Mongolia Vacations

Mongolia is a melting pot of Buddhism and shamanism perfectly blended with nomadic traditions. You can see these traditions ingrained in their daily lives, from etiquette to prayers. When greeting locals in public, greet them with a standard handshake, with direct eye contact and a smile. While greeting, the locals may use phrases like Sain Bain UU (How are you?) and you should reply by saying Sain (I am well).

Hospitality is ingrained in Mongolian culture, so you can expect a warm welcome from the locals. When you visit a home or yurt, the locals will offer food and drinks as a sign of respect and friendship. So, expect kindness, generosity, and respect when you meet Mongolians.

Another important aspect of their culture is their beliefs. Mongolian society is deeply influenced by Buddhism and shamanism. Buddhism is the primary religion practiced by many Mongols, but shamanism also continues to be a spiritual part of Mongolian culture. You can see numerous temples and monasteries spread across Mongolia depicting the rich Tibetan Buddhist traditions. While at the temples, make sure to walk around the stupas or temples in a clockwise direction one or any odd number of times. Doing this shows a sign of respect for the temple.

Traditional music and arts are an integral part of Mongolian culture. Khoomei is a traditional singing method where multiple tones are produced simultaneously. Along with this vocal singing technique, the musicians play local instruments like Khuur (fiddle) and Yatga (a type of zither), all together to captivate the listeners. So, if you are planning to visit Mongolia, immerse yourself in their rich cultural music by trying your hand at their local instruments.

Mongolia's natural beauty and rich heritage can be experienced all year round. Having said that, summer (June to August) is considered the peak season. The weather is pleasant, and the nights are cool, making it perfect for outdoor activities like trekking, hiking, etc. During this period, the nomadic families are on the move, making it easier for travellers to experience their lifestyle.

The festival season in mid-July is a spectacular event, drawing huge crowds from locals to foreign travellers. The Naadam Festival, which happens during this period, showcases traditional sports like archery, horse riding, and wrestling, giving you an unforgettable cultural experience. If you seek to explore their culture, plan your trip coinciding with the Naadam Festival.

If you are seeking adventure, plan your trip during the autumn (September to October). During this period, the landscape is lush green with colourful foliage, giving a view to behold. In addition, this period is perfect for adventure activities like trekking and hiking.

The winters in Mongolia are extremely harsh, with heavy snowfall in regions like the Gobi Desert and northern areas, making it a perfect time for winter sports. You can enjoy skiing, dog sledding, and other winter sports activities. This season also showcases a different perspective of Nomadic culture. If winter sports are your thing, and you want to experience a different side of the Nomadic culture, plan your trip for winter.

This lesser-known tourist destination is one of the best places to get away from other touristy destinations and explore a land full of beautiful landscapes, nomadic tribes, and cities. Since it is a less popular tourist destination, there are things that you need to keep in mind before you travel to Mongolia, which are:

Know the rules when camping with nomads. There are some traditions to follow when you visit or stay at a nomad's house, like never pointing a finger in front of you while sitting. Besides this, never touch the head of a nomad. Also, use your right hand when receiving something.

When visiting a Tibetan temple or a stupa, follow local traditions. Take a walk around the stupa in a clockwise direction to show your respect to the religious site.

Pack warm clothes. Mongolia is full of beautiful landscapes. While camping there, the nights could be chilly. Make sure to carry warm clothes with you, a high-grade sleeping bag, and a tent that can withstand this weather.

Learn a few basic words and phrases of the official language. Mongolian is the official language, but locals speak English in tourist places. Although English is spoken, you should learn a few important words or phrases of Mongolian, especially when you are travelling in remote areas.

Carry cash. The Mongolian Tugrik (MNT) is the official currency. Credit cards are accepted in cities and larger establishments, but it is good to carry cash, especially when shopping at small stores.

Mongolian cuisine is deeply rooted in its nomadic culinary traditions. Traditional food is nutritious and mostly focused on meat and dairy products. Huushuur is a popular snack made with sheep or beef, and onions. You can find this dish at every nomad's house and in traditional Mongolian restaurants. The best time to have it is during the Naadam Festival. At the festival time, you will find different varieties of the dish, including a vegetarian one.

Is Dumplings what you crave? If that's the case, you are in for a treat. Indulge yourself in with some mouthwatering dumplings called Buuz. These are large dumplings made from dough filled with meat (sheep or beef), onions, and garlic. With just one bite, your taste buds will be in for a treat.

After the scrumptious food, end the day with some of the finest beverages of Mongolia. Try Tsatsargana, which is a juice that contains vitamins and organic acids. Drinking this juice boosts your immune system and digestive system.