="_blank">10 Reasons to visit Mongolian Atai Mountains</a></p> <p> </p> <h3><span style="font-size:22px;"><span style="color:#B22222;"><strong>2 week trip in Central Mongolia</strong></span></span></h3> <p><u>Why central Mongolia?</u></p> <p>Because it is one of the most important cultural regions in the world and was recognized by the UNESCO world heritage and Turkic exploring. Combinations of natural beauty and historical sites are wonderful out there. There you can have chance to see wild animals such as Takhi-wild horse, Argalin wild sheep, Red deer, Siberian marmot and many species of birds and more.</p> <p> </p> <p><u>Must see places</u> – Khustai national park, Kharkhorin, Erdenezuu monastery, Tsenkher hot spa, Khorgiin Togoo volcano and Terkhiin tsagaan lake, Tuvkhun monastery, Orkhon waterfall, Manzushir monastery, Gorkhi-Terelj national park, Ugii lake, Orkhon valley,Khuisiin naiman nuur,Chuluut river valley, Tsonjinboldog,Khugnu-Tarni national park,Shankh monastery, Taikhar rock, Choir town, Suvraga khairkhan mountain,13<sup>th</sup> century complex and Tsetserleg town Arkhangai province.</p> <p> </p> <p><u>Things to do </u>–horse trekking, visit historical sites and national parks, monasteries, fishing, climbing and many more</p> <p> </p> <p><u>How to get there –</u> offroad minivan or jeep for your choice</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Central Mongolia Tours" src="/uploads/Central_mongolian_Kharkhorin.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Mongolia bird watching" src="/uploads/Central_mongolia_birds.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Live with mongolian nomads" src="/uploads/Central_mongolia_Family.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Suggested tours</strong></p> <p> - <a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/tour/horse-riding-in-legendary-orkhon-valley-tour" target="_blank">Horse riding in legendary Orkhon valley Tour</a></p> <p> -<a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/tour/gobi-desert-and-orkhon-valley-tour" target="_blank"> Gobi desert-Orkhon valley tour</a></p> <p> - <a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/tour/fishing-in-central-mongolia-tour" target="_blank">Fishing in Central Mongolia tour</a></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Related News and Topics</strong></p> <p> - <a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/destination/central" target="_blank"> Mongolian travel destinations, Central Mongolia</a></p> <p> - <a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/best-photo-spots-of-central-mongolia" target="_blank">Best Photo spots of Central Mongolia</a></p> <p> </p> <h3><span style="font-size:22px;"><span style="color:#B22222;"><strong>2 week trip in Eastern Mongolia</strong></span></span></h3> <p><u>Why Eastern Mongolia?</u></p> <p>Because it is birthplace of Chinggis Khan, man of the millennium and untouched and unexplored destination of Eastern Mongolia. In the east, there are many small lakes attracted by birds. There are also sand dunes of Gobi in Sukhbaatar province.</p> <p>There you can</p> <p><u>Must see places </u>–Burkhan Khaldun Mountain,Gun galuut nature reserve ,Baldan Bereeven Monastery, Khangal lake, Uglugch wall, Airag ord, Altan Ovoo, Shiliin Bogd Volcano, Taliin agui, Menen steppe-Eastern Mongolian steppe, Blue lake, Khar lake, Dariganga tribe, Khurgiin Khundii</p> <p> </p> <p><u>Things to do </u>– Visiting Chinggis Khaan’s birth land, Natural parks and more, bird watching, hiking on sand dunes, horse riding, fishing, exploring tradition of nomadic life of Eastern Mongolia, especially Dariganga ethnic tribe and driving through Menen steppe.</p> <p> </p> <p><u>How to get there –</u> offroad minivan or jeep</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Eastern Mongolia tour" src="/uploads/eastern_mongolia_nomadic_life.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Eastern mongolia horse riding tour" src="/uploads/eastern_mongolia_horses.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Suggested tours</strong></p> <p> -<a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/tour/eastern-mongolia-tour" target="_blank"> Eastern Mongolia tour</a></p> <p> - <a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/tour/discovering-homeland-of-chinggis-khaan-tour" target="_blank">Discovering Homeland of Chinggis Khaan tour</a></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Related News and Articles</strong> </p> <p> - <a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/destination/eastern" target="_blank">Mongolian travel destinations, Eastern Mongolia</a></p> <p> - <a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/activities-and-things-to-do-in-eastern-mongolia" target="_blank">Activities and Things to Do in Eastern Mongolia</a></p> <p> </p> <h3><span style="font-size:22px;"><span style="color:#B22222;"><strong>2 week trip in Southern Mongolia</strong></span></span></h3> <p><u>Why southern Mongolia?</u></p> <p>Because it is home to Dinosaur fossils and exploring ancient sea bed remains and mysterious Mongolian Gobi desert. There are rare thrives such as Mongolian bactrial camel, Mongolian antelope, Black tailed gazelle, Argal wild sheep ,Ibex ,Snow leapord and many more.</p> <p> </p> <p><u>Must see places</u> – Ikh gazriin chulu, Zorgol Khairkhan, Baga gazriin chuluu, Gobi desert, Yol valley, Gobi gurvan saikhan national park, Bayan Zag, Khermen tsav, Ongi monastery, Khongor sand dune, Ikh Bogd Mountain, Orog Lake, Shargalzuut hot spa, Sainshand city and Dalanzadgad</p> <p> </p> <p><u>Things to do there</u>- experiencing famous Mongolian Gobi desert, camel riding through , taking pictures, sightseeing and hiking on wonderful creation of sand dunes and national parks in Gobi.</p> <p> </p> <p><u>How to get there</u>- by domestic flight, off road minivan or jeep</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Southern Mongolia" src="/uploads/Southern_mongolian stepp.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Monasteries Mongolia" src="/uploads/Southern_mongolian_monasteries.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Gobi_desert_mongolia " src="/uploads/Southern_mongolian_desert.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Suggested tours</strong></p> <p> -<a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/tour/caravaning-through-desert-wonders-tour" target="_blank"> Caravanning through Desert Wonders Tour</a></p> <p> - <a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/tour/classic-mongolia-photography-tour" target="_blank">Classic Mongolia Photography Tour</a></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Related News</strong> </p> <p> - <a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/destination/southern" target="_blank">Mongolian tourist destination, Southern Mongolia</a></p> <p> - <a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/mongolian-gobi-through-the-lens-of-photographer" target="_blank">Mongolian Gobi Through the Lens of Photographer</a></p> <p> </p> <h3><span style="font-size:22px;"><span style="color:#B22222;"><strong>2 week trip in Northern Mongolia</strong></span></span></h3> <p><u>Why northern Mongolia?</u></p> <p>Because it is land of Tsaatan people, reindeer herders and beautiful Khuvsgul lake national park. There you can see many historical sites and burial monuments, many big rivers and lakes and true wild nature.</p> <p> </p> <p><u>Must see places</u> –Amarbaysgalant monastery, Khuvsgul lake, Darkhad valley, Uushig Deer stone, Uran togoo volcano,T engis river, Delger rivers, Darkhad tribe, Erdenet city and Darkhan city. The Khubsgul Lake is inhabited by moose, reindeer, argali, Siberian ibex, red deer, many species of bird and fish.</p> <p> </p> <p><u>Things to do</u> – trekking mountains, exploring and visiting unique tradition of reindeer herders, their unchanged way of lives,</p> <p> </p> <p><u>How to get there</u> –by domestic flight, off road minivan or jeep.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Khovsgol lake mongolia" src="/uploads/Northern mongolia Khovsgol lake.jpg" style="width: 800px; height: 514px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Tsaatan people at northern mongolia" src="/uploads/Northern mongolia tsaatan people.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Suggested tours</strong></p> <p> - <a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/tour/pioneering-in-khuvsgul-taiga-wilderness-trekking-tour" target="_blank">Pioneering in Khuvsgul Taiga wilderness trekking tour</a></p> <p> - <a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/tour/photo-tour-to-mystical-reindeer-herders-in-mongolia" target="_blank">Photo Tour to Mystical Reindeer Herders in Mongolia</a></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Related Topics and News</strong></p> <p> - <a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/destination/northern" target="_blank"> Mongolian travel destinations, Northern Mongolia</a></p> <p> - <a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/my-epic-journey-to-taiga-mountains-of-northern-mongolia" target="_blank">My Epic Journey to Taiga Mountains of Northern Mongolia</a></p> <p> </p> <h2><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="color:#B22222;">Two - Week Mongolia Tour Itinerary</span></span></h2> <p style="text-align: justify;">Many travelers disregard the actual size of Mongolia, and its landscape until they arrive and end up regretting the choices they made in the planning stage and decided to come back travel in Mongolia. So, considering Mongolia is so vast, the problem becomes how to travel in a 2 weeks of time, and where to visit in Mongolia?</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Ayan travel-team of local travel experts organizing discovery and adventure oriented tours for group, incentives and individuals. We offer 2 week trip program that cover best travel places, must see attractions of Mongolia.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">What are you waiting for? Take the next step and get your Mongolia trip planning by Ayan travel. Let Ayan travel team be as your Mongolia Travel guide. We always try provide a chance to encounter authentic nomadic life and adventures activities that Mongolia has to offer proudly.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong><a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/tailormade" target="_blank">Be directly connect to our tailor made programs if you seek 2 week Mongolia tour with special interest</a>.</strong></p> <p> </p> ', 'excerpt' => null, 'file1' => 'two_weeks_in_mongolia_what_to_do.jpg', 'file2' => null, 'alt_for_file1' => 'two_weeks_in_mongolia_what_to_do', 'alt_for_file2' => null, 'type' => 'mongolia_travel_news', 'created' => '2018-03-29 00:00:00', 'url' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), 'CustomFields' => array() ), (int) 1 => array( 'Node' => array( 'title' => 'Tips for the First Time Travelers in Mongolia', 'slug' => 'tips-for-the-first-time-travelers-in-mongolia', 'body' => '<p>Are you planning to travel to Mongolia for the first time and searching for the things to know before you visit Mongolia? <br /> Congratulations that you decide and intend to travel to the remotest, density populated, exotic and country of last remaining nomads. This was my dream to visit this beautiful country. In the city, people will allow foreigner a very wide margin, and many Mongolians don’t strictly follow all the rules either. Every province and ethnic groups have different traditions. So it is better to read or ask from your guide and local team. </p> <h2><br /> Here are "The 10 Tips for the First Time Travelers to Mongolia" </h2> <h3><br /> 1. Expectation VS Reality </h3> <p style="text-align: justify;">Mongolians are nomads. The main accommodation for tourist is “Ger camp”, the traditional dwelling of the Mongols. I expected that Mongolia is the only country of nomadic people, wide steppes and offers not too many modern comforts for travelers. In facts, for instance, we stayed in tourist ger camp where we could feel good enough comfort. But not all camps are good like that. The felt cover of the Ger dwelling smells naturally during the rainy days. Please try to understand it is their traditional, long-lasting accommodation. I advise you prepare yourself if you travel in Mongolia for a multi-day trip. </p> <p>-<span style="color:#800000;"> </span><a href="http://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/where-to-stay-in-mongolia" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800000;">Where to stay in Mongolia</span></a></p> <h3>2. Mongolian visa process</h3> <p>Do you know about the visa of Mongolia? Check out the visa-free countries <u><a href="http://www.consul.mn/eng/02visae.php" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800000;">here</span></a></u>. If you are not a nationality from visa-free countries it has several options. <br /> First please check whether it has Mongolian embassy or consulate in your country? If yes, please go there and apply for your visa. If no please find the second option. It has a chance to get a visa at the airport. For this option, the tour operator company’s invitation is required. The process will be 2 weeks to 2 months. <br /> Finally, I recommend you to choose your right partner in Mongolia</p> <p>- <a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/ultimate-checklist-for-travel-mongolia" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800000;">10 things you need to </span></a><a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/ultimate-checklist-for-travel-mongolia" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800000;">know-Traveler's</span></a><a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/ultimate-checklist-for-travel-mongolia" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800000;"> Checklist </span></a></p> <p><img alt="tips for travel mongolia " src="/uploads/how to travel to mongolia.jpg" /></p> <h3>3. Mongolian weather </h3> <p>The climate in Mongolia is unpredictable. The temperature difference between day and night is extreme, especially in the Gobi, the Southern Part of Mongolia. The northern and western part of Mongolia is getting colder from the end of August. So, if you are traveling in shoulder season in Mongolia, pack your warm garments for traveling. </p> <p>- <a href="http://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/best-period-to-travel-in-mongolia" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800000;">Best Time to Visit Mongolia</span></a></p> <p><img alt="mongolia weather " src="/uploads/mongolia weather.jpg" /></p> <h3>4. Meals in Mongolia</h3> <p>Are you vegan, vegetarian or need gluten-free food in Mongolia? Actually, in the city of Mongolia-Ulaanbaatar has restaurants more than 50 countries meals, and ger camps in the countryside can do those kinds of foods according to your special request as soon as you pre-book it. If you choose a tented camping tour this will be quite hard, when you don’t have experienced cook. </p> <p><img alt="what to eat in mongolia " src="/uploads/what to eat in mongolia.jpg" /></p> <h3>5. Rules in the Ger </h3> <p style="text-align: justify;">It is incredible, even you’re not pre-arrangement you can visit nomadic families and they hospitalized you from the bottom of their heart. When you enter the ger never step on the threshold (Bosgo), and watch out your head to butt a lintel or door jamb. <br /> Middle and north side of the ger is an important part of the family. NO garbage, litter is ever thrown into the fire such as onionskin etc. <br /> The left side of the ger is female’s and the right side is man’s side. Northside is a sacred and holy area such as divinity. </p> <p><img alt="mongolian ger photos " src="/uploads/mongolia traditional dwelling.jpg" /></p> <h3>6. Timing in Mongolia</h3> <p style="text-align: justify;">Synonymous to “Island time”. It used to have only morning and evening time when Mongolians didn't have a watch. Sunray inside the ger/yurt/ was used both as a sun clock and a calendar. Generally, elders are still using this timing today. People are less aware of time here and locals are the very relaxed attitude about it. Say your time with extra and reserves to your local team. </p> <p><img alt="mongolian ger photos " src="/uploads/ger mongolian yurts.jpg" /></p> <h3>7. Bring cash in the countryside</h3> <p style="text-align: justify;">Please prefer Mongolian currency-Tugrik. By the way, during the national holidays, they have 3-5 days of rest and no bank and no currency exchange are working. In this case, it is better to change at the airport. Otherwise, the bank or exchange has a better rate. And Mongolian countryside is cash-based society and ATM in a small town might have no cash even it is the tourist peak season. Also, it has a risk of no electricity in the whole soums or towns, it can happen anytime in any place. No electricity means none of the business goes normally. </p> <h3>8. Small gifts to the children of the countryside</h3> <p>Kids are always curious and bring with you a small gift for children. My advice would be to bring them something they don’t have stationary, books, puzzles, but sweets and toys are just as fine. If you like to take pictures of them, both of the kids and adults appreciate some gifts, to be taken their photos. </p> <p>- <a href="http://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/what-to-pack-for-a-trip-to-mongolia" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800000;">What to Pack for Mongolia Trip </span></a></p> <p><img alt="nomads kids mongolia photos " src="/uploads/nomad kids mongolia.jpg" /></p> <h3>9. Tipping for staff</h3> <p style="text-align: justify;">First-time travelers always ask about the amount of tips for their local staffs. <br /> Though by definition a tip is never legally required, it is recommended when you are on tour. This is not spoiling the market or running hospitality, it is simply being fair. Tips will vary depending on the length and complexity of the trip, the number of staff on the trip and the number of clients on the trip. Generally, groups like to meet together before the end of the tour to discuss how much they would like to tip each staff member based on their individual trek experience. Tipping in hotels and restaurants is up to the individual, 10% never goes wrong here.</p> <h3>10. Find Mongolian Tour Company</h3> <p>Finally, I advise you to choose a local tour company that offers a reasonable price and good service. So how to find a good local tour operator in Mongolia? Consider your travel purpose, budget and experience of the local company. For me, I searched on the internet and then filtered them by my travel interest. There are similar agencies found on google and I sent email them and then compared their responses, experiences, reliability and specialties. For me, I chose <a href="http://www.toursmongolia.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800000;">this company</span></a> because I prefer adventure and photography specialist. </p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="travel agency in mongolia " src="/uploads/best travel agency in mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p>I hope this advice may helpful for you and your Mongolia Trip would be great even if you are a first timer in Mongolia. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'excerpt' => null, 'file1' => 'tips_for_travel_to_mongolia.jpg', 'file2' => null, 'alt_for_file1' => 'tips_for_travel_to_mongolia', 'alt_for_file2' => null, 'type' => 'mongolia_travel_news', 'created' => '2018-02-23 00:00:00', 'url' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), 'CustomFields' => array() ) ) $latestBlogs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Node' => array( 'title' => 'Inveiling the Enchanting Gobi Desert', 'slug' => 'inveiling-the-enchanting-gobi-desert', 'body' => '<p>Welcome to the Mongolian Gobi Desert, a land of awe-inspiring landscapes that stretch across endless horizons. Discover the Mongolian Gobi Desert, a vast landscape of stunning sand dunes, rocky formations, and serene oases. Experience nomadic hospitality in traditional ger camps and witness Mongolian herding rituals. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot rare species like Bactrian camels and wild asses, while history buffs explore dinosaur fossils at the Flaming Cliffs. Adventurers can enjoy camel trekking and off-road drives across diverse terrain. At night, marvel at fiery sunsets and the Milky Way. Throughout the year, from scorching summers to frosty winters, the Gobi showcases its ever-changing beauty. Indulge in traditional Mongolian cuisine amidst this tranquil desert setting and support sustainable tourism initiatives.</p> <h3 align="center"><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>Exploring the Majestic Landscapes of Mongolia's Gobi Desert</strong></span></h3> <p>Discover Mongolia's Gobi Desert, a vast expanse of ever-changing landscapes where towering sand dunes, some over 200 meters tall, shift gracefully with the wind. Millennia of erosion have sculpted the desert into a canvas of unique geological formations, revealing ancient history in each stratified layer of rock.</p> <p>Its iconic features are rocky outcrops and the dramatic granite peaks of the Gurvan Saikhan Mountains, home to rare wildlife like the snow leopard and endangered Gobi bear. The Flaming Cliffs, or Bayanzag, stand out for their rich fossil beds, where paleontologists have unearthed dinosaur eggs and bones, vividly preserving a prehistoric world.</p> <p>Despite its harsh environment, the Gobi supports diverse life, including hardy desert flora like saxaul trees and resilient grasses, showcasing nature's adaptability in extreme conditions. </p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/Gobi_desert_Nomadic_life.jpeg" /></p> <h3 align="center"><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>Wildlife Wonders of Mongolia's Gobi Desert</strong></span></h3> <p>Explore Mongolia's Gobi Desert and its diverse wildlife, showcasing nature's resilience in one of Earth's toughest terrains. Meet the iconic Bactrian camel, famed for its dual humps and ability to thrive in sparse vegetation and extreme climates. The desert is also home to endangered Gobi khulans and Mongolian gazelles. At the same time, overhead soar majestic raptors like vultures and eagles, alongside desert-dwelling birds such as the Pallas's sandgrouse, enriching the region's biodiversity. Among its enigmatic residents is the rare Gobi Bear, "Mazaalai," uniquely adapted to endure extreme temperatures and scarce water, highlighting the desert's allure for wildlife enthusiasts and researchers alike.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/Gobi_argali_sheep_wildlife_mongolia.png" /></p> <h3 align="center"><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>Legends and Mongolia's Rich Cultural <strong>Heritage</strong></strong></span></h3> <div> <p>The nomadic herding culture of Mongolia's Gobi Desert is rich with traditions deeply tied to the land. Nomads primarily herd sheep, goats, horses, camels, and yaks, moving seasonally in search of pasture and water. Traditional ger camps, circular tents made of wood, felt, and canvas, serve as their homes, providing winter warmth and summer ventilation. Hospitality is central, with visitors welcomed warmly and offered traditional dairy products like airag, suutei tsai, and aaruul. Meals shared with nomadic families feature hearty dishes such as buuz, khuushuur, and various mutton dishes. Interacting with local herders offers insights into their daily lives, including tasks like milking animals and preparing for seasonal migrations, showcasing their deep knowledge of the Gobi's natural resources and survival skills.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/Visit_mongolian_family.jpg" /></p> </div> <h3 align="center"><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>Echoes of Antiquity</strong></span></h3> <p>Step into the Mongolian Gobi Desert, a land steeped in archaeological wonders that reveal millennia of human history. This rugged landscape offers profound insights into ancient civilizations that thrived amidst its harsh yet captivating terrain. At the Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag), renowned for their dinosaur fossils, paleontological expeditions have uncovered a wealth of skeletons, eggs, and other relics dating back millions of years. These discoveries illuminate the evolution and behavior of dinosaurs, offering a glimpse into a prehistoric world that once inhabited this ancient realm. Delve into the Gobi's archaeological marvels and embark on a journey through time, where each fossil unearthed tells a compelling story of our planet's past.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/Mongolian_dinosaures.png" /></p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/MOngolian_gobi_flames.jpg" /></p> <h3 align="center"><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>Thrilling Pursuits in Mongolia's Gobi Desert</strong></span></h3> <p>Embark on an unforgettable journey into Mongolia's Gobi Desert, where adventure awaits at every turn. Whether trekking atop camels across towering sand dunes, hiking to discover hidden oases, or experiencing the adrenaline rush of off-road desert driving, you'll immerse yourself in a vibrant tapestry of experiences blending excitement, exploration, and the raw beauty of nature.</p> <p style="margin-left:36pt;">1. Camel Trekking: Ride atop camels along ancient routes through shifting sand dunes, experiencing history and culture intertwined with the desert landscape.</p> <p style="margin-left:36pt;">2. Hiking to Hidden Oases: Explore rugged terrain to uncover lush green paradises hidden within the desert, offering tranquility and life-giving waters.</p> <p style="margin-left:36pt;">3. Off-Road Desert Driving: Navigate challenging sand dunes and rugged landscapes in 4x4 vehicles for an exhilarating adventure that connects you deeply with the untamed wilderness.</p> <p>In the Gobi Desert, adventure beckons from every horizon, promising unforgettable moments and a profound connection with one of the world's most awe-inspiring landscapes.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/Gobi_camel_riding_sand_dune.png" /></p> <h3 align="center"><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>Celestial Symphony</strong></span></h3> <p>Step into Mongolia's Gobi Desert, where each evening paints a natural masterpiece. Breathtaking sunsets streak the sky with crimson, orange, and gold, casting reflections across tranquil waters or rugged landscapes. As twilight deepens, city lights fade, revealing a pristine night sky ablaze with stars.</p> <p>Far from urban glare, the Gobi Desert is a sanctuary for celestial enthusiasts. Constellations emerge in full glory, captivating stargazers and astrophotographers alike. It's a chance to witness the universe in its purest form, where each twinkling light tells a story of cosmic wonder and endless possibilities.</p> <p>Experience the spectacle of sunset and night skies in the Gobi Desert, where nature's beauty unfolds and the stars above invite contemplation of the cosmos. Here, you can stay in a "millions of stars" hotel, far from the typical luxury, yet offering an unparalleled connection with the natural world. </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/uploads/Mongolian_gobi_desert_night_star.jpg" /></p> <h3 align="center"><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>Exploring Mongolian Cuisine in the Gobi Desert</strong></span></h3> <p>Delve into the heart of Mongolian cuisine, a culinary journey shaped by nomadic traditions and the rugged Gobi Desert. Dairy products like airag, suutei tsai, yogurt, and cheese are staples, reflecting a deep connection to the land. Meat is central, with dishes like bansh, buuz, and khorkhog showcasing mutton, beef, and occasionally horse meat for hearty sustenance in harsh conditions.</p> <p>Grains like wheat and barley become staples such as bread and noodles, providing essential carbohydrates. Wild foods from the Gobi, including herbs and plants, add unique flavors and nutritional diversity. Travelers on Gobi Desert tours can enjoy authentic Mongolian meals, each dish a testament to cultural heritage and adaptation to the environment. Whether dining in a ger camp or amidst the desert, every bite tells the story of Mongolia's culinary richness and the resilience of its people. </p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/Mongolian_traditional_foods.png" /></p> <h3 align="center" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>Gateway to Adventure</strong></span></h3> <p>Embarking on a journey to Mongolia's captivating Gobi Desert is surprisingly accessible with several convenient options for travelers:</p> <ul> <li>Guided Tours from Ulaanbaatar: <ul> <li>Organized tours from Mongolia's capital offer diverse itineraries lasting from a few days to over a week.</li> <li>Tours typically include transportation via robust 4x4 vehicles or domestic flights, accommodation in ger camps or tents, meals, and knowledgeable guides.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Transportation Choices: <ul> <li>Domestic Flights: Direct flights from Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad near the Gobi Desert provide a swift option. Further transport arrangements can then be made locally.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'excerpt' => null, 'file1' => 'Mongolian_gobi_blog_news_.jpg', 'file2' => null, 'alt_for_file1' => 'Mongolian_gobi_blog_news_', 'alt_for_file2' => null, 'type' => 'mongolia_travel_news', 'created' => '2024-06-25 00:00:00', 'url' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), 'CustomFields' => array() ), (int) 1 => array( 'Node' => array( 'title' => 'The Naadam Festival: Mongolia's National Celebration', 'slug' => 'the-naadam-festival-mongolias-national-celebration', 'body' => '<p><strong>Overview</strong><br /> The Naadam Festival, also known as "Eriin Gurvan Naadam" (the Three Manly Games), is Mongolia's largest and most significant celebration. Held annually in mid-July, this event dates back centuries and features traditional Mongolian sports, including wrestling, horse racing, and archery. For tourists, attending Naadam offers a unique glimpse into Mongolia's rich cultural heritage and an immersive experience in the country's vibrant traditions.</p> <p><strong>History and Significance</strong><br /> Naadam's origins trace back to the era of Genghis Khan, serving as both a celebration of the nation’s strength and a way to train warriors. Today, Naadam commemorates Mongolia's independence and the formation of the Mongolian People's Republic in 1921. The festival is not just a sports competition; it’s a celebration of Mongolian identity and cultural pride.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/Naadam_festival_opening_mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p><strong>Key Activities and Events</strong></p> <ol> <li><strong>Opening Ceremony</strong><br /> The Naadam Festival kicks off with a grand opening ceremony at the National Sports Stadium in Ulaanbaatar. This event features traditional music, dances, parades, and an elaborate display of Mongolia’s military history. The opening ceremony is a spectacle of color and culture, providing a captivating start to the festivities. </li> <li><strong>Wrestling (Bökh)</strong><br /> Wrestling is the most prestigious event in Naadam. Hundreds of wrestlers from across the country compete in a knockout tournament. Matches are accompanied by traditional songs and rituals, and the wrestlers wear distinctive costumes called "zodog" and "shuudag." Watching these matches offers insight into Mongolia’s deep respect for strength and endurance.</li> <li><strong>Horse Racing</strong><br /> Unlike Western horse racing, Mongolian horse races during Naadam cover vast distances, often between 15 to 30 kilometers. The jockeys are typically children aged 5 to 13, showcasing their extraordinary riding skills. The races are held in the open steppe, providing a dramatic and picturesque setting for the event.</li> <li><strong>Archery</strong><br /> Archery competitions at Naadam demonstrate the traditional skills of Mongolian warriors. Archers, both men and women, use a "compound" bow, aiming at small targets from a significant distance. The sport is steeped in ritual and tradition, with competitors wearing traditional attire.</li> <li><strong>Traditional Games and Cultural Performances</strong><br /> Besides the main sports, visitors can enjoy various traditional games such as anklebone shooting (shagai) and performances including folk songs, dances, and throat singing. These activities allow tourists to experience Mongolia’s cultural diversity and artistic heritage.