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Mongolia….the time to go is now……

The word is out: as far as off-the-beaten-path destinations go, Mongolia is an absolute experience. Rugged Mongolia is an adventure destination where travellers can see the traditions of the past still practised today by hardy nomads dwelling on the country's vast steppes and deserts.

Mongolia, a nation bordered by China and Russia, is known for its vast, rugged expanses and its nomadic people. For most of the 20^th century, Mongolia was sealed off from the world; seemingly so distant that the very name of the country became a byword for remoteness & isolation.

Mongolians are fully aware of the unique beauty of their country. Far-flung and little visited, yet it has much to offer, from the stunning scenery & wildlife to mountains & deserts. Ask locals and they will probably start gushing about the spectacular countryside, vast steppes, rugged mountains, clear lakes and abundant wildlife & livestock.

History and culture abound in Mongolia and outside the main cities many Mongolians continue to live the traditional life of the malchin (herdsmen). Transporting their goods by camel and residing in portable felt & canvas tents, the nomadic lifestyle of modern-day Mongolia would still be recognisable to Ghenghis Khan, the most famous Mongol of them all. The Humvees plying Peace Avenue in the capital, Ulaanbaatar, which centers around Genghis Khan Square, named for the notorious founder of the 13^th & 14^th century Mongol Empire, would probably have him turning green with envy. While nomadic Mongols live the simple life, their cousins in Ulaanbaatar are lurching headlong into the future. The capital is changing at a dizzying pace and many Mongolians have bought wholeheartedly into the global economy, capitalism & consumerism. Fast transforming itself into a modern city with international restaurants, luxury hotels, shopping malls & glass tower blocks - a sure sign of Mongolia's status as an up-and-coming Asian travel hotspot. Add to the above, internet cafés in Ulaanbaatar, herders chatting on mobile phones, Manhattan-style cocktail bars, eco-yurts and vegetarian cafés. Urban hipster or nomadic shepherd, however, both share a love of democracy.

There are few countries in the world with such a stark difference between the rural and urban populations. Despite the warm welcome you will receive, Mongolia is not a pleasure cruise. This is still a developing country with rudimentary infrastructure and mostly basic facilities outside the capital. But leaving the capital does not necessarily mean leaving civilisation; Internet is now available in small villages and it's not uncommon to see nomads toting mobile phones - a contrast that makes Mongolia an intriguing and rewarding destination to visit.

Mongolia's vast areas of wilderness, from the sprawling Gobi desert to the snow peaked mountains of the Bayan-Ölgi, offer plenty of scope for adventurous outdoor enthusiasts. Without fences or private property to restrict a traveller’s movement, Mongolia is a perfect destination for horse trekking, long distance cycling or hiking, or more leisurely activities such as fly-fishing,birdwatching, camel riding, yak carting or camping out under a sprawling mass of stars.

Culture hunters are also well catered for with numerous temples and ruins to explore. Add Buddhist temples, mysterious ruins, abundant wildlife and legendary hospitality. Sprinkle in the felt homes of the nomads and the cry of an eagle. Then top it all off with a conqueror who started with nothing and ended up changing history.

Most travellers like to come for Naadam, the two-day summer sports festival that brings Ulaanbaatar to a standstill. But Mongolia’s unique charm will always lie in the countryside where, rather than being a spectator to the wrestling, you may find yourself making up the numbers! Outside the villages it’s easy to meet nomad families whose relentless sense of hospitality can at times be nothing short of overwhelming.

As a travel destination, Mongolia is a special place for people who enjoy the outdoors and adventure. Heading out on the vast plains, riding horses and camping with nomad families, it offers the chance to step back in time to a simpler age and way of life. It is an invigorating and exhilarating place to visit, and remains one of the last unspoiled travel destinations in Asia.

If this description perpetuates your belief in an untouched country, then you also need the scoop on the new Mongolia.

History & a unique experience amidst an idyllic scenery are just the beginning…… Yep, Mongolia is waiting, and The Journeys is ready to take you on well, a journey (or journeys) of discovery.

Dream, Plan, Discover  mystical  Mongolia  with The Journeys