Mongolia, which I wanted to see for a long time and finally became my sponsor of many people and airline tickets. Turna.comIt was a route I planned for this year with the support of . Everyone's first question when I say I'm going to Mongolia, as it's not a very preferred travel route.Why Mongolia?" is happening. Since it is asked a lot, I wanted to list why I want to go to Mongolia so much. In this text "Why Mongolia?” and ”How to get to MongoliaYou will find the answers to the questions.
Why Mongolia?
I have prepared the following list in response to questions such as: Didn't you find another place in the world to go, why did you choose a geography like Mongolia where no one has gone? I hope this list will answer the questions why Mongolia.
1. Ancestral Land
You know, when we set out from Central Asia, here is the area around the Altai Mountains in the north of Mongolia. Our Turkish-speaking relatives (Duhkas) still live there as nomads, 4-5 days away from Lake Khövsgöl by horse. A few of them were going down to the shores of Khövsgöl during the summer period, I only had the chance to see their tents, they did not go down to the lake shore when I went. If you want to get more information about Dukhas; You can visit Seyyarkalem's page.
Of course, the Orkhon inscriptions, the first Turkish inscriptions found in the Orhun Valley, are also an important reason to go to Mongolia. Not only Orkhon inscriptions; It is an interesting experience to see the Kul Tigin, Bilge Kagan, Tonyukuk inscriptions.
2. Virgin Geography, Nomadic Life
Mongolia is the country with the lowest number of people per square meter in the world. The settlement is nomadic except for a few major cities. A large part of the country lives in tents called ger (yurt) and makes a living as shepherds. Again, apart from certain cities, there is no widespread transportation network in Mongolia. For this reason, it is normal to take short distances for long periods, get lost on the road, and the vehicle breaks down. This is one of the rare geographies where you can travel for miles without seeing a single person. Another beauty you will find is the Mongols who are ready to welcome you immediately when you encounter a ger tent. They immediately offer their tea with milk and butter and invite them to their tables.
3. Wild Nature
When I think of Mongolia, the first thing that comes to my mind is untouched nature. Mongolia is one of the destinations where you can observe wildlife on site. Wild horses, deer, camels, eagles used for hunting, an untouched vast geography, a beautiful nature as if painted with a brush… If you are a nature lover like me, Mongolia is one of the places that should definitely be included in your travel route.
4. Spectacular Untouched Gobi Desert
Another untouched place in Mongolia: The most important feature of the Gobi Desert, which is the fifth largest desert in the world, is that it has very rich fossil beds. Although most of the fossils found are not exhibited in Mongolia, this is one of the most important sources for us to know and understand the world.
Another feature is that it is home to snow tigers. They're very rare, so don't get too excited.
5. Altai Mountains
The meaning of the Altai mountains, starting from Kazakhstan and extending to Russia, Mongolia and China, means Golden Mountain. It is also the sacred mountain mentioned in Turkish, Mongolian and Russian mythology. This mountain, which also has a place in Turkish mythology, is also the symbol of the khanate.
Nowadays, with its resemblance to the Alps and its magnificent geography, it attracts nature lovers like a magnet, of course me too 🙂
6. Vast Steppes
When you think of Mongolia, the image of the sprawling steppe and steppe that comes to mind might even be my only reason to go to Mongolia. Travel to Mongolia to spend time in that desolate steppe, inhale the scent of nothingness, spend time with Mongolians living in the wilderness, taste horse meat and horse milk, and more.
7. Shamanism
Shamanism is a religion for some, a philosophy for some, a kind of healing tradition for others. For me, it is the way of man's management of his relationship with nature in its purest form. Shamanism is also accepted as the first religion of the Turks. At the same time, many acceptances of today's monotheistic religions come from Shamanism, therefore, in my opinion, it is the starting point of religions.
Shamanism is ingrained in our genes along with our ancestors who came to Anatolia from Central Asia. Many rituals that affect our daily lives are also of Shamanism origin. Shamanism lies at the root of many of our traditions, from tying rags to trees, hitting wood, from tying red ties for brides or newborns to evil eye beads.
My favorite part of shamanism is the belief that all living and non-living beings have souls, so they can be communicated with. I also do not think that there is a Shaman inside me because I believe that communication can be made with the beings around me from trees to washing machines 🙂 Here I am going after my Shaman genes to Mongolia…
8. Horse meat, horse milk, Mongolian Cuisine
Those who follow me closely know how fond I am of my throat and that I eat whatever the locals eat in the countries I visit, and I am not afraid of anything. From crocodile to llama, from zebra to grasshopper, I eat what people in that country eat. Just as we have sheep and cows and we eat them, there are plenty of horses in Mongolia. They also benefit from the horse's meat and milk, of course we will taste it.
9. Traces of Genghis Khan…
The Genghis Khan era is Mongolia's most powerful times. Genghis Khan, who ruled a large part of the world and established a great empire, of course, left many traces in Mongolia. The exact location of the tomb of Cengizhan, who shook the world during his lifetime, is not known today, and it is believed that if it is found, it will bring bad luck to the country.
10. Nadaam Festivities
Although Nadaam, the country's biggest festival, is celebrated in many cities, the largest Nadaam is celebrated in Ulanbator. The festival, in which ancestral sports such as horse riding, javelin and archery compete, is celebrated every year around July 11-12. You can try to bring your trip to those dates.