</li> </ol> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/Naadam_opening_ceremony_horse_riders.jpg" /></p> <h2><span style="font-size:22px;"><strong>Practical Information for Tourists</strong></span></h2> <ol> <li><strong>When to Visit</strong><br /> The Naadam Festival officially takes place from July 11 to 13. However, related events and celebrations can start a few days earlier and last a few days longer. Arriving in Ulaanbaatar a couple of days before the festival begins will ensure you don’t miss any preliminary events. </li> <li><strong>Where to Stay</strong><br /> Ulaanbaatar offers a range of accommodation options from luxury hotels to budget hostels. Booking well in advance is recommended due to the high influx of tourists during Naadam. Some popular options include the Shangri-La Hotel, Blue Sky Hotel, and Kempinski Hotel Khan Palace.</li> <li><strong>Getting There</strong><br /> Direct flights to Ulaanbaatar are available from several major cities, including Beijing, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Istanbul, Tokyo, and Seoul. Chinggis Khaan International Airport is the primary gateway to Mongolia.</li> <li><strong>Tickets and Entry</strong><br /> Tickets for the Naadam opening ceremony and main events at the National Sports Stadium can be purchased online or through travel agencies. It’s advisable to buy tickets early as they sell out quickly. Many travel packages also include tickets as part of the itinerary.</li> <li><strong>Local Customs and Etiquette</strong><br /> Respect local customs by dressing modestly and asking for permission before taking photographs of people. Learning a few basic Mongolian phrases, such as "Sain baina uu" (Hello), "Bayarlalaa" (Thank you) and "Saikhan Naadaarai" (Happy Naadam) will be appreciated by locals.</li> <li><strong>Health and Safety</strong><br /> Ulaanbaatar is generally safe for tourists, but it’s always wise to take common precautions such as safeguarding valuables and staying aware of your surroundings. Drink bottled water to avoid potential stomach issues, and be prepared for a range of weather conditions.</li> </ol> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/Naadam_festival_parad.png" /></p> <p><strong>Additional Attractions</strong><br /> While in Mongolia, consider exploring other attractions such as the Gobi Desert, the ancient capital of Kharkhorin, and the serene beauty of Lake Khövsgöl. These destinations offer a broader understanding of Mongolia’s diverse landscapes and cultural heritage.</p> <p>The Naadam Festival is a perfect blend of sport, culture, and history, making it a must-visit event for any traveler to Mongolia. By immersing yourself in this vibrant celebration, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the Mongolian spirit and way of life. Plan ahead, embrace the adventure, and enjoy the timeless traditions of the Land of the Eternal Blue Sky.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/Naadam_close.png" /></p> <h2> </h2> <h2><span style="font-size:22px;"><strong>Difference Between Mongolia's State Festival and Local Festivals:</strong></span></h2> <h3><span style="font-size:22px;"><strong>- Mongolia's State Festival (Naadam)</strong></span></h3> <ol> <li><strong>Scale and Significance:</strong></li> </ol> <p style="margin-left:72pt;"><strong>National Importance:</strong> Naadam is Mongolia's most significant national festival, celebrated on a grand scale across the entire country.</p> <p style="margin-left:72pt;"><strong>Government Involvement:</strong> The state festival is organized with the involvement of the government, including the President and other high-ranking officials.</p> <ol> <li value="2"><strong>Location and Timing:</strong></li> </ol> <p style="margin-left:72pt;"><strong>Location:</strong> The main celebrations are held in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city, particularly at the National Sports Stadium.</p> <p style="margin-left:72pt;"><strong>Date:</strong> The festival officially takes place annually from July 11 to 13.</p> <ol> <li value="3"><strong>Activities:</strong></li> </ol> <p style="margin-left:72pt;"><strong>Main Events:</strong> Known as the "Three Manly Games," the main events include wrestling, horse racing, and archery.</p> <p style="margin-left:72pt;"><strong>Cultural Events:</strong> The festival features elaborate opening and closing ceremonies, cultural performances, concerts, and traditional games.</p> <ol> <li value="4"><strong>Participants:</strong></li> </ol> <p style="margin-left:72pt;"><strong>Elite Competitors:</strong> The top wrestlers, horse racers, and archers from all over Mongolia come to compete.</p> <p style="margin-left:72pt;"><strong>International Audience:</strong> It attracts both national participants and a significant number of international tourists.</p> <ol> <li value="5"><strong>Atmosphere:</strong></li> </ol> <p style="margin-left:72pt;"><strong>Festive and Grand:</strong> The atmosphere is grand, festive, and highly patriotic, with extensive media coverage.</p> <p style="margin-left:72pt;"><img alt="" src="/uploads/Naadam_horse_racing_game.png" /></p> <p style="margin-left:72pt;"> </p> <h3><span style="font-size:22px;"><strong>- Local Naadam Festivals</strong></span></h3> <ol> <li><strong>Scale and Significance:</strong></li> </ol> <p style="margin-left:72pt;"><strong>Regional Importance:</strong> Local festivals are significant for individual regions, provinces (aimags), or even smaller communities like soums (districts).</p> <p style="margin-left:72pt;"><strong>Community Focused:</strong> These festivals reflect local customs, traditions, and community pride.</p> <ol> <li value="2"><strong>Location and Timing:</strong></li> </ol> <p style="margin-left:72pt;"><strong>Location:</strong> Held in various provinces and towns across Mongolia.</p> <p style="margin-left:72pt;"><strong>Date:</strong> Dates vary; many local Naadam festivals are held before or after the national Naadam to allow participants to travel to the capital for the main event.</p> <ol> <li value="3"><strong>Activities:</strong></li> </ol> <p style="margin-left:72pt;"><strong>Similar Events:</strong> Local festivals also feature wrestling, horse racing, and archery, though on a smaller scale.</p> <p style="margin-left:72pt;"><strong>Local Traditions:</strong> Additional activities may include local music, dance performances, and traditional ceremonies unique to the region.</p> <ol> <li value="4"><strong>Participants:</strong></li> </ol> <p style="margin-left:72pt;"><strong>Local Competitors:</strong> Participants are typically local residents, including young athletes and community members.</p> <p style="margin-left:72pt;"><strong>Local Audience:</strong> The audience mainly consists of local residents and some domestic tourists.</p> <ol> <li value="5"><strong>Atmosphere:</strong></li> </ol> <p style="margin-left:54pt;"><strong>Intimate and Traditional:</strong> The atmosphere is more intimate and community-oriented, often with a stronger emphasis on local traditions and customs.</p> <p> </p> ', 'excerpt' => null, 'file1' => 'Naadam_national_festival_ceremony.jpg', 'file2' => null, 'alt_for_file1' => 'Naadam_national_festival_ceremony', 'alt_for_file2' => null, 'type' => 'mongolia_travel_news', 'created' => '2024-06-24 00:00:00', 'url' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), 'CustomFields' => array() ), (int) 2 => array( 'Node' => array( 'title' => 'Adventure awaits in Mongolia - Lonely Planet's Best Travel Destination of 2024 ', 'slug' => 'adventure-awaits-in-mongolia-lonely-planets-best-travel-destination-of-2024', 'body' => '<p>Lonely Planet ranks Mongolia as the best travel destination in 2024 among 50 countries highlighting its unique appeal and diverse experiences. Uncover the beauty and traditions that make Mongolia a must-visit country in the upcoming year. </p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/mongolia-best-travel-destinatin-by-lonely-planet.jpg" /></p> <p>In Mongolia, you can immerse yourself in stunning landscapes, rich culture, and unique nomadic experiences. Enjoy traditional folk music, savor local cuisines, and embrace the essence of Mongolian identity during the <u><a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news?tag=naadam-festival"><span style="color:#0066ff;">Naadam Festival</span></a></u><span style="color:#0066ff;">.</span></p> <p>Feel the spirit of freedom through horseback riding and explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Cultural Landscape in Orkhon Valley, known for its scenic beauty and historical significance. </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wNK2HBQT6pI?si=B7_ePdwPZ3GlSVZh" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p> <p>Ayan Travel, with two decades of tour operating expertise, tailors your Mongolia adventure. Specializing in photography and adventure tours, we guide you to witness the Naadam Festival in central Mongolia, explore the vast Gobi Desert, experience eagle hunting culture in west Mongolia, journey to the remote Taiga mountains to meet the Tsaatan, reindeer herding people, and shamans in northern Mongolia.</p> <p style="text-align: center;">Your unforgettable and uniquely crafted journey awaits in Mongolia. </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><u><a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/tailormade"><span style="color:#0066ff;">Contact your travel specialist now</span></a><span style="color:#0066ff;">. </span></u></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'excerpt' => null, 'file1' => 'Lonely_planet_best_destinations_2024_mongolia_cover.jpg', 'file2' => null, 'alt_for_file1' => 'Lonely_planet_best_destinations_2024_mongolia_cover', 'alt_for_file2' => null, 'type' => 'mongolia_travel_news', 'created' => '2023-12-20 00:00:00', 'url' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), 'CustomFields' => array() ), (int) 3 => array( 'Node' => array( 'title' => ' Photos of Adorable Manul, The Pallas's Cat in Mongolia', 'slug' => 'photos-manul-pallas-cat-mongolia', 'body' => '<p style="text-align: justify;">In collaboration with World Wildlife Day March 3, the Ayan Travel team has decided to share with you the photos of the adorable Pallas's cat <span style="text-align: justify;"><em>(Otocolobus manul)</em> </span>known as Manul, in its wild habitat, captured by Mongolian photographer Batzaya Choijiljav. </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Surprisingly, most people don’t know well that Pallas’s cat shares their mountain habitat with its near-big cousin<span style="color:#008000;"> </span><u><span style="color:#0099ff;">S</span><a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/photography-of-snow-leopards-in-mongolias-wild-west" target="_blank"><span style="color:#0099ff;">now leopards</span></a><span style="color:#0099ff;">.</span></u> if you are a photographer, planning a <u><span style="color:#0099ff;">wildlife </span><a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/tours/mongolia-photography-tours" target="_blank"><span style="color:#0099ff;">photo trip to Mongolia</span></a><span style="color:#0099ff;"><strong> </strong></span></u>for Snow leopards, you can capture these amazing wild cats on the same trip in Mongolia. <span style="text-align: justify;">This adorable flat-faced and furry wild cat is very little known compared to other subspecies of the family </span><em style="text-align: justify;">Felidae</em><span style="text-align: justify;">. </span>Maybe you have seen these lovely wild cat's faces featured in many memes and viral videos. Mongolia is one of the few countries you can eyewitness these secretive and solitary wild cats in Central Asia. </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="manul pallas cat mongolia" src="/uploads/Manuul_Pallas_s_cat_manul.jpg" /></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><em>Pallas’s cat is similar in size to a domestic cat but it looks much bigger because of its stocky build and its long and thick coat, fluffy tail, and flattened face.</em></span></p> <h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color:#000000;">Pallas's Cat - </span></strong><span style="color:#008000;">Quick Facts </span></span></h3> <p><strong><span style="color:#000000;">Kingdom</span> -</strong><span style="color:#008000;">Animalia </span></p> <p><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Name: </strong></span><span style="color:#008000;">Pallas's Cat</span></p> <p><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Mongolian name: </strong></span><span style="color:#008000;">Мануул</span></p> <p><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Scientific name: </strong></span><em><span style="color:#008000;">Otocolobus manul</span></em></p> <p><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>IUCN Status:</strong></span> <font color="#008000">Least Concern</font></p> <p><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Population: </strong></span><span style="color:#008000;">Total estimated: 58,000</span></p> <p><strong><span style="color:#000000;">Location</span>: </strong><span style="color:#008000;">Central Asia</span></p> <p><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Habitats: </strong></span><span style="color:#008000;">mountains, steppe grasslands that has rocky outcrops., and semi-desert terrain. </span></p> <p><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Diet: </strong></span><span style="color:#008000;">In Mongolia Pallas’s Cat eats a broad range of small mammals (Ochotona, Alticola, Meriones, Lasiopodomys, Cricetulus), insects, birds, reptiles, and carrion.</span></p> <p><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Body Length: </strong></span><span style="color:#008000;">46-65 cm</span></p> <p><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Weight: </strong></span><span style="color:#008000;">2.2-4.5 kg</span></p> <p><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Mating Season: </strong></span><span style="color:#008000;">December to March</span></p> <p><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Lifespan: </strong></span><span style="color:#008000;">8-11.5 years</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="mongolia pallas cat photography" src="/uploads/Manuul_manul_pallas_cat.jpg" /></p> <h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Pallas's Cat in Mongolia</strong></span></span></h3> <p style="text-align: justify;">Although the Manul is found throughout central Asia, its habitat is a very specific and harsh environment. It lives on rocky steppes and stony outcroppings only and is rarely seen in lowland areas. It has been found at altitudes up to 4,800m but only in areas where deep snow does not accumulate. They make their dens in caves, crevices, or burrows dug by other animals.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">German naturalist Peter Pallas first described the furry wildcat in 1776. He named the kitty Felis manul. As its scientific name- (<em>Otocolobus manul)</em>, the word ‘<em>manu</em>l’ comes from the Mongolian language and <em>Otocolobus</em> is Greek for “ugly-eared.”</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/uploads/Manuul_manul_pallas_cat_mongolia_wild.jpg" style="opacity: 0.9; text-align: center;" /></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><em>Pallas’s cat moves slowly but purposefully, concealing itself within its environment and blending into the background.</em></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Pallas's cats are ambush hunters and spend much of their time hunting pikas as mouse hares, murines, ground squirrels, and voles are also eaten, and also small birds, grasshoppers and lizards, and other critters like gerbils, voles, hares, ground squirrels, birds, and young marmots. Pikas typically make up more than 50 percent of the cat's diet.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="mongolia wild cat manuul" src="/uploads/Pallas_cat_mongolia_photography_batzaya.jpg" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-size:14px;">According to the IUCN Red List, the total population size of the Pallas’s cat is estimated at 15,315 mature individuals. This species’ numbers are decreasing today and it is classified as Near Threatened (NT) on the IUCN Red List</span></em>.</p> <h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color:#000000;"><strong>Photographing the Pallas's cat in Mongolia</strong></span></span></h3> <p>Palla’s cats were believed to be primarily nocturnal, but are now being considered crepuscular in nature. Palla's cat is a shy and very antisocial animal. Without the help of an experienced local guide or researcher, it is almost impossible to encounter this rare creature in Mongolia. They have an extraordinary ability to hide within their own habitat. Even their markings and coloration allow them to easily blend with their surroundings which makes it uneasy to spot them without an experienced Mongolian wildlife photo tour agency.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/uploads/manul_pallas_cat_mongolia_wildlife.jpg" style="opacity: 0.9; text-align: center;" /></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><em>Once we see the startling aspects of its appearance, it becomes clear that the Pallas's cat is in fact rather handsome and adorable. </em></span></p> <p>If you especially wish to see and photograph Pallas's cats in Mongolia with their lovely kittens, it is better to plan your trip to Mongolia between May to August. Because they mate between December and March; the females typically give birth between the end of March and May. Kittens become independent by four to five months, until then they are with their mother. But hope you know the challenges of wildlife photography. You can spend a long time waiting for an animal to come into the spot and then it simply turns around, leaves and that's the end of it. However, these challenges are also part of what makes <u><a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/wildlife-photography-discover-mongolian-wild-side" target="_blank"><span style="color:#0099ff;">Mongolian wildlife photography</span></a></u> so rewarding.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="pallas cat photography in mongolia" src="/uploads/Manuul_manul.jpg" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Finally, this rare creature is listed as a 'near-threatened' species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). One of the main reasons for its decreasing population is the hunting for their fur and organs, which are used in traditional medicines. Moreover, it's one of the least studied cats in the world. </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/uploads/Manuul_mongolian_wildlife_tour_manul.jpg" /></p> <p>We wish to increase both Mongolian and global awareness about Pallas’s cats and build on the knowledge of their natural history and threats. As we gain knowledge of them, we can love, save and protect them. Today is World Wildlife Day. We hope you<strong><span style="color:#008000;"> #DoOneThing for Palla’s cat</span></strong> can be either sharing this blog with those who don’t know about this rare creature or making your own efforts in its conservation.</p> <p> </p> <h3 style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color:#008000;"><span style="font-family:times new roman,times,serif;">The Future of Wildlife is in Our Hands. </span></span></strong></h3> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="mongolia snow leopard tour with batzaya choijiljav" src="/uploads/Mongolia_snow_leopard_tour_for_social_distance.jpg" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><u><a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/photography-of-snow-leopards-in-mongolias-wild-west" target="_blank"><span style="color:#0099ff;">You may be interested in Story About Snow Leopard in Mongolia’s Wild West </span></a></u><span style="color:#0099ff;"> </span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> ', 'excerpt' => null, 'file1' => 'Manul_manuul_pallas_cat_mongolian_wildlife.jpg', 'file2' => null, 'alt_for_file1' => 'Manul_manuul_pallas_cat_mongolian_wildlife', 'alt_for_file2' => null, 'type' => 'mongolia_travel_news', 'created' => '2023-03-03 00:00:00', 'url' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), 'CustomFields' => array() ), (int) 4 => array( 'Node' => array( 'title' => 'The result of Snow leopard field survey is released in Mongolia', 'slug' => 'snow-leopard-field-survey-is-released-in-mongolia', 'body' => '<blockquote>Mongolia released the results of its first nationwide Snow Leopard survey, showing that there are 953 (806 – 1127) of these adult big cats inhabiting about 328,900 square km area of Altai, Sayan, Khangai Mountain ranges in Mongolia. This is the first innovative methods and covering a large area of field study of snow leopard in the world. And the study confirms that Mongolia has become the second largest snow leopard population in the world.</blockquote> <div> <div dir="auto"> <blockquote> <p>WWF-Mongolia and other partner organizations, with support from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism Mongolia successfully completed the large-scale study to determine the current range and the population size of snow leopard in Mongolia. During the 3 years of field survey, 15 snow leopards were collared, and 1,475 camera traps deployed at 29 mountains which provided photographic evidence of the elusive big cats across the habitat, confirming their presence. </p> <p><span style="color:#696969;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: italic;">News source: WWF-Mongolia. 17 March.2021</span></em></span></span></p> </blockquote> </div> </div> <div> <div dir="auto"><img alt="" src="/uploads/Wild_nature_mongolia_snow_leopard.jpg" /></div> <div dir="auto"><span style="font-size:14px;"><em>Snow Leopard habitat in west Mongolia.They live in the high mountain ranges up to 3,000-4,000 meters above the sea level In Mongolia. © Batzaya Choijiljav</em></span></div> <div dir="auto"> </div> <div dir="auto">One of the most elusive cats on the planet, known as “ghost of the mountains” the snow leopard is just found in the remote high mountains of central Asian 12 countries, including Mongolia. A high mountain predator, magnificent snow leopards, living in the snowy mountains and keeping their home healthy. Named as the third pole, the central Asian snowy mountains keep the third largest clear water resource of our planet, where the snow leopards live. They are the true guardians, sadly just about 6,000 snow leopards left in wild. </div> <div dir="auto"> </div> <div dir="auto"><img alt="" id="" src="/uploads/Wild_snow_leopard_mongolia.jpg" /></div> <div dir="auto"><span style="font-size:14px;"><em>You are seeing one of the 953 wild snow leopards of Mongolia in its wild mountain habitat. © Batzaya Choijiljav</em></span></div> <div dir="auto"> </div> </div> <div> <div dir="auto">It is not that easy to find this well camouflaged cat in it wild habitat. Also it must be not that easy to complete this large-scale study. Really appreciate the great job which professionals made it successfully. </div> <div dir="auto"> </div> <div dir="auto"><img alt="" src="/uploads/Mongolia_snow_leopard.jpg" /></div> <div dir="auto"><em style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(27, 45, 59); font-family: Hind, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; text-align: justify;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 14px;">The Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) in Western Mongolia in January, 2020. © Batzaya Choijiljav</span></em></div> <div dir="auto"> </div> <div dir="auto">We, the Ayan Travel has also been contributing the snow leopard conservation with our photography projects which aim to raise awareness of this beautiful cat to the locals and the world. Learn more about the snow leopard and our remarkably successful trip to photograph it in West Mongolia. Please visit here <strong><a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/photography-of-snow-leopards-in-mongolias-wild-west" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800000;">Photography of Snow Leopard in Mongolia’s Wild West</span></a><span style="color:#800000;">. </span></strong>If you would like to join us to this campaign, please feel free to contact us and we are open to the further cooperation. </div> <div dir="auto"> </div> <div dir="auto"><span style="color:#800000;"><em>Created:17 March, 2021</em></span></div> <div dir="auto"> </div> <div dir="auto"> </div> </div> ', 'excerpt' => null, 'file1' => 'Snow_leopard_mongolia_cover1.jpg', 'file2' => null, 'alt_for_file1' => 'Snow_leopard_mongolia_cover1', 'alt_for_file2' => null, 'type' => 'mongolia_travel_news', 'created' => '2021-03-17 00:00:00', 'url' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), 'CustomFields' => array() ), (int) 5 => array( 'Node' => array( 'title' => '5 Reasons you will love Sagsai in western Mongolia', 'slug' => '5-reasons-you-will-love-sagsai-in-western-mongolia', 'body' => '<p>Sagsai is home to the eagle hunting tradition, where most Kazakh eagle hunters live and the village is named as river Sagsai. Travelers love most about eagle hunting tradition, but may have little information about its environs that support the old traditions both the falconry and nomadic culture. People also may have heard about the falconers but may little know about eagle falconers’ daily living that shows the unique culture. There are also many to tell the reasons to love Sagsai, but here we choose to tell you the reasonable fives.</p> <h3><span style="color:#008080;">1. Great hospitality</span></h3> <p>Nomadic people are known as the most hospitable ones because of their traditional way of living. Kazakh hospitality traditions have much in common with those of other nomadic cultures, all of which have a very respectful attitude to guests. Hosting begins with warm greeting, and the guests are invited to seat the most honorable place of the family. After that, the guests were treated with milk tea, various snacks, and Kazakh cuisines.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/sagsai_golden_eagle_festival_family_visit.jpg" /></p> <p>No matter the visitors are invited or not, they are strangers or not, no matter they stay there in a short period of time or for days, Kazakh family offers great hospitality to all the visitors, treating with what they have. It is said that Kazakh people believe in some strange sayings that “the family cries and they might be unlucky when guests not to visit their home” so Kazakh family offer their last meals to their guests, even they don’t have enough food for them. Also every Kazakh family has a dombra, the traditional musical instrument. They love to play dombra for the guests and it is really heart warming aspect of their hosting. When you visit Sagsai you can experience their unique culture and feel this amazing hospitality.</p> <p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Gho8VU9lrHM" width="100%"></iframe></p> <hr /> <h3><span style="color:#008080;">2. Nomadic eagle falconers</span></h3> <p>There are many countries where the falconry is still practicing in the world today. But the old tradition, the classic form of eagle falconry is in western Mongolia; when the winter comes falconer goes for a hunt the wild mammals with his trained eagle on horseback to the mountains and while they are living in nomadic way of life.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/Sagsai_Golden_eagle_hunters.jpg" /></p> <p>In westernmost region of Mongolia, there are about 250 eagle hunters who practice this traditional eagle falconry and most of them are living in Sagsai village. They care for eagles while caring for the domestic herds, migrating 3 to 4 times a year for looking for the better pastures. The combination of the two traditional cultures is still living in Sagsai which is not found in many places of world.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/uploads/Eagle_hunting_tour_mongolia copy copy.jpg" /></p> <hr /> <h3><span style="color:#008080;">3. The golden eagles </span></h3> <p>One of the largest birds of prey, The Golden Eagle<em> (Aquila chrysaetos)</em> has many impressive stories in human culture, the symbol of strength, courage, independence, faith and the most respected bird of many countries around the world. In Mongolia golden eagle used as a hunting bird by Kazakh nation, and is a regular resident, wild ones are occurred in most areas, mostly reside among rocks and high peaks up to 3000 m above sea level. For the trained hunter eagles, during the captivity, they live with humans in their dwelling. While you are visiting Sagsai, you can You can get closer to this magnificent bird, you will know that how smart it is, and how beautiful it is and how the avian raptor hunt prey with its human partner. This can be just amazing experience and you will love this heavenly creature.</p> <p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BRERDyx372g" width="100%"></iframe></p> <hr /> <h3><span style="color:#008080;">4. Remarkable natural habitat </span></h3> <p>Sagsai village is located on the riverbank Sagsai river, surrounded with high mountains. Altai Mountain region is one of the important habitats of wild mammals, the giant golden eagles and the nomadic people and they make the Sagsai a perfect place for keeping eagle falconry in its traditional form. The diversity of animal species in the Mongolian Altai region and the levels of endemism can be lower than in the tropical zones, but the particular assemblages of species and the intact functioning ecosystems are found nowhere else in the world.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/sagsai_wildlife.jpg" style="float: left; max-width: 49%; margin-right: 10px; " /></p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/Sagsai_wildlife_manuul.jpg" style="float: right; max-width: 49%;" /></p> <p style="clear: both"> </p> <p>This remarkable natural habitat has been supports the livelihood of nomadic peoples along with their culture that relates to the hunting wild animals with golden eagles. But in last years, the natural environments have been affected by desertification, over grazing and some modern infrastructures which threatens both the wildlife and falconry culture. To love this tradition and natural habitat is to conserve them. So it is time to aware and preserve both nature and culture for sustaining the healthy relationship of human and nature.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/Sagsai_beautiful_nature.jpg" /></p> <hr /> <h3><span style="color:#008080;">5. Photogenic eagle festival</span></h3> <p>There are many stories, pictures and publications about the incredible human culture that nestles in the remote Altai mountains in Mongolia. The golden eagle festival has been known to the world, and being one of the most attractive events in Asia. The festival allows us to see and know more about the old traditions of hunting with eagles in a short period. It gives us a chance to get deep knowledge and authentic experience of centuries-old culture in just 2 days.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/Jenisbek_sagsai_golden_eagle_festival.jpg" /></p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/Sagsai_eagle_festival_september.jpg" /></p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/Sagsai_eagle_hunting.jpg" /></p> <p>In Sagsai village, in every September the Sagsai Golden Eagle Festival is held that also offers us great opportunity to explore and document all of these cultural experiences and in addition, there are specific sessions and programs for photographers and film makers. The Sagsai festival is not so touristy and it gives a great freedom to enjoy, also the festival directly contributes the local eagle hunters and their family who keep this wonderful tradition. </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/uploads/sagsai_golden_eagle_hunter.jpg" /></p> <p>This festival is a part of the AYAN Project which aims to help preserving this vanishing culture through the art of photography. If you are interested in more about this event, please visit the page <a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/why-you-should-visit-sagsai-golden-eagle-festival-in-mongolia" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 0);">Sagsai Golden Eagle Festival</span></strong></a>.