Mongolia – An Unexpected Beauty 🇲🇳

Mongolia.

If you ask me what comes to mind when I think of Mongolia, I’d instantly say riding horses. That’s all to this country that I know of.

Mongolia’s such an unexpected beauty which surprised yet confused me when I first arrived. It seemed like a mix of so many countries I’ve been to and I couldn’t quite put a finger as to how to describe my initial impressions.

My first thoughts of this country? Feels like a barren Europe.

Staying at Sunpath Mongolia Hostel was too convenient. Anything that we needed was easily arranged for us on the spot, other than accommodation and the Classic Gobi Desert Tour that was booked beforehand.

I felt like I knew the owner, Doljmma, before I even met her because she has so many positive reviews online and they’re true. She ensures that everything is going well for you and will see whatever you require is arranged.

My friend and I had a couple of days before we headed for off for our 7 Days Gobi Desert Tour so we took the time to explore the city, Ulanbaataar, and visit the Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue + Gorkhi-Terelj National Park.

Some event at Chinggis Square over the weekend.

One of the government buildings, I think?

Just a random camel, walking down the streets…

First meal in Mongolia, looking for some Mongolian food, and we end up ordering Korean beef bulgogi?!!!

O yeah, the loo.

The State Department Store where you can change to local currency and get some huge-ass ice cream cones the size of your face.

The 6 bed dorm room.

Genghis Khan Statue + Gorkhi-Terelj National Park

These sights are about 1.5 hours drive from the city and you can either take the public bus (I hear there’s one that leaves at 4.00pm) or hire a driver.

We took the easy way out and paid USD50/car to get around. Figured we might as well visit these places since we were there, cause how can you not see Genghis Khan when you’re in Ulanbaatar?! It’s like not visiting Angkor Wat when you’re in Siem Reap… (Which happened to a friend and I cause we decided stuffing our face with Indian food was more important.)

The Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue.

Inside a souvenir ger.

Part of the national park. So gorgeous!

One of the ger camps.

14 years of friendship.

A huge bowl of soup for lunch (6,000₮).

Cute li’l sink.

This German guy we met at the hostel went to stayover in the National Park.

Aryapala Meditation and Initiation Center.

The inside.

108 steps back down.

I’ve heard comments that the national park’s no big deal or too touristy. I guess if you’re constantly exposed nature, maybe this national park wouldn’t wow you. But considering I’m from the city and will jump at any chance to be surrounded by greenery and fresh air, I find that Gorkhi-Terelj National Park is beautiful in it’s own majestic way, as with many other parts of the world.

Up next: no showers, no bathrooms, no internet – the Gobi Desert experience!

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One response to “Mongolia – An Unexpected Beauty 🇲🇳”

lifelessons

June 21, 2017 at 9:36 pm

I traveled for three years after I graduated from college. So glad you are doing it while you are young and choosing unusual places. Australia was the first place I headed–then Timor, Bali, Java, Singapore, Sri Lanka, a long stay in Africa. I’ve never regretted it. Not Mongolia, though, although later I did China.

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