A New Era for Tourism in Mongolia

Mongolia, a country often overlooked by travelers due to its remoteness and short summer season, is now more accessible than ever. The government has declared 2023-2025 as the ‘Years to Visit Mongolia,’ and as a result, citizens from an additional 34 countries can now visit the country visa-free through the end of 2025.

Source: media.cnn.com

This brings the total number of countries and territories on the visa-exempt list to 61. The full list is available online, making it easier for travelers to plan their trip.

Source: media.cnn.com

A State-of-the-Art Airport

The newly built Chinggis Khaan International Airport, which opened in the summer of 2021, is a welcome addition to the country’s efforts to grow tourism. With the ability to handle approximately 3 million passengers a year, double that of the old airport, the new airport offers 500 new aircraft parking spaces and the infrastructure to support an increase in domestic as well as budget flights.

Source: media.cnn.com

Budget flights to Hong Kong from EZNIS Airways have been relaunched since the airport’s opening, and talks to resume direct flights to the United States are reportedly underway.

A Modern Museum

The recently opened Chinggis Khaan Museum offers a fresh look at Mongolia’s tumultuous history. With more than 10,000 artifacts spanning over 2,000 years, the museum explores the history of the Mongols and the empire they created – and eventually lost.

The museum’s artifacts are presented over eight floors, with six permanent and two temporary exhibition halls. Guided tours are offered in English every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. free of charge.

A Vibrant Cultural Scene

Mongolia is home to a variety of festivals and events, showcasing the country’s unique culture and natural beauty. The Playtime festival, the Spirit of Gobi festival, the INTRO Electronic Music Festival, and the Kharkhorum 360 Visual Art & Music Experience are just a few examples of the many exciting events that take place in Mongolia.

These festivals offer a chance to experience Mongolia’s eclectic mix of music, art