MONGOLIA

Despite the fact that we are now in 21st century, Mongolia remains one of the few countries to retain its ancient traditions and culture. Mongolia lies in the heart of the Asian continent and is vast. If you superimpose Mongolia on Europe, it would stretch from Amsterdam to Moscow and from Copenhagen to Venice. It is a mountainous country but offer great diversity, ranging from mountains with enormous lakes to wild forests with tempestuous rivers to vast grasslands of the Asian steppes to actual dessert.

The most popular time to visit Mongolia is between the Months of May to October. But please beware that between mid-October and mid May sudden snowstorms can pop up. If you are travelling to Mongolia in July be sure to try to take in the famous Naadam Festival. This is a 3-day wrestling, archery and riding contest, which is held throughout the country. Mongolia offers some excellent activity sports such as hiking, fishing, kayaking, horse riding, exploring lakeshore caves and skiing.

Getting around the country can be achieved easily but nearly always by air. Mongolian Airways operates a number of routes to all of the major cities / towns. There is a general bus service to destinations but these services can be slow and unreliable.

The country offers expanses of the desert, vast steppes, the myths of Genghis Khan, stunning scenery all intertwined with the Mongolian nomadic lifestyle and renowned hospitality.

Worldmark's range of services include:-

Due to our extensive oversea's network we are able to offer any client a full range of services. These can be purchased individually or as part of a package.

* Discounted fares.
* Discounted hotels.
* Private car transfers.
* Sightseeing & Guided Tours
* Theatre Tickets
* Rail & Air tickets
* Chauffeur & Car Hire

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Ulaan Baator

The countries present day capital sits 1351 metres above sea level and along the shores of the River Tuul surrounded by various stunning mountain ranges, which offers travellers some excellent views out over the city.

The cities skyline is basically dominated by high rise apartment blocks in the old Russian style. But the city does offer its visitors various historical monuments and attractions. The SUKHBAATAR SQUARE area is an ideal starting point from which to explore the city. The square itself does not offer any startling insight to the country, but facing the square is THE STATE PARLIAMENT BUILDING, the tall elegant PALACE OF CULTURE, the impressive MONOGOLIAN ART GALLERY, the MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY is particularly interesting with its dinosaur exhibits, and finally the ZANABAZAAR MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS with many excellent & interesting exhibits.

The city was once home to many beautiful monasteries and Buddhist temples, but many of these did not survive the 1930 Stalinist purges. But some did survive such as the beautiful GANDANTEGCHINLEN KHILD which was kept as a tourist attraction, with its several beautiful temples all adorned in gold and jewels. The WINTER PALACE OF BOGD KHAAN with its 6 temples also escaped Stalin’s wrath.

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Other destinations include:-

Four Holy Peaks

Ulaan Baatar is surrounded by the 4 peaks of Tsetseegum, Chingeltei, Songino Khairkhan and Bayansurkh. These peaks are not only beautiful but also considered holy. The peaks not only offer excellent views out over the city but also some excellent hiking through dense lush forests. Visitors should note that at certain times of the year a permit is required.

Uindur Dov

The main draw to this area is the nomadic life style and this region allows visitors to experience this first hand. The area is a typical steppe zone and offers excellent hiking, trekking and of course horse riding opportunities. The area is also home to the Manzushiri Monastery, which can be found nestled in the lush of Bogd Mountains and which is from open from May through October. Visitors can hike on forested mountain slopes, wander through meadows streaked with the colours of an ever- changing variety of wildflowers, explore the ruins of an ancient monastery, ride horses and browse through a natural history museum. Visitors in late autumn have the chance to experience a 8th century Buddhist ritual.

Gobi Desert

Is a vast zone of desert and desert steppe covering almost 30 percent of Mongolian. But do not let the word desert fool you, as the area is alive with a varied wildlife and vegetation. The area has also revealed some fine examples of Dinosaur skeletons and their petrified eggs, making it a haven for archaeologists. However the climate is extreme with 40 degrees Celsius in summer and still severe in the winter. The Great Gobi Reservation established in 1975 was designated by the United Nations as the fourth largest Biosphere Reserve in the world in 1991.

Karakhorum

The countries ancient capital, which occupies an ideal location at the crossroads of the Silk Road. The city is home to many fascinating historical attractions such as the symbolic ruins of the first BUDDIST MONGOLIA ERDENE ZUU MONASTERY, which houses over 60 temples. The city also is home to many fine Turkish monuments, and various rock inscriptions.

