Mongolia is an intriguing country, situated as it is between China and Russia, influenced as it is by Tibetan Buddhism, and shaped as it is with a history rich with Genghis Khan’s conquests. In an arid landscape best adapted to the nomadic way of life, Mongolia offers treasures of perception perhaps not first noticed by the visitor.

Take a tour through the Gobi Desert

And take this trip the way the Mongolians would: on camel or on horseback. This seemingly desolate desertscape hosts an exhilarating blend of wildlife. If you get the chance, spend the night in a ger, a Mongolian fur- and felt-construction home. Sip salted yak’s milk tea with your host for a true immersion into local culture.

Sample two thousand years of history

Visit the Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with evidence of over two thousand years of nomadic presence found along the Orkhon River.

Enjoy the splendor of a Tibetan-style temple in the capital of Ulaanbaatar

In the Stalinesque purges of the 1930′s, many monasteries in Mongolia were destroyed. The Choijin Lama Temple, however, was turned into a museum in 1938, which would preserve it into the future. The Main Temple is home to an 18th-century statue of Buddha Shayaryamuni.

Ulaanbaatar is also home to the Gandan Monastery, which functioned even through a decades-long communist stint. Visitors are welcome at mid-morning services.

Step back in time

At Ulaanbaatar’s Museum of National History, you’ll find a wide range of Mongolian history dating from the Stone Age up to the modern era. Highlights include steppe nomad culture, traditional jewelry, as well as artifacts and weapons of warriors serving under Genghis Khan.

Shop for traditional clothing

You can bet that most stores back home don’t carry camel hair waistcoats… Pick up a Mongolian “deel,” or traditional clothing, too, or buy felt or leather boots, at markets in Ulaanbaatar. Silverwork and decorative wooden saddles are also available, too.

Outdoor enthusiasts, rejoice!

Visotors to the Terelj National Park can enjoy wildflower meadows, streams and rock formations set against mountainscapes. Only 80 km away from Ulaanbaatar, this beautiful setting allows for such outdoor sports as bike riding, skiing, rafting, hiking, horse back riding, and camping. The Khagiin Khar Lake, some 20 meters deep, is formed by glaciers; the Yestii Hot Springs are also here.

Also located near the capital but to the south, Bogd Khan Mountain National Park dates back to 300 years ago. This site is home to rock carvings and mountains sacred to the Mongolians. With a highly varied plant life, and a fine assortment of animals, the park is also home to the Manzushir Khid Monastery. This monastery was started in 1733, and 300 monks once lived here. Try out the traditional nomad’s drink of “airag,” or fermented horse’s milk; or head off on a backpacking journey.

Sixty miles to the southwest of the capital is Hustai National Park, where the Przewalski horses–the only naturally surviving wild horses in the world–dwell. (The Mongolians call this horse “takhi.”)

Have you got a ticket to ride?

One way to approach Mongolia is with the Trans-Mongolia train, which runs from Moscow to Beijing, and which stops in Ulaanbaatar. As a segment of the Trans-Siberian Railway, this span of railroad gives the traveler a comfortable seat from which to enjoy the views of Mongolia.

Nicole Rodgers has been blogging in the travel, finance, and fitness industries for three years. When Nicole went traveling last year, she made sure to check online for villas she could rent in order to save money. Whenever Nicole travels she likes to blog about her experience. She makes sure to use a jquery wordpress plugin to blog effectively about her travels.

Thanks to <smee> for the photo from Flickr!