Mongolia
Mongolia is one of those end of the earth places. Geographically wedged between Russia to north and China to south, it remains remote and difficult to navigate. On the ground the landscape is barren and dry and torn between a mix of endless flat plains and rugged mountain ranges. The Lake Hovsgol area is an exception with picturesque larch covered hills that meet a pristine lakeshore. The southern region encompasses about half of the Gobi desert. The landscape’s flat dusty planes are only interrupted by an occasional mountain range or sand dune field.
Despite Chinese and Russian rule, Mongolians have managed to hold on to their heritage and culture. Traditional music, dance and dress are widely expressed. The yearly Nadam Festival celebrates the traditions of horse racing, archery and wrestling. Although migration to the capital Ulaanbaatar is growing at a quick pace, the nomadic lifestyle still thrives outside the city. The Ger, or traditional nomadic home still dots the countryside. Mongolian’s are warm, proud and welcoming of their beautiful rugged country.