</p> <p><img alt="reasons you will love sagsai" src="/uploads/sagsai_golden_eagle_festival_visit_nomad_family.jpg" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>The atmosphere of Sagsai Golden Eagle Festival </strong></p> <p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="415" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uEsnklHGwko" width="1034px"></iframe></p> <p> </p> <hr /> <p>To conclude that we got the reasons why we should love Sagsai, where one of the most hospitable people on earth living in a nomadic way of life and keeping the ancient falconry culture, where one of the most attractive festival takes place and that shows amazing heritages, where one of the most iconic wild animals inhabit that indirectly supports the humans. The place itself should be on your bucket list to travel and love.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/Sagsai_eagle_hunters_family.jpg" /></p> <p>At Ayan Travel, we initiated the project and this is the way we choose to help preserve these natural and cultural treasures is to raise awareness to the world by using the power of photography. If you would like to join us in this campaign, please feel free to contact us and we are open to further cooperation.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/Sagsai_entrance.jpg" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;">Welcome to the home of the eagle hunters and visit Sagsai with us! </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'excerpt' => null, 'file1' => 'Sagsai_beautiful_nature.jpg', 'file2' => null, 'alt_for_file1' => 'Sagsai_beautiful_nature', 'alt_for_file2' => null, 'type' => 'mongolia_travel_news', 'created' => '2021-03-12 00:00:00', 'url' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), 'CustomFields' => array() ), (int) 6 => array( 'Node' => array( 'title' => 'Jaw-dropping Throat Singing - Khoomei', 'slug' => 'jaw-dropping-throat-singing-khoomei', 'body' => '<p>The uniqueness of Khoomei - Throat singing has started to attract the attention of people all over the world in recent years. It has become one of the main reasons to travel to Mongolia for many visitors, who were amazed and wanted to hear Khoomei in person. Khoomei, which means "the root of the palate," is a vocal technique in which one person deliberately fills in multiple voices in a single voice. People around the Altai Mountains in Central Asia have inherited Khoomei from their ancestors, especially Mongolians. Let us familiarize ourselves with the wonder of throat singing.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/Main_(Throat-Singing)_BLOG.jpg" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><em>/Altai Mountains by Batzaya Choijiljav/</em></span></p> <hr /> <h3><span style="font-size:24px;"><strong>ORIGIN</strong></span></h3> <p>Khoomei (or Khöömei) is believed to have originated from attempts to mimic natural sounds such as wind blowing, waterfowl, and birds chirping. Although there are some legends of the origin of Khoomei, it is difficult to determine exactly when the Khoomei tradition originated. Usually, men practice Khoomei, but women also started practicing Khoomei about thirty years ago. Khoomei is a multifaceted and rich heritage of the Mongolian nation and a living and developing tradition.</p> <hr /> <h3><span style="font-size:24px;"><strong>MAIN STYLES OF KHOOMEI</strong></span></h3> <p>Many methods of throat singing are divided into two main styles: Kharkhiraa and Isgeree.</p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>Kharkhiraa (Deep Khoomei): </strong></span>When practicing Kharkhiraa, the throat singer takes a deep breath and makes a deep sound one octave below the main chord by making parallel contractions of the larynx, abdomen, and diaphragm to produce a background sound based on a compressed tube. In addition to the vocal cords, the vocal cords vibrate in a very deep, argyle melody, and the vocalist creates a delicate melody on it.</p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size: 18px;"><strong>Isgeree (Whistled Khoomei): </strong></span>When practicing Isgeree, the throat singer takes a deep breath and makes a narrow whistle that sounds one or more octaves above the main vowel by pressing the choke, abdomen, and diaphragm in parallel to produce a background sound based on a compressed tube. In this way, the background sounds like a very clear and subtle sound that rings over the vowel. Isgeree khoomei is also known as Nariin khoomei, Uyangiin khoomei, and Altai light khoomei.</p> <p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iJ84PsV54nk" width="100%"></iframe></p> <hr /> <h3><span style="font-size:24px;"><strong>THE INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF HUMANITY</strong></span></h3> <p>In 2010, Mongolia's traditional throat singing was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/UNESCO_Intangible_Cultural_Heritage_(Throat_Singing)_BLOG.jpg" /></p> <hr /> <h3><span style="font-size:24px;"><strong>INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION</strong></span></h3> <p>Mongolian artists who practice throat singing stepped into international stages to introduce the wonder of Khoomei.</p> <p>In 2015, “Khusugtun” Ethnic Band competed and finished as runner-up in the first edition of “Asia’s Got Talent” and introduced wonderful throat singing to Asia, the largest continent in the world.</p> <p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KCpuMPtaGFk" width="100%"></iframe></p> <p> </p> <p>Then, the Mongolian rock band “HU”, who uses Khoomei in their singing style, rocked the world with their music. Their song “Yuve Yuve” has got an astonishing record of more than 60 million views on Youtube, which is 17 times as the population of Mongolia. The big milestone was the song "Wolf Totem" reached No. 1 on Billboard's Hard Rock Digital Song Sales, making The Hu the first Mongolian musical act to top a Billboard chart.</p> <p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="265" scrolling="no" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/v4xZUr0BEfE?start=60" width="100%"></iframe></p> <hr /> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#000000;">Mongolians are proud of these artists’ accomplishments and dedication to advertising the country and the unique intangible cultural heritage of the throat singing culture worldwide. </span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <h4 style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color:#800000;">If you want to listen to throat singing with your ears, </span></strong><strong><span style="color:#800000;">travel to Mongolia, and experience it in person.</span></strong></h4> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'excerpt' => null, 'file1' => 'Cover_(Throat-Singing)_BLOG.jpg', 'file2' => null, 'alt_for_file1' => 'Cover_(Throat-Singing)_BLOG', 'alt_for_file2' => null, 'type' => 'mongolia_travel_news', 'created' => '2020-10-28 00:00:00', 'url' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), 'CustomFields' => array() ), (int) 7 => array( 'Node' => array( 'title' => '5 What Not to Do in Mongolian Ger', 'slug' => '5-what-not-do-in-mongolian-ger', 'body' => '<p>When you travel to Mongolia, you will get a chance to visit or even stay in a famous Mongolian Ger, constructible, and movable house. Mongolians' ger housing has a long tradition and has passed through many stages of development and evolution. The ger, which is best suited for nomadic life, is very attractive in terms of structure. The Mongolian ger is light, compact, durable, and has a unique architectural design.</p> <p>There are a couple of thousands of traditional rules and superstitions regarding Mongolian Ger. And we have chosen 5 important rules which could be useful when you travel to Mongolia. Mongolian nomads like to teach the rules to foreigners instead of getting offended. But we recommend you to learn the following 5 traditional rules regarding Mongolian Ger. </p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/5 _What_not_do_in_Mongolian_Ger_Main.jpg" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><em>/Picture of the ger with a traditional and modern ride of nomads/</em></span></p> <hr /> <p><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="font-size:24px;"><strong>1.</strong></span> Do not step on the bottom of the threshold of the door when you enter or exit the ger. Please try to step over it. Even tripping on the threshold frame is not acceptable. The threshold is considered as the border, which separates the Ger and outside. Therefore, nobody should step on the threshold out of respect for the family.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px;"><img alt="" src="/uploads/5 _What_not_do_in_Mongolian_Ger_1a.jpg" /></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><em>/Drone footage of gers of nomads/</em></span></p> <hr /> <p><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="font-size:24px;"><strong>2.</strong></span> Do not walk between the ger columns that hold up the roof. This is considered bad luck. It is also forbidden from the safety point of view because the whole ger will collapse if these two columns are damaged or moved.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px;"><img alt="" src="/uploads/5 _What_not_do_in_Mongolian_Ger_2.jpg" /></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size:14px;">/Mongolian nomad is holding the columns of the ger while the ger is being set up/</span></em></p> <hr /> <p><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="font-size:24px;"><strong>3.</strong></span> Do not sit at the head (or north) of the ger. The door of the ger always faces the south to help nomads to figure out an hour based on the position of the sun. That is why the head of the ger is in the north. The head of the ger is a place for the man (father) of the family, but if he is absent, the oldest man can sit there.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px;"><img alt="" src="/uploads/5 _What_not_do_in_Mongolian_Ger_3.jpg" /></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="font-size:14px;">/<strong>Left:</strong> View from the head (or north) of the ger & </span></span><strong style="font-size: 14px;">Right:</strong><span style="font-size: 14px;"> Father of the family is sitting on the head of the ger/</span></p> <hr /> <p><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="font-size:24px;"><strong>4.</strong></span> Do not proceed to the righ-hand side of the ger. The left-hand side of the ger is known as the side for guests. The right-hand-side is for family, or by invite only. There will be a bed and small chairs to sit on, but small chairs might not be enough for everyone if you traveling with a large number of people</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:18px;"><img alt="" src="/uploads/5 _What_not_do_in_Mongolian_Ger_4.jpg" /></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size:14px;">/Guests are sitting in the left-hand side of the ger/</span></em></p> <hr /> <p><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="font-size:24px;"><strong>5.</strong></span> Do not refuse the host’s offerings, which are usually milk tea with salt and dairy. Refusal is considered as unrespectful and rude behavior. If you are lactose intolerant, you can just take the offering and return it. You do not need to worry about milk tea as it is made out of cow, goat, or sheep milk.</span></p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/5 _What_not_do_in_Mongolian_Ger_5.jpg" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size:14px;">/Hosts are serving traditional Mongolian milk tea and dairies to guests/</span></em></p> <hr /> <h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 0); font-size: 18px;">Mongolian nomads are one of the most hospitable people in the world. They will treat you with everything they have even if you are uninvited and dropped there unexpectedly. All you can do is show some respect.</span></h2> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'excerpt' => null, 'file1' => '5_Guide_for_visiting_Mongolian_Ger_COVER_PICTURE.jpg', 'file2' => null, 'alt_for_file1' => '5_Guide_for_visiting_Mongolian_Ger_COVER_PICTURE', 'alt_for_file2' => null, 'type' => 'mongolia_travel_news', 'created' => '2020-09-18 00:00:00', 'url' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), 'CustomFields' => array() ), (int) 8 => array( 'Node' => array( 'title' => '10 FACTS ABOUT MONGOLIA: By the numbers', 'slug' => '10-facts-about-mongolia-by-the-numbers', 'body' => '<p><img alt="" src="/uploads/Main Picture (10 Facts About Mongolia - By the numbers).jpg" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color:#000000;">Mongolia, the land of eternal blue sky and the Great Genghis Khan (also known as Chingis Khan) has attracted the interest of people all over the world to travel to Mongolia because of its remoteness, various types of landscapes, and nomadic lifestyle. Mongolian nomads are known as one of the last nomadic people on the earth. Let us introduce 10 facts about Mongolia in an interesting style in numbers 1 to 10.</span></p> <hr /> <p><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong>1:</strong></span> Lake Khovsgol in Northern Mongolia contains about 1 percent of the world freshwater and 70 percent of Mongolia’s fresh water. The lake is called “The Blue Pearl” by Mongolia. With an area of 1,012 square miles (2,620 square km), it is Mongolia’s largest freshwater lake in Mongolia, with depths exceeding 800 feet (244 m). Lake Khovsgol is one of the top destinations to travel on Mongolia for both domestic and international tourists.</span></p> <p><span style="color:#000000;"><img alt="" src="/uploads/Khovsgol Lake (Mongolian Blue Trail to Spiritual Shaman Tour).jpg" /></span></p> <hr /> <p><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong>2:</strong></span> Number of neighboring countries of Mongolia, including the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation. Mongolia is the second-largest landlocked country in the world after Kazakhstan.</span></p> <hr /> <p><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong>3: </strong></span>Number of games Mongolians compete in Naadam Festival or also known as “Games of Three Men”. Those games are wrestling, horse racing, and archery, which have had an important place in Mongolian culture since the foundation of the Mongol Empire. The strength of the Mongol Empire army was tested and strengthened through these three sports.</span></p> <p><span style="color:#000000;"><img alt="" src="/uploads/3 - Naadam Festival (10 Facts About Mongolia - By the numbers).jpg" /></span></p> <hr /> <p><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong>4:</strong></span> Presidential and Parliamentary elections are held every 4 years, but they are held separately. Mongolia is a democratic country with a parliamentary system.</span></p> <hr /> <p><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong>5:</strong></span> Mongolian people herd 5 kinds of livestock, including horse, camel, sheep, goat, and cow (yak is considered as a cow). The number of livestock has reached 71,000,000 million, which is about 22 times as big as the population of Mongolia.</span></p> <p><span style="color:#000000;"><img alt="" src="/uploads/5 - Livestock (10 Facts About Mongolia - By the numbers).jpg" /></span></p> <hr /> <p><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong>6:</strong></span> Gobi Desert is the 6th largest desert in the world. It also holds the record of being the coldest desert in the world. Gobi Desert is one of the top reasons to visit Mongolia because it is consists of beautiful Sand dunes, mysterious canyons, and spectacular mountains. It is also known as a home of the largest dinosaur fossils in the world due to the findings of a large number of dinosaur fossils.</span></p> <p><span style="color:#000000;"><img alt="" src="/uploads/9._Batzaya_Sand_khongor.jpg" /></span></p> <hr /> <p><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong>7: </strong></span>Mongolia is the 7th largest country in Asia and the 19th largest in the world by area and the third most sparsely populated. The landscape is largely steppe, desert, and semidesert, and 75% of the land is used for livestock grazing.</span></p> <p><img alt="mongolia-in-numbers-fact" src="/uploads/mongolia-facts-in-numbers.jpg" /></p> <hr /> <p><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong>8:</strong></span> The most of Mongolia sits on the timezone of GMT +8 hour. Only the western 3 provinces (out of 21) have a one-hour prior timezone, which is GMT+7 hour. Be sure to remember this fact if you plan to travel to Western Mongolia.</span></p> <hr /> <p><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong>9:</strong></span> Nine white banners, which are used as a symbol of the eternal prosperity of the Mongolian state and the people since the foundation of the Mongol Empire, are kept and protected in the Government Palace of Mongolia and only taken out during Naadam Festival and carried as a marker of the beginning of Naadam. Once banners are planted in the main area, the Naadam Festival is allowed to begin.</span></p> <p><span style="color:#000000;"><img alt="" src="/uploads/9 White Banners (10 Facts About Mongolia - By the numbers).jpg" /></span></p> <hr /> <p><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:26px;"><strong>10:</strong></span> Mongolia became the 10th country to send its citizen to outer space when Gürragchaa Jügderdemid, who was awarded as the hero of both Mongolia and Russia, flew to outer space with Soviet cosmonaut Vladimir Dzhanibekov on Soyuz 39 on 22 March 1981. While in orbit, astronauts carried out experiments on earth science. After 124 orbits and 7 days, 20 hours, and 42 minutes in space, they came back to earth.</span></p> <p><span style="color:#000000;"><img alt="" src="/uploads/10 - Austronauts (10 Facts About Mongolia - By the numbers).jpg" /></span></p> <p><em><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="color:#000000;">/Left Photo: 1981 & Right Photo: 2019/</span></span></em></p> <hr /> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#000000;">Hope you enjoyed these facts about Mongolia. A wonderful opportunity to experience the beautiful landscape and unique culture of Mongolia awaits you.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#800000;"><strong>“It is better to see something once than to hear about it a thousand times.”</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> ', 'excerpt' => null, 'file1' => 'facts-about-mongolia-in-numbers-travel-blog.jpg', 'file2' => null, 'alt_for_file1' => 'facts-about-mongolia-in-numbers-travel-blog', 'alt_for_file2' => null, 'type' => 'mongolia_travel_news', 'created' => '2020-09-09 00:00:00', 'url' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), 'CustomFields' => array() ), (int) 9 => array( 'Node' => array( 'title' => 'Why Mongolia is safe travel destination for social distancing? ', 'slug' => 'why-mongolia-is-safe-travel-destination-for-social-distancing', 'body' => '<p>If you are planning on travelling after lockdowns for coronavirus pandemic, and looking for the safe travel destination for the socially distancing vacation, then we suggest Mongolia for you.</p> <p>In the second half of 2021, Mongolia might restart tourism. Since vaccination have been runs, as of May 2021, more than 70% of the targeted population have been given the first dose and more than 600 thousand people are fully vaccinated out of about 2 million people.</p> <p>The government introduced the decision about border-opening and it is presented that before the <a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/what-to-know-about-naadam-festival-before-you-attend" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800000;">Naadam Festival 2021</span></a>, Mongolia will open air borders due to opening a new international airport in khushigt valley in Mongolia. </p> <p>Let’s looking ahead to better days when the travel ban is over and once again we can get outside for travel abroad. So let’s plan a trip today and this article helps you to plan on the fall and winter travels of 2021 and sure 2022 trip ideas are included. Also here you get the reasons why Mongolia is the place for travel safely and to find the best socially distance travel ideas that Mongolia offers.</p> <h3><span style="color:#800000;">The 3 reasons why Mongolia is safe place to travel</span></h3> <h4><strong>1. Mongolia is one of the least infected countries</strong></h4> <p>Since January, 2020, Mongolian government has strongly monitored the situation and installed a series of proactive, comprehensive measures to prevent the spread of the virus within the country. </p> <blockquote> <p><em>Related Article: <a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/latest-updates-and-information-for-travelers-on-covid-19-in-mongolia"><span style="color:#800000;">Overview and daily updates on coronavirus situation in Mongolia for travelers. </span></a></em> </p> </blockquote> <hr /> <h4><strong>2. Mongolia is one of the most sparsely populated countries</strong></h4> <p>About three million people living in the vast territory of the country nearly the size of Alaska. Mongolia averages fewer than two people per square kilometer. So Mongolia can be the perfect place for the social distancing travels. While traveling through Mongolia you will meet very few local nomadic peoples along the roads and you will get something strange feelings that what an empty but wonderful isolated world is it. </p> <p><img alt="Social distancing and safe travel to Mongolia " src="/uploads/Mongolia-least-populated-country.jpg" /></p> <blockquote> <p><em>Related Article: <a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/mongolian-top-3-tour-destinations-for-nature-lovers" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800000;">Mongolian top 3 tour destinations for nature lovers</span></a></em></p> </blockquote> <hr /> <h4><strong>3. Mongolia offers perfect natural therapies</strong></h4> <p>It is sure that we need to away from the screens and stretch our mind in the nature after the months of stacking home. But why Mongolia is the perfect place for the nature healing except the other countries? Mongolia is an unindustrialized country; nomadic living is still very popular today. So let us see what Mongolia offer us; Ecological diversities make Mongolia a great habitat of <a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/wildlife-photography-discover-mongolian-wild-side" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800000;">wonderful wildlife</span></a> and plants. Taking mountain and wildlife adventures in west Mongolia’s ragged Altai Mountains, galloping on horseback or hitting the road trip through the rolling steppes, pure larch forests allow us immersing in its spiritual wilderness, pristine lakes and wetlands show us its remarkable birdlife; Mongolia offers great birding adventures. If you want to really <em>feel</em> a place, to plunge into its culture and to have a longer trip for less, nature travel to Mongolia is an excellent option. </p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/mongolia-best-natural-theraphy.jpg" /></p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/mongolia-nature-therapy-destination-after-lockdown.jpg" /></p> <blockquote> <p><em>Related Article:<a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/mongolia-travel-destination-for-nature-lovers" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800000;"> Mongolia: Your Nature Travel Destination</span></a></em></p> </blockquote> <hr /> <h3> </h3> <h3><span style="color:#800000;">The 3 best social distancing vacation ideas in Mongolia</span></h3> <h4><strong>1. Birding in Mongolia: The perfect social distancing activity</strong></h4> <p>Birding is one of the best travel ideas for social distancing and Mongolia is one of the last wild places on earth and lying on a junction of the three migratory flyways with remarkable diverse ecosystem, including 70 important bird areas (IBAs) and significant breeding and native habitat of several globally threatened birds (GTBs). There are about 60 families, making up 516 species of birds have been recorded in Mongolia and diverse ecosystems make Mongolia a unique destination for bird lovers. </p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/birding-in-mongolia-is-perfect-activity-for-social-distance.jpg" /></p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/birding-mongolia-for-social-distance.jpg" /></p> <blockquote> <p><em>Related Article: <a href="https://www.birdmongolia.com/bird-blog" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800000;">Explore all about the birding in Mongolia on our Bird Mongolia-website</span></a></em></p> </blockquote> <hr /> <p> </p> <h4><strong>2. Heading to the remote Taiga mountains</strong></h4> <p>Have you imagined that you are traveling through the wild mountains on reindeer back and staying in teepee-like tent, talking to the indigenous Tsaatan people, one of the last true mountain nomads on the planet, the reindeer herders. They live in deep into the taiga Mountains in northern Mongolia, near Russian border, sure it is an untouristic area you will fully immerse yourself in this remote wilderness of Mongolia.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/heading-to-the-taiga-mountains-mongolia-reindeer-people-after-lockdown.jpg" /></p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/taiga-best-destination-after-lockdown.jpg" /></p> <blockquote> <p><em>Related Article: <a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/I-Documented-Mongolia%E2%80%99s-Mystical-Tsaatan-Reindeer-People"><span style="color:#800000;">Mongolia’s Mystical Tsaatan Reindeer People</span></a></em></p> </blockquote> <hr /> <p> </p> <h4><strong>3. Immersing yourself in the mysterious Gobi of Mongolia</strong></h4> <p>Consider Mongolian Gobi for social distancing travel destination, if you are creating your bucket list and looking for a unique place to add on after lock-down. The Gobi is a place of beauty, mystery, culture, and wonder that captivates adventurers all around the World. Travelers and photographers are coming for its stunning scenery, mystic historical remains, authentic nomads, their traditions and magnificent wildlife even the terrain is barren and the weather is extreme.</p> <p><strong><img alt="Social distancing and safe travel to Mongolia " src="/uploads/mongolian-gobi-safe-travel-destination.jpg" /></strong></p> <p><strong><img alt="" src="/uploads/Gobi_Desert_ pano copy.jpg" /></strong></p> <p> </p> <blockquote> <p><em>Related Article: <a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/10-reasons-you-must-travel-to-mongolian-gobi-desert" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800000;">10 Reasons You Must Travel Mongolian Gobi Desert</span></a></em></p> </blockquote> <hr /> <p> </p> <h3><span style="color:#800000;">Fall and winter travel ideas in Mongolia in 2021</span></h3> <p>In the beginning of the article, as I noted that we beleive Mongolia might open borders by July, so we can plan on fall and winter travels to Mongolia. So now let’s take a look at what Mongolia offers us in the second half of the year 2021.</p> <h4><strong>1. Sagsai Golden Eagle Festival Tour in Mongolia </strong></h4> <p>Fall is the perfect time for travel to Mongolia, it is all about beautiful nature, peaceful country life, outdoor adventures and fascinating events, the golden eagle festival in western Mongolia. We are suggesting the "Sagsai Golden Eagle Festival", is held annually in western Mongolia and is a 2-day festival which annually runs 17 -18th of September, co-organized by eagle hunters, local officials and Mongolian tour operator company Ayan Travel. The festival covers with Kazakh cultural activities, eagle hunting competitions, meeting ups with famous eagle hunters, special photographic workshops in majestic Altai Mountain ranges at the pleasant time of the year.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/eagle-hunters-in-far-west-mongolia-safe-travel.jpg" /></p> <blockquote> <p><em>Related Article: <a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/why-you-should-visit-sagsai-golden-eagle-festival-in-mongolia" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800000;">Sagsai Golden Eagle Festival in Mongolia</span></a></em></p> </blockquote> <hr /> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/uploads/Sagsai-Golden-Eagle-Festival-Tour-Mongolia-By-Ayan-Travel-Company.jpg" /></p> <hr /> <p> </p> <h4><strong>2. Snow Leopard Tour Mongolia </strong></h4> <p>Spend some of very special adventurous days of your lifetime in the isolated mountains in search of the emblematic wild Snow Leopard of Mongolia. The tour is for those who seek wild and ultimate photographic adventure to capture the elusive Snow Leopard and iconic mammals in their natural habitat. Based on our years of wildlife photography experiences and partnering with local rangers this special tour is designed well and run successfully and in every November and February we organize this adventure.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="/uploads/Snow-Leopard-Mongolia-photography-By-Batzaya-Choijiljav.jpg" /></p> <blockquote> <p><em>Related Article: <a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/photography-of-snow-leopards-in-mongolias-wild-west" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800000;">Photography of Snow Leopard in Mongolia’s Wild West</span></a></em></p> </blockquote> <hr /> <p style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="" src="/uploads/Mongolia_snow_leopard_tour_for_social_distance.jpg" /></p> <hr /> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;">We, the Ayan Travel wishing you good health! Take care of yourself and your family during this unusual times.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#006699;">By staying home today, we can #TRAVELTOMORROW</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; color: rgb(27, 45, 59); font-family: Hind, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;"> </p> ', 'excerpt' => null, 'file1' => 'why-mongolia-is-safe-travel-destination-after-lock-down.jpg', 'file2' => null, 'alt_for_file1' => 'why-mongolia-is-safe-travel-destination-after-lock-down', 'alt_for_file2' => null, 'type' => 'mongolia_travel_news', 'created' => '2020-07-03 00:00:00', 'url' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), 'CustomFields' => array() ) ) $nodes = array( (int) 0 => array( 'Node' => array( 'id' => '884', 'parent_id' => null, 'user_id' => '3', 'cat_id' => null, 'title' => 'Danshig Religious Festival - Highlight of August In Mongolia', 'slug' => 'danshig-religious-festival-highlight-of-august-in-mongolia', 'body' => '<p>As experienced Mongolian photo tour operator, we annually organize two day trip to Danshig Naadam religious and cultural festival which has been symbolizing solidarity of Mongolia for a hundred years. As this tradition, our photo team made a tour to Danshig Naadam and Khuree Tsam festival 2018.<br /> If you are planning to travel Mongolia in August for the upcoming years, please do not forget to eyewitness this religious festival and add to your travel list. Hope you have a great time with our photos and event news about Danshig Festival.</p> <h3><strong><span style="color:#800000;">The Danshig Naadam and Khuree Tsam Festival</span></strong></h3> <p>The Danshig Naadam and Khuree Tsam festival is one of the biggest and ancient religious and cultural festivals of Mongolia. Originally, Danshig (Tibetan- Tenshuk) is related to the enthronement ceremony of His Holiness Zanabazar(1635-1722), the spiritual head of Mongolian Buddhism and also a direct descendant of Great Chinggis Khan. The word Danshig can be translated in to ‘Firm existence’. The tradition of celebrating Danshig Naadam was forgotten for nearly a hundred years and this year is the fourth year since Danshig Naadam’s re-celebration since 2015 and also 383rd birthday of His Holiness Zanabazar.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/various-deity-masked-dance-danshig-naadam.jpg" /></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><em>The Danshig Naadam and Khuree Tsam festival is one of the biggest and ancient religious and cultural festivals of Mongolia.</em></span></p> <p> </p> <h3><span style="color:#800000;">Mandala Offering Ceremony at Danshig Festival</span></h3> <p>At the beginning of the two-day festival, Mandala ceremony took place in honor of His Holiness Zanabazar. First Bogd Gegeen sits in his elegant monk’s robes, with his legs folded beneath them. Mandala is a Tibetan word which means Essence or taking essence. There are more than thirty different kinds of Mandala offerings in Buddhist ritual. According to the tradition, when you perform offering, you do not hold empty hands, put some grains, blue scarf or whatever, in your hands first and pray for what you desire.