When we see the word Mongolia, and our minds immediately flash back to Outer Mongolia, imagining troops of horsemen, charging into battle, the ground thundering and shuddering as these warhorses plough the earth beneath their feet. The Mongol Empire was founded by Genghis Khan, who forged an empire by uniting nomadic tribes of the Asian steppes and creating a devastating cavalry. The Empire or the ‘Golden Horde’ as it was called survived for over a century but with rivalry within successive generations the empire began to crumble. The Manchu-led Qing Dynasty of Outer-Mongolia was formed. This territory of China was ruled from 1691 to 1911, until modern day Mongolia got its independence during the Xinhai Revolution. 

The Gobi Desert is the fifth largest Desert in the world and covers 30% of the land mass of Mongolia plus a similar size of China. The climate of Mongolia is very varied, with the mountain ranges of Altai, the Khangai and the Khentti and the desert determining the temperatures of the seasons. The average temperature in winter is from -10 to -30 and summer from +10 to +30 degrees centigrade. 

The numerous lakes and rivers have an abundance of fish from trout, perch, pike, salmon, roach. Birds to be found are plovers, lapwings, egrets, eagles, hawks, ducks, swans, etc. Wild animals, grey wolves, snow leopards, bears, wild horses, camels, foxes, deer, yaks and so many more.

Employment for such a vast country and a low volume of population is a major problem for parliamentarians to have employees for the many vacancies that need filling. The state has a vast wealth of minerals, coal, copper, gold and uranium, oil and textile production are the main industries. Being a landlocked country adds more expense to imports and exports of materials. China is its main trading country, a large number of migrants from other countries are employed in Mongolia, especially in the education, medical and engineering sectors.

Mongolian cultures, traditions, music, art, literature and history are deeply influenced by their nomadic existence. Their sporting identity of horse racing, wrestling and archery is intermingled with the traditional way of life of the Mongols, the farming community of herding animals. The festivals involved in the history and cultural heritage are beautiful to watch. Traditional clothing designs display ones standing within their communities. Tibetan Buddhism is the dominant religion. When couples are getting married, the ceremony begins in the morning with the groom’s family arriving at the bride’s home or the place where the event is taking place. Both families are involved in the ceremony and expenses. The bride leaves her home and goes to live in her husband’s home.

For international travellers and tourists who thrive on adventure and exploration, this is the jaw dropping attraction that will embellish your dream world. People are always anxious to hear of someone’s latest adventure. As such your trip to Mongolia will entitle you to an open invitation to many a party or an event. Retirees or individuals taking career breaks should have this destination implanted in their to-do list. The citizens of Mongolia are a hardworking race of people, graceful and sometimes austere individuals. In the family environment 2 or 4 children are the norm, nowadays when children mature they move to the cities, leaving the rural areas to the older generations, Ulaanbaatar the capital and largest city is the most attractive city for university, college and employment. The youngest son usually inherits the land and family home. 

For more information contact, Further Afield Travel and Tours.