Asia’s Unspoiled Landscape: A Backpackers guide to Mongolia

Landlocked just north of China and south of Russia, Mongolia is a backpacker’s dream destination. With 30% of its own population still nomadic, Mongolia knows and appreciates what it’s like to live on the fly. Though the food isn’t the best and the traveling can be quite arduous, visitors, with the help of a Mongolia tour guide, can have the entirety of this vast, sprawling country to explore at their fingertips.

Where to... in Mongolia?

This is the most sparsely populated country in the world; so you won’t be spending your Mongolian vacation hopping from city to city. Mongolia’s capital (and largest) city of Ulaanbaatar houses 45% of the country’s population, with just over one million inhabitants. While in Ulan Bator, there are a few attractions and activities that warrant a couple days’ visit. From the National Museum of Mongolia, central Sükhbaatar Square, Opera House and Winter Palace to the Gandantegchinlen Monastery and Choijin Lama Temple, touring the area’s history and culture should be the first stop on the list. Also home to some modern shopping and western style eateries, backpackers may want to stock up on a few items or eat a few last succulent meals before heading out into the countryside.

Exploring the Country’s Rich Cultural Background

320 kilometers away from the capital city will find you in the UNESCO acclaimed Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape. Known for its 2,000 years of nomadic traditions, this area is a treasure trove of notable sites from the 8^th century Orkhon Monuments (memorials to Bilge Khan and Kul Tigin), 8^th century Uyghur Empire ruins (including a palace, temples, monasteries etc.) and Genghis Khan’s leftover capital of Karakorum. Don’t miss a visit to the country’s oldest Buddhist monastery, Erdenet Zuu, still in operation today.

Backpacking around Mongolia’s Natural Marvels

Though its cultural attractions are important, some of the most incredible things to see in Mongolia are its natural marvels. One of the main backpacking attractions for tourists is Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. Less than 40 kilometers from the capital, this park region is home to glacial lakes, hot springs, rock climbing locations, a wide array of wildlife and a Buddhist monastery, along with a number of tourist-friendly services on the southern end (restaurants, shops, camping sites, horses for rent etc.)

Reaching out to the Lakes

If your backpacking excursions are ready to get a bit farther out, Terkhin Tsagaan Nuur (White Lake) and Lake Khövsgöl are two great destinations to take on. White Lake is located in Central Mongolia, sitting over 2,000 meters above sea level and surrounded by extinct volcanoes. Dammed in by volcanic lava, this pristine body of water is home to some excellent hiking and fishing spots.

Lake Khövsgöl is the largest lake in Mongolia (by volume), located along the northern Mongolia/Russia border. Though quite difficult to access (without a pricey flight), once you reach “the dark blue pearl of Mongolia” you’ll be glad that you did! What to do in and around Lake Khövsgöl? With excellent camping spots, fishing locations, hiking trails and horseback routes, backpackers will be in nomadic heaven at this pristine lakefront.

Altai Tavan Bogd National Park

This north western national park is considered to be the country’s most beautiful, though quite difficult to access without flying in. Just south of Tavan Bogd (the highest mountain of Mongolia), this region includes the Khoton, Khurgan and Dayan Lakes, 34 separate glaciers as well as the UNESCO Petroglyphic Complexes (dating back to 11,000 B.C.) The ultimate destination for backpackers in Mongolia, the arduous journey required to reach this national park is well worth the effort.

And yet, given an entire country filled with natural marvels, these aforementioned destinations only scratch the surface of Mongolia’s breathtaking wonders! For the ultimate experience, hire a Mongolia tour guide to help plan and accompany your travels around one of the most conducive countries in the world to backpacking and nomadic roaming.

Image Details and Licenses: https://flic.kr/p/9pNfaN (Einar Fredriksen, CC BY-SA 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/fpTsk4 (Jeanne Menj, CC BY-ND 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/ebET9 (yeowatzup, CC BY 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/fESib (HenkLiu, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/8opWf2 (Enkhtuvshin, CC BY 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/78Fbwe (Juho Korhonen, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)