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/sor-zalakh-ceremony.jpg" /></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><em>Mandala is a Tibetan word which means Essence. There are more than thirty different kinds of Mandala offerings in Buddhist ritual.</em></span></p> <p> </p> <h3><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 0);">Rising of the Soyombo Banner at Danshig </span></h3> <p>The ceremony of bringing state flag or Soyombot Tug to the Khui Doloo Khudag was held and actually, his Holiness Zanabazar created Soyombo script and later was depicted on the flag of Mongolia. This special character became a national symbol of the country. If you want to explore more about him and his masterpieces, you should go to Zanazabar Museum in the center of Ulaanbaatar. </p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/zanabazar-danshig-naadam.jpg" /></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><em>Statue of Under Gegeen Zanabazar holds two attributes -raising the Thunderbolt symbol-Dorje up to his chest with his right hand and bell in his left hand toward his stomach. </em></span><br /> </p> <h3><span style="color:#800000;">Worshipping Vajrapani- Deity Ochirvaani</span></h3> <p>The unique part of the Khuree Tsam is the noble presence of Ochirvaani -Vajrapani and the deity is believed to be a special protector for Mongolia. Huge Thangka-Buddhist paint representing the supreme deity Vajrapani was displayed at the southern end of the festival square. He is called the Master of Unfathomable Mysteries who upholds truth even in adversities of darkness and ignorance.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/rajipani-orchirvaani-deity-danshig.jpg" /></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><em>Deity Vajrapani –Ochirvaani protects Buddha and manifests all Buddha’s power. </em></span><br /> </p> <h3><span style="color:#800000;">Khuree Tsam Dance </span></h3> <p>The Tsam is one of the five minor subjects of Buddhism –Choreography. The first tsam performance in Mongolia was performed in Erdene-Zuu monastery in 1786. The Tsam dance which is the perfect combination of song, dance, music, decorative art, and folk arts hold various types of ritual subjects and wearing mask indicating their respective roles and perform various motions of hands, legs, and body.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/danshig-naadam-khuree-tsam-performance.jpg" /></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><em>The tsam has two common meanings as the dance of Buddha and subduing negative mental afflictions by emptiness.</em></span></p> <p> </p> <h3><span style="color:#800000;">Tsam Masks and Costumes</span></h3> <p>You can see through the photos that the tsam dresses are specially designated with wide triangle sleeves or cave sleeve and also ornamented with bone decorations. Tsam mask is big as twice as a human head and the dancers see their way through their mouth. That’s why tsam masks are made out of paper mache, painted or inlaid with coral beads of different sizes.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/various-deity-dance-danshig-naadam.jpg" /></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><em>The costumes of tsam dancers consist of robes decorated in an applique manner, worn with decorative aprons and bibs with ivory ornaments and crocodile-toed boots.</em> </span></p> <p> </p> <h3><span style="color:#800000;">Sor Zalakh - Ceremony of Burning of all Negatives</span></h3> <p>The ceremony of the burning of the Sor aims to remove all bad effects, contagious diseases, and other negative phenomena. If one attends with great devotion in this ceremony, it is believed to get rid of all one’s bad and dirtiness. </p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/sor-zalakh-burning-negatives.jpg" /></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><em>Mongolian Buddhist worshippers highly believe the power of this specific ritual.</em></span></p> <p>Intense music of Tsam was quite deep and there were religious and ritual sounds such as Bell ringing, pellet drums and sounds of smashing and striking which made it more attractive.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/tsam-music-instrument-danshig-naadam.jpg" /></p> <p><em style="font-size: 14px;">Monks performing Tibet horn and performing spiritual readings and rituals for the wellbeing of Mongolians.</em></p> <h3><span style="color:#800000;">Open Tent at the Center of Open Space</span></h3> <p>Same as ancient ritual, Danshig Naadam ‘s Khuree Tsam was held in open space which seven concentric circles were drawn in chalk inside clearly marked square.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/mongolia festival danshig.jpg" /></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><em>According to the tradition, an open tent was erected in the center of these circles.</em></span></p> <p>Tsam dance traditionally started with two Sitipati- two figures wearing skull masks and skeleton costumes. They represent Lord of charnel ground.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/danshig-naadam-photos.jpg" /></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><em>Through dance perform, rituals and mantras they repeat, the ceremony square and objects enshrined in it transformed into mystic Charnel Ground.</em></span></p> <p>Inner most-circle is reserved for Master of dance and the dances were accompanied by a small orchestra consisting of wind and percussion instruments.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/various-tsam-dance-danshig-naadam-festival.jpg" /></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><em>Groups of characters wearing demonic masks performed dance for banishing all evil by driving it into the lingka.</em></span></p> <p> </p> <p>The Tsam dance performances can be varied and classified by its meaning such as the dance of heroes, dance of heroines, dance of wrathful ones,dance of pacifying, inner dance, secret dance, dance of emptiness, dance of fiercely control, dance of wrathful laughter and dance of the most wrathful beings</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/shanaga-performance-danshig-naadam.jpg" /></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><em>The shanaga-only participants in the ritual not to wear masks and they are some kind of shamanistic characteristics still remain in harmony with this dance.</em></span></p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/danshig-tsama-dance-mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><em>Tsam dance by Four Guardians of Spirits of four sacred mountains surrounded by Ulaanbaatar. Garuda, Pig, Dog and Black Old’s performance</em></span></p> <h3><span style="color:#800000;">The climax of the Tsam- Erlig Nomun Khan</span></h3> <p>The final character to appear in the Tsam was Yama, God of the Realm of Death and Supreme Judge of the dead – Mongolians call Erlig Nomun Khan. It is the climax of the ritual.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/danshig-naadam-highlight-tsam.jpg" /></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><em>He appeared with wearing Buffalo mask, with lasso for catching souls in one hand and skeleton –shaped scepter in the other hand.</em></span></p> <p> </p> <h3><span style="color:#800000;">Balin – Torma Making Competition </span></h3> <p>One interesting competition among monks during Danshig Naadam was balin competition which you can see photos below. Balin is barley that is pre-prepared to be shaped and it is special feeding to the deities only made by monks and Buddhist figures. After making balins, it is put on the altar which is some way of showing the food specially served and dedicated to the Buddha and deities. </p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/balin-competition-among-monks-danshig-naadam.jpg" /></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><em>Various and skilled monks challenged in this unique competition for Best Balich Monks. </em></span></p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/danshig-naadam-festival-lama-event.jpg" /></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><em>Showcase - art of balin making to the believers and spectators of the festival.</em></span></p> <h3><span style="color:#800000;">Monks’ Competitions </span></h3> <p>Traditional competitions among monks such as Unzad-chanting masters, Golch lamas- assistant chanting masters and debating on the Buddhist logic were memorable and worth listening moments of the festival.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/unzad-chanting competitions among monks danshig.jpg" /></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><em>Monks debating both in Tibet and Mongolian language.</em></span></p> <p><span style="color:#800000;">Wrestling at Danshig Festival</span></p> <p>It is said that in the first Danshig Naadam, Buddhist monk won wrestling contests. Thereafter he was called Buh Lama- wrestling monk. Danshig Naadam has its own titles for wrestlers, archers and horse trainers.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/danshig-naadam-wrestling.jpg" /></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><em>Wrestler D.Purevdavga from Akhangai province claimed his victory for the 4th time and earned the title of Undefeated Giant of Danshig.</em></span></p> <p><span style="color:#800000;">Horse Race at Danshig Festival </span></p> <p>Totally 104 horses, above the age of five, raced in Danshig Naadam. The winning horse came from Kharkhorin village where the first place of Danshig Naadam was held. Also, horse trainers’ full name was Batbayar Zanabazar which his father’s name the same as holiness Zanabazar. Mongolians and Buddhist people accept this as Blessing. Winner Jockey kid’s race number was 108 which is considered sacred and significant number in Buddhism. Mongolians and Buddhist people accept all these numbers and occasions as Blessing and Auspicious way in Danshig Festival. <br /> <img alt="" src="/uploads/horse-race-danshig-naadam.jpg" /></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><em>Totally 104 horses above the age of five raced in Danshig Naadam.</em></span></p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Mongolians believe that if a person would attend the Tsam and he will be motivated or inspired to remove his five mental afflictions such as attachment, anger, and ignorance, pride and jealousy. Moreover, if one attends the Tsam with great devotion, there are boundless benefits can occur and change one’s life. Gongor Bumba ceremony in Amarbayasgalant monastery is also another big religious festival which also takes place in mid of August. Even if you’re not true religious follower, you will be captivated through these rituals and occasions only found in Mongolia.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><br /> <span style="color:#800000;">May all be in Peace</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p> </p> ', 'excerpt' => null, 'status' => '1', 'mime_type' => null, 'comment_status' => '1', 'comment_count' => '0', 'promote' => '0', 'path' => '/nodes/nodes/view/type:mongolia_travel_news/slug:danshig-religious-festival-highlight-of-august-in-mongolia', 'terms' => '{"77":"culture","78":"festival"}', 'terms2' => null, 'terms3' => null, 'sticky' => '0', 'lft' => '883', 'rght' => '884', 'visibility_roles' => '', 'type' => 'mongolia_travel_news', 'updated' => '2019-04-25 22:20:01', 'created' => '2018-08-07 00:00:00', 'images' => null, 'file1' => 'Danshig_Religious_Festival_mongolia.jpg', 'alt_for_file1' => 'Danshig_Religious_Festival_mongolia', 'file2' => null, 'alt_for_file2' => null, 'file3' => null, 'alt_for_file3' => null, 'file4' => null, 'alt_for_file4' => null, 'file5' => null, 'start_at' => null, 'end_at' => null, 'video_url' => '', 'title_for_layout' => '', 'meta_keywords' => 'travel mongolia, Danshig Naadam, Danshig Naadam and Khuree Tsam, religious and cultural festival of Mongolia, Khuree Tsam, Danshig event, horse race at the danshig naadam festival, Danshig event, Danshig event-Balin competitions, Danshig event-sor zalakh, Danshig event- worshipping Vajrapani, Danshig Event-horse race, Danshig event-wrestling, Danshig event- Mandala ceremony, Rising of Soyombo banner, Danshig event-monks, ayan travel , tours mongolia, tour mongolia, mongolia trip, visit mongolia in august, photos mongolia, batzaya choijiljav, ', 'meta_description' => 'As experienced Mongolian photo tour operator, we annually organize two day trip to Danshig Naadam religious and cultural festival. Let's enjoy!', 'settings_value' => null, 'map' => null, 'map_index' => null, 'is_best' => '0', 'best_promote' => '0', 'sale_percent' => null, 'days' => null, 'price' => null, 'highlights' => null, 'itinerary' => null, 'fixed_dates' => null, 'spots' => null, 'description' => null, 'tour_price' => null, 'include' => null, 'exclude' => null, 'month' => null, 'nature_level' => '1', 'culture_level' => '1', 'rencontre_level' => '1', 'physical_level' => null, 'day_acc' => null, 'day_activity' => null, 'activity_hours' => null, 'related_tours' => '{"1210":"Golden Gobi short tour","1174":"Mongolia highlights tour with Danshig Religious festival-2019","1216":"Tsam religious festival and Golden Gobi-2019 tour"}', 'hits' => '0', 'related_blogs' => '{"880":" Events in August in Mongolia ","818":"Best Time to Travel to Mongolia ","870":"Nomadic Culture Festival presents authentic tradition of the Mongols"}', 'url' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), 'User' => array( 'password' => '*****', 'id' => null, 'role_id' => null, 'username' => null, 'name' => null, 'email' => null, 'website' => null, 'activation_key' => null, 'image' => null, 'bio' => null, 'timezone' => null, 'status' => null, 'updated' => null, 'created' => null ), 'Comment' => array(), 'Meta' => array(), 'Taxonomy' => array( (int) 0 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 1 => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), 'CustomFields' => array() ), (int) 1 => array( 'Node' => array( 'id' => '883', 'parent_id' => null, 'user_id' => '3', 'cat_id' => null, 'title' => 'Ancient Culture of the Mongols – Altan Ovoo Mountain Worship', 'slug' => 'ancient-culture-of-the-mongols-altan-ovoo-mountain-worship-in-eastern-mongolia', 'body' => '<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p>Altan Ovoo Mountain State Worship in Sukhbaatar province, Eastern Mongolia</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">As living as nomads for a thousand years, Mongolians have maintained rich culture and history with worshipping nature such as a river, mountain, and even wildlife consequences. Ancient Mongols did believe the spirit of nature, its power and ask for protection and good luck by worshipping and giving offerings at the peak of the mountain which is considered the holiest part. This unique and ancient ritual of Mongols is listed on the list of Intangible Culture Heritage of UNESCO in 2017.<br /> <img alt="mongolia events " src="/uploads/mongolia ovoo offering ritual.jpg" /></p> <p><span style="text-align: justify;">You may see and spot so many Ovoos / scared stone heaps used as altars / while in you are traveling in Mongolia. Maybe similar to Mount Olympus in Greek history, there are few sacred mountains considered as holiest and biggest throughout Mongolia. One of them is Altan Ovoo Mountain worship in Sukhbaatar province eastern part of the country.</span><br style="text-align: justify;" /> <span style="text-align: justify;">Mongolian leading photographer and active traveler Batzaya Choijiljav made the short and meaningful journey to this mountain worship. He gave worship to Altan Ovoo Mountain and climbed there as Mongolian and man. Without any explanations, let us allow you to travel with his photos to Altan Ovoo mountain worship, legendary eastern vast steppe- homeland of Dariganga people.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="AltanOvoo" src="/uploads/Altan_Ovoo Mongolian mountain.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Altan dari ovoo" src="/uploads/Altan_Ovoo_Sukhbaatar_Mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p>As one of outstanding cultural heritage elements of nomadic Mongols, Modern Mongols from Sukhbaatar province and whole country also gather for worshipping and revering sacred Altan Ovoo Mountain once in 5 years. This year is the 105th anniversary of Altan Ovoo Mountain Worship since Bogd Khan Jibzundamba declared this cairn officially worshipped mountain.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Mongolia Ovoo festival" src="/uploads/Altan_Ovoo_Sukhbaatar_aiamg_Mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Altan Ovoo Mountain in Dariganga soum became officially state worshipped mountain in 2004 but it has been worshipped by local from ancient times. This Ritual of worshipping mountain is some kind of religious ceremony that you can only found in eastern Mongolia.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="Sukhbaatar aimag Altan Ovoo" src="/uploads/Altan_Ovoo_Sukhbaatar_aimag_Mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><br /> <span style="text-align: justify;">Special horse ritual of Mongols. </span>During the mountain worship, this ritual picks one special horse and ties a blue scarf around the horse neck. According to the tradition, the ritual signifies the horse is never ridden since that time and the horse will only belong to the nature and spirits of Altan Ovoo Mountain. Mongolian Prime minister U.Khurelsukh conducted this horse ritual and gave offerings to Altan Ovoo Mountain. </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="Mongolia religion Lama" src="/uploads/Mongolian lamas.jpg" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p>Mongolian practices of worshipping sacred sites is connected to ancient shamanism based on the belief in the existence of invisible deities of sky, earth, mountains and natural surroundings. It later became one important and special part of the Buddhism in Mongolia.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="Mongolia local festival at Sukhbaatar aimag" src="/uploads/Mongolian local festival_sukhbaatar.jpg" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">If wrestling makes the Mongolian viewers passionate, horse racing makes Mongolians cry. Viewers of horse racing cry either over the horses that endured the long distance to reach the finish line or even cry over the last tired one to cross the line. Mongolian horse racing will always be soul-touching and worthy seeing event whenever you travel Mongolia.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="Mongonbaatar Mongolian wrestler" src="/uploads/Mongonbaatar hartsaga.jpg" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">256 best wrestlers from various provinces competed in Altan Ovoo mountain worship’s wrestling tournaments in a beautiful open grassy field of eastern Mongolia. <br /> State Khartsaga/ State Hawk/ wrestler Sh. Mungunbaatar won in wrestling tournament of Altan Ovoo Mt worship.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="Local naadam festival" src="/uploads/Mongolian_local_festival_sukhbaatar.jpg" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">As always an important part of Mongolian festival and occasions, over a thousand glorious and fastest horses from all around the country come to challenge in six age types of horse racing in the Mountain worship. Mongolians honor and respect horses and believe the power of their spirit connects with nature.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="Local festival mongolia" src="/uploads/Mongolian local_festival_sukhbaatar.jpg" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">During the communist time in Mongolia, the worship of sacred sites was banned which severely threatened its validity, but Mongolians have been actively reviving this unique tradition and teaching young generation how to practice, respect and behave in the ceremony.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Men-only can reach the pilgrimage sites of Golden Cairn and women are strictly prohibited to climb the cairn. There were Three Manly Games of horse racing, wrestling and archery tournaments which all dedicated to Altan Ovoo Mountain Worship. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <h3 style="text-align: justify;">About Sukhbaatar Province, Eastern Mongolia </h3> <p style="text-align: justify;">Sukhbaatar Province is the birthplace of Mongolian great leader and revolutionary hero D.Sukhbaatar and you probably will visit his statue in the center of Ulaanbaatar. The province was first established in 1942 due to change of administration unit and named as Javkhlant Sharga. But from 1943, it was renamed after Sukhbaatar. The capital of the province, which is 560 km far from Ulaanbaatar, is named after Baruun-Urt River when its location moved near to the riverside. </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p><img alt="Mongolian nomadic life" src="/uploads/photos mongolia sheep_herd.jpg" style="width: 800px; height: 495px;" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Eastern Mongolia A Fast Horse Land </p> <p>Steppe horses are the tallest, fastest variety of Mongolian horses and especially, the eastern Sukhbaatar province is widely considered to produce the fastest horses in the country. The first name of the province was Javkhlant Sharga which can be termed as Glorious Palomino. It can be connected with fastest and greatest horses of Sukhbaatar province.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Mongolian horses" src="/uploads/horse photos mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p>The homeland of Various Ethnic People</p> <p>It is a great chance to explore colorful and unique ethnicities and their specific tradition and culture while traveling in Sukhbaatar province. Most of the population are Khalkh and Dariganga and fewer Uzemchin, Barga, Khuuchid, Uuld, and Tshahar ethnic minorities also live within. Their traditional folk song, great masterpieces of silversmith and blacksmiths and handicrafts of Dariganga people are famous throughout Mongolia.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Mongolian girls" src="/uploads/Mongolian dancers.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Mongolia woman portraits" src="/uploads/mongolian woman portrait.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Eastern Mongolian Steppes - UNESCO World Heritage Centre</p> <p>The Eastern Mongolian Steppes are home to the largest remaining intact temperate grasslands of the Earth. The ecosystem of Eastern Mongolian Steppes is characterized by treeless flat steppes, gently rolling hills, wetlands, and interlinkages with the Khyangan Mountain Range all the way to the border with the People’s Republic of China. The proposed serial property has five components with a total surface area of some 2 million ha, outstanding components representing the vast ecosystem.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Mongolia wild animals " src="/uploads/wildlife photos mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p><em>One of Asia’s great wildlife spectacles is White-tailed gazelle on Mongolia’s eastern vast steppe</em></p> <p> </p> <p>Breathtaking Extinct volcanoes <br /> There are more than 200 extinct volcanoes in territories of Dariganga soum which make rare and uncommon nature formations. Famous Ongon and Moltsog’s great sand and numerous caves such as Bayandulaan and Taliin Aguit/ Steppe Cave/ and many beautiful springs such as Talbulag, Rashaant, Ariin Nuur are most famous and definitely must see attractions of the province.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><em>These extinct volcanoes were active around Ice Age, approximately more than 11,000 years ago.</em></p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Mongolian beautiful landscapes" src="/uploads/mountains of Mongolia photo.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Mongolia volcano Sukhbaatar aimag" src="/uploads/volcano-mongolia_sukhbaatar.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p> If you need to know more about the area please visit this page <a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/activities-and-things-to-do-in-eastern-mongolia" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800000;">Activities and things to do in Eastern Mongolia</span></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'excerpt' => null, 'status' => '1', 'mime_type' => null, 'comment_status' => '1', 'comment_count' => '0', 'promote' => '0', 'path' => '/nodes/nodes/view/type:mongolia_travel_news/slug:ancient-culture-of-the-mongols-altan-ovoo-mountain-worship-in-eastern-mongolia', 'terms' => '{"77":"culture"}', 'terms2' => null, 'terms3' => null, 'sticky' => '0', 'lft' => '881', 'rght' => '882', 'visibility_roles' => '', 'type' => 'mongolia_travel_news', 'updated' => '2019-07-30 15:22:24', 'created' => '2018-08-02 00:00:00', 'images' => null, 'file1' => 'mountain_worship_mongolia.JPG', 'alt_for_file1' => 'mountain_worship_mongolia', 'file2' => null, 'alt_for_file2' => null, 'file3' => null, 'alt_for_file3' => null, 'file4' => null, 'alt_for_file4' => null, 'file5' => null, 'start_at' => null, 'end_at' => null, 'video_url' => '', 'title_for_layout' => '', 'meta_keywords' => 'Altan Ovoo Mountain Worship, Sukhbaatar province, Shiliin Bogd Mountain, Mongolian Eastern vast steppe, travel Mongolia, tour mongolia, mongolia tours, ', 'meta_description' => 'Altan Ovoo mountain worship is true example of nomadic Mongols beliefs in invisible deities of nature coming down from ancestors', 'settings_value' => null, 'map' => null, 'map_index' => null, 'is_best' => '0', 'best_promote' => '0', 'sale_percent' => null, 'days' => null, 'price' => null, 'highlights' => null, 'itinerary' => null, 'fixed_dates' => null, 'spots' => null, 'description' => null, 'tour_price' => null, 'include' => null, 'exclude' => null, 'month' => null, 'nature_level' => '1', 'culture_level' => '1', 'rencontre_level' => '1', 'physical_level' => null, 'day_acc' => null, 'day_activity' => null, 'activity_hours' => null, 'related_tours' => '{"1182":" Discovering Homeland of Chinggis Khaan tour ","1175":" Eastern Mongolia Tour","1215":"Living a nomad life in Orkhon valley tour"}', 'hits' => '0', 'related_blogs' => '{"886":"10 Things You Need To Know - Traveler's Checklist Mongolia ","831":"10+ Beautiful Photos of autumn in Mongolia ","818":"Best Time to Travel to Mongolia "}', 'url' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), 'User' => array( 'password' => '*****', 'id' => null, 'role_id' => null, 'username' => null, 'name' => null, 'email' => null, 'website' => null, 'activation_key' => null, 'image' => null, 'bio' => null, 'timezone' => null, 'status' => null, 'updated' => null, 'created' => null ), 'Comment' => array(), 'Meta' => array(), 'Taxonomy' => array( (int) 0 => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), 'CustomFields' => array() ), (int) 2 => array( 'Node' => array( 'id' => '882', 'parent_id' => null, 'user_id' => '1', 'cat_id' => null, 'title' => 'Outstanding Photos of Mongolian Naadam Festival ', 'slug' => 'outstanding-photos-of-mongolian-naadam-festival', 'body' => '<p>Mongolian National holiday, The Naadam Festival is taking place these days. As we are Mongolian travel organizer and the specialist in Mongolian photography, we would love to show you some of the stunning photographs of Mongolia and its thrilling holidays, including Naadam Festival, <a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/mongolian-golden-eagle-festival-and-eagle-hunters" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800000;">Golden Eagle Festival</span></a>, and <a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/journey-to-the-ice-festival-on-khovsgol-lake-in-northern-mongolia" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800000;">Winter Festivals</span></a>. For this time, you are enjoying images of Naadam Holiday, the top travel attraction of Mongolia. We do not just let you show the photos of Naadam but also, we would love to let you know the true information about our national holiday for your knowledge. Photos are taken by<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Ch.BatzayaPhotography/" target="_blank"> <span style="color:#800000;">Batzaya Choijiljav</span></a>, our director, traveler and one of the leading photographers of Mongolia, his photos feature in Mongolian nomadic culture and the ethnic portraits. Maybe you saw his photoshoots on Weather.com, Daily News, Caters News agencies and through the social media channels. Now let’s take a look around Mongolian Naadam Holiday through his camera lens.</p> <h3><span style="color:#800000;">What's Going Around Naadam Festival on 10th of July?</span></h3> <p><img alt="Mongolia Naadam festival horses race tour" src="/uploads/horse_racing_at_naadam.jpg" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-size:14px;">Mongol Naadam starts with 4 year old horse racing at Khui Doloon Khudag, locates 35km/21.7mi from the city center.</span></em></p> <p><img alt="Mongolia naadam festival archery" src="/uploads/archery_mongolia_at_naadam.jpg" /></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><em>First matches of Archery games at the archery field at the central stadium.</em></span></p> <p><img alt="Archery Mongolia naadam" src="/uploads/Naadam_archery_mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><em>Various archery tournaments such as Uriankhai style archery, Buryat style archery and children’s archery runs at the central stadium.</em></span></p> <p><img alt="Mongolian national wrestler hat" src="/uploads/National_wrestler-hut-Mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><em>Wrestler hat, the four sides of the hat are embellished with metal inscribed signs of champion, lion, Garuda, elephant, hawk and falcon, which represents the title the wrestler holds. The yellow ribbon on red behind the hand marks the success of the wrestler.</em></span></p> <p><img alt="Deeltei mongol festival" src="/uploads/mongolian_costumes.jpg" /></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><em>Deeltei Mongol Festival / Mongolians in Deel, national costume/. There are some Mongol national visitors, from Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang Uyghur, Buryatia, Tyva Republic, Sakha (Yakutia) Republic, enjoying Naadam Festival and attending some cultural events.</em></span></p> <p><img alt="Mongolia naadam festival horses race" src="/uploads/horse-race-mongolia-in-photos.jpg" /></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><em>Three year old horses racing at Khui Doloon Khudag.</em></span></p> <p><img alt="Mongolia naadam festival" src="/uploads/Mongolia_naadam_festival_in_photos_tsagaan_tug.jpg" /></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><em>At 08 PM , a ceremony for the Great White Banners at State House at the central square.</em></span></p> <h3><span style="color:#800000;">The official Naadam Festival Day on 11th of July </span></h3> <p>The official Naadam Festival is held on 11th of July annually, the President of Mongolia opens The Naadam Festival officially. This year, Mongolians celebrate their National Holiday of Naadam 2018, the year of the 2227th anniversary of Foundation of the first Mongolian State, the 812th anniversary of the founding of the Great Mongol Empire and the 97th anniversary of the Mongolian People’s Revolution. </p> <p><img alt="Naadam festival Ulaanbaatar" src="/uploads/mongolia_naadam_opening_state_banner.jpg" /></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><em>A ceremony to place the Great White Banners at the Central Stadium at 11AM.</em></span></p> <p><img alt="Mongolia naadam festival opening show" src="/uploads/State_banner_mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><em>The Great White Banners at the Central Stadium.</em></span></p> <p><img alt="Khalmaa Battulga Presedent of Mongolia" src="/uploads/president_of_mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><em>President of Mongolia officially opens Naadam Festival and pay respect to the Great White Banners, Central Stadium.</em></span></p> <p><img alt="Mongolia naadam Festival Ulaanbaatar" src="/uploads/mongolia_naadam_opening.jpg" /></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><em>Grand Opening Ceremony of the National Holiday Naadam Festival at the Central Stadium. Every year various artists attend the opening ceremony to show dance, music, and other cultural performance. This year’s opening performance features value of Mongolian family and independence. </em></span></p> <p><img alt="naadam festival wrestling" src="/uploads/wrestling_mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><em>The first round of Wrestling Champion starts with a total of 512 wrestlers, are challenging their power in the National Naadam Festival.