Tourist attractions

Khovsgol Nuur:

‘Blue Pearl’ of Mongolia, Khovsgol Nuur is a serene and extensive lake stretching to 136kms deep in the Siberian Taiga. Encompassed by undulating mountains and tranquil lake, the national park forms a major attraction for both the domestic and international tourists. Going by the surface area, it gauges to be the second largest lake of 2760 sq km, outshined just by Uvs Nuur, a shallow and salty lake located in the western side of the country. However, Khovsgol also transliterated as ‘Hovsgol,’ is Mongolia’s deepest lake up to 262m. It also basks the glory of being the 14th largest source of fresh water as it contains up to 1% to 2% of world’s fresh water that makes a sloshing and awe-gaping amount of 380,700 billion litres. Even your awe might be dropped after hearing this.

Going by geology, Khovsgol tends to become the younger sibling of Siberia’s Lake Baikal, which is 195kms to the northeast that is formed by the tectonic forces. Here, tourists can easily spot plethora of diverse wildlife as the lake is filled with fishes like lenok, sturgeon, salmon and grayling. Also, the terrain caters as a sanctuary to argali sheep, ibex, bear, sable, moose and hardly seen wolverines. Its bird populace reaches up to 200 species of birds comprising of Baikal teal, black stork, Atlai snowcock and bar-headed goose.

Also, the area serves as home to three distinct people i.e. Darkhad, Tsaatan a.k.a. Dukha and Buriat. The lake water remains to be pristine, however its use as livestock for winter pastures, has led to polluting the lake waters and Feeder Rivers. So for a better stay, drink purified water. This lake experiences visit of flocks of people, so while you visit here make sure that your activities don’t harm the purity of lake.

Darkhad Depression:

To 50kms towards the west of Khovsgol Nuur at the back of mountains, lies the rolling grasslands of prairie, forests and 300-odd lakes dotted over a large plain known as Darkhad Depression. By the size area, Darkhad Depression is approximately the same as Khovsgol Nuur. Its original formation was as a glacial lake.

Darkhad is one of the strongest centers of Shamanism, accessing to the region is a tedious task, however, after you reach there, you will get to see the distinct Tsaatan inhabitants of the valley who continue to follow their traditional lifestyle. However, tourism industry is leaving its huge brunt. Darkhad has a pleasant ambiance as it is one of the best watered regions of Mongolia. The lakes are filled with abundant white carp and trout, whereas salmon and large taimen can be spotted in this region.

Caution: Trips during the summer can face interruption of insects as they amass in the area. Beware as these tiny creatures have a unquenched thirst for foreign skins and they can spoil your fun trips. Before visiting, don’t forget to carry mosquito nets and repellent.

Kharkhiraa Uul & Türgen Uul:

Overlooking the western region of Aimag, Kharkhiraa Uul (4037m) and Türgen Uul (3965m) are the large twin peaks which lie between the halfway of Achit, Uureg and Uvs Nuurs. Visit the spot during summer, as it offers excellent hiking opportunities, also if you are lucky enough you will get to meet Khoton nomads. These nomads bring their cattle in the area for grazing. Khoton nomads are popular throughout Mongolia as Shamans.

Altai:

This beautiful avenue is perched in between the mountains of Khasagt Khairkhan Uul (3579m) and Jargalant Uul (3070m). It is an eye-soothing Aimag capital with green trees waving by the sides of the streets. Also, the indigenous people are affable and welcoming. It is an off the track spot which lies far way from the rest of the exciting spots, so before you move ahead, rest here to energize yourself.

Gurvan Saikhan National Park:

This is a comprehensive spot which affords thrilling opportunities for viewing vast sand dunes, ice canyon, striped badlands and stunning mountains. Although you may get to explore beautiful spots in the major sites, if you have ample time in your hand, then drive ahead to the isolated landscapes of western areas to spend time in solitude. The area is lonely and you might feel that you have landed in a new planet.

‘Gurvan Saikhan’ meaning three beauties earned this name after its three ridges, although there are four. Bird watchers and nature enthusiasts will love this spot as it is a virtual paradise for them with beautiful scenery, almost 200 species of diverse birds ranging from cinereous vulture, houbara bustard, Mongolian desert finch and desert warbler. It experiences large visits of migratory birds during spring.

This park is filled with affluent flora and fauna with diverse species of animals and almost 600 types of various plants. The thin vegetation supports several animals like the black-tailed gazelle, wild ass, Kozlov’s pygmy jerboa. It also shelters wild camel, snow leopard, ibex and argali sheep species which are vulnerable to extinction.

Discovering Fascinating Sights Of Mongolia – Part I

If all this descriptions are persistently craving in your mind to gaze the unspoiled country, then you should tour in New Mongolia. Sprinkle over them, internet cafes in Ulaanbaatar, herders chatting on mobile phones, Manhattan style eco-yurts and vegetarian cafes. The Humvees plying on Peace Ave perhaps might provoke jealousy to Chinggis Khan. Past breaking the cuffs of communalism, Mongolia has executed every possible activity to open up to the entire world; also it has been quite successful in its attempts without even tainting its purity. Its diversity in culture and wildlife lies intact and unharmed by the outside forces. Even after all this, Mongolia has managed to reach to the West for cultural and economic ties. And the startling fact which will certainly strike you is most people holding degrees from reputed universities from USA, Europe and Australia. It is a common sight there.

Besides Japan and South Korea, Mongolia is one of the legitimate democracies in entire Asia. Everything has got a systematic look, there are fair and free elections, constant marching on the streets which have compelled the government to amend the policies right from mining to bus fares. In some way or other, democracy has helped in imbibing confidence amidst foreign investors to stick with Mongolia during the hard times. Luring investment policies have enticed big people from the mining sectors from allover the world, to enter this country. In spite of all this flourishing activity, Mongolia still remains to be one of the poorest countries in Asia and endures hard knocks in social and economic sectors. The salaries provided to them are less than US $100 per month.

Some of the key characteristics of the country include thriving tourism, mining and cashmere. Poor infrastructure and short traveling season have kicked on its face, however the thriving network of camps serve the travelers who are in a lookout for exploring eco-tourism adventures. Mongolia is an idyllic destination with no fences or private property restricting tourist’s movement for exploring adventurous activities. One can freely meander in Mongolia and indulge in adventurous retreats comprising of horse trekking, long-distance cycling or hiking, or soothing activities like yak carting or leisurely camping under the star draped skies.

Tourist attractions include Naadam, the two-day summer sports festival which tempts huge masses of tourists ultimately bringing Ulaanbaatar to a halt. However, Mongolia’s antique charm lies in its hamlets, where tourists can completely relax themselves from the outside disturbances. Outside the villages, one can clearly sight the unrelenting hospitality of nomad families which at times fells short of welcoming.

Today’s Mongolia is efficient enough, it is sure to stand at the top position in terms of young, vibrant and educated populace. It marks itself as up-coming country of Asia. Its development growth is at a healthy 7.5% rate per year, for this thanks to China’s quenchless thirst for Mongolia’s raw materials. Despite of these blooming developments, Mongolia sits at critical point because if the prospering country continues to walk on the path of corruption, it will eventually end up at a point where few are rich and the rest are left behind. All these debasing acts will eat up its foundation, leaving the country back undeveloped and overall potential unutilized.