MONGOLIA

Mongolia is vast unspoiled wilderness, and emerald blue lakes, snow-capped peaks of the Altai and the hot expanses of the Mongolia desert Gobi, the magnificent monuments of Buddhism and an animated story of Genghis Khan, and finally - colorful Naadam festivals, generous kitchen and incredible hospitality.

Mongolia - that rare country, which originality is best expressed not by colorful brochures but by dry figures and facts. So Mongolia facts: population density - 1.7 persons per square kilometer, 40% of its citizens live in the Mongolia capital city Ulaanbaatar, per every 1 Mongol there are 13 Mongolian horses, there are 260 perfectly sunny days in a year, the Mongolia temperature ranges from -40 ° C in winter to +40 ° C in summer. Tourists discover here a daunting mix of traditionalism - the yurt here is not a relic of the past, but complete, and often only possible dwelling, and openness to Western values - the shepherds enthusiastically talking on cell phones, and the youth studying in European universities. Mongolia tourism in the country is developed on a high level due to the foreigners, who have already long visited Mongolia for fishing, hunting, trekking, caravan and car tours.

All foreign nationals except citizens of USA, Brazil, Canada, Georgia, Germany, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macao, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, UN are required to have visa to enter Mongolia.

In Mongolia there are 4 objects inscribed in UNESCO world Heritage List: Great Burkhan Khaldun Mountain and its surrounding sacred landscape (2015), Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape (2004), Petroglyphic Comp;exes of the Mongolian Altai (2011), Uvs Nuur Basin (2003).

Mongolia capital is Ulaanbaatar, major cities - Erdenet, Darkhan.

Monetary unit - Tugrik (MNT), 1 MNT 100 Mungo's.

In Mongolia, it's best to bring US dollars – you can easily exchange them here and even buy some goods. The European currency is less loved by Mongolian banks, however, it also can be changed to Tugriks, mainly in Ulaanbaatar. When going to the remote places it is recommended to have a reserve of cash in MNT - there can be no exchangers or ATMs.

Mongolia is generally a safe country for tourists. In Ulaanbaatar guests should beware of pickpockets, especially in the area of the central station and markets, as well as bus stops and public transport.

The water is better to drink bottled; At the same time, in the foothills of Altai Mongolia there are many natural sources with a surprisingly tasty water. Do not forget the sunscreen - in Mongolia there is a high level of solar activity.

Hospitality and respect for the owner - the foundation of the Mongolian culture, which implies a lot of nuances of behavior. Do not refuse to taste food, you need to take at least a small piece or take a sip of the drink offered. You shouldn’t also lean on the central bearing pillar of the yurt, stand on the doorstep and whistle. In addition, it is better not to touch the head of another person, especially a child, and turn your back on seniors. The fire is sacred for Mongols: it is forbidden to tread it down, pour with water and throw trash in it.

For avid riders Mongolia motorcycle tour possibilities are perfect: perfectly flat steppes are ideal to ride at high speed. The hospitality of Mongols will help you to overcome the motorcycle nomadic life hardships: no matter where you are left off, you are guaranteed to be provided with room and food.

Mongolian Horse tours - another highlight of the Mongolian tourism. Local residents, as they say, are born in the saddle, and are able to ride long distances without tiring.

Mongolia is often called the "Land of Blue Sky," and this is not just a beautiful epithet: sunny days per year is more than 260. In general, the best time to visit the country - from mid-May to October, with the peak season in July and August. In September-October is perfect time to travel in Gobi desert - heat of the day subsides and the nights are not too cold.

Meat and dairy products - the basis of the Mongolian cuisine. Mongolians prefer mutton and goat meat, beef and horse meat found in the menu rarely, but sometimes come across such exotic ingredients like meat of marmot. Most of the dishes significantly fat.

However, healthy food fans also will not remain in Mongolia hungry - for them there is no less variety of dairy dishes: all kinds of unsweetened yogurt, mare's milk and sour milk "ayran", fermented baked milk "Taragay" cottage cheese - the usual and dried "Arul", soft cheeses. A snack during the day or a tasty lunch guests can have in many restaurants in the country's cities. In province there are also catering establishments located along popular hiking trails.

So for great new adventures come and discover Mongolia – so natural and intriguing!