</em></span></p> <p><img alt="Archery Mongolia" src="/uploads/woman_archer_mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><em>Show of National Archery, at archery field.</em></span></p> <p><img alt="Mongolia naadam festival " src="/uploads/horse_racing_mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><em>Above five-year-old horse (Ikh nas) race at Khui Doloon Khudag.</em></span></p> <p><img alt="Mongolia national dance " src="/uploads/Mongolian_dance.jpg" /></p> <p>There is also Culture Naadam Festival organized at Khui Doloon Khudag by Arts Council of Mongolia (ACM) and the Mongolian State University of Arts and Culture (MSUAC) with a goal to promote Mongolian nomadic culture and traditions to local and international visitor and to support community involvement in cultural and creative activities.</p> <p><img alt="Mongolia naadam festival Khui doloon hudag" src="/uploads/Mongolia_horse_show.jpg" /></p> <h3><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="color:#800000;">What is going around Naadam Festival on 12<sup>th</sup> of July?</span></span></h3> <p><img alt="Mongolia naadam festival" src="/uploads/mongolia_horserace_naadam.jpg" /></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><em> Five year old horse (Soyolon) race, at Khui Doloon Khudag.</em></span></p> <p><img alt="Archery Mongolia" src="/uploads/State_naadam_mongolia_archer_mongonbaatar.jpg" /></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><em>In the 1960’s, women archers started competing in Naadam which was a “significant development in national archery” that added dimension to making archery a truly national sport.</em></span></p> <p><img alt="Mongolian national holidays" src="/uploads/State_naadam_mongolia_wrestler_mongonbaatar.jpg" /></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><em>Wrestler Mongonbaatar.Sh, who upgraded his rank and took the title of khartsaga (Hawk) during this year's Naadam Festival.</em></span></p> <p><img alt="Mongolian national naadam festival" src="/uploads/State_naadam_mongolia_wrestlers.jpg" /></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><em>A total of 512 wrestlers, including 88 wrestlers with national titles competed in this year's Naadam. Six wrestlers became Falcons of the nation and three others took the title of Hawk during this year's Naadam</em>.</span></p> <p><img alt="Mongolian national festival naadam" src="/uploads/State_naadam_mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><em>President presents title, certificates and medals to the winner and runner-ups of the National Wrestling Tournament and for the fastest Horses. </em></span></p> <p><img alt="Mongolia naadam " src="/uploads/State_banner_mongolia_naadam.jpg" /></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px;"><em> President officially closes Naadam Festival. Closing ceremony and Parade of Great White Banners back to the State House.</em></span></p> <p>If you are the photographer, or traveler who is planning your next photo adventure to Mongolia, especially to the Naadam festival and other events, we will enjoy the photo shoots through your lens, next time. Why not. We also host to publish photos and travel diaries which is created by our clients on our <a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800000;">Mongolia Travel Blog</span></a><span style="color:#800000;">.</span></p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#800000;">Thank you for taking your time to enjoy Naadam Photographs.</span> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'excerpt' => null, 'status' => '1', 'mime_type' => null, 'comment_status' => '1', 'comment_count' => '0', 'promote' => '0', 'path' => '/nodes/nodes/view/type:mongolia_travel_news/slug:outstanding-photos-of-mongolian-naadam-festival', 'terms' => '{"77":"culture","78":"festival","13":"photography","109":"naadam-festival"}', 'terms2' => null, 'terms3' => null, 'sticky' => '0', 'lft' => '879', 'rght' => '880', 'visibility_roles' => '', 'type' => 'mongolia_travel_news', 'updated' => '2022-02-16 19:18:56', 'created' => '2018-07-13 00:00:00', 'images' => null, 'file1' => 'Monyolian_Naadam_Festival_Photos.JPG', 'alt_for_file1' => 'Monyolian_Naadam_Festival_Photos', 'file2' => null, 'alt_for_file2' => null, 'file3' => null, 'alt_for_file3' => null, 'file4' => null, 'alt_for_file4' => null, 'file5' => null, 'start_at' => null, 'end_at' => null, 'video_url' => '', 'title_for_layout' => '', 'meta_keywords' => 'mongolia travel blog, Mongolian National holiday, Naadam Festival,Mongolian travel, specialist in Mongolian photography, stunning photographs of Mongolia,public holidays,images of Naadam Holiday,top travel attraction of Mongolia,the photos of Naadam,information of our national holiday,Photos are taken by Batzaya Choijiljav,photographers of Mongolia,Mongolian nomadic culture,ethnic portraits,photoshoots on Telegraph, Daily News, Caters News agencies,Mongolian Naadam Holiday, Naadam Holiday through his camera lens archery runs at the central stadium. ', 'meta_description' => 'We would love to show you some of stunning photographs of Mongolia and its thrilling holidays, including Naadam Festival, Golden Eagle Festival and Winter Festivals. For this time, you are enjoying images of Naadam Holiday, the top travel attraction of Mongolia.', 'settings_value' => null, 'map' => null, 'map_index' => null, 'is_best' => '0', 'best_promote' => '0', 'sale_percent' => null, 'days' => null, 'price' => null, 'highlights' => null, 'itinerary' => null, 'fixed_dates' => null, 'spots' => null, 'description' => null, 'tour_price' => null, 'include' => null, 'exclude' => null, 'month' => null, 'nature_level' => '1', 'culture_level' => '1', 'rencontre_level' => '1', 'physical_level' => null, 'day_acc' => null, 'day_activity' => null, 'activity_hours' => null, 'related_tours' => '{"1158":"Mongolia Highlights Tour with Naadam Festival 2022","1211":"Mongolia Naadam Festival - 2022 Tour ","1197":"Naadam to Naadam Guided Photo Tour"}', 'hits' => '0', 'related_blogs' => '{"818":"Best Time to Travel to Mongolia ","797":"Danshig Naadam Festival","814":"WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT NAADAM FESTIVAL BEFORE YOU ATTEND? "}', 'url' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), 'User' => array( 'password' => '*****', 'id' => '1', 'role_id' => '1', 'username' => 'admin', 'name' => 'admin', 'email' => '', 'website' => null, 'activation_key' => 'ba1441679f92cbdcc9aed56dff2989ca', 'image' => null, 'bio' => null, 'timezone' => '0', 'status' => '1', 'updated' => '2026-01-05 20:36:35', 'created' => '2013-04-11 10:55:33' ), 'Comment' => array(), 'Meta' => array(), 'Taxonomy' => array( (int) 0 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 1 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 2 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 3 => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), 'CustomFields' => array() ), (int) 3 => array( 'Node' => array( 'id' => '878', 'parent_id' => null, 'user_id' => '5', 'cat_id' => null, 'title' => 'Indigenous Marriage of Tsaatan Tribe in Mongolian Wild Taiga', 'slug' => 'indigenous-marriage-tsaatan-tribe-wedding-in-the-remote-taiga-of-mongolia', 'body' => '<p>I traveled to Mongolia with some of my like-minded photographer friends, we did not just take a photo tour to Mongolia, but also we were invited to the Tsaatan tribal wedding in the remote Taiga Mountains, a home to nomadic<span style="color:#800000;"> </span><a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/I-Documented-Mongolia%E2%80%99s-Mystical-Tsaatan-Reindeer-People" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800000;">reindeer herding people</span></a><span style="color:#800000;">.</span> I was excited that the young couples were riding white gorgeous horses instead of cool black vehicle even I imagined how different it is from western wedding ceremony.</p> <p>It was an indescribable cultural and adventurous experience of our lifetime, we started our trip from the capital city of Mongolia meeting with our Mongolian photography guide and adventurous team. The next day, we flied to Murun city, the administrative center of Khovsgol province. I was wowed when I first saw the Russian 4WD minivans at the local airport and it was felt like something wild and adventurous thing would be waiting for us for the next days.</p> <h3><strong>Riding Through the Taiga Mountains - North Mongolia</strong></h3> <p>The next day we packed our photography equipment and all our belongings on horseback, even the reindeer is main transport of the Tsaatan people, / due to the reindeer cannot be used as transport in summer time/ then we saddled up the horses and found ourselves in the Taiga Mountains of northern Mongolia. We arrived at the Tsaatan tribe in East Taiga, there were some teepees/tipi/, reindeers, Tsaatan people and their children were playing around… We expected the reindeer herders that they would look like more tribal, may be like American Indians. But they are Mongolian tsaatan, Dukha people who have been keeping their ancient traditions and still living the primitive life in the deep taiga mountains.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/travel to mongolian taiga mountain.jpg" /></p> <p><em>Riding through the taiga mountains of Mongolia is one of the happiest moments for me </em></p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/mongolia taiga life.jpg" /></p> <p><em>These adorable children gather from the village when summer holiday starts</em></p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/reindeer herders kids.jpg" /></p> <p><em>How gorgeous they are. Kids are healthy, happy and active in the deep Taiga Mountains and away from the technology </em></p> <h3><strong>The Indigenous Wedding Ceremony - The Unique Experience in Mongolia </strong></h3> <p>The big day, I scanned all around, from preparations to the end of this reindeer herding nomads’ marriage ceremony. Batdalai, 20-year-old fiancé, and his young engaged is 18, their big day starts with many guests and relatives. Tsaatan people follow natural law to live, in the harsh living condition of high mountains, they do not have enough chance to meet their relatives. But today is the special day that all relatives, children and other visitors to gather. </p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/dukha people mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p><em>Oh, the ladies.. the wedding guest dress code, the traditional costume, and the color is so romantic </em></p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/tsaatan reindeer herders mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p><em> Taiga kids living so close to nature and spending their most of time on reindeer </em></p> <p>We are in the bride’s teepee/tipi/, the elders have to sit in the north, it is kind of cultural elements that they are respecting older ones. Groom’s father has to ask the bride’s father to let his son marry with his daughter-this is another element of the wedding tradition. It was strange that if the bride’s father agrees to this marriage and the wedding will start in official. Another exciting tradition is the bride’s father did not agree easily, he is acting that he does not like to let his daughter marry.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/mongolia wedding ceremony.jpg" /></p> <p><em>"Let my son marry with your daughter " - the unique marriage tradition of the Mongols </em></p> <p>Finally, after a long time of begging his daughter, the father agreed and take his silk scarf to express his agreement. Congratulations new young couples! Everything in the teepee has symbolic meanings, the wedding table, and the food too, traditional meal, huushuur has to be offered very first, then other meals and beverages are followed. They are talking about the future life of the young couples, including how many reindeersthey will own, what to do in case of the parents will be sick and much more things for the future that is why they are living the remote harsh mountains without any modernization.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/reindeer photos mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p><em>Reindeer- The main life source of the Tsaatan people </em></p> <p>The great hospitality and warm talks, the groom and his relatives started to pack all belongings and loaded them on white horses. There were nine white horses outside the teepee, the color white is symbolizing without dirtiness or anything bad spirits, and it represents happiness, luckiness or generally all the good fortune. It was like a fairy tale that fiancé comes to his loved woman on a white horse. The bride’s belongings are too minimal compared to westerns, but there were all the necessary things to live in the mountains.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/5c88c075-351c-4b13-ba37-4d92a2f1e629-mongolia horse riding.jpg" /></p> <p><em>The gorgeous horses - the wedding transport of Tsaatan tribe</em></p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/mongolia wedding tradition.jpg" /></p> <p><em>They don't just wear beautiful costumes but also use elegant saddles with silver ornaments </em></p> <p>The bride and the groom, their parents and relatives were riding those white horses and heading to the New Teepee / new home/ of the couple. They rounded their teepee three times while they were offered reindeer milk to the spirit of nature earth, kind of shamanic elements and the living tradition of the Mongols. After this ritual, all guests entered the new home, and the hospitality was continued. The oldest man has to touch the main lamb dish on the table and then he offered a small piece of mutton to all visitors.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/wedding tradition mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p><em>New life, new home, new couples- everything is new and lovely </em></p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/wedding ceremony mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p><em>Finally, they come home after the long traditional rituals </em></p> <p> </p> <p><em>They had to be turning around the Teepee three times and keep offering milk to the earth and sky - another important ritual </em></p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/mongolia wedding meals.jpg" /></p> <p><em>Incredible wedding table I've never seen - boiled mutton and traditional pancake. Groom and bride brought it from their home and then offered to all guests</em></p> <p>The wedding was continued with the wrestling champion, all guys wrestled, the visitors enjoyed the wrestling and had fun. After this, they are invited to the teepee again and the young couples had changed their clothes which says something deep meaning that they now officially own their new home and it is time to settle down. Now they are at home and the bride became a wife, so she has to offer meals to the guests. Visitors gave wedding gifts to the couples and the strange thing was hanging Mongolian tugriks/ money/ as a gift. It is the indigenous marriage, especially mysterious Tsaatan people’s wedding.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/tsaatan people mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p><em>The couples that are “meant to be” are the ones who go through everything that is meant to tear them apart and come out even stronger than before</em></p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/mongolia wrestling.jpg" /></p> <p><em>Wrestling on wedding is not the regular thing - But this is kind of way to have fun for nomadic Mongols, even for the Tsaatan people</em></p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/mongolia wedding gifts.jpg" /></p> <p><em>The wedding gift </em></p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/taiga mountains mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p><em>Wonderful tonight - time to take stunning photos of nature, reindeer and the people</em></p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/photos mongolia reindeer.jpg" /></p> <p>The big day was over, we headed back to the <a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/lake-khovsgol-national-park" target="_blank">Lake Khovsgol,</a> the second the second most voluminous fresh water lake in Asia, locals call it “Blue Pearl of Mongolia”. It was an incredible way to experience Mongolia’s culture, ethnic tribe’s lifestyle, and wedding, discover the remotest corner, the wild taiga region and photograph all of them was unbelievable. I would like to express my gratitude to the team of Ayan Travel to arrange our <a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/tour/photo-tour-to-mystical-reindeer-herders-in-mongolia" target="_blank">photographic adventure in Mongolia.</a></p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/taiga mountain adventure mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p><em>Camping in the wild Taiga and spending time perfectly with the local travel crew </em></p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/tsaatan people portraits.jpg" /></p> <p><em>Northern Taiga is the best photographic destinations in Mongolia especially for the portraits </em></p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/5c88c444-85d0-4305-8709-412fa2f1e629-mongolia travel tours.jpg" /></p> <p><em>It's a long road but it's worth it </em></p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/mongolia taiga travel.jpg" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;">As I looked over all the pictures of our Mongolia trip, I realized we did see the "Best of Mongolia" This trip was on my "bucket list" and it far exceeded my expectations. We photographed and participated in so many unique experience. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'excerpt' => null, 'status' => '1', 'mime_type' => null, 'comment_status' => '1', 'comment_count' => '0', 'promote' => '0', 'path' => '/nodes/nodes/view/type:mongolia_travel_news/slug:indigenous-marriage-tsaatan-tribe-wedding-in-the-remote-taiga-of-mongolia', 'terms' => '{"77":"culture","110":"reindeer-herders"}', 'terms2' => null, 'terms3' => null, 'sticky' => '0', 'lft' => '871', 'rght' => '872', 'visibility_roles' => '', 'type' => 'mongolia_travel_news', 'updated' => '2020-05-08 18:39:54', 'created' => '2018-06-13 00:00:00', 'images' => null, 'file1' => 'Tsaatan_mongolia_wedding_tours.jpg', 'alt_for_file1' => 'Tsaatan_mongolia_wedding_tours', 'file2' => null, 'alt_for_file2' => null, 'file3' => null, 'alt_for_file3' => null, 'file4' => null, 'alt_for_file4' => null, 'file5' => null, 'start_at' => null, 'end_at' => null, 'video_url' => '', 'title_for_layout' => '', 'meta_keywords' => 'Mongolian Wedding, indigenous wedding traditions of Mongolia, indigenous culture, Marriage traditions Mongolia, marriage ceremony, tribal wedding rituals, wedding planner, wedding ring, what to wear to a wedding in Mongolia, wedding photographer, wedding cart, wedding invitation, photography tours mongolia, mongolia photo tour, travel mongolia, tours mongolia, trips mongolia, mongolia ', 'meta_description' => 'I traveled to Mongolia with some of my like-minded photographer friends, we did not just take a photo tour to Mongolia, but also we were invited to the Tsaatan tribal wedding in the remote Taiga Mountains, a home to nomadic reindeer herding people. I was excited that the young couples were riding white gorgeous horses instead of cool black vehicle even I imagined how different it is from western wedding ceremony.', 'settings_value' => null, 'map' => null, 'map_index' => null, 'is_best' => '0', 'best_promote' => '0', 'sale_percent' => null, 'days' => null, 'price' => null, 'highlights' => null, 'itinerary' => null, 'fixed_dates' => null, 'spots' => null, 'description' => null, 'tour_price' => null, 'include' => null, 'exclude' => null, 'month' => null, 'nature_level' => '1', 'culture_level' => '1', 'rencontre_level' => '1', 'physical_level' => null, 'day_acc' => null, 'day_activity' => null, 'activity_hours' => null, 'related_tours' => '{"1158":"Mongolia Highlights tour with Naadam Festival-2020","1184":"Mongolian Blue Trail to Spiritual Shaman Tour","1188":"Pioneering in Khuvsgul Taiga Wilderness trekking tour"}', 'hits' => '0', 'related_blogs' => '{"808":"I Documented Mongolia\u2019s Mystical Tsaatan Reindeer People","807":"Tsaatans - the Reindeer People","873":"Why Mongolia is an Adventurous Destination?"}', 'url' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), 'User' => array( 'password' => '*****', 'id' => null, 'role_id' => null, 'username' => null, 'name' => null, 'email' => null, 'website' => null, 'activation_key' => null, 'image' => null, 'bio' => null, 'timezone' => null, 'status' => null, 'updated' => null, 'created' => null ), 'Comment' => array(), 'Meta' => array(), 'Taxonomy' => array( (int) 0 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 1 => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), 'CustomFields' => array() ), (int) 4 => array( 'Node' => array( 'id' => '870', 'parent_id' => null, 'user_id' => '1', 'cat_id' => null, 'title' => 'Nomadic Culture Festival presents authentic tradition of the Mongols', 'slug' => 'nomadic-culture-festival-mongolia-ulaagchnii-khar-nuur', 'body' => '<p> </p> <p>The newly-organized cultural event will be held on the 4th of July, 2018 at Ulaagchnii Khar Nuur. Nomadic Cultural Festival gives the local and international public access to ancestral arts and traditions of steppe Mongols. </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Mongolia is well known as one of the last true nomadic nations in the world. The Mongol nomads have been following seasonal routine raising, breeding the five main types of stocks, and migrating from place to place searching the most favorable pastures through their vast land. This ancient nomadic way of living is still existing, but some important traditions are fading. Local nomads who gather from the nearby regions and celebrate this festival to show their heritage and culture at the Ulaagchnii Khar Lake. You can take a journey back to ancient times to experience what the nomads practiced and what their unique culture was. If you travel to this colorful, discoverable, and adventurous festival you can get the true knowledge of unimaginable historical facts and religious rituals around this turquoise colored lake. </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="" src="/uploads/nomadic festival zavkhan.jpg" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="" src="/uploads/mongolia festival photos.jpg" /></p> <h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color:#800000;">Nomadic Culture Festival on the shore of Ulaagchnii Khar Nuur</span></h2> <p style="text-align: justify;">We are gladly introducing you to an enjoyable travel attraction of Mongolia – the Nomadic Culture Festival at Ulaagchnii Khar Lake in Zavkhan province. There are no cars around the festival just like an ancient nomadic living style. It offers full of interesting experiences that you can be transported by just horse or yak carts. Discover the importance of herder’s daily shores and breeding methods of 5 domestic animals. Please read more details below.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="" src="/uploads/zavkhan nomadic festival mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="" src="/uploads/zavkhan_nomadic_festival.jpg" /></p> <h3 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Shows with Domestic Cattles </strong></h3> <p>Milking sheep and goat, the competition of sheep shearing, felt making, thread spooling by hands, and traditional knuckle bone games which are related to the small cattle. For the large cattle performance, Yak show contest of loading up on yak, selection of nice yak-cow hybrid, bullock, and yak polo. Mongolia is a country of horses and can’t be fully described without a horse. The horse shows are lassoing, catching with stick /Uurga/, grabbing a stick, selection of couple with nice horses, and ambler horse competition. Also, camels are one of the important animals of the Mongol nomads. Using camel as transportation during the migration. You can see and participate in the yurt erecting and assembling as well as packing on the camelback. It could be one of the must-try experience for travelers. </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="" src="/uploads/zavkhan_festivals.jpg" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="" src="/uploads/nomadic festivals mongolia.jpg" /></p> <h3 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Trade Exhibitions and National Costume Show</strong></h3> <p style="text-align: justify;">Another attraction of the festival is the trade exhibition. Local herders bring up their valuable and purchasable belongings or handmade products for trade which you can imagine that it would be similar to the ancient trading market. This is quite an interesting show to enjoy, buy, and exchange with what you have. Another attractive part of the festival is National Costume Show, which will steal your eyes and would give an opportunity to photograph colorful costumes of the nationality.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="" src="/uploads/nomadic culture festival mongolia.jpg" /></p> <h3 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Three Manly Sports - Must-See Scene</strong></h3> <p style="text-align: justify;">In Mongolia, there is no festival held without the Three Manly Sports of wrestling, horse racing, and archery. Local participants from other provinces and regions gather to participate and want to see the winners of the festivals. The local cultural Naadam festival is also one of the main parts of this event. </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="" src="/uploads/Zavkhan_horse_racing.jpg" /></p> <h3 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Cultural Performance at the Festival</strong></h3> <p style="text-align: justify;">Mongolian traditional folk dance, Tsam dance, traditional Long song, Morin Khuur music <span style="text-align: justify;">instrumental </span>performance, Khoomei-Throat singing, and other culture-related shows are a memorable part of your Mongolia adventure. You can develop a greater understanding of Nomadic Culture, directly experience ancient rituals connected with the daily shores of Mongolian herders, and learn about the wildlife and natural habitats through this festival.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="" src="/uploads/zavkhan festival photos mongolia.jpg" /></p> <h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color:#800000;">About the Beautiful Ulaagchnii Khar Nuur</span></h2> <p><span style="text-align: justify;">Ulaagchnii Khar lake considered one of the oldest lakes in the world. It locates in Zavkhan province, in the western part of Mongolia.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> You can find more than 200 rivers, streams, and lakes in the territory of the province. One and unique lakes of them is Khar Nuur (Black Lake) also known as Ulaagchnii Black Lake, surrounded by golden sand dunes and snow-capped Mt. Otgon Tenger. The lake has been protected as a Strictly Protected Area since 2010 and one of the most unique natural scenery and freshwater Lake of Mongolia. </span></p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/zavkhan province map mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/5c8b19fa-3d14-485c-9af5-4f84a2f1e629-ulaagchnii khar lake mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The lake covers 198m2 and 23.9m long and 3.5m wide on average, depth is 47-48 m in the west, 23-30m in the east. There are islands called small and Big Avgash in the middle of the lake which elevated at over 2500 meters above the sea level. The shoreline of the lake is rocky and has a lot of different bays and peninsulas into the lake water. There are sand, gravel, mud and some water plants such as vermillion grows in the shallow parts of the lake. </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="" src="/uploads/5c8b1a60-7b10-45e7-9859-4131a2f1e629-mongolia lakes photo.jpg" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The color is unforgettable sharp and unique and is seen as emerald. That’s why people call the lakes as Pearl of Khangai and you can see sand, cliff, and trees together around the lake which almost shows the unique patterns and scenery of nature of Mongolia.</p> <h3 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>What are the other Attractions near the Lake?</strong></h3> <p style="text-align: justify;">Once you are in Ulaagchinnii Black Lake, you should check out all the natural and historical sites which surround the lake. It is home to the rare wildlife - snow leopard, wild mountain sheep, Ibex, Gobi bear, antelope, wild Bactrian camel, and jerboa. For your reference, the closest attractions are Senjit Rock – a unique rock formation. Mukhart River –Small River gushes from Bor Khyar sand dunes stretching over almost 20 km.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="" src="/uploads/zavkhan_ulaagchin_Lake.jpg" /></p> <h3 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Photographing Opportunities at Ulaagchnii Khar Lake and around the Festival</strong></h3> <p style="text-align: justify;">The photographing around Ulaagchin’s Black lake must be in your travel and the lake itself also calls you to take imagination and scenery of nature around there. Don’t care about whether you are a photographer or not, you can take amazing captures with your mobile phone or camera as seen as what it is like in nature. You can challenge yourself to take those gorgeous images of the lake from various ways and at different hours of the day.<br /> Also, you should prepare your camera and be ready to capture details and every event, competitions, performances, and show of the Nomadic Culture festival. </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="" src="/uploads/zavkhan_khar_lake.jpg" /></p> <h3 style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Travel to Ulaagchnii Khar Nuur</strong></h3> <p style="text-align: justify;">When you talk about visiting Ulaagchnii Khar Lake, the discussion turns especially on how to get there. The distance from Ulaanbaatar to Uliastai is 1,104km /685 mi/ and Uliastai to the lake is 110km/68 mi/. Almost about 1200km/745 mi/ from the capital city Ulaanbaatar, you should decide and choose your transportation to get there. The ways to reach Ulaagchin’s Black Lake is taking a domestic flight to Uliastai –the capital of Zavkhan province and then continue to transfer by a 4x4 minivan. Also, you can start trekking overland tour through the western part of Mongolia. Experiencing nomadic culture festival, Photographing, Bird Watching, Fishing, Wildlife watching, and Walking are the main activities you can experience in Ulaagchnii Black Lake while. </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The area is less visited by tourists and not easily reachable, you need to contact a local tour operator and book your domestic flights and a trouble-free minivan before your travel.