Well away from Africa, a race of gazelle lives in Mongolia. Follow me to discover it!

Tracking gazelles in Eastern Mongolia!

In Mongolia shamanism prevails, despite there being numerous religions.
 Here's my beginner's guide.


Shamanism in Mongolia


Mongolia is a country proud of its nomadic roots. Let me tell you about my experience of living in a yurt!

A week with the nomads

Lake Khoton Nuur is to be found in the depths of Syrgaal.  A magnificent green open space. Come with me to explore it.

Horse trekking around Lake Khoton Nuur

Orkhon valley

Khuvsgul Lake

Terelj

Bayan Ulgii

The Gobi desert extends from northern Inner Mongolia  – an autonomous region of China – to southern Mongolia, and covers an area of approximately 1,300,000 km² (not quite what you would describe as small!).

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This fascinating desert – one of the world's largest and harshest – once formed part of the famous <a href="/china/">Silk Road</a>. Almost entirely covered in rocks (and not sand – contrary to popular belief) the Gobi offers a wide range of different landscape types, ranging from sand dunes to mountains, and including immense plains and arid steppes dotted with oases and lakes. From Beijing, It's possible to get the cities of Baotou, Hohhot and Jining, which lie at the gateway to the Gobi Desert. The Trans-Mongolian Railway – the Mongolian equivalent of the Trans-Siberian – actually crosses the desert, connecting the city of Jining to the Mongolian capital, Ulaanbaatar. If you're a keen hiker you can head off to explore the Gobi on foot. Alternatively, you can do it by 4x4, on horseback … or even by camel!

The Gobi desert extends from northern Inner Mongolia – an autonomous region of China – to southern Mongolia, and covers an area of approximately 1,300,000 km² (not quite what you would describe as small!).

When you <a href="/mongolia/">visit Mongolia</a>, the sheer immensity of the country will compel you not to try to see too much. Travelling between different places can take a very long time; and because of the road and driving conditions, unforeseen complications are not uncommon. I was easily able to organise return travel to the desert from Ulaanbaatar; and once there, I managed to travel around by jeep, on horseback and by camel. I particularly recommend the latter as it's the natural form of transport used by the nomads who inhabit the area. I strongly suggest visiting the Gurvansaikhan Mountains, the Flaming Cliffs of Bayanzag, and the canyon of Yolyn Am, where there are enormous blocks of ice to be seen, even at the height of summer. What I found most impressive of all, however, was the trip across the Khongoryn Els sand dunes – veritable mountains of sand extending for 180 km. There are some important fossil sites for fans of archaeology to enjoy there, with a petrified forest, fossilised eggs and fossilised dinosaur skeletons.

The Gobi is one of the world's largest deserts. Extending across northern China and southern Mongolia, it accounts for almost a third of the latter country's land area.

The Gobi Desert is, without doubt, one of the least populated areas in the world, a place where you're more likely to stumble across an animal than another human being. Apart from at touristy sites such as <a href="/mongolia/">Yolyn Am</a>, I barely crossed another living soul during my tour of Mongolia. I must admit the desert is incredible, with arid steppes, mountains, dunes that stretch out towards the horizon and a pebbled soil rather than the usual sand. Speaking for myself, I spent most of my time in this stony desert and in the mountains surrounding Yolyn Am. The desert is hostile. A hot, scorching sun and vast, flat, arid expanses where vegetation is sparse. On the other hand, once you climb the small mountains around Yolym Am, you'll find rolling hills with a view over the distant sand dunes. Remember to take warm clothes as the nights are as cold as the days are hot. The Gobi is also great for spotting animals, be it horses, goats, yaks and camels; the wildlife is certainly diverse!

The Gobi Desert is an impressive region that boasts a remarkable landscape. A moment of inspiration, where a rich palette of colours paint the surrounds.

Gobi Vacations

Gobi: How to get there?

Gobi: When to go?

Gobi: For how long?

Gobi: What to see in the surroundings?

Mongolia: our articles for your vacation