Thursday, May 22, 2014

Mongolian Tours Offer Something Different

By Marci Glover


Planning a family vacation is always an exciting task. Many people like to sit down with their children and make a group decision about where they will go. This allows everyone to have input and voice their feelings. It is becoming increasingly common for families to embark on an adventure tour that really takes them off the beaten track and allows them to experience something totally unique.

When planning an adventure vacation it is very important to look for a reputable company that offers plenty of guarantees. The trips are typically quite expensive and travellers really want to get their monies worth. One of the fastest growing destinations is the far east. Mongolian tours are one of the most popular of all locations as the country is steeped in tradition and a really unique culture.

Most tours begin and end in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar. This vibrant city is home to over a million people and is growing at a very fast pace. It combines many traditional elements of Mongolia, yet still has a modern feel. The local people offer a very warm welcome and most visitors are immediately struck by the friendly and cosmopolitan vibe of the city.

Visitors should be well aware that in Mongolian custom it is considered very rude, almost unacceptable, to refuse the food that is offered. Anyone who is a picky eater or a vegetarian will be left facing some difficult choices and may well be left hungry. On the other hand the bold and adventurous types will relish tucking into some traditional foods and enjoying the company of the local people. It is a once in a life time experience and should be enjoyed to the fullest extent.

One of the most popular months to visit Mongolia is July. This is not only for the best weather but also the world famous Naadam Festival. The main festival takes place in Ulaanbaatar, but there are other smaller versions throughout the countryside. This is a once in a life time opportunity to see traditional sports such as wrestling, archery and horse back riding.

Some of the highlights of the Naadam are the world famous horse races. The nomadic culture has been dependant on horse for centuries. They provide milk for food and are a primary means of transportation. Children learn to ride almost before they can walk and by the age of ten are proficient riders. Young boys love to race their horses against each other and the winners get the bragging rights for a year.

Getting out into the great outdoors is an integral part of a trip to Mongolia. There is so much to see it is very important to plan carefully to fit in as much as possible. The Uran Uul is an extinct volcano that offers amazing views. The walk up to the rim is in itself a wonderful experience.

Food in Mongolia is very different to the west. Many dishes use fermented goat milk. Meat is an important part of the diet and often includes goat and sheep. It is customary to offer visitors food and considered unacceptable to decline. Travellers should be aware of this follow the local etiquette.




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