Bonus: Worlds Beautiful Mongolian Children
Of course, it is possible to extend this list further, but I wanted to share the parts that interest me the most. There's also a bonus, of course, the adorable Mongolian kids.
Where is Mongolia, How to Get to Mongolia?
In order to find an answer to the question of how to go to Mongolia, first of all, it is necessary to look at where Mongolia is geographically.
Where is Mongolia?
Mongolia is a country located in the center of Central Asia, bordering Russia in the north and China in the south. Unfortunately, it is a country that has become highly dependent on those countries economically, since two powerful countries such as Russia and China are border neighbors.
Ulan Bator, the capital of Mongolia, is located in the northeast of the country.
The question of how to get to Mongolia has different answers according to different means of transportation.
How to Get to Mongolia by Plane?
The international airport in Mongolia, Ulanbator Buyant Uhaa Airport, which is located in the capital city of Ulan Bator, is formerly Cengiz Kagan International Airport.
If you want to fly directly from Istanbul to Mongolia, Turkish Airlines has flights. You can check flight days and prices on THY's website. If you want to find more suitable flight options other than Turkish Airlines;
- You can check the Russian airline company Aeroflot's Istanbul - Moscow - Ulan Bator flights.
- You can check the Asiana and Korean Airlines flights to Istanbul - Seoul - Ulan Bator.
- Air China also has flights to Ulan Bator, but going to China can be as costly as flying to Mongolia.
During the time I was there, Air Astana had flights between Istanbul - Astana - Ulanbator for a very short time, but it did not continue, I wish it did. I found tickets at a very affordable price.
How to Get to Mongolia by Train?
Another way to get to Mongolia is to take the legendary train route, the 9289 kilometer Trans-Siberian train. It is possible to get on the train at a stop in Russia or China and transfer to Mongolia by train. If you get on from the first stop, Moscow, it takes 7 days to reach Mongolia by switching to the Trans Mongolia line after Lake Baikal. It is a route that has been in my plans for a long time, I hope one day I can realize it.
For those who are wondering, you can see the cities on the Trans-Siberian line on the google map below.
I hope I was able to answer your questions about why and how to go to Mongolia. If you have other questions about Mongolia, you can also check out my articles below.
- 10 Fascinating Places You Must See in Mongolia
- National Day of the Mongols Nadaam Festival
- 15-Day Mongolia Travel Cost
- 2-Week Mongolia Itinerary
- What's in My Mongolia Backpack?
- How Mongolia Adventure Began
If you enjoyed my articles, check out my Youtube Channel; Read a lot, Travel a lot.
You can follow my instant posts on my instagram account; Read a lot, Travel a lot
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27 Comments
Great post, glad we're here, keep sharing great posts with us.
Sehr schöner Article, weiter so
A very nice blog post, as soon as the pandemic is over, it will be time for a relaxing vacation.
Good luck to you. Good information, thanks.
Good luck with your enthusiasm. Good information, thanks.
Thank you so much
This is a really great blog, glad to be here, keep sharing such insight with us.
thanks
It has been a very good summer, it is a place I want to go and see and I hope I have a chance to see it..
Hello, I am writing from Mongolia. There are halal restaurants in Mongolia. If you want to come, we can organize the most beautiful trip at the most affordable price. We welcome you happily
Thanks
Well, you tùrkmùsùnùz moģol. How do you live there???
I wish you could read the article properly, I don't live there, I went to travel. Who I am is written on my "about me" page.
Hello there;
mogalistan is a place of unique beauty. It is a place similar to turkey in terms of culture and other issues, it is one of the places to visit with its vast steppes.
Thank you so much
I only found beautiful words about my country on this site. I think there is no place as beautiful as the hometown of every person. Mongolia is the place of natural beauty. There is the rich, the poor, the wealthy, the virgin, it can be according to whichever you prefer. Unclaimed natural beauty awaits you in Turkey, if there is anything you want to ask, I will help you. [email protected]
You have a wonderful country. A part of me says that many people should not go and spoil that untouched geography.
Yours
Feeling that I am not really alone while examining these reasons for going to Mongolia as if I was thinking of it alone. to go…
It was a very good article, Mongolia was a country that I was very curious about, now I have reasons to go and see it. 🙂
I heard it from a friend of mine who went on a trans mongolia tour and was extremely impressed. Now I have read your articles one after the other, it is really a must-see place. 🙂
Hello Zeynep,
Mongolia is a gorgeous beauty, but it may not be for everyone 🙂
It may not be in what way, for example, can you tell us what are the cons?
If it won't happen, don't force it 🙂
It is a very untouched country, if you dream of a luxury holiday, for example.
It is as if the vast steppes of Mongolia are engraved in the spirit of Turkishness. When to travel, articles, etc. from these regions. If I read something, what are you waiting for, I say to myself. Gotta go, gotta see
Definitely a must go see.
It was an amazing experience for me 🙂
How was your experience honey? Can you talk a little bit. I've been planning to go for a long time too.
NY, Barcelona, Tokyo, Rome etc. all places aside, Mongolia aside. In a documentary broadcast on Discovery Channel, Sevil was the best choice for two traveler friends who had visited 194 countries and their favorite place, Mongolia. Thanks also for sharing the Turna.com link.