Mongolia is a great nation of stark beauty that dazzles with its vast open grasslands, the friendly and proud people, and the legend of one of the world’s greatest civilizations that still reveres Genghis Khan (conqueror of most of the known world from his Mongol fortress). It is the size of Western Europe, has less than three million inhabitants, and is the most sparsely inhabited country globally; it also has one of the fastest expanding economies. Mongolians have historically been nomadic herdsmen, and half of the population still is, living in circular felt tents called gers that are moved from place to place regularly. The capital city of Ulaanbaatar, with its fine restaurants and stores, stands in stark contrast to the rest of the country, which adheres steadfastly to its traditional culture.

Discover this magnificent country’s ancient history and extreme natural beauty with New Paths Expeditions, contact an adviser now expeditionadvisor@npexpeditions.com , and start planning this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

MONGOLIA HIGHLIGHTS

• Stay in the depths of the Gobi desert.
• Explore the picturesque Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve and Yol Valley National Park.
• Contact with locals during the Naadam Festival.
• Explore Moltsog Els dunes and the breathtaking Flaming Cliffs.

• Arrive in the modern Ulaanbaatar.
• Explore Hustain Nuruu National Park, home of the Przewalski’s horses; the only species of wild horses in the world!
• Visit Hovsgol Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Mongolia.

 Time and Weather

Mongolia is not the world’s coldest and most isolated country, as commonly believed. There are four different seasons; however, winter lasts from November to March, with temperatures as low as -30°C/-22°F for one month from mid-December to mid-January. Except in the bitterly cold northernmost portion of the nation, winter temperatures ranges from 1°-10°C/30°-50°F.

Spring offers somewhat higher temperatures from March through May, but the blizzards and dust storms that accompany the rising temperatures make this a less pleasant time of year to visit.
Summer, which lasts from mid-May to mid-September, is typically warm, with average temperatures ranging from 18°-26°C/60°-80°F.

The best time to visit

The summer season, which lasts from mid-June to late August, is ideal for visiting Mongolia, with bright days and enough rain to maintain the lush and verdant countryside. It’s a lovely time of year, albeit only the southern Gobi is scorching.

The country’s landlocked location results in an extreme continental climate, with long, harsh, and dry winters and summers that are brief but pleasant. In the summer, summer temperatures can reach 73°F in the summer but hover around 3°F in the winter, with temperatures routinely dropping to -22°F and lower across the nation.

Due to the harshness of the winter months, travel to the areas around Ulaanbaatar is only possible between May and October. On the other hand, the Trans-Siberian Railway may be used by you to go to Mongolia at any time of year.

Wildlife

Mongolian wildlife excursions see various natural environments, such as the Siberian Taiga forest, undulating steppes, the Gobi Desert (the world’s fourth-biggest desert), and the Altai Mountains. Mongolia is located at the crossroads of Central and East Asia, and as a result, it has developed some distinctive flora and fauna.

The most sought-after animal species in this isolated area are Snow Leopard, Pallas’ Cat, Mongolian Marmots, Argali, Siberian Ibex, Przewalski’s Wild Horse, and Mongolian Gazelle. It also provides some delectable avian species for the avid birdwatcher. To mention some of the more notable bird species, you have Altai Snowcock, Daurian Partridge, Demoiselle Cranes, Cinereous, Bearded, and Himalayan Vultures.

There are Saker and Amur Falcons, as well as Upland Buzzards, for raptor enthusiasts. Oriental Plovers, Pallas’ Sandgrouse, Henderson’s Ground Jay, Kozlov’s Accentor, Grey-necked, and Godlewski’s Buntings can also be found. You may also combine your birdwatching with a chance to learn about Mongolian culture and the nomadic tribes of the region.

Mongolia’s wildflowers are a must-see for skilled botanists. The region’s natural beauty encourages a varied flora with many intriguing species to study and photograph.