The 10 most beautiful places to visit in Mongolia • Wanderlix

Large steppes where some mountain lakes with a rare and wild fauna are tested, discover the 10 most beautiful places to visit in Mongolia.

Mongolia. Nothing but his name awakens the imagination. This land of adventures is so magnetic that it slips into many bucketlist large travellers. By chance, today, the Soviet bubble which isolates it from the tourist scene has indeed exploded. Mongolia is so full of promises and opens your arms. And although it remains the privilege of the armourers who are not afraid of rudimentary installations, it is impossible to resist its charms.

In the vatitude of its territory, it is necessary to avoid losing itself... The vast blank spaces swept with mysteries and legends, the exploration of nomadic culture, the steep and hypnotic mountains, where to start? To guide you through the unique and intact beauty of this Central Asian country, follow our guide. Here are the 10 most beautiful places to visit in Mongolia!

1. Gobi Desert and Gurvan Saïkhan National Park

The fifth largest desert in the world, crossing China and the south of Mongolian territory, contrasts with most of the most beautiful places to visit in Mongolia. Tens of millions of years ago, the Gobi Desert was a lush and water-filled land, where many dinosaurs evolved. These are the bones under the sand and embedded in the rock... But today, the landscape consists of large ochre dunes where the wind blows.

The culmination of your visit to Gobi will be marked on your arrival at the superb Khongoryn Els, in the national park of Gurvan Saïkhan. His name, meaning "three beautiful", is inherited from the three clusters of summits that belt the superb mountainous and volcanic chain around. These mountains are carpeted with abundant fauna and flora, sometimes threatened in the rest of the world. In short, a marvel for nature lovers...

2. Altai Tavan Bogd and Ölgii National Park

Fly to Khovd or Ölgii and explore one of the most beautiful places to visit in Mongolia: the incredible pastures and valleys of the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park . To the west of Mongolia, flirting with the Russian and Chinese borders, this park is home to five peaks in the country and the highest of them is even accessible by a muscular hike. The park also features a rosary of glaciers, lakes and waterfalls from white to sparkling blue. The best known, Khoton Nuur Lake, is surrounded by valuable archaeological sites and horse-riding trails.

Visiting the village of Ölgii, you will dive into the amazing tradition of eagle hunters. The best time to observe and take part in this true traditional sport in nomads is early October, during the Eagle Festival.

3. Orkhon Valley and Karakorum

The Orkhon Valley must undoubtedly appear on your list of beautiful places to visit in Mongolia. Located in the centre of the country, the region is steeped in perpetuated history thanks to the architectural ruins and vestiges of the city of Karakorum. Founded in 1220 as the capital of Gengis Khan, it retraces the reign of the Mongolian Empire before it settles in Beijing. Ceinated by a fortified wall with four doors, Karakorum also crosses the old silk road.

That’s not all! Under the benevolent eye of its stone turtles, the legendary city contains the great Buddhist monastery of Erdene Zuu , registered in UNESCO World Heritage. When you enter the enclosure of its white wall topped by hundreds of stupas, hard not to feel its smallness... If possible, go to Karakorum at the Naadam, mid-July. The city then lives at the frustrating pace of horse racing, wrestling tournaments and arctic arrows falling like spinning stars.

4. Khövsgöl Nuur National Park and its lake

There are also some unmissable activities during a trip to Mongolia. Among them, horse trekking over several days, especially in the Khövsgöl Nuur National Park. Indeed, it is probably the best way to experience Mongolian art of living. The horses, small and trapus, have nothing to do with European horses: it takes a little time to get used to these mounts, even for experienced riders.

During your visit to Khövsgöl Nuur do not miss its lake of the same name. Moreover, if there is a natural site to visit in Mongolia, it is this one. Long of a hundred-trente-six kilometers, the lake of Khövsgöl Nuur is a high place of spirituality and inspiration for shamans. For travellers, this lake plot offers a wide range of activities. From its shores, you can take one of the most beautiful treks in Mongolia: a path that crosses the mountains and reaches the village of Renchinlkhumbe.

During your stay in the National Park, you can stay in the authentic village of Khatgal. If you go there in July, you will have the chance to attend the Naadam Festival. If it is celebrated in all the country, it is here that it is the brightest and highest in colour. For several days, the Mongols have fought hard battles, horse races and archer competitions. Not to mention family meetings around a flap of sheep slippers and vodka bottles.

5. Khustain Nuruu National Park

Khustaïn Nuruu National Park is the most accessible from Ulan-Bator. If he is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Mongolia, it is especially because he is the refuge of the famous Przewalski horses (Takhis in Mongolian). While this species had disappeared in the 1960s, it was reintroduced into this protected area in the early 1990s. Here, the landscape defies between desert and mountainous areas.

You encounter rare species such as deer, marmots, deer, lynx, wolves and other majestic birds. To enter the park, you must be accompanied by a local guide. A pair of twins and the courage to get up at dawn to see wild animals are a real plus!

6. Gorkhi-Terelj National Park

On foot, by bike or on horseback, trails dug in the shredded mountains with paths drawn in the gentle valleys, the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park explores every way. On the way, you will meet many rivers stalking meadows covered with wild flowers and shelled with yurt camps. On both sides of the park, the herds pass in peace.

At their head, you will fall on shepherds always ready to welcome travellers within their family. This is probably the best way to learn about nomadic life and reconnect with nature.

7. Oulan-Bator

If the nomadic culture remains alive, the Mongols are growing to Oulan-Bator and the big cities to sedentify it. It is also with enthusiasm that the inhabitants take the big train of “life to the west”. It is precisely this enthusiasm that emanates from the capital, Ulan-Bator. The cosmopolitan city is rich in museums and places to go out.

Its dynamic centre has seen a few tours of business and entertainment. However, Oulan-Bator does not deny its past, traditions and even less nature. You doubt it, visiting Mongolia will never put you in the bath of ultra modernism and consumerism...

8. Monastery Amarbayasgalant Khiid

The monastery Amarbayasgalant Khiid is not only one of the most beautiful places to visit in Mongolia, it is also one of the most sacred. It retains Buddhist monasteries (Khiid) drawing the royal path to spirituality in Mongolian culture.

Listen to the sound of the prayer mills and the mantra murmur. Observe the journeys of pilgrims and religious masterpieces. Here constantly replays the pages of history, in the greatest of those who study.

9. Steppes de Dornod

The vast eastern grasslands and forests are one of the most protected areas to visit in Mongolia. This large ecosystem houses no less than forty miles of white-tailed gazelles: a rare Mongolian species that many wildlife photographers dream of one day to capture... In addition, wherever you are the royal eagles and other air predators describe curves in the sky.

Through natural spaces, you will also discover unique historical sites and, the highlight of the show, you will probably not cross any tourists here!

10. Khorgo – Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur

In the natural park of Khorgo – Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur meet two forces of nature: the lake of Terkhiin Tsagaan and the extinct Khorgo volcano. Known as the “White Lake of the Terkh River”, this water plan rises to two miles above sea level and bathes in an almost mystical atmosphere. All around the lake, you will meet many volcano craters today silent.

Most were born from the volcanic eruption of Mount Khorgo. It is also possible to leave on the assault of its summit to admire its crater covered with basalt. Mongols, for their part, often go to this park to fish.