Amarbayasgalant Monastery

This beautiful 18th century monastery sits 360km from Ulaanbaatar and is the second most important Zuu Monastery in Kkarakhorum. Despite the monastery being closed visitors are welcome to ask the senior monk for permission to walk around the monastery.

Terelj Resort

This unique tourist camp is only 80km from Ulaanbaatar and sits 1600 metres above sea level and is one of the most picturesque spots in the Gorkhi region.. The area is home to some interesting destinations such as the forest covered high peaks of the Gorkhi range. Visitors can take leisurely strolls on green meadows carpeted with edelweiss and a dazzling variety of other wild flowers, view fascinating rock formations against a backdrop of pine covered mountains and wander along the wooded banks of a mountain streams.

Khovsgol Lake

Is Mongolia's largest and deepest lake, which can be found in the countries northernmost province and is also the largest tributary stream of the large Russian Lake Baikal. It's the second largest fresh water lake in Central Asia and is home to nine species of fish including the Siberian grayling and lenok, which offers some excellent sport fishing. The Taiga Fauna & Flora, Tsatan, practicing reindeer breeding are among the main attractions for tourists. Visitors can take the ferry that connects the towns of Khatgal and Khanh. Lake Khovsgol is one of the important migration routes for birds from Siberia given some rare opportunities for bird watching.

Khan Khentii

The native land of Ghengis Khan which is covered with forest, taiga and mountain forest steppe. It is considered to be one of the countries historical monuments and is now a protected area.

Bayanza

A visit to this area is a must for any travellers. It is an area known throughout the world for it’s archeologically with many dinosaur bones & eggs as well as many artefacts from the Stone Age.

Yolin Am

A valley in the Zuun Salkhan mountains located 45km from Dalanzadgad. It is a narrow valley with some breathtaking scenery and has been considered one of the most beautiful places in the country. Visitors can take one of the many camel or horse riding treks through this interesting valley.

Khustain Nuruu Nature Reserve

Since 1993 the nature reserve has been preserving Mongolia’s wild horses and their environment. The reserve can be found approx 100km from Ulaan Baatar and a selection of tours are available.

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Travel Warning / Information

Commuications and health facilities outside Ulanbaator can be poor.

If entering Mongolia by road, be aware that only a few specified border crossings are open to foreigners.

There is no history of terrorism in Mongolia. But you should be aware of the risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks in all countries of the world, against civilian targets in public places, including tourist sites.

Petty crime is on the increase, particularly the theft of wallets and purses from bags in markets or other crowded areas, including on public transport and at the airport, railway station and State Department Store. Slashing the bottom of bags or pockets to steal valuables is a particular speciality. There has been instances of violent muggings and attacks against women have increased in Ulaanbaatar. You should avoid going out alone and on foot at night. Instead use the clearly identifiable and inexpensive taxis.

Keep a photocopy of your passport data page and visas as well as numbers of your travellers' cheques safely and separate from your originals. Or scan these documents and email them to your private e-mail account for easy retrieval. This makes replacement of lost/stolen originals simpler. You should register at the British Embassy, even if you are only staying in Mongolia for a few days and especially if you are travelling into the countryside.

This information is correct and current as of 10/5/04 and was provided by the FCO Update service.

All travellers require both a visa and an official invitation to enter Mongolia.

Please contact this office for the exact requirements.

Health Information

Healthcare in the countryside is very poor. Organising an evacuation to Ulaanbaatar or another country can be extremely difficult. Even in Ulaanbaatar, only basic healthcare is available. There are no GPs. Medicines are scarce in the countryside and we advise you to bring basic supplies, including any regular prescription drugs with you.

Mongolia has occasional outbreaks of Foot and Mouth and other infectious diseases. During these outbreaks affected areas may be quarantined and you may not be able to travel to them. If you are in an affected area, you may not be allowed to leave. During the summer hunting season, there may be isolated cases of bubonic plague, but these are usually confined to the marmot hunters – we advise you not to approach marmots; dead or alive.

Epidemics of avian influenza (bird flu) have been reported in poultry flocks in parts of Asia, and some human cases have been confirmed.

It is recommended that travellers obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should also check any exclusions and that your policy covers you in all activities.

We suggest that travellers consult their local GP or check the Department of Health’s website and obtain comprehensive travel & medical insurance prior to travelling.

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