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="" src="/uploads/zavkhan_ulaagchin_Lake_horse.jpg" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">All Photos are credited by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Ch.BatzayaPhotography/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800000;">Batzaya Choijiljav</span></a> at <a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800000;">www.toursmongolia.com</span></a></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p style="margin-left:auto;"> </p> ', 'excerpt' => null, 'status' => '1', 'mime_type' => null, 'comment_status' => '1', 'comment_count' => '0', 'promote' => '0', 'path' => '/nodes/nodes/view/type:mongolia_travel_news/slug:nomadic-culture-festival-mongolia-ulaagchnii-khar-nuur', 'terms' => '{"77":"culture"}', 'terms2' => null, 'terms3' => null, 'sticky' => '0', 'lft' => '855', 'rght' => '856', 'visibility_roles' => '', 'type' => 'mongolia_travel_news', 'updated' => '2020-10-28 17:23:00', 'created' => '2018-04-23 00:00:00', 'images' => null, 'file1' => 'Ulaagchin_Khar_nuur_Festival.jpg', 'alt_for_file1' => 'Ulaagchin_Khar_nuur_Festival', 'file2' => null, 'alt_for_file2' => null, 'file3' => null, 'alt_for_file3' => null, 'file4' => null, 'alt_for_file4' => null, 'file5' => null, 'start_at' => null, 'end_at' => null, 'video_url' => '', 'title_for_layout' => '', 'meta_keywords' => 'Mongolia local festivals, Ulaagchnii Khar lake, Ulaagchiin Khar Nuur, Zavkhan province, black lake , Nomadic Culture festival, destination Mongolia, tours Mongolia, travel to Mongolia, travel to Ulaagchnii black lake , Zavkhan aimag, travel destination Mongolia, Pearl of Khangai, photographing in Ulaagchnii Black lake, western Mongolia, ', 'meta_description' => 'Celebrate the Nomadic Culture Festival at the Ulaagnii Khar Lake in Zavkhan province, western region of Mongolia. Take a journey back to the ancient time to experience what the nomads really practiced and what their unique culture was. The newly organized cultural event will be held on 4 th of June , 2018 at Ulaagchnii Khar Nuur. Nomadic Cultural Festival gives the local and international public access to ancestral arts and traditions of steppe Mongols. ', 'settings_value' => null, 'map' => null, 'map_index' => null, 'is_best' => '0', 'best_promote' => '0', 'sale_percent' => null, 'days' => null, 'price' => null, 'highlights' => null, 'itinerary' => null, 'fixed_dates' => null, 'spots' => null, 'description' => null, 'tour_price' => null, 'include' => null, 'exclude' => null, 'month' => null, 'nature_level' => '1', 'culture_level' => '1', 'rencontre_level' => '1', 'physical_level' => null, 'day_acc' => null, 'day_activity' => null, 'activity_hours' => null, 'related_tours' => '{"299":"Discovery to the Far West Mongolia Tour","1176":"Untouched beauty of Mongolia - Grand tour"}', 'hits' => '0', 'related_blogs' => null, 'url' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), 'User' => array( 'password' => '*****', 'id' => '1', 'role_id' => '1', 'username' => 'admin', 'name' => 'admin', 'email' => '', 'website' => null, 'activation_key' => 'ba1441679f92cbdcc9aed56dff2989ca', 'image' => null, 'bio' => null, 'timezone' => '0', 'status' => '1', 'updated' => '2026-01-05 20:36:35', 'created' => '2013-04-11 10:55:33' ), 'Comment' => array(), 'Meta' => array(), 'Taxonomy' => array( (int) 0 => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), 'CustomFields' => array() ), (int) 5 => array( 'Node' => array( 'id' => '862', 'parent_id' => null, 'user_id' => '1', 'cat_id' => null, 'title' => 'Events In July In Mongolia - Don't Miss Out!', 'slug' => 'best-events-in-july-in-mongolia', 'body' => '<hr /> <p> </p> <h2><span style="color:#FF8C00;">Events not to miss in July in Mongolia</span></h2> <p>Want to travel to Mongolia? But do not know when the best time is? Wondering what to see in Mongolia?<br /> The best time to visit Mongolia is July and you certainly need much more time to take in this supremely beautiful, historical, and wild nature travel through Mongolia. Often ranked as the best tourist destinations in July, you’ll get a chance to catch sight of some of Mongolia’s must-visit and most iconic sights, festivals, and events. To experience an unforgettable tour in Mongolia, make sure to include historical and natural events and festivals to your travel summer itinerary. <br /> It still is a beautiful month that every traveler in Mongolia should visit at least once in a lifetime.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/5c8b6137-1a14-429e-a7ca-b668a2f1e629-mongolia evemnt calendar july.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <h3><span style="color:#FF8C00;"><span style="font-family:lucida sans unicode,lucida grande,sans-serif;"><strong>Night Museum in Ulaanbaatar</strong></span></span></h3> <p><strong>Date: </strong>July 4-5</p> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Choijin Lama Temple, Ulaanbaatar</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/5c8b5388-7efc-48bc-9932-418ea2f1e629-Refuge Bestowing Main Temple.jpg" style="float: right; max-width: 49%; margin-left: 10px;" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Night museum event at Choijin Lama Temple has been held since 2011. The event is so unique because you can enjoy a special exhibition of masterpieces of 16th Jebtsundamba Khutukhtu-The first Bogd Gegeen which is preserved in treasures of the museum only available in the event. <br /> Night museum events will also include cultural performances of Khusugtun ethnic band, Mongolian state Morin Khuur Assemble and Ulaanbaatar Assemble.<br /> You will explore tangible and intangible cultural heritages both together in the fancy and unusual atmosphere around the temple.<br /> The event will be held from 8.30 pm to 12.00, July 4-5 and the temple is also so easy to reachable since it is located in the center of the UB.</p> <hr /> <h3><span style="font-family:lucida sans unicode,lucida grande,sans-serif;"><span style="color:#FF8C00;"><strong>Mongol Nomadic Naadam</strong></span></span></h3> <p><strong>Date </strong>– July 4, 19, 25, 2020<br /> <strong>Location </strong>– Mongol nomadic camp (55km from Ulaanbaatar to the west)</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/mongol nomadic show.jpg" style="float: left; max-width: 49%; margin-right: 10px;" /></p> <p>This is a mini version of the Mongolian famed Naadam festival organized by the Mongol Nomadic camp. The festival begins with a Mongolian long song and traditional horse head fiddle performance. There you can enjoy and experience the legendary ‘Three Manly Games’ of Mongols including Wrestling, Horse riding, and Archery. You will have a golden chance to see and photograph these games, traditional concerts, and local participants as much as up close to you. <br /> You can take a short trip to explore this Nomadic Naadam and have an unforgettable memory of Mongols tradition within one day of travel.<br /> If you would like to explore the famous Mongolian Naadam festival in a short time, this mini version of the festival can offer you great opportunities to track ancient nomadic life, its presence, the long tradition, and the deep culture of Mongols.</p> <hr /> <h3><span style="color:#FF8C00;"><span style="font-family:lucida sans unicode,lucida grande,sans-serif;"><strong>Tsaatan Festival in July in Northern Mongolia</strong></span></span></h3> <p><strong>Date:</strong> July 7-8, 2020</p> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Lake Khovsgol, in Northern Mongolia</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/Reindeer race in Taiga.jpg" style="float: right; max-width: 49%; margin-left: 10px;" /></p> <p><span style="text-align: justify;">Tsaatan-reindeer herders live differently from most people in the world and have been attracting international attention for their unique and unchanged way of life. In the beginning of July, numerous reindeer people arrive near the Khovsgol Lake with their reindeer from the depth of the Taiga forest to demonstrate their customs and tradition. The festival includes many activities such as reindeer races, folk concerts, a game of reindeer polo, and more. The Tsaatan herders believe that their ancestors’ ghosts live on in the forest as animals that give guidance to the living, also practice Shamanism, a religion based on nature worship. Shaman worship among the Tsaatan people is thought to represent the oldest variant of Shamanism practiced by Mongolian nomads. </span><br style="text-align: justify;" /> <span style="text-align: justify;">You can also learn their culture through this festival and also see a real shaman, help their daily chores, herd reindeer and simply experiencing a day of Tsaatan people’s unique life in the taiga. Don’t miss it. You will have a quite unique experience.</span></p> <hr /> <h3><span style="color:#FF8C00;"><span style="font-family:lucida sans unicode,lucida grande,sans-serif;"><strong>National Costume festival Mongolia</strong></span></span></h3> <p><strong>Date:</strong> July 10, 2020</p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> Chinggis square, Ulaanbaatar city</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/national costume festival.jpg" style="opacity: 0.9;" /></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="text-align: justify;">You can see different types and patterns of the national costume of all ethnic groups of Mongolia together in this festival during the Naadam festival. It consists of Mongolian costume national runway, cultural performance, a contest of best-dressed couple in Mongolian national costume, a contest of best-dressed foreigners in Mongolian national costume, a contest of public dance, and the best dancing couple and closing ceremony-Award ceremony. Many other cultural events such as exhibitions of national dress, souvenir, and other cultural promotions are organized annually. During the festival, you will experience customs of various Mongolian minorities as well as view dances including Tsam and hear national music plus Khoomei, the throat singing.</span></p> <hr /> <h3><span style="color:#FF8C00;"><span style="font-family:lucida sans unicode,lucida grande,sans-serif;"><strong>Yohor- folk art festival</strong></span></span></h3> <p><strong>Date-</strong> July 17-18, 2021</p> <p><strong>Location</strong>- Batshireet soum, Khentii province</p> <p><img alt="mongolia events " src="/uploads/travel to mongolia ethnic groups.jpg" style="float: left; max-width: 49%; margin-right: 10px;" />Named after ancient Buryad dance style Yohor, a folk art festival aims to introduce the unique heritage to the next generation and preserve it through the event. More than 300 hundred dancers gather under the name of buryad ethnic group from Russia, Ulan-Ude, Aga village of Buryatia, and several provinces of Khentii aimag. Nearest cultural and historical attractions a Binder Ovoo, Rashaan Rock Seal memorial, Khajuu lake deer monument, Uglugchiin Kherem/Wall/, and others await you to discover before and after the festival.</p> <hr /> <h3><span style="color:#FF8C00;"><span style="font-family:lucida sans unicode,lucida grande,sans-serif;"><strong>Nomadic Culture Festival </strong></span></span></h3> <p><strong>Date:</strong> July 6, 2020</p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> Teeliin gol, Erdenekhairkhan soum, Zavkhan Province</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/july events mongolia.jpg" style="float: left; max-width: 49%; margin-right: 10px;" /></p> <p>Cultural Festival of Nomads is held on the Shore of Ulaagchinii Khar Lake in <a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/provinces/zavkhan" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800000;">Zavkhan province</span></a> in July in Mongolia. The festival gives you the full experience of nomadic life, culture, and rituals of the way of their lives and their livestock. The national archery and wrestling take place among the locals. There are several festivals of large and small cattle that vary by their rituals and usage in nomadic life.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="" src="/uploads/5c8b4fb0-399c-443c-85e4-417ca2f1e629-nomadic festival zavkhan.jpg" style="float: right; max-width: 49%; margin-left: 10px;" />Competitions connected small cattle such as goats and sheep are felt handcraft shows, the traditional way of showing rituals and competitions of sheep wool cutting. Also, you will see the milking show contest of sheep. Festivals of large cattle such as camel and cow are full of interesting activities including yak show contest of loading up on yak, nice yak-cow hybrid, Bullock, best couple with yak, and yak polo. About camel related show, there are camel shows of selecting a nice camel, a relay race of loading up on and loading off a camel.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="" src="/uploads/events mongolia.jpg" style="float: left; max-width: 49%; margin-right: 10px;" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Another memorable part of the festival is the horse shows such as lassoing horses, catching horses with stick /Mongolians named Uurga/, grabbing a stick, selection of couple with nice horses, and ambler horse competition. During the festival, trade exhibitions and national costume show also are held which attracts all of the people’s eyes into them.<br /> In the evening, all the people gather together and have a fire festival, round dance, and folk art festival. The festival gives you true nomadic life and cultural experience.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <hr /> <h3><span style="color:#FF8C00;"><span style="font-family:lucida sans unicode,lucida grande,sans-serif;"><strong>Yak Festival in July</strong></span></span></h3> <p><strong>Date:</strong> July 22, 2020</p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> Bat-Ulziit soum, Uvurkhangai province</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/yak festival mongolia.jpg" style="float: left; max-width: 49%; margin-right: 10px;" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The Yak Festival is one of the most important festivals in Mongolia and is held every year on July 22 in Orkhon Valley of Uvurkhangai Province. Nomadic culture in the Khangai Mountains is very strong, and the area has one of the highest concentrations of yaks in the world. <br /> The event is eagerly anticipated by the community, and the event includes yak racing and showing, wild stallion and yak riding, milking contests, and other traditional Naadam events of horse racing, wrestling, and archery.</p> <h2 style="text-align: justify;"> </h2> <hr /> <h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:20px;"><font color="#ff8c00" face="lucida sans unicode, lucida grande, sans-serif"><b>Altan Ovoo Mountain Worship </b></font></span></h3> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Date:</strong> July 27-29, 2023</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Location: </strong>Dariganga soum, Sukhbaatar province</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="" src="/uploads/5c8b544e-a76c-4c1a-8062-4df7a2f1e629-Altan_Ovoo_Sukhbaatar_aiamg_Mongolia.jpg" style="float: left; max-width: 49%; margin-right: 10px;" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Nomadic Mongols worship and revere the highest, lofty and beautiful of their local mountains- worshipping as sacred ones. It has been outstanding cultural heritage elements created, developed, and practiced by Mongolians since ancient times. <br /> Altan Ovoo Mountain in Dariganga soum, Sukhbaatar province is one of the biggest and ancient places that worshipped by the locals. It is one of 200 ancient extinct volcanoes in this area became officially state sacred mountain in 2004 and the pinnacle a top of the cairn was gilded completely. Men-only can reach the pilgrimage sites of Golden Cairn and women are strictly prohibited to climb the cairn. Amazing lakes such as Dagshin Spring, Duut Lake, and Ganga Lake are all located at its southern slope of the mountain, plus you can find sand dunes to the south side.<br /> One brilliant side you will be able to explore Stone statues of four human -Khan (King), Khatan (Queen), Prince and Princess which associated with the 18th century.<br /> Locals of Dariganga give offerings to the Khan and Khatan statues and read special sutras to worship the Altan Ovoo Mountain.<br /> The worship has been taken place only once in 5 years since 2012, it is a great chance to explore less-shown mountain worship rituals in 2023.</p> <hr /> <h3><span style="color:#FF8C00;"><span style="font-family:lucida sans unicode,lucida grande,sans-serif;"><strong>Nomadic Wave at Lake Khovsgol</strong></span></span></h3> <p><strong>Date:</strong> July 30</p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> Lake Khovsgol, Northern Mongolia</p> <p><span style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="" src="/uploads/5c8b5ac3-ea08-44a6-bedf-0af2a2f1e629-mongolia khovsgol lake.jpg" style="float: right; max-width: 39%; margin-left: 10px;" />This is a mixed festival introducing both electronic and Mongolian music, throat singing, electronic rhythms on the shores of Lake Khovsgol.</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">This festival is the full sound of fiddle tunnels, throat tunnels, natural sound, and shaman drum beats. It is often organized on July 30 and taken a lot of tourist and local attractions widely. It is will be never a forgotten experience to listen to and enjoy traditional and local music while visiting beautiful fresh Lake Khuvsgul.</p> <h3> </h3> <hr /> <h3><span style="color:#FF8C00;"><span style="font-family:lucida sans unicode,lucida grande,sans-serif;">Bogd Khan Mountain Trail 2020</span></span></h3> <p><strong>Date</strong> –July, 2020</p> <p><strong>Location</strong>- Bogd Khan Mountain</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/mongolia steppe marathon.jpg" style="float: left; max-width: 39%; margin-right: 10px;" />If you are an active runner who willing to achieve special points for the running carrier, the race is one of the UTMB qualifying races! Finishers can get 3 ITRA points for the completion of the 64km trail run! The winner of the 64km trail run can get 500 points from the Asia Trail Master Championship organization. You can challenge in the 10km and 21km categories. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <hr /> <h2> </h2> <h2><span style="color:#FF8C00;">Music Festivals in July in Mongolia</span></h2> <p style="text-align: justify;">Beyond the traditional Mongolian festivals, there are fantastic modern and international music events in July in Mongolia. To help you plan the July trip to Mongolia, we have rounded up the best of modern music festivals in July. Everyone who seeks music freedom and live music with warm outdoor weather, check out modern Mongolian festivals taking place in July. If you seek and prefer music freedom and open-air live music festivals while traveling in Mongolia, check out the following events</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <h3><span style="color:#FF8C00;"><span style="font-family:lucida sans unicode,lucida grande,sans-serif;"><strong>International Festival and Competition of Morin Khuur </strong></span></span></h3> <p><strong>Date: </strong>June 30 - July 05/ can be changed in 2020/ </p> <p><strong>Location: </strong>Ulaanbaatar city</p> <p><a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/morin-khuur-horse-head-fiddle" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank"><img alt="mongolia events " src="/uploads/morin khuur festival mongolia.jpg" style="max-width: 49%; float: left; margin-right: 10px;" />Morin Khuur</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> is one of the most important musical instruments of the Mongol people and is considered a symbol of the Mongolian nation. And also the instrument is one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity identified by UNESCO. The international festival and competition of Morin Khuur will be held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia in July. More than 600 Morin Khuur learners, teachers, researchers, and bands from foreign countries have participated in this festival in the past years. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The festival is a great opportunity to explore Mongolian culture heritage – Morin Khuur which has the wonderful sound of only two strings and the skills of players around the world.</p> <hr /> <h3><br /> <span style="color:#FF8C00;"><strong>Play Time Rock Music Festival</strong></span></h3> <p><strong>Date:</strong> July 3-5, 2020</p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> Gachuurt town, Ulaanbaatar city</p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="mongolia music festivals " src="/uploads/play time festival mongolia.jpg" style="max-width: 49%; float: left; margin-right: 10px;" />It is the biggest outdoor Mongolian live music festival including Rock, Metal, Indie musicians of all kinds of live music bands around the country and overseas.<br /> The playtime festival usually holds in mid of July near Ub city, Gachuurt. You can enjoy and feel the upcoming brand new live music of modern Mongolia and the World together with young generations of Mongolia.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <h3><span style="color:#FF8C00;"><strong>Silence White Festival</strong></span></h3> <p><strong>Date:</strong> June 29-30, 2020</p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> National amusement park, Ulaanbaatar city</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">During the Naadam festival, this party is organized by Mongolian best Dj’s spin sets of dance music for the crowd dressed by all in white color. Chance of feeling vibrant part of Mongolia’s music and club scene. It is organized outdoor which is the best to feel the nice time of July.</p> <p> </p> <h2><span style="color:#FF8C00;"><span style="font-family:lucida sans unicode,lucida grande,sans-serif;">Mongolian National Holiday Naadam Festival</span></span></h2> <p><strong>Dates: </strong>11-13 July</p> <p><strong>Location</strong>- Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia</p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px; color: rgb(27, 45, 59); font-family: Hind, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 13px;"><img alt="mongolia naadam festivals " src="/uploads/naadam festival opening.jpg" style="float: left; max-width: 49%; margin-right: 10px;" /><span style="font-size:16px;">Top travel attraction of Mongolia, the Naadam Festival gives you an unforgotten discovery of adventure, tradition, and culture of Mongolian people if you attend this event. </span></span><span style="font-size:16px;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, "Trebuchet MS";">The Naadam festival, the national pride, a thrilling three-day sporting event that has been happening for centuries and features ‘’Three Manly Games’’ which are Wrestling, Archery, and Horse Racing.</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, "Trebuchet MS";"> The festival is held in 21 provinces of Mongolia, the whole country celebrates it and champions of wrestling, archery, and horse race from each province get a chance to compete in the State Naadam Festival in Ulaanbaatar which is between the </span><span style="font-family: sans-serif, Arial, Verdana, "Trebuchet MS"; color: rgb(128, 0, 0);">11th and 13th of July. </span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The opening ceremony in Central Naadam center is the amazing occasion of this festival which is full of the parade, traditional and modern song, folk, religious and masks dance.it is a great chance to enjoy and photograph Mongolian colorful cultural performances.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The atmosphere of the festival in UB is full of performances, games, meals, and shows crowded by local people from all over the nation and tourists from all over the world. </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="mongolia naadam festival " src="/uploads/naadam festival photos.JPG" style="float: left; max-width: 49%; margin-right: 10px;" /></p> <h3 style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="color:#000000;">Booking Naadam Ticket and Tour</span></strong></h3> <p style="text-align: justify;">It is the peak season for tourists. If you want to visit the National Naadam festival in UB, the festival is only 3 days and the entrance ticket for the opening ceremony tends to be sold out early. It is difficult to buy through the internet and getting a ticket is even hard for Mongolians. And do not forget that also you need to get the photographer permission in advance or you might lose your chance of taking those moments in your camera. If you want to travel with no worries about the tickets, permissions, and other arrangements we are here to help you. Email us at <a href="mailto:info@toursmongolia.com"><span style="color:#800000;">info@toursmongolia.com </span></a></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="" src="/uploads/local naadam mongolia.jpg" style="float: left; max-width: 49%; margin-right: 10px;" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">If you prefer a local Naadam festival, local Naadam starts at the beginning of July and continues through July depending on provisions and locations. But you should decide to see which local festival you going to and also double-check other travel destinations such as historical sites and wild nature adventures and events near that province within that time. You should check your schedule right now and find the tour agencies and also book your travel in advance.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <h3><strong><span style="color:#000000;">The difference between Local and City Naadam</span></strong></h3> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="mongolia festivals " src="/uploads/naadam festival horse photos.jpg" style="float: left; max-width: 49%; margin-right: 10px;" />Getting outside of Ulaanbaatar to experience the real, local Naadam at the grassroots level is a unique experience, a world away from the tourist-filled stadium of the capital. So wherever you go in provinces, you have a huge opportunity to see traditional sporting games. Unlike national Naadam in UB, you can get up close to wrestlers, horse races, archeries as they compete and – it is free entry. </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">You can see the whole fascinating and brand new adventured horse racing in local Naadam festival up close and in person.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Moreover, you can have a chance to try local food and beverages and visit local nomadic families and explore their lifestyle and tradition which is much different than others in the capital. You have a huge opportunity to talk with nomads and photograph ongoing situations on your camera.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="" src="/uploads/wrestling naadam festival.jpg" style="max-width: 49%; float: right; margin-left: 10px;" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">To get to the local Naadam festival, you need a well-prepared tour that includes everything you need such as a good car, an excellent driver, and positive guide, and also a well-organized tour itinerary. Some of the local Naadam in far away from the capital, you need domestic flight and train tickets and Ger camp, guesthouse, and local hotels’ pre-booking before your travel. Because every Mongolians move to enjoy one local Naadam to the others and also numbers of travelers coming to the festival are consequently increasing year by year.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Thank you for reading! If you need trustworthy tour agents to hand over all of your worries please feel free to<strong> <a href="mailto:info@toursmongolia.com"><span style="color:#800000;">contact us</span></a>.</strong> </p> <p>We always are glad to be your travel partner in Mongolia. Just prepare yourself for Mongolia adventure.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="july events mongolia " src="/uploads/5cf4e3fe-cb3c-4660-a058-428ca2f1e629-july events mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'excerpt' => null, 'status' => '1', 'mime_type' => null, 'comment_status' => '1', 'comment_count' => '0', 'promote' => '0', 'path' => '/nodes/nodes/view/type:mongolia_travel_news/slug:best-events-in-july-in-mongolia', 'terms' => '{"77":"culture","78":"festival","99":"travel-tips","109":"naadam-festival"}', 'terms2' => null, 'terms3' => null, 'sticky' => '0', 'lft' => '839', 'rght' => '840', 'visibility_roles' => '', 'type' => 'mongolia_travel_news', 'updated' => '2020-10-28 17:35:54', 'created' => '2018-03-23 00:00:00', 'images' => null, 'file1' => 'Events_In_July_In_Mongolia.jpg', 'alt_for_file1' => 'Events_In_July_In_Mongolia', 'file2' => null, 'alt_for_file2' => null, 'file3' => null, 'alt_for_file3' => null, 'file4' => null, 'alt_for_file4' => null, 'file5' => null, 'start_at' => null, 'end_at' => null, 'video_url' => '', 'title_for_layout' => '', 'meta_keywords' => 'travel to mongolia, best time to visit mongolia, tour in mongolia, Events In July In Mongolia - Don't Miss Out, best events in July in Mongolia, July in mongolia, Event not to miss in July in Mongolia, best time to visit mongolia, what to see in mongolia in july, best tourist destination in july, when to visit mongolia best time to travel mongolia, mongolia steppe marathon, tsaatan festival, yak festival, sand festival mongolia, ', 'meta_description' => 'The best time to visit Mongolia is July and you certainly need much more time to take in this supremely beautiful, historical and wild nature travel through Mongolia. Often ranked as the best tourist destinations in July, you’ll get a chance to catch sight of some of the Mongolia’s must-visit and most iconic sights, festivals and events.', 'settings_value' => null, 'map' => null, 'map_index' => null, 'is_best' => '0', 'best_promote' => '0', 'sale_percent' => null, 'days' => null, 'price' => null, 'highlights' => null, 'itinerary' => null, 'fixed_dates' => null, 'spots' => null, 'description' => null, 'tour_price' => null, 'include' => null, 'exclude' => null, 'month' => null, 'nature_level' => '1', 'culture_level' => '1', 'rencontre_level' => '1', 'physical_level' => null, 'day_acc' => null, 'day_activity' => null, 'activity_hours' => null, 'related_tours' => '{"1185":" Joyful Adventure in Khangai Region tour","1194":"Bird watching in Western Region of Mongolia Tour","299":"Discovery to the Far West Mongolia Tour","1211":"Mongolia Naadam Festival - 2021 Tour ","1197":"Naadam to Naadam Guided Photo Tour","1176":"Untouched beauty of Mongolia - Grand tour"}', 'hits' => '0', 'related_blogs' => '{"880":" Events in August in Mongolia ","864":"2 Weeks in Mongolia - What To Do?","814":"WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT NAADAM FESTIVAL BEFORE YOU ATTEND? "}', 'url' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), 'User' => array( 'password' => '*****', 'id' => '1', 'role_id' => '1', 'username' => 'admin', 'name' => 'admin', 'email' => '', 'website' => null, 'activation_key' => 'ba1441679f92cbdcc9aed56dff2989ca', 'image' => null, 'bio' => null, 'timezone' => '0', 'status' => '1', 'updated' => '2026-01-05 20:36:35', 'created' => '2013-04-11 10:55:33' ), 'Comment' => array(), 'Meta' => array(), 'Taxonomy' => array( (int) 0 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 1 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 2 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 3 => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), 'CustomFields' => array() ), (int) 6 => array( 'Node' => array( 'id' => '861', 'parent_id' => null, 'user_id' => '5', 'cat_id' => null, 'title' => 'Facts about Aishol-pan, the eagle huntress of Mongolia', 'slug' => 'facts-about-aishol-pan-the-eagle-huntress-of-mongolia', 'body' => '<p> </p> <h3><strong>She is the youngest female huntress in the history of eagle hunting tradition</strong></h3> <p>The strong customs of Kazakhs has been continued for thousands of years that “Women have to stay home and take care of children”. But Aishol-pan breaks with this custom by following her father into the mountains as he pursues foxes, the source of the meat and fur garments enabling the Kazakhs to survive the bitter winter, with his eagle companion. In 2014, Aishol-Pan-the teenage huntress participated and won the eagle hunting competition during the annual Golden Eagle Festival in Western Mongolia. </p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/5c8efff7-0f54-4f5e-98bd-461fa2f1e629-eagle hunters mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p><em>Photo credit: Batzaya Choijiljav. Mongolian photographer and traveler</em> </p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/aisholpan eagle huntress mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p><em>Aisholpan and her eagle. Photo by Batzaya Choijiljav</em></p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/eagle huntress news mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p><em>Photo credit: Batzaya Choijiljav. News source: Caters News Agency </em></p> <p> </p> <h3><strong>She is a new film star </strong></h3> <p>The Eagle Huntress (2016) Dir. Otto Bell The Eagle Huntress is a documentary depicting the life of Aishol-pan, who is attempting to be the first woman eagle hunter in her native country of Mongolia. The movie’s heartwarming tale is only furthered by the feature of Aishol-pan’s father, who shares with the audience his encouragement of Aishol-pan’s drive to be a part of this typically male-dominated tradition. With narration provided by Daisy Ridley (Star Wars: The Force Awakens), The Eagle Huntress, while filmed in a cold climate, will leave you feeling inspired by one girl’s courageous task of breaking stereotypes placed on her by the men in her society. The film was officially opened in 28 countries. </p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/the eagle huntress mongolia.jpg" /></p> <h3><strong>Asher Svidensky, a photographer took her picture</strong></h3> <p>Asher Svidensky, a photographer and travel writer, shot five boys learning the skill as well as the girl, Ashol-Pan. "To see her with the eagle was amazing," he recalls. "She was a lot more comfortable with it, a lot more powerful with it and a lot more at ease with it."