ABOUT MONGOLIA

There are approximately 2,300,000 Mongolians living in Outer Mongolia. Almost 1,000,000 live in one city, Ulaan Baatar, leaving the rest of the country barely inhabited. The size of the country is vast and the population small so once you leave the city you are in the midst of great plains and mountains and will encounter more livestock than people in every direction. It has been called the land of no fences, and ownership of land is still forbidden outside of the city. Animals and people range freely wherever they would like in the pristine countryside.

The city, Ulaan Baatar, is very different then the countryside. Because of theft, the city is full of fences. And most people have a fence so high that their neighbors can’t see in or climb over it, and no one’s animals can wander in. UB displays many environmental challenges. It's becoming over populated and the air pollution is becoming unbearable, especially in the winter time. Yet, Ulaan Baatar is a fascinating place to visit. The people are friendly, kind, and extremely generous. Although the country is just beginning to be capitalized on, today it is one of the few countries without a McDonald’s.

Mongolia is a great place to travel for those who love to spend time outdoors. Outside of the city, it is anyone’s right to prop up a tent wherever they please. But there are very few paved roads outside of the city and those that are paved are usually in pretty rough shape. If you plan to travel outside Ulaan Baatar, be prepared for a rough ride.

Ulaan Baatar is the coldest capital in the world. Most winters the temperature reaches -40 Celsius which is also -40 Fahrenheit. The ice rarely thaws between November and May. Summer is a good time to visit Mongolia and July is ideal. July 10-13 is the Naadam festival. Naadam means the three manly games, and one of the biggest celebrations in Mongolia. The three games are: horse racing, wrestling and archery. If you have more specific questions about Mongolia, please contact us.