So hop on a bus and head off to see some unusual rock formations! The moment you're out of the capital, nature takes over and buses wind their way past the steppe until they reach the Gorkhi Terelj National Park, home to clusters of majestic rocks that dominate the landscape.

The intiguing rock formations in Gorkhi Terelj

With its infinite landscapes and silent expanses, Mongolia offers its visitors a retreat from the world. You can focus on yourself, harmonise with nature and appreciate the freedom of nomadic life; a world where every element plays an essential role.

Live the nomad way in the Orkhon Valley

A nomadic people with Turkish origins, the Tsaatan are reindeer-herders. They live in the Mongolian Taïga and as far as the border with Russia. Going to meet them is like discovering a whole new world; you'll be captivated by their distinctive lifestyle.

The Tsaatan, a nomadic people who herd reindeer in the Taiga

With hair-raising sports and plenty of colour, this event is the most eagerly awaited of the year. A national celebration of independence, this is one festival that no Mongolian wants to miss. Cloaked in deels, the traditional Mongolian outer dress, participants spend the 11th and 12th of July either taking part in a variety of games or cheering on their favourite competitors.

Mongolia's Naadam Festival

It would be a real shame to restrict a trip to Orkhon Valley to just visits to the Erdene Zuu Monastery in Karakorum and the Orkhon waterfalls. In fact, could there be a more wonderful place than this for the traveller who wants to fully immerse themselves in the nomadic lifestyle?

Asia

Mongolia

Orkhon valley

It may well be due to its depth, but you'll never see the same colour of blue twice, when looking at Lake Khövsgöl's waters! It merits its nickname - the 'Blue Pearl'! It's a sight for sore eyes.

Khuvsgul Lake

The Chuluut River stems from the Hangay Mountains and flows up to the north of Arkhangai Province, where it joins three other rivers, the Ider, Delgermurmun and Selenga.

Chuluut River

A favourite spot with city-dwellers who come to unwind, the Gorkhi Terelj National Park is famous for its huge, granite rocks and sublime, Alpine surrounds. 

Terelj

 The dunes of Khongoryn Els are the largest and most spectacular in the whole of Mongolia. 

Hongorïn Els

Europe

Central America

Africa

North America

South America

Middle East

Oceania

The dunes of Khongoryn Els occupy a strip of land 100 km long and 12 km wide and reach heights of over 300 metres in places. They dunes are located in a quite deserted area. However, expect to see nomads suddenly appear out of nowhere to offer you the chance of a camel-back adventure. The highest of the dunes are found in the northern part of the range; and getting to the top is hard work, it's well worth the effort. I stayed up there for a while before coming back down, so breathtaking are the views. You can see the whole extent of this immense, elongated expanse of sand from the top. The dunes seem to have just been placed here out of nowhere, surrounded on all sides by rocky desert as they are, and with the summits of the Gobi-Altai mountain range providing the backdrop in the distance. An absolutely essential place to visit in the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park.

The dunes of Khongoryn Els are the largest and most spectacular in the whole of Mongolia.

Hongorïn Els Vacations

Hongorïn Els: How to get there?

Hongorïn Els: When to go?

Hongorïn Els: For how long?

Hongorïn Els: What to see in the surroundings?

Mongolia: our articles for your vacation