Mongolia is a landlocked country located between China and Russia. It is a vast emptiness that links land and sky, and is one of the last few places on the planet where nomadic life is still a living tradition.
With only 4.5 people per square mile, Mongolia has the lowest population density of any independent country, and it is this vast and majestic emptiness that is the country's enduring appeal, bringing the traveler, as it does, into a close communion with nature and its nomadic inhabitants. Mongolia is entirely landlocked, sandwiched between China and Russia. The weather is bitterly cold during the winter, dropping down to -40º Celsius (-40º F) in parts. With many types of terrain--from desert to verdant mountains--the weather during the summer varies from region to region. Generally, however, this time of year is marked with many rains, and it can become quite cool at night.
Recorded history of Ancient Mongolia dates back to third century BC when the Huns (Xiongnu) came to power among many other nomadic tribes.
Due to illiteracy and nomadic lifestyle, little was recorded by Huns of themselves except they first appear in Chinese history as Barbarians against whom the walls were built which later became known as Great Wall of China.
There have been several Empires in Mongolia after the Hun Nu. For example: A Turkish Empire around 650AD with its capital near Xar Xorin (Kharkorum). Also the Uighur Empire with its capital also near Xar Xorin. The Khitans who controlled North China around 1000AD as the Liao Dynasty had an administrative center (Xar Bukh) 120km to the northeast. There are still ruins visible for these sites. The Government of Turkey has been promoting the Turkish Empire capital and there is a warehouse full of artifacts near the capital site.
HOW TO REACH
By plane - There are a few places which fly into the capital, Ulaanbaatar. From Europe, there is irregular and infrequent service from Berlin, Frankfurt and Moscow. Check with your local Mongolian Embassy too. There are almost daily flights from Seoul on Korean Air as well as other flights through Beijing. It is also possible to fly to Ulaanbaatar through Tokyo's Narita Airport. Don't buy a non-refundable or unchangeable ticket if you are going to Mongolia, because flights don't always actually happen. You can also fly in from Beijing, with Miat Mongolian airlines being the cheapest, then China air after that. Once you are in the country you can also fly to all the province capitals. Plane flights between the capitals may be hard to find though.
By train - The Trans-Mongolian Line of the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway links Mongolia's capital Ulaanbaatar with Moscow, Russia and Beijing, China.
2nd class costs about $70 US from Beijing to Ulaanbaatar; The ride takes almost 26 hours, but you are given a berth in a sleeper-car. The train leaves twice per week from Beijing. If purchasing tickets at the railway station go to window number 1 inside the building.
There is a small water-boiler at the end of each train car which dispenses free hot water, so it's a good idea to stock up on instant noodles and tea for the trip. Also, don't expect to encounter any English-speaking staff on the train or in the stations.
By bus - From Beijing to Erenhot by bus costs 169RMB for 12hrs. The bus departs around 6:00p.m. from the bus terminal just southwest of the West train station. The border check point is visible from the town, 2km away you will see the a big decorative rainbow.
There are a few options to cross from Erenhot to Mongolia. The boarder is quite wide with first a Chinese road checkpoint, then a gap, then the Chinese boarder building, then another gap, then the Mongolian boarder building, then a gap, then a Mongolian road checkpoint that does not actually check anything.
A bus runs from the bus station in Erenhot at least in the morning and in the early afternoon and costs 80RMB.
By thumb - The road stops at the border town of Zamyn-Uud and leave room to an open desert with tracks going in various directions but generally heading north in the direction of the capital city. Hitchhiking in Mongolia is not easy and a little bit of money can be expected. There is an average of one car every hour that leaves into the desert. Expect a bumpy road with not much to see, but this is the real Mongolian steppe.
STAY SAFE
Mongolia is generally a very safe place to travel. However, incidences of pick pocketing and bag slashing have been on the rise in recent years, so always keep your personal belongings in a safe place (money belts are highly recommended), especially in crowded areas or in places where your attention is diverted, such as internet cafes . Notorious places for theft are the Black Market (bazaar), the railway station and crowded bus stops.
Violent crime is uncommon, but still caution is required at night, and dark or deserted alleys and streets, in particular, should be avoided. Lone or female travellers obviously need to exercise a higher degree of awareness of their surroundings.
Be careful when travelling by horse as it is not unknown for groups to follow tourists and then steal their goods, including the horses, while they sleep at night.
Dogs in Mongolia can be aggressive and may run in packs. It is a good idea to be wary of them since they are not likely to be as tame as domestic dogs elsewhere.
RESPECT
Always receive items with the right hand, palm facing up. Drink from the right hand with the palm up as well. It is very rude to refuse a gift. If offered a plate of hospitality munchies, take at least a small nibble from something.
CITIES