</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/5c8f0149-3df0-4c04-bb4a-4cf8a2f1e629-eagle hunting tradition mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p><em>Photo by Asher Svidensky</em></p> <p> </p> <h3><strong>She wants to be a doctor even she likes to play in the movie</strong></h3> <p>After she was getting popular around the world, she has received many international and national university scholarships. As she says, Harvard University, London University, Astana University, and local major universities sent their invitation to study. But her thought is she wants to be a doctor even she likes to play. Her dream is to study at Harvard University. </p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/eagle festival mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p><em>Photo by Batzaya Choijiljav</em></p> <h3><br /> <strong>She became Asian game changer</strong> </h3> <p>She was awarded Asian Game Changer in 2017 - For breaking gender barriers at a remarkably young age. She says she is happy that her story has inspired girls and women around the world. Closer to home, Aishol-pan’s example is already having a benefit: A growing number of girls in her Mongolian community have sought to train as eagle hunters. She hopes that young girls — wherever they live — can persevere in the face of doubt, criticism, and entrenched gender norms. “They must keep trying," she said, "and be brave. </p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/eagle training mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p><em>During the Annual Golden Eagle Festival. Photo by Batzaya Choijiljav</em></p> <p> </p> <h3><strong>Her lifestyle and family</strong></h3> <p>According to the tradition of Mongolian and Kazakh people, they teach children life lessons through homeschooling. And the children have to study those lessons at a young age while they are helping daily work stuff. For instance, girls started to learn sewing their own clothes. Kazakh women make embroidery decoration for her home and it is so colorful and beautiful. As this tradition, Aishol-pan, do the same. She sews her own clothes and home decoration too. As a little girl in Mongolia, Aisholpan dreamt of flying an eagle like her Dad. No malls, no Shake Shacks. Nope. Just mountains, tents, gers, and goats. Aisholpan was born into a Kazakh family of nomad herders going back 12 generations. To supplement their income, Kazakh herders have a side career: training golden eagle chicks to hunt fox and game.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/eagle festival photos.jpg" /></p> <p>Photo by Batzaya Choijiljav </p> <p> </p> <h3><strong>She also attends the annual "Spring Golden Eagle Festival"</strong></h3> <p>She also attends the annual "Spring Golden Eagle Festival" , which is held at Chinggis Khaanii Khuree Complex in March. Kazakh Eagle Hunters came from Western Mongolia with their trained eagles in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia, including the young eagle huntress Aishol Pan. Local Kazakhs show their eagle hunting culture and their unique traditions. It starts with the opening parade with well-dressed hunters and is about authentic competitions of eagle training skills and hunting with golden eagles. Also, there are Mongolian falconers gathered and show ancient warrior-skill performance on horseback.</p> <p><img alt="" src="/uploads/spring golden eagle moments.jpg" /></p> <p><em>During the spring golden eagle festival. Photo by Batzaya Choijiljav</em></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Resources: </strong><br /> www.toursmongolia.com<br /> http://www.bbc.com<br /> http://montsame.mn</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'excerpt' => null, 'status' => '1', 'mime_type' => null, 'comment_status' => '1', 'comment_count' => '0', 'promote' => '0', 'path' => '/nodes/nodes/view/type:mongolia_travel_news/slug:facts-about-aishol-pan-the-eagle-huntress-of-mongolia', 'terms' => '{"47":"mongolia_travel_news","77":"culture","78":"festival","13":"photography","107":"egale-festival"}', 'terms2' => null, 'terms3' => null, 'sticky' => '0', 'lft' => '837', 'rght' => '838', 'visibility_roles' => '', 'type' => 'mongolia_travel_news', 'updated' => '2019-08-02 16:44:05', 'created' => '2018-03-19 00:00:00', 'images' => null, 'file1' => 'eagle_huntress_of_Mongolia.jpg', 'alt_for_file1' => 'eagle_huntress_of_Mongolia', 'file2' => null, 'alt_for_file2' => null, 'file3' => null, 'alt_for_file3' => null, 'file4' => null, 'alt_for_file4' => null, 'file5' => null, 'start_at' => null, 'end_at' => null, 'video_url' => '', 'title_for_layout' => '', 'meta_keywords' => 'Aishol-pan, aisholpan AisholPan, facts abuot aisholpan nurgaiv, golden eagle festival, the eagle huntress, eaglge festival mongolia, mongolia tour to eagle festival, photo tour to golden ragle festival,', 'meta_description' => 'Facts about Aishol-pan, the eagle huntress of Mongolia. We collect some interesting facts about her and show you some of beautiful photoshoots taken by Mongolian photographer Batzaya Choijiljav. ', 'settings_value' => null, 'map' => null, 'map_index' => null, 'is_best' => '0', 'best_promote' => '0', 'sale_percent' => null, 'days' => null, 'price' => null, 'highlights' => null, 'itinerary' => null, 'fixed_dates' => null, 'spots' => null, 'description' => null, 'tour_price' => null, 'include' => null, 'exclude' => null, 'month' => null, 'nature_level' => '1', 'culture_level' => '1', 'rencontre_level' => '1', 'physical_level' => null, 'day_acc' => null, 'day_activity' => null, 'activity_hours' => null, 'related_tours' => '{"1166":" Adventures in Altai Tavan Bogd Mountains tour","1165":" Golden Eagle Festival 2019 tour","1161":"Golden Eagle Festival and Mongol Altai Mountains Photographic Expedition"}', 'hits' => '0', 'related_blogs' => '{"831":"10+ Beautiful Photos of autumn in Mongolia ","891":"Exciting 2 Days at The Golden Eagle Festival 2018 in Mongolia","885":"How To Take Great Photos at Golden Eagle Festival in Mongolia?"}', 'url' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), 'User' => array( 'password' => '*****', 'id' => null, 'role_id' => null, 'username' => null, 'name' => null, 'email' => null, 'website' => null, 'activation_key' => null, 'image' => null, 'bio' => null, 'timezone' => null, 'status' => null, 'updated' => null, 'created' => null ), 'Comment' => array(), 'Meta' => array(), 'Taxonomy' => array( (int) 0 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 1 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 2 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 3 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 4 => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), 'CustomFields' => array() ), (int) 7 => array( 'Node' => array( 'id' => '849', 'parent_id' => null, 'user_id' => '1', 'cat_id' => null, 'title' => 'Taiga Travel diary to Dashing through snow', 'slug' => 'taiga-travel-diary-to-dashing-through-snow', 'body' => '<p style="text-align: justify;"><br /> Taiga, which is located in northernmost Mongolia, sounds unreachable, remote and farthermost place to me. Yes, Taiga is sacramental, untouched and isolated landscape and also known as boreal forest or snow forest, the world’s largest land biome characterized by coniferous forests consisting mostly of pines, spruces, and larches.<br /> I just remember like yesterday, a group of people who united under one main goal to photograph was prepared and looking forward to starting our trip to Taiga. </p> <p><img alt="tour to tsaatan reindeer herders " src="/uploads/taiga tour to tsaatan reindeers.jpg" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">In the afternoon, on the day of memorial of Great October Socialist Revolution (7th of November), we started heading to northernmost Mongolia to capture the beauty of Taiga and Reindeer herders. Even though the road was completely blocked due to a heavy snowstorm and slippery ice we have arrived at our destination by the night with the help of our experienced driver and a good car. In order to start our trip earlier in the next morning, everybody just went to bed directly after arrived. So, following morning, we prepared to start our trip with a local experienced driver. We loaded travel blankets, jackets, gifts for locals, rice and flour and other traveling stuff and of course, our most important photography tools into our vehicle. And then, started heading to the most popular and populated destination of Tsaatan to stay with them for a while. Same goaled five of us and one driver went through Alag-erdene soum of Khovsgol aimag, Uliin Davaa, Toomiin Davaa and crossed over the Ujig River more than 20 times to see a flock of Reindeers. And Tsaatan ethnic group. </p> <p><img alt="mongolia winter tours " src="/uploads/winter tours mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">A group of nomads was coming to us followed by a group of majestic heavy hairy yaks and galloping horses in the middle of frozen steppe full covered with beautiful white snow. Those Mongolians greeted us, taken pictures together, made good wishes for our trip and continued their journey.<br /> These locals also mentioned that lots of migrations will be moved from northern soums to Alag-erdene and Khatgal soums due to heavy snowfalls and cold weather. They usually travel for 20 days till their destination in one way but on the way back in spring, it takes about 1 month because of newborn baby animals. The family wife reminisces that it is not that warm nearby ‘Mother Ocean’.</p> <p><img alt="winter life photos mongolia" src="/uploads/winter nomads photo mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">There are 13 sacred ovoos worshipped by Darkhad ethnic group at the top of Uliin Halzan Davaa Pass, on the way to Ulaan-uul soum of Khuvsgl Province. These ovoos are shaped as Tsaatan yurt-teepee and standing stone statues which show us local costumes, culture, and traditions of Darkhad ethnic groups. In the evening we stayed in the guest house in Tsagaan Nuur soum and following morning headed for Tsaatan winter huts. Tsagaan Nuur soum is broken off from Renchinlhumbe soum in 1985, and newly located at the down side of Tsagaan Nuur Lake as a home for Darkhad and Tsaatan ethnics.<br /> When you arrive at the Bridge of Shishged River just after 10kms from Tsagaan Nuur soum, you will see a beautiful Shishged river which flows out from Khoridol Saridag Range and continues for 334 km long. Chilling wind almost freezes your fingers in between getting out from car to photograph and getting into a car. In summer and autumn, it is possible to drive till the place called Teleg and Khatirt, then from there, locals lead you by horses or reindeers to Tsaatan. But in winter, all rivers and mud freeze which gives you a chance to drive directly till these winter places.</p> <p><img alt="tsaatan reindeer people " src="/uploads/tsaatan reindeer people.jpg" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">A family of Ganbat, leader of East Taiga, lives in the wooden house has got winterized coverings inside, door side ventilator is covered with plastics against the wind. Here, they have everything from modern usages such as phone, satellite TV and antenna. Same as the other Mongolian nomads, Tsaatan also roams freely all year round depending on the weather condition and grasses for reindeers, and the elders of the tribe discuss when and where to move by observing the weather condition. Middle of October is time to stay in their winter hut and this is where they are now.<br /> Tsaatans have got a slightly yellow face, short and flat-nosed, eyelid without a fold, not strong teeth and they are quite short and seemed shy for me.<br /> There is no shop in taiga and few people so then if someone offers vodka for them and they are very welcome to drink and get drunk easily. Only the elders speak Tuva language to each other but kids and younger generations haven’t got any other chance to receive information only in Mongolian that is why their language and culture is dying quickly.<br /> Since we are here to feel and photograph their real daily life and situation, we decided to stay in Tsaatan’s teepee same as them. They only set up the fire for cooking and boiling tea and in winter they melt clean snow for drinking water, prepare chopped wood for firewood.</p> <p><img alt="reindeer herders tsaatan" src="/uploads/tsaatan nomads photos.jpg" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Every night, they keep their reindeers close by their teepees, and in winter keep only a few for riding and rest will be taken away and fenced in the mountain. Recent years, they are herding their reindeers in between 2 mountains with the help of a donation from foreign tourists, they just come back to check, so stopped guard them always.<br /> I was personally prepared to feel real freezing cold there before we start our trip. So I took warm blankets, jackets and many more with me to keep me warm. But, in fact, I realized many of my stuff were useless except for weight luggage. Also, I was really surprised by Tsaatans to wear just a light Mongolian Garment-deel and leather boots and looked they are not cold at all. Before I go there, I imagined that Tsaatans are alike ‘Eksimos’ who wear heavy hairy dress and reindeer skin boots which it was exactly the opposite way of my imagination. Maybe It’s because of warm itself in the forests and they never worn my heavy skin jackets and hairy hats when I gave them. We can recognize Tsaatans seeing their appearance and language from Khalkh Mongolians, otherwise, they are all same as Mongolian herders wear light deel and leather boots it makes difficult to find any special traditional dress belong to them. But I have found it as special that there was a baby cradler to hang from their teepees.</p> <p><img alt="winter tours mongolia " src="/uploads/winter tour mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Then 8 of us including 3 local guides and 30 reindeers started riding forward to our last destination. Even though it was not really comfortable to ride reindeer I felt like almost fell off, maybe because of it’s my very first ride, but I really admired by natural beauty there and made meditation in my heart into the depth of my silence while hearing the walk of reindeer through deep snow range.<br /> Instead of riding whip, they use a long wooden stick to use as a cane for deep snowdrifts while use as a tool to make it go faster. There is almost no chance to get off easily like horse riding, and once if you are dismounted, seemed very difficult to mount again without somebody’s help. Also, I fell off from my reindeer while he was running fast but fortunately, didn’t hurt at all because of landing on the very thick snow. But when I remember now, all these become very nice memories.</p> <p><img alt="local guide mongolia " src="/uploads/local guide to tsaatan people mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Our local guide Sanchir, a son of a famous hunter, used to tell us exactly what wild animals like moose and how many of them passed by what time in detailed. Even though hunting is the main life source here, unfortunately, because of Protected Area’s policy it is strictly prohibited now. In the middle of Kultus steppe when I was singing softly and trying to talk with my inner person, a flock of Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus) disturbed by us and flew away while cutting my thoughts. After 2 days of long and endless journey crossing over the Kultus steppe, finally, we have arrived at our last destination and prepared our own ‘home thing’ by putting just tent-cloth on top of readily crossed wood which is completely open on top, possible to observe millions of stars at night through that hole. But our 3 local guides just put woods crossing each other and set up a fire in the middle with hardwood and put a piece of cotton on themselves and completely slept all night. Having especial Mongolian blood and flexibility we were also stopped being cold and went to bed to sleep in yurts but weren’t brave enough to sleep outside under the stars.</p> <p><img alt="mongolia tsaatan people " src="/uploads/tsaatan reindeer woman.jpg" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">About 400 reindeers come closer to our yurts in the morning because of salt on teepee’s cotton and try to bite with their mouth and tear with their horns but then go back to the mountain in the evening. They lick salt with their thick soft lip, paw the ground with front legs to find moss to eat to get strength and fitness for winter.<br /> If it is the snowy year, reindeers don’t lose their strength and fatness but gain more, in the spite of it, they lose more weight in the less snowy year because of lots of running and roaming around. Reindeers like cold and lots of snow so in summer, stay permanent in one place because of flies. In autumn and spring season, they roam freely mostly away from home so owners always follow them to provide them from wolf’s attack. They don’t have any sweat glands so use their mouth to excrete sweat, light-limbed, walk through the snow by their chest, their biggest enemy is a wolf, milk is good for the stomach -all these facts are very special and interesting. But it is very strange that Tsaatans usually don’t eat reindeer meat.</p> <p><img alt="taiga photos mongolia " src="/uploads/taiga wilderness mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">When we arrive, there was moving meat trade by Russian van. Tsaatans use usually different meat, flour, and rice the same as the other nomads. And mostly eat homemade bread baked on the stove, cheese and dried curd made with reindeer creamy milk. In autumn, they pick lots of blackberries and blueberries so eat different fruits and make jam.<br /> Due to reindeers eat moss, live on top of high mountains and Taiga forests. Tsaatans not only use reindeer meat, fat, milk, skin and hides but also train them to ride in the forest for migration and transportation in the difficult weather condition. Furthermore, they drove natural stones to make necklaces, cut reindeer horns and boil horns inside bark of a tree to create natural brown color to do different carvings on their horns and knives to merchandise for tourists to increase their family income.</p> <p><img alt="reindeers people mongolia " src="/uploads/tsaatan people winter photos.jpg" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">So, then our 1000km long adventurous journey by reindeers is finished here and came back at winter hut. On the way back had a good chance to photograph famous Delgerkhaan mountain’s top and went back to Khovsgol Lake. Delgerkhaan Mountain is said that ‘The King of the mountains’, always check the strength of the climbers, the highest point in the Khoridol Saridag Mountain Range, 3190 m above the sea level.</p> <p><img alt="travel experience mongolia " src="/uploads/mongolia travel experience.jpg" /></p> <p>On the way back, in the area of Ulaan-uul soum, pretty young wolf passed by us and was staring at us for a long before run away which shows us we were quite lucky guys and seemed as we were born with the silver spoon in our mouth. That night, we stayed at Khovsgol Eco Tour Ger camp located in a place called Dood Modot. While Mother Ocean’s wave was at the heaviest and strongest, lake sharp frost was chilling my cheeks.</p> <p><img alt="taiga kids photos" src="/uploads/taiga kids mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">We all were not only very tired from a long trip but also were very satisfied with our photographs, so we were all happy to go back homes and see the photos on the big screen. So we were offered by meals in the local homes and the following morning, went back to UB. Even though all roads and mountain passes were almost closed due to slippery road and snow storm, luckily had a good car and experienced driver, all arrived at homes safe and satisfied. Although every trip is full of memories and happiness, the road leads home is the best and happiest. Our adventurous trip was not only the most memorable and unforgettable but also had enough good luck to take pictures of ‘The reindeers are steaming up from their mouth under the full moon night’, later won the best prize ‘World Best Animal Picture Award’-all these seemed we were really blessed by sacred ‘Khangai’.</p> <p>If you are interested in this epic adventure please, check out the <a href="http://www.toursmongolia.com/tour/extreme-winter-experience-photo-tour-in-northern-mongolia-mixed-group" target="_blank"><span style="color:#800000;">TOUR </span><span style="color:#800000;">PROGMRAM</span></a><span style="color:#800000;"> </span></p> <p> And need travel information please, feel free to contact me at <a href="mailto:info@toursmongolia.com "><span style="color:#800000;">info@toursmongolia.com </span></a></p> <p style="text-align: right;">Written by:<br /> M. Munkhjargal 2017.11.29</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'excerpt' => null, 'status' => '1', 'mime_type' => null, 'comment_status' => '1', 'comment_count' => '0', 'promote' => '0', 'path' => '/nodes/nodes/view/type:mongolia_travel_news/slug:taiga-travel-diary-to-dashing-through-snow', 'terms' => '{"77":"culture","13":"photography","110":"reindeer-herders"}', 'terms2' => null, 'terms3' => null, 'sticky' => '0', 'lft' => '813', 'rght' => '814', 'visibility_roles' => '', 'type' => 'mongolia_travel_news', 'updated' => '2020-05-08 18:40:20', 'created' => '2017-12-28 00:00:00', 'images' => null, 'file1' => 'taiga_travel_dairy_mongolia.jpg', 'alt_for_file1' => 'taiga_travel_dairy_mongolia', 'file2' => null, 'alt_for_file2' => null, 'file3' => null, 'alt_for_file3' => null, 'file4' => null, 'alt_for_file4' => null, 'file5' => null, 'start_at' => null, 'end_at' => null, 'video_url' => '', 'title_for_layout' => '', 'meta_keywords' => 'Taiga Travel diary to Dashing through snow, photography Mongolia, Mongolia Photo Tour, Taiga Photography tour, trip to Taiga, ', 'meta_description' => ' Taiga, which is located northernmost Mongolia, sounds unreachable, remote and farthermost place to me. Yes, Taiga is sacramental, untouched and isolated landscape and also known as boreal forest or snow forest, world’s largest land biome characterized by coniferous forests consisting mostly of pines, spruces and larches. I just remember as yesterday, a group of people who has united under one main goal to photograph was prepared and looking forward to start our trip to Taiga. ', 'settings_value' => null, 'map' => null, 'map_index' => null, 'is_best' => '0', 'best_promote' => '0', 'sale_percent' => null, 'days' => null, 'price' => null, 'highlights' => null, 'itinerary' => null, 'fixed_dates' => null, 'spots' => null, 'description' => null, 'tour_price' => null, 'include' => null, 'exclude' => null, 'month' => null, 'nature_level' => '1', 'culture_level' => '1', 'rencontre_level' => '1', 'physical_level' => null, 'day_acc' => null, 'day_activity' => null, 'activity_hours' => null, 'related_tours' => '{"1178":"Extreme Winter Experience Photo Tour in Northern Mongolia ","1158":"Mongolia Highlights tour with Naadam Festival-2020","1184":"Mongolian Blue Trail to Spiritual Shaman Tour"}', 'hits' => '0', 'related_blogs' => '{"808":"I Documented Mongolia\u2019s Mystical Tsaatan Reindeer People","878":"Indigenous Marriage of Tsaatan Tribe in Mongolian Wild Taiga","835":"My Epic Journey to Taiga Mountains of Northern Mongolia"}', 'url' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), 'User' => array( 'password' => '*****', 'id' => '1', 'role_id' => '1', 'username' => 'admin', 'name' => 'admin', 'email' => '', 'website' => null, 'activation_key' => 'ba1441679f92cbdcc9aed56dff2989ca', 'image' => null, 'bio' => null, 'timezone' => '0', 'status' => '1', 'updated' => '2026-01-05 20:36:35', 'created' => '2013-04-11 10:55:33' ), 'Comment' => array(), 'Meta' => array(), 'Taxonomy' => array( (int) 0 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 1 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 2 => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), 'CustomFields' => array() ), (int) 8 => array( 'Node' => array( 'id' => '847', 'parent_id' => null, 'user_id' => '1', 'cat_id' => null, 'title' => 'Tsagaan Sar the main celebration of the Mongols ', 'slug' => 'tsagaan-sar-the-main-celebration-of-the-mongols', 'body' => '<p> </p> <p>Tsagaan sar is one of the biggest events for life of Mongolian people. Lunar festive is a New Year holiday as well as beginning of the spring. Mongols celebrate the season when everything natural earns a life according to lunar calendar. <br /> The celebration comes from the deep of the centuries when our ancestors of Huns Empire have created a lunar calendar. Urban population used to celebrate a new year with the beginning of planting accepted this calendar from Huns that was very creative. Tsagaan Sar is listed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List. </p> <p> </p> <h3><strong>Why Mongolian people celebrate Tsagaan Sar</strong></h3> <p style="text-align: justify;">Mongolians have been living as a nomadic way of life for thousands of years on the Eurasian great steppe. Depending on their lifestyle their culture and tradition have become so unique. They had to look for the better pasture to feed the animals and migrate several times a year throughout the country. They had not enough time to spend and meet their relatives regularly. It might be the reason for celebrating this uncommon holiday. The main purpose of this festival is to greet, to meet each other, to know how their life is going on, how is the pasture of the other regions etc…And finally they were celebrating their happiness to see each other as their well living, to respect older ones, to love younger ones and it may seem to be a family holiday. It contains longtime traditions, customs, beliefs, heritage, respect, and love. So warm and nice celebration of the human. </p> <h3><img alt="tsagaan sar lunar new year mongolia " src="/uploads/5c9ade2c-8ac0-48e0-a811-4964a2f1e629-mongolia lunar new year.jpg" /></h3> <h3><strong>How Mongolians celebrate this festival </strong></h3> <p>Lunar Festive begins with the New Year eve. Table with reach meal is prepared on the final day of the current year called a day of Bituun. Bituun makes obstacles to rise negative things and meet a coming year called with all the best. Things are cleaned depts. Are paid, enemies become friends this day. Every family offers to scarify to gods in order to avoid bad things. <br /> The oldest person of the family puts to show or ice on the top of the right pillars of Mongolian brazier and by putting wormwood to chase all the negative things. Finally wearing the newest costume, hat all family members celebrate an eve. This ceremony offers special meals like buuz, dumplings steamed mutton, head of the sheep to all members of the family who greet each other wishing prosperity and health. After that family members listen to interesting stories or play traditional games with uncle-bone shooting and other table games.</p> <p><img alt="mongolian holidays " src="/uploads/mongolian traditional holidays.jpg" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">According to Lunar Calendar with the beginning of the day, Mongols celebrate a New Year called white Moon or Tsagaan Sar in the Mongolian language. From the beginning of the day when Chinggis Khaan has reigned to a King of the Unified Sate of All Mongols, a New Year called White Moon day has been enriched with state and official content. <br /> The word white moon symbolized that all the negative things passed away with the previous year and the coming will be positive “White” and “Clean”. That is why if the first day were clean, then the next days during a year would be white and clean with no troubles. Family members wear celebration costume, prepare enough food, meals and try to have gifts enough for every guest. </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">On the first day of Tsagaan Sar, everyone wakes up early morning, wears beautiful traditional costumes and greets with the oldest member of the family with deep respects. This greeting has its own specific manner, holding arms of the elderly by both arms. This manner of greeting called “Zolgolt” in Mongolian. According to the customs, close relatives, friends visit each other to greet. In this occasion, all offer a gift to each other.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="mongolia traditional food " src="/uploads/mongolian traditional food.jpg" /></p> <h3><strong>Tsagaan Sar in the early years </strong></h3> <p>Traditionally, a white color is accepted during these days. Meals must be white too, such as milk products, milk tea, yogurt with white rice, mare’s fermented milk and dried yogurt etc…<br /> Previously all used to wear a white lather traditional costume and had only milk products for its white colors. Some historians’ state that in ancient years a new had been celebrated in autumn. </p> <h3><br /> <strong>What to do when you visit Mongolia during Tsagaan Sar days?</strong></h3> <p style="text-align: justify;">For travelers and photographers, the festival is one of the must experience things in Mongolia. In the new year eve, You will visit or stay with Mongolian nomadic family to get knowledge of Mongolian culture, traditions, and history; to take an interesting explanation about shamanism and getting to know about Mongolian script, learning traditional games, enjoying folklore show and much more to explore… Also, you can make traditional foods; buuz and dumpling and some little preparation for the festival and celebrate it together. The next days, making the first path of the New Year before the sun rises according to individual’s born day and year as Mongolian customary, horse riding, learning Mongolian traditional dances, taking photos with the costume of an ancient hero, queen, and shaman and the other interesting activities would be offered to you. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'excerpt' => null, 'status' => '1', 'mime_type' => null, 'comment_status' => '1', 'comment_count' => '0', 'promote' => '0', 'path' => '/nodes/nodes/view/type:mongolia_travel_news/slug:tsagaan-sar-the-main-celebration-of-the-mongols', 'terms' => '{"77":"culture","78":"festival"}', 'terms2' => null, 'terms3' => null, 'sticky' => '0', 'lft' => '809', 'rght' => '810', 'visibility_roles' => '', 'type' => 'mongolia_travel_news', 'updated' => '2019-04-19 10:49:15', 'created' => '2017-12-14 00:00:00', 'images' => null, 'file1' => 'Tsagaan Sar the main celebration of the Mongols.jpg', 'alt_for_file1' => 'Tsagaan Sar the main celebration of the Mongols', 'file2' => null, 'alt_for_file2' => null, 'file3' => null, 'alt_for_file3' => null, 'file4' => null, 'alt_for_file4' => null, 'file5' => null, 'start_at' => null, 'end_at' => null, 'video_url' => '', 'title_for_layout' => '', 'meta_keywords' => 'Tsagaan Sar, Mongolia winter festivals, events Mongolia, Mongolian public holidays, Lunar festive, new year holiday, celebration, lunar calendar, Mongolia winter tour, Mongolia winter festivals tour, Why Mongolian people celebrate Tsagaan sar,How Mongolians celebrate this festival , Chinggis Khaan, Tsagaan sar in early years , What to do when you visit Mongolia during Tsagaan sar days, Mongolia winter festivals The Top 5 Must See Events in Mongolia, Lunar New Year or Tsagaan sar-2018, Winter Festivals-2018 tour ', 'meta_description' => 'Tsagaan sar is one of the biggest events for life of Mongolian people. Lunar festive is a New Year holiday as well as beginning of the spring. Mongols celebrate the season when everything natural earns a life according to lunar calendar. The celebration comes from the deep of the centuries when our ancestors of Huns Empire have created a lunar calendar. Urban population used to celebrate a new year with the beginning of planting accepted this calendar from Huns that was very creative. Tsagaan sar is listed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List. ', 'settings_value' => null, 'map' => null, 'map_index' => null, 'is_best' => '0', 'best_promote' => '0', 'sale_percent' => null, 'days' => null, 'price' => null, 'highlights' => null, 'itinerary' => null, 'fixed_dates' => null, 'spots' => null, 'description' => null, 'tour_price' => null, 'include' => null, 'exclude' => null, 'month' => null, 'nature_level' => '1', 'culture_level' => '1', 'rencontre_level' => '1', 'physical_level' => null, 'day_acc' => null, 'day_activity' => null, 'activity_hours' => null, 'related_tours' => '{"1159":"Lunar New Year or Tsagaan sar-2020","1160":"Mongolia Winter Festivals-2019 Tour"}', 'hits' => '0', 'related_blogs' => '{"833":"Mongolia Winter Festivals ","813":"The Top 5 Must See Events in Mongolia "}', 'url' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), 'User' => array( 'password' => '*****', 'id' => '1', 'role_id' => '1', 'username' => 'admin', 'name' => 'admin', 'email' => '', 'website' => null, 'activation_key' => 'ba1441679f92cbdcc9aed56dff2989ca', 'image' => null, 'bio' => null, 'timezone' => '0', 'status' => '1', 'updated' => '2026-01-05 20:36:35', 'created' => '2013-04-11 10:55:33' ), 'Comment' => array(), 'Meta' => array(), 'Taxonomy' => array( (int) 0 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 1 => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), 'CustomFields' => array() ), (int) 9 => array( 'Node' => array( 'id' => '814', 'parent_id' => null, 'user_id' => '1', 'cat_id' => null, 'title' => 'WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT NAADAM FESTIVAL BEFORE YOU ATTEND? ', 'slug' => 'what-to-know-about-naadam-festival-before-you-attend', 'body' => '<h3><strong>What does Naadam mean?