Mongolia is rarely on one's mind when it comes to holiday destinations; however, it is worth including to your bucket list. Consisting of wondrous mountainous sceneries, vast steppes, extraordinary sites and activities, and a one-of-a-kind nomadic heritage, the country never ceases to amaze. Whether it's strolling around admiring breathtaking nature you enjoy or uncovering the history of famous sites and people, Mongolia has something special for everyone to explore. Take a look at some of the main attractions and must-sees in the colorful destination and explore it with our tailor-made Trans-Siberian railway tours!
1. Genghis Khan Statue
Arguably the most renowned landmark in Mongolia, as well as the largest equestrian statue in the entire world, the monument to Genghis Khan is undoubtedly a must-visit while Mongolia sightseeing. Reaching the height of 40 meters (131 ft), it took over 200 tons of stainless steel to build.
Erected in 2008, the imposing statue is part of the Genghis Khan Statue Complex, which houses two museums, a restaurant, a souvenir shop, and a viewpoint at the top of the horse's head, overlooking the surroundings.
The landmark honors conqueror Genghis Khan, one of the most significant rulers in Mongolian history, who unified all the nomadic tribes to create the Mongol Empire.
2. The Parliament House of Mongolia
Another popular Mongolian landmark, the Parliament House of Mongolia, is located in the capital Ulan Bator. After changing locations several times, the Parliament House has taken its current placement in 1951 and is nowadays the office of the President, as well as other members of the government.
In addition to housing conference halls and chambers, the landmark also boasts a collection of paintings, sculptures, and other pieces of artwork, as well as an imposing statue of Genghis Khan seated on a throne.
Also known as The State Great Hural of Mongolia, it is situated in the very heart of the city, nearby Sukhbaatar Square - another popular stop on the Ulan Bator itinerary.
3. Gandantegchinlen Monastery
While in Mongolia, make sure to include the Gandantegchinlen Monastery to your itinerary. Built in 1838, the Tibetan-style Buddhist Monastery was destructed during the period of Soviet rule, however, resumed its activities after the fall of the regime.
Currently, the monastery houses a Buddhist University, several colleges, and temples. It is home to hundreds of monks, as well as the statue of Migjid-Janraisig. The 25-meter-tall (82 ft) monument, weighing over 20 tons, is made of copper covered in gold and contains thousands of precious stones and tons of medicinal plants.
Did you know that the name of the monastery translates to The Great Place of Complete Joy?
4. Gorkhi-Terelj National Park
Gorkhi-Terelj National Park is absolutely a must-visit for every traveler to Mongolia. Boasting mind-boggling sceneries, it provides an abundance of outdoor activities, as well as a calming ambiance and serenity in the entire area of the park.
Some of the main activities in the area include hiking, horse or camel riding, rafting, and rock climbing. It is also the perfect place to observe Mongolian flora and fauna or get acquainted with the local culture while spending time with a nomad family.
Once in the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, make sure to conquer the 108 leading to the Aryapala Temple perched on a steep hill or visit the unique Turtle Rock.
5. Mongolian Folklore
Authentic customs of Mongolian folklore are as worthy of exploration as the imposing landmarks around the country. Everything, from traditional clothing to music, tells a story and boasts unique features specific to the region.
Songs about love and nature, performed during various ceremonies, are accompanied by traditional instruments, such as Morin Khuur - a fiddle in the shape of a horse's head, or the sounds of drums and gongs. There are also particular ways of singing, for instance, the dual sounds of Khoomii or the moving praise in the form of a Magtaal.
For some examples of local folklore, enjoy a performance by the State National Song and Dance Academic Ensemble or visit the National Museum of Mongolia.
6. Nomadic Culture
One more thing to discover while in Mongolia is the unparalleled nomadic culture. Preserving the lifestyle of their ancestors, local nomads live in gers in the middle of the vast Mongolian steppes, where their animals can roam free, and their people can live in peace with nature.
A ger is a large portable tent, which houses all the necessary amenities such as a kitchen, a fireplace, beds, and other facilities. It is usually made of a wooden structure covered by a durable fabric of some sort, with an opening left on the roof for the fireplace smoke to leave the ger.
Authentic ger camps are actually among the most popular Mongolia tourist attractions, providing hands-on experience on the subtleties of the unique way of living.
It is certainly an attention-worthy destination brimming with authenticity and charm like no other. Whether you are discovering the land as part of the unforgettable Trans-Siberian journey or focusing on one destination only, Mongolia will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression and ensure an exciting traveling experience.
