Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Mongolian Tours Offer Something Different

By Marci Glover


Planning a vacation is always fun. For most people it is the highlight of their year and they have to save carefully all year to make their dreams come true. In recent years non traditional vacations have become very popular. For people who are looking for something more exciting that sitting on the beach and sipping cocktails there are some truly outstanding new destinations to choose from.

When planning an adventure vacation it is very important to look for a reputable company that offers plenty of guarantees. The trips are typically quite expensive and travellers really want to get their monies worth. One of the fastest growing destinations is the far east. Mongolian tours are one of the most popular of all locations as the country is steeped in tradition and a really unique culture.

Most tours begin and end in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar. This vibrant city is home to over a million people and is growing at a very fast pace. It combines many traditional elements of Mongolia, yet still has a modern feel. The local people offer a very warm welcome and most visitors are immediately struck by the friendly and cosmopolitan vibe of the city.

Visitors should be well aware that in Mongolian custom it is considered very rude, almost unacceptable, to refuse the food that is offered. Anyone who is a picky eater or a vegetarian will be left facing some difficult choices and may well be left hungry. On the other hand the bold and adventurous types will relish tucking into some traditional foods and enjoying the company of the local people. It is a once in a life time experience and should be enjoyed to the fullest extent.

Most tours and package vacations take place during the summer months. The winter weather is simply too harsh to consider traveling and even the tough local people don't venture far. The warmer months between May and October are the best times to visit. The summer season is short especially in the higher elevations, but those willing to travel will be rewarded with some of the world's most spectacular scenery.

Some of the highlights of the Naadam are the world famous horse races. The nomadic culture has been dependant on horse for centuries. They provide milk for food and are a primary means of transportation. Children learn to ride almost before they can walk and by the age of ten are proficient riders. Young boys love to race their horses against each other and the winners get the bragging rights for a year.

A horse back riding tour of the grasslands is a wonderful option. Most are suitable for those with basic riding experience as the ponies are small and quiet to ride. This is one of the best ways to see the countryside and meet the locals. Spending the night in a ger, or portable home, is an amazing experience. The ger can be taken apart, packed on the back of a horse or ox, and taken to the next stopping place.

The Gobi desert is another must see stop. This vast area is home to many different types of animals as well as being a hugely important archaeological site. Many important dinosaur fossils have been discovered in the Gobi as well as evidence of human occupation going back many thousands of years.




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