</strong></h3> <p> According to the book named “TRAVEL”, published from DK, Mongolian Naadam Festival is highlighted the only must see attraction for tourists in July. So, why is this Festival so attractive for both locals and travelers? Naadam is the festival of “National Pride” and it is the only one of its kind; it is a sophisticated and eloquent expression of nomadic culture, it is the honored celebration of a national independence, and it is an outstanding combination of arts and sports.</p> <p>Here are the 10 interesting facts about the festival you must know before planning the trip.</p> <p> </p> <h4 style="text-align: center;"><strong>1. When is the Naadam Festival held? </strong></h4> <p>Naadam Festival is Olympic Games of Mongols and held in <a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/best-events-in-july-in-mongolia" target="_blank">the most enjoyable and festive month in the country.</a> The main celebrations will be held annually on 11-13 July at Central Stadium and Khui Doloon Khudag in the country’s capital, Ulaanbaatar. But you have opportunity to enjoy the festival more closely with locals in other parts of the country hold their own as well.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Mongolia naadam festival horse race" src="/uploads/Local_Naadam_festival_horses.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <h4 style="text-align: center;"><strong>2. WHY “THREE GAMES OF MEN”</strong></h4> <p>Weird, but inspiring ‘Mongolia’s Three Games of Men’-Archery, Horse Racing and Wrestling are the main games. The origin of Naadam Festival is closely related to the history and culture of the country. It was one of the main practice of war. Before and after major battles, the three sports of men- wrestling, horseracing and archery- were exercised as an organized event, which later adopted its present name- Naadam. It is not only sports game including art, tricks, tactics but also ethic and cultural performance such as singing, dance, traditional costume, parade etc.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Mongolia local naadam festivals" src="/uploads/Mongolia-Naadam-Festival.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Mongolians revere certain parts of bones of their livestock and use them in religious rites, plays and traditional games.</p> <p>In recent years Knuckle Bone Shooting- a team game getting popular and it became “Fourth” main sports of the festival. Teams of six to eight players flick thirty domino-like marble tablets on a smooth wooden surface towards a target of sheep knuckle-bones.</p> <p> </p> <h4 style="text-align: center;"><strong>3. WHAT IS MONGOLIAN NATIONAL WRESTLING?</strong></h4> <p> Wrestling is a unique combination of traditional sports manner and cultural elements of eagle dance, long song etc. It also has thousands of years of historical development in Mongolia.</p> <p>Comparing to other wrestling competitions it has several specialty such as no time, space and weigh limit, 512 wrestlers are typically compete each other by tournament and this number increased to 1024 on the occasion of important anniversaries. Wrestlers must have strong discipline, moral and respectfulness to elders, high titled wrestler and audiences.</p> <p>There are four main parts in the Mongolian Wrestling costumes including Four-sided hat, shoulder vest & snug shorts (Zodog & Shuudag), Cloak and traditional boots for using men only.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Mongolia local naadam festivals" src="/uploads/wrestlingLocal_Naadam_festival4.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <h4 style="text-align: center;"><strong>4. MONGOLIAN HORSE RACING</strong></h4> <p>A horse role and culture is the biggest tradition of the Mongols in the daily and national life. Mongolians are said that “Nation born on horseback” and every child who grows in countryside learn to ride a horse when they are 3 to 5 years.</p> <p>See the longest horse race ridden by children might not imagined.</p> <p>Actually horse racing is scientifically sport and it races except winter time, when grass grows. To train a horse for race keeping under a special regimen at least one month before race and horse jockeys are usefully between 5 and 13 years of age and lead their horse across the steppes, over various distances between 10 and 26 km depending on horse age.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Mongolia local naadam festivals" src="/uploads/Horse_racing_Local_Naadam_festival.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Soyolon- Five-years-old horse racing is most popular for locals and according to ancient Mongolian myth that says it is possible to charge its spirit and fortune by getting in touch with the whirled up dust and sweat of horse after racing.</p> <p>Children sing a special song named GIINGOO, a mantra of GOD of HORSE- Khayankhyarvaa before and after racing.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Mongolia local naadam festivals" src="/uploads/Naadam_Horse_racing_game1.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Please notice that Horse Racing field is located 35 km from Ulaanbaatar named Khui Doloon Khudag, on the way you go to Khustai NP or Karakorum.</p> <p> </p> <h4 style="text-align: center;"><strong>5. WHAT IS MONGOLIAN ARCHERY?</strong></h4> <p>Due to its traditional lifestyle, ancient people used their version of bows and arrows for hunting and in later it started to be used as a weapon during the battle. During the Naadam Festival, all male, female and child archers who wears traditional costumes, compete in three categories: Khalkh, Buriad and Uriankhai archery, which have differences in the bows and arrows used, as well as the distance of the target. Archery is symbol of strength, vision, patience, sense and concentration. You can enjoy it outside of stadium, before opening ceremony starts, due to it starts early in the morning.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Mongolia local naadam festivals" src="/uploads/Archery.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <h4 style="text-align: center;"><strong>6. HOW THE OPENING CEREMONY GOES?</strong></h4> <p>The opening ceremony starts at 11 A.M after “Nine White Banners” are carried by honored guard from Government Palace to be settled in the middle of Stadium and then the speech of President of Mongolia. Naadam Festival is very colorful event where people revive their Nomadic spirit, history and heritage. Opening ceremony has a great chance to enjoy and photograph Mongolian culture, art performances, song and dance, colorful parade, traditional costumes and miracles of Mongolian military force etc.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Mongolia local naadam festivals" src="/uploads/Naadam_openning.jpg" /></p> <p>Everybody wears the most colorful and attractive traditional costumes with many different styles, like actors wear their best in Red Carpet of Oscars.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Mongolia local naadam festivals" src="/uploads/Naadam_opening_ceremony3.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Photographers must buy a photo permission from Festival Organizer and it is allowed to photographing and video graphing in white lane. Therefore, please prepare zoom-lenses to capture more authentic photos.</p> <p>After the ceremony ends Wrestling tournament will start. Most of the tourists enjoy opening ceremony and go to horse racing place.</p> <p> </p> <h4 style="text-align: center;"><strong>7. A CHANCE TO EXPERIENCE OTHER CULTURAL EVENTS AT A SAME TIME</strong></h4> <p>There are few cultural events will run under the Hospitable Ulaanbaatar Program between 10 and 15 of July annually. In the afternoon of 10<sup>th</sup> of July you will fully enjoy Mongolian Traditional Costume Festival- Deeltei Mongol, “Ceremony of Nine White Banners” and in the evening one of the Mongolian best operas “Uchirtai Gurvan Tolgoi-Three Dramatic Character” will be held in open air theatre at the central square.</p> <p>In the night of 11<sup>th</sup> of July “Night of Ulaanbaatar”, Mongolian Dance Festival including modern and traditional dance show (12 Jul), Morin Khuur- Horse-headed Fiddle Festival (13 Jul), Ulaanbaatar Swing Night- Jaaz show (14 Jul)- the open air shows will be held in Sukhbaatar Square. Enjoy.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Mongolia local naadam festivals" src="/uploads/Ulaanbaatar_Naadam_.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p style="clear: both"> </p> <h4 style="text-align: center;"><strong>8. WHAT SURROUNDS CENTRAL STADIUM?</strong></h4> <p>From a long time ago Naadam was only fest which gathering local people same time in same place. In the rest of the time nomadic people had very busy to visit each other and they only take care of their livestock, which is not easy job. When they gathered in same place they also do a barter, sell good and talk a gossip etc. Nowadays it is almost same in the area and surroundings of the Central Stadium is too crowd of people, bazaar, entertainment, lottery and food and beverage kiosks like a fair. For instance, if you forget to take your umbrella or sunglass you can buy it from local bazaar as cheap as you can.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Mongolia local naadam festivals" src="/uploads/Naadam_festival_Around.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <h4 style="text-align: center;">TASTE TRADITIONAL MONGOLIAN FOODs & DRINKs</h4> <p>Of course you will ask what is the main dish of Naadam Festival? Definitely “round” KHUUSHUUR, fried dumpling is the main dish and once you taste it, you will never forget the taste and next time eager to eat it. At the stadium, good Khuushuur making kiosk has a queue and they make it quickly in front of you.</p> <p>Drinking fermented mare’s milk- Airag also known as Kumis is the highlight of the Festival for locals. Because Airag appears only in summer time from June to September. Please don’t miss a chance to drink this alcoholic beverage nearly 5% alcoholic content.</p> <p>HOW DOES IT TASTE? I want to say JUST DRINK IT.</p> <p> </p> <h4 style="text-align: center;"><strong>9. JOIN LOCAL NAADAM FESTIVAL OUTSIDE OF ULAANBAATAR</strong></h4> <p>Local Naadam Festival is more attractive for travelers, because of truly authentic, enthusiastic, no dramatic and allows you to experience first-hand by visiting locals. Here you can photograph and talk with locals without any prohibition. Mongolian traditional Ger dwelling used to be as restaurants in countryside. Most of the people ride a horse and run through the vast steppe without any traffic rule.</p> <p>The festival is like a small fair. Local people come from all the province to either participate in the festivals to sell food and toys, or to run small carnival games for children and youngsters.</p> <p>If you don’t like too touristic things LOCAL NAADAM is the best choice. </p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Mongolia local naadam festivals" src="/uploads/Local_naadam_festival.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Mongolia local naadam festivals " src="/uploads/Local_Naadam_festival1.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <h4 style="text-align: center;"><strong>10. HOW TO BOOK HOTEL AND TICKETS OF NAADAM FESTIVAL?</strong></h4> <p>July is the PEAK SEASON of tourists. While it is peak, the price of accommodation is doubled (desk rate price) and must book it at least 6 months before. Centrally located accommodation even guesthouses are fully booked in this time. Tour operator and local agents will be your reliable partner in the field.</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="Mongolia local naadam festivals" src="/uploads/NaadamStadium.jpg" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Central stadium has 18 sections and four of them use for tourists. Nowadays booking a NAADAM TICKET by online is impossible. Ticket price for tourist section with roof is 25$, but you need to buy both opening and closing ceremony tickets. It will be sold a week before it runs and it is not easy to buy individually even for Mongolians.</p> <p>Therefore, tour companies are best choice to book and arrange both accommodations, tickets and tour throughout Mongolia.</p> <p>Ayan travel team is expert for arranging tours of Naadam festival which was named as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of UNESCO in 2010, as soon as you’re different interest, expectation of tour such as discovery and photography tours.</p> <p> </p> <p>Here is the link might help you to plan your trip to Mongolia during the truly authentic Festival of Nomads- Naadam.</p> <p>Suggested tour: <a href="http://www.toursmongolia.com/tour/mongolia-naadam-festival-2018-tour" target="_blank"><strong>Mongolia Naadam Festival - 2019 Tour-11 days</strong></a></p> <p>If you are passionate with photography we suggest following tours: <a href="http://www.toursmongolia.com/tour/classic-mongolia-photography-tour"><strong>Classic Mongolia Photography tour-14 days</strong></a></p> <p>Or if you have limited time to travel in Mongolia and need to experience and photograph local and city Naadam Festival on the same trip, then we recommend : <strong><a href="https://www.toursmongolia.com/tour/naadam-to-naadam-guided-photo-tour" target="_blank">Naadam to Naadam Guided Photo Tour </a></strong></p> <p> </p> ', 'excerpt' => null, 'status' => '1', 'mime_type' => null, 'comment_status' => '1', 'comment_count' => '0', 'promote' => '1', 'path' => '/nodes/nodes/view/type:mongolia_travel_news/slug:what-to-know-about-naadam-festival-before-you-attend', 'terms' => '{"77":"culture","78":"festival","99":"travel-tips","109":"naadam-festival"}', 'terms2' => null, 'terms3' => null, 'sticky' => '0', 'lft' => '743', 'rght' => '744', 'visibility_roles' => '', 'type' => 'mongolia_travel_news', 'updated' => '2020-07-10 12:21:22', 'created' => '2017-04-21 00:00:00', 'images' => null, 'file1' => 'What-to-khow-before-you-attend-mongolian-naadam-festival.JPG', 'alt_for_file1' => 'What-to-khow-before-you-attend-mongolian-naadam-festival', 'file2' => null, 'alt_for_file2' => null, 'file3' => null, 'alt_for_file3' => null, 'file4' => null, 'alt_for_file4' => null, 'file5' => null, 'start_at' => null, 'end_at' => null, 'video_url' => '', 'title_for_layout' => '', 'meta_keywords' => 'Naadam, Mongolia, Mongolia Naadam Festival tour, Mongolian national festivals, Mongolian tour Highlights, Mongolia Peak season, Mongolian National festival Naadam, Facts of Mongolia, About Mongolia, what is naadam festival Mongolia, What does Naadam mean? Or if you have limited time to travel in Mongolia and need to experience and photograph local and city Naadam Festival on the same trip, then we recommend : Naadam to Naadam Guided Photo Tour ', 'meta_description' => ' Mongolian Naadam Festival is highlighted the only must see attraction for tourists in July. Planning your your Mongolia trip? Join Mongolian highlights tour with naadam festival.', 'settings_value' => null, 'map' => null, 'map_index' => null, 'is_best' => '0', 'best_promote' => '0', 'sale_percent' => null, 'days' => null, 'price' => null, 'highlights' => null, 'itinerary' => null, 'fixed_dates' => null, 'spots' => null, 'description' => null, 'tour_price' => null, 'include' => null, 'exclude' => null, 'month' => null, 'nature_level' => '1', 'culture_level' => '1', 'rencontre_level' => '1', 'physical_level' => null, 'day_acc' => null, 'day_activity' => null, 'activity_hours' => null, 'related_tours' => '{"1158":"Mongolia Highlights tour with Naadam Festival-2020","1211":"Mongolia Naadam Festival - 2020 Tour ","1177":"Naadam Festival and Gobi Desert tour "}', 'hits' => '0', 'related_blogs' => '{"862":"Events In July In Mongolia - Don't Miss Out!","882":"Outstanding Photos of Mongolian Naadam Festival ","813":"The Top 5 Must See Events in Mongolia "}', 'url' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), 'User' => array( 'password' => '*****', 'id' => '1', 'role_id' => '1', 'username' => 'admin', 'name' => 'admin', 'email' => '', 'website' => null, 'activation_key' => 'ba1441679f92cbdcc9aed56dff2989ca', 'image' => null, 'bio' => null, 'timezone' => '0', 'status' => '1', 'updated' => '2026-01-05 20:36:35', 'created' => '2013-04-11 10:55:33' ), 'Comment' => array(), 'Meta' => array(), 'Taxonomy' => array( (int) 0 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 1 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 2 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 3 => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), 'CustomFields' => array() ), (int) 10 => array( 'Node' => array( 'id' => '811', 'parent_id' => null, 'user_id' => '1', 'cat_id' => null, 'title' => 'Interesting Facts About Mongolian Camels ', 'slug' => 'interesting-facts-about-mongolian-camels ', 'body' => '<h5> </h5> <p>Most of our friends ask me<strong> ‘what is camel riding like?’</strong> and how is the Mongolian Gobi?<br /> First of all, I will talk about the specialty of Mongolian camel. As you know there are 2 types of camels are survived on earth, which is one-humped Dromedary, makes up 94% of all and remained 6% are a two-humped Bactrian camel. <br /> <img alt="mongolia gobi desert " src="/uploads/mongolian gobi desert.jpg" /></p> <p>The Mongolian Gobi is the habitat of the Bactrian camel, but Wait!! Also, there are Wild Bactrian Camels, called ‘Khavtgai’ are survived and still roaming through this exotic and alive desert. </p> <p><img alt="mongolia camels " src="/uploads/camel riding tours mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p><strong>What, wild camel?</strong> Yes. There are around only 800 wild camels remained in the harsh environment of Mongolian Gobi. The ancestor of the domesticated Bactrian camel has been attracted to international researchers for its different gene since it was first discovered by Russian explorer in 1800s. It is classified as Critically Endangered Species by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).</p> <p><img alt="camels photos mongolia " src="/uploads/camels photos mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p>Domestic Bactrian camel has been one of the most important animals for steppe nomads since it had domesticated in 2500BC. They were 549 thousand in 1985 but sadly they have been decreased to 200 thousand in 2007. And in the last few years local nomads and communities arrange some good campaigns to raise and promote them so; the quantity has been increased up to 401 thousand in 2016.</p> <p><img alt="camel riding mongolia " src="/uploads/camel riding in mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p>For instance; they organize ‘Thousand Camel Festival’ or Camel Race and Camel Polo in the past 20 years which recorded in World Guinness Book in 2016, and also local tour operators organize camel riding trips. South Gobi, Bayankhongor and Gobi-Altai Provinces have the largest number of camel. </p> <p><img alt="camel festival mongolia " src="/uploads/5c9c6e75-0ac0-4f2c-92cf-4d7aa2f1e629-camel festival mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p>So, what is the importance of this animal and its role in the daily life of Mongolian nomads? Since the domestication, camel breeding has been turning into the<strong> cultural heritage</strong> of nomadic people. We cannot imagine that the life of Mongol nomads without their livestock and Mother Nature, you can feel the true connection of human and nature. Such as, there is a magical and ritual that belongs to mother and baby camel. You will melt into this ritual when you see it yourself, but you can watch the famous film <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MrHudsp_aA"><span style="color:#800000;"><strong>‘The story of the Weeping camel’</strong></span></a></p> <p><img alt="weeping camel mongolia " src="/uploads/weeping camel mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p><strong> Camels are:</strong></p> <p>- Served as transportation and can carry 170-250kg (370-55-lb) for 47km (30miles) per day.<br /> - Hair is used for rope which encircles Traditional Mongolian Ger dwelling (yurt)<br /> - Wool is used for garment and sock<br /> - Provide milk and meat<br /> - Camel Riding Tour </p> <p><img alt="camels winter mongolia " src="/uploads/camels winter photos.jpg" /></p> <p><strong>Camels in the snow. </strong>What a fantastic imagination is that! Is the camel just the animal of the desert? No, they are one of the few animals that can survive in the great heat and extreme cold of the Mongolian Gobi. According to history, during the 1<sup>st</sup> World War, the role of the Bactrian camel was so important for its stamina for transporting. </p> <p><img alt="camel riding mongolia " src="/uploads/camel riding tour.jpg" /></p> <p><strong>How do you imagine about Mongolian Gobi?</strong> Is that just the hot desert without life? This is so unique desert on the planet, home to ascinating wildlife and pre-historic sites such as dinosaur fossils, and local nomadic cultural richness and breathtaking scenery of greens and oasis. </p> <p><img alt="riding tours mongolia " src="/uploads/5c9c6fe0-f708-4154-87c3-488da2f1e629-riding tours mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p><img alt="facts about mongolian camels " src="/uploads/facts about mongolian camels.jpg" /></p> <p><strong>What about riding?</strong> For the first time, it might seem like falling but after the camel stands; your mind would be changed and it will be so comfortable on the camelback. </p> <p>If you are animal and nature lover and want to know about the beautiful Gobi and nomadic way of living and stay close to nature, camel riding is the right way to explore all of these. Imagine that, sleeping under the millions of stars, accommodating in nomadic dwelling ger (yurt), having great dinner surrounding beautiful nature, getting to know legends and stories about local life and riding through the mystical Gobi.</p> <p> And why not try this uncommon experience with us?</p> <p><br /> <strong>Related tours:</strong> <a href="http://www.toursmongolia.com/tour/caravaning-through-desert-wonders-tour"><span style="color:#800000;">Caravaning </span><span style="color:#800000;">throurh</span><span style="color:#800000;"> Desert Wonders Tours</span></a> /14 Days</p> <p> <a href="http://www.toursmongolia.com/tour/Mongolia-riding-tour"><span style="color:#800000;">Mongolia Riding Tour / 13 Days </span></a></p> <p>You might also like: <a href="http://www.toursmongolia.com/mongolia_travel_news/ten-thousand-camel-festival"><span style="color:#800000;">Camel Festival </span></a></p> <p>Video: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjBa1RBPcmI"><span style="color:#800000;">Thousands take part in </span><span style="color:#800000;">largest</span><span style="color:#800000;"> camel race as part of </span><span style="color:#800000;">initiative</span><span style="color:#800000;"> to increase animal's population in Mongolia</span></a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> ', 'excerpt' => null, 'status' => '1', 'mime_type' => null, 'comment_status' => '1', 'comment_count' => '0', 'promote' => '0', 'path' => '/nodes/nodes/view/type:mongolia_travel_news/slug:interesting-facts-about-mongolian-camels%20', 'terms' => '{"76":"destination","77":"culture"}', 'terms2' => null, 'terms3' => null, 'sticky' => '0', 'lft' => '737', 'rght' => '738', 'visibility_roles' => '', 'type' => 'mongolia_travel_news', 'updated' => '2021-04-22 11:39:22', 'created' => '2017-03-29 00:00:00', 'images' => null, 'file1' => 'About_Mongolian_Camels.jpg', 'alt_for_file1' => 'About_Mongolian_Camels', 'file2' => null, 'alt_for_file2' => null, 'file3' => null, 'alt_for_file3' => null, 'file4' => null, 'alt_for_file4' => null, 'file5' => null, 'start_at' => null, 'end_at' => null, 'video_url' => '', 'title_for_layout' => '', 'meta_keywords' => 'Camel riding tour Mongolia, How to ride camel in Gobi desert, Camel riding in Gobi, Mongolia Gobi desert, Camel, About Camel, Mongolian camels, gobi tour, riding tour in mongolia', 'meta_description' => 'If you are animal and nature lover and wanting to know about beautiful Gobi and nomadic way of living and stay close to nature, camel riding is the right way to explore all of these.', 'settings_value' => null, 'map' => null, 'map_index' => null, 'is_best' => '0', 'best_promote' => '0', 'sale_percent' => null, 'days' => null, 'price' => null, 'highlights' => null, 'itinerary' => null, 'fixed_dates' => null, 'spots' => null, 'description' => null, 'tour_price' => null, 'include' => null, 'exclude' => null, 'month' => null, 'nature_level' => '1', 'culture_level' => '1', 'rencontre_level' => '1', 'physical_level' => null, 'day_acc' => null, 'day_activity' => null, 'activity_hours' => null, 'related_tours' => '{"1168":"Golden Gobi and Kharkhorin Tour Mongolia","3694":"Legendary Mongolian Gobi Tour","1209":"Thousand Camel Festival in Gobi Desert Tour 2021"}', 'hits' => '0', 'related_blogs' => '{"790":"\"Coaxing Ritual for Baby Camels\" has been inscribed in the UNESCO List of Heritage.","3760":"10 Reasons You Must Travel Mongolian Gobi Desert ","874":"Mongolian Camel Received Invitation from Queen Elizabeth "}', 'url' => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), 'User' => array( 'password' => '*****', 'id' => '1', 'role_id' => '1', 'username' => 'admin', 'name' => 'admin', 'email' => '', 'website' => null, 'activation_key' => 'ba1441679f92cbdcc9aed56dff2989ca', 'image' => null, 'bio' => null, 'timezone' => '0', 'status' => '1', 'updated' => '2026-01-05 20:36:35', 'created' => '2013-04-11 10:55:33' ), 'Comment' => array(), 'Meta' => array(), 'Taxonomy' => array( (int) 0 => array( [maximum depth reached] ), (int) 1 => array( [maximum depth reached] ) ), 'CustomFields' => array() ), (int) 11 => array( 'Node' => array( 'id' => '807', 'parent_id' => null, 'user_id' => '1', 'cat_id' => null, 'title' => 'Tsaatans - the Reindeer People', 'slug' => 'tsaatans-the-reindeer-people', 'body' => '<p><img alt="mongolia taiga mountains " src="/uploads/mongolia taiga mountains.jpg" /></p> <p>Tsaatans, known as Reindeer Herders, live in the Khuvsgul Province, Northern Part of Mongolia which is near the border with Russia. Their lives are divided into two different parts which are East and West of the Darkhad Depression of Northern Mongolia. </p> <p><img alt="winter tour to taiga mongolia " src="/uploads/winter tour to taiga mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p>There are probably only 40 families left with about 1,500 reindeer in both east and west taiga in a Tsagaannuur soum.</p> <p><img alt="mongolia reindeer herders " src="/uploads/5c9c9a7f-7530-4ab2-ad24-45c7a2f1e629-mongolia reindeer herders.jpg" /></p> <p>The tribal leader of east taiga is Mr. Ganbaa and his wife Mrs. Purvee and while we were talking, he said this year taiga has had heavy snow and reindeer are persistent in snow. That’s why tsaatans are happier when taiga is full of snow.</p> <p><img alt="mongolia reindeer people " src="/uploads/mongolia tsaatan reindeer.jpg" /></p> <p>Life of a Tsaatan family depends fully on reindeer. They don’t have any other animals, except for a few horses, but they use them only in summer time.</p> <p><img alt="mongolia kids " src="/uploads/mongolia nomad kids winter.jpg" /></p> <p>A girl, who glossed her lips, helped the family to collect woods. Winter is time to go to school for children.</p> <p><img alt="mongolia taiga life " src="/uploads/5c9c9b54-e420-496f-942a-4c66a2f1e629-mongolia taiga life.jpg" /></p> <p>In Taiga, the sun rises late in the morning and sets early in the evening.<br /> Enjoying sun from grandma Suren’s teepee (urts or the yurt). Grandma had already heated the stove before we woke up, which made teepee to be quickly warmed up.</p> <p><img alt="mongolia reindeer migration " src="/uploads/mongolia winter reindeer migration.jpg" /></p> <p>First time riding a reindeer is completely different to ride a horse. Usually, male reindeer are used for riding. A single reindeer can travel for up to 30 km or more on a single day.</p> <p><img alt="taiga reindeer winter photos " src="/uploads/taiga reindeer winter photos.jpg" /></p> <p>Until spring comes and melts the snow, reindeer are kept on mountain base on themselves. So that they are protected from the extreme cold by large mountains and thick snow. Tsaatan erases footprints of reindeers from snow to avoid wolf attacks since the only danger to these reindeer is wild wolves.</p> <p><img alt="best animal photos mongolia " src="/uploads/best animal photos mongolia.jpg" /></p> <p>Best Animal Photo of 2016! Of Daily Record. Reindeer in the full moon. 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Mongolia Travel Blog
Our Mongolia Travel Blog from the road! Interesting travel stories, tourism news, travel tips, photo news and inspiration from our customers, tour guides, the team and the latest travel news in Mongolia.
If you love traveling and want to inspire other travelers, we are happy to share your amazing travel stories which come from Mongolian roads!
Danshig Religious Festival - Highlight of August In Mongolia
Aug.07 2018
As experienced Mongolian photo tour operator, we annually organize two day trip to Danshig Naadam religious and cultural festival which has been sy...
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Ancient Culture of the Mongols – Altan Ovoo Mountain Worship
Aug.02 2018
Altan Ovoo Mountain State Worship in Sukhbaatar province, Eastern Mongolia
As living as nomads for a thousand years, Mongolians ...
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Outstanding Photos of Mongolian Naadam Festival
admin
Jul.13 2018
Mongolian National holiday, The Naadam Festival is taking place these days. As we are Mongolian travel organizer and the specialist in Mongoli...
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Indigenous Marriage of Tsaatan Tribe in Mongolian Wild Taiga
Jun.13 2018
I traveled to Mongolia with some of my like-minded photographer friends, we did not just take a photo tour to Mongolia, but also we were invited to...
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Nomadic Culture Festival presents authentic tradition of the Mongols
admin
Apr.23 2018
The newly-organized cultural event will be held on the 4th of July, 2018 at Ulaagchnii Khar Nuur. Nomadic Cultural Festival gives the loc...
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Events In July In Mongolia - Don't Miss Out!
admin
Mar.23 2018
Events not to miss in July in Mongolia
Want to travel to Mongolia? But do not know when the best time is? Wondering what to see in M...
Read More
Facts about Aishol-pan, the eagle huntress of Mongolia
Mar.19 2018
She is the youngest female huntress in the history of eagle hunting tradition
The strong customs of Kazakhs has been continued for tho...
Read More
Taiga Travel diary to Dashing through snow
admin
Dec.28 2017
Taiga, which is located in northernmost Mongolia, sounds unreachable, remote and farthermost place to me. Yes, Taiga is sacramental, untouched an...
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Tsagaan Sar the main celebration of the Mongols
admin
Dec.14 2017
Tsagaan sar is one of the biggest events for life of Mongolian people. Lunar festive is a New Year holiday as well as beginning of the sp...
Read More
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT NAADAM FESTIVAL BEFORE YOU ATTEND?
admin
Apr.21 2017
What does Naadam mean?
According to the book named “TRAVEL”, published from DK, Mongolian Naadam Festival is highlighted the o...
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Interesting Facts About Mongolian Camels
admin
Mar.29 2017
Most of our friends ask me ‘what is camel riding like?’ and how is the Mongolian Gobi?
First of all, I will tal...
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Tsaatans - the Reindeer People
admin
Mar.03 2017
Tsaatans, known as Reindeer Herders, live in the Khuvsgul Province, Northern Part of Mongolia which is near the border with Russia. Their lives...
Read More
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