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 is above all limitless stretches of land. No fields, not even rice paddies, as the climate makes any intensive culture impossible, but magnificent landscapes as far as the eye can see. In order to feed themselves, the Mongolian peoples have always adjusted their way of life to the needs of their flocks and herds, setting off regularly in search of new pastures. Although today half the Mongolian population lives in towns, it goes without saying that nomadism remains present. So, you will come across numerous yurts strewn along steppes, admist which you will certainly have the opportunity to discover the tremendous local hospitality. According to the most recent censors, Mongolia has the peculiarity of having the smallest density in the world (5 inhabitants/sq. m.), which explains the exceptional preservation of the landscapes, habitats and traditions. An ideal destination for a complete getaway and communication with nature, very far from the beaten track.

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

Declared a national park in 1993,  the Khustain Nuruu is famous for its rare Przewalski horses, a breed that has been the focus of a major conservation project.

Khustain Nuruu

 Amarbayasgalant Monastery, whose name means "Monastery of Tranquil Felicity", is one of the three main centres for Buddhism in Mongolia.

Amarbayasgalant

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Built between 1727 and 1736, this monastery is one of the few to have survived, in part, Stalin's purges. It was initially built to house the remains of Mongolia's first head of Tibetan Buddhism, Öndör Gegeen Zanabazar. Later, in its heyday, the monastery was home to up to 8,000 monks. Visiting temples has always interested me, but this one had something extra special about it. It felt somehow strange and unreal seeing the monastery standing there, isolated in a valley amidst the deserted steppes. I found the whole to be truly harmonious, and I also got to see some interesting statues and Buddhist thangka paintings here, despite the fact that many were looted by the communists during the purges. Unusually for Mongolia, this building displays great architectural homogeneity: the overall style is Chinese, but with Mongolian and Tibetan features have been tastefully incorporated.

Amarbayasgalant Monastery, whose name means "Monastery of Tranquil Felicity", is one of the three main centres for Buddhism in Mongolia.

Amarbayasgalant Vacations

Amarbayasgalant: How to get there?

Amarbayasgalant: When to go?

Amarbayasgalant: For how long?

Amarbayasgalant: What to see in the surroundings?

Mongolia: our articles for your vacation