About Mongolia

“In Western Mongolia, the Mongol Altai Mountains create a stunning landscape. These mountains stretch for hundreds of kilometers, with tall cliffs and deep valleys reaching over 4000 meters high. Nearby, the Great Lakes Depression holds big lakes in hollow areas. One remarkable place in this region is Tavan Bogd National Park. It's a beautiful mix of snowy mountains, valleys filled with ice, forests, and serene lakes. The highest point in Mongolia, Khuiten Peak, stands tall here at 4374 meters, and there's a huge glacier called Potaninii Glacier that covers a big area. This park is huge, covering over 630,000 hectares and has about 35 glaciers. You can do lots of fun things here like fishing, hiking, canoeing, camping, and riding horses and camels. Besides being beautiful, this area is also packed with history. There are ancient sites here dating back tens of thousands of years. You can find old drawings on rocks, special stones made by ancient people, and burial sites. The region has revealed graves of ancient warriors and royalty, showing how important it was in the past. Lots of animals live here too, like wild sheep, deer, vultures, and even rare animals like snow leopards. People here have a tradition of hunting with golden eagles, which is passed down through families. Different groups of people, like the Kazakhs and others, live here and keep their traditions alive. In the summer, nomadic herders bring their animals here. They share their customs with visitors, showing things like how they train hunting eagles and make crafts. It's a special place where nature, history, and traditions come together.”

“The Gobi Desert in southern Mongolia is more than just sand. It's got grassy areas, places with dinosaur fossils, strange landscapes that look like the moon, red rocks, and huge white sand dunes. Lots of animals live there, like camels, sheep, and rare ones such as snow leopards and antelopes. In the Gobi, there are tall mountains too, where you can find a tiny bit of ice even in the desert. This place is super famous for dinosaur fossils. A long time ago, someone found the first-ever nest of dinosaur eggs here. People still visit and find bits of old dinosaur eggs or bones in the area. About one-tenth of Mongolia is covered by sand and dunes, making the Gobi a diverse and fascinating place to explore.”

“Mongolia isn't just a vast desert; it's a land of diverse landscapes with freshwater lakes, winding rivers, majestic mountains, and lush forests. While much of Mongolia is open and spacious, there are regions adorned with forests that paint hillsides and valleys with colorful alpine flowers. These forests, mostly in the north-central parts, create a transition between the expansive Siberian boreal forest and the Central Asian steppe desert. They cover about 5 percent of Mongolia, particularly in areas like the Khentii Mountains, around Lake Khuvsgul, parts of the Tarvagatai mountain range, and certain sections of the Khan Khukhii mountain range. The Khuvsgul region, part of the Khangai mountain range, towers at about 3491 meters above sea level. Here, the slopes are adorned with the lush boreal taiga forest, a unique ecosystem. The taiga, influenced by greater rainfall and lower temperatures, has a shorter growing season. It's an extension of the Siberian taiga, characterized by Siberian Larch, Siberian Pine, and a plethora of mosses and lichens. These forests are home to various animals adapted to Eurasian woodlands, such as Musk Deer, Elk, Roe Deer, and Reindeer. In some parts of northern Mongolia, families still practice traditional reindeer herding, reminiscent of the traditions seen among the Lapps in northern Europe. Predators like the gray wolf, brown bear, wolverine, and Eurasian lynx thrive in these areas. The forests also host unique bird species like the great gray owl, boreal owl, black-billed capercaillie, and pine grosbeak.”

“Mongolia's beating heart lies in its vast grasslands, known as the steppe, which hold immense geographical and economic significance. This expansive region dominates the eastern part of the country, spreading westward from the Khangai range to embrace the Great lake basin of Uvs province. Imagine a boundless sea of grass, rolling and stretching endlessly as far as the eye can reach. This undulating landscape isn't just a sight to behold; it serves as the lifeline for Mongolia's livestock herds, providing crucial grazing lands. The eastern steppe, for the most part, remains uninhabited by people, creating a haven for thousands of migrating gazelles. These graceful creatures roam freely and undisturbed across this wild expanse, forming one of the most captivating spectacles of the untamed steppe.”

“When you journey through Mongolia, you'll encounter a breathtaking tapestry of nature's wonders. The landscape is adorned with pristine rivers, clear lakes, and icy streams that paint a vivid picture of natural beauty. Despite being one of the world's most extreme continental climates with significant aridity, Mongolia surprises with its abundance of water resources. With nearly 4000 rivers and over 65,000 km in total length, alongside 16 large lakes, the country hosts a wealth of fresh water sources and thriving fish populations. Come winter, a unique phenomenon unfolds as all Mongolian rivers and lakes freeze for five to six months, blanketing these bodies of water with an average thickness of one meter of ice. Divided into three distinct basins—the Northern Arctic, Pacific Ocean, and Central Asian Internal—Mongolia's waterways showcase a diverse landscape. The Northern Arctic Basin, fed by the Khangai and Khentii Mountains, harbors significant rivers like the Selenge, which serves as the main artery within Mongolia's borders. Tributaries like the Orkhon, Tuul, and Ider contribute to this river system, each carrying their unique significance in Mongolian history and culture. The Pacific Ocean Basin, formed by the Khentii Mountains, witnesses’ rivers flowing in different directions. The Onon River, revered as sacred due to its association with Genghis Khan's birthplace, stands as the sole river constantly draining into the Pacific. The Kherlen river, originating near the Onon, meanders southward to eventually feed into Lake Hulun in Chinese Inner Mongolia. The Central Asian Internal Basin, spanning the Gobi desert and the Great Lakes Depression, collects waters from various Mongolian rivers, depositing salts and minerals before evaporating. Rivers like the Khovd and Zavkhan contribute to this basin's landscape, showcasing the diverse ecosystems within Mongolia. Lakes punctuate the Mongolian terrain, from the vast expanses like Lake Uvs to the renowned Khovsgol lake, Mongolia's largest freshwater resource. Khovsgol lake, nestled in the northern part of Mongolia, not only offers breathtaking scenery but also serves as a haven for unique ethnic groups like the Urainkhai and Tsaatan, known for their distinct customs and lifestyles. From the world's deepest lake to the country's lowest point, Mongolia's lakes are diverse and mesmerizing. Lake Khokh Nuur and Lake Buir stand as distinct features, each offering a glimpse into Mongolia's varied topography. With lakes that freeze over in winter and a landscape that changes with the seasons, Mongolia's waterways and lakes are not just bodies of water; they are integral components of the country's identity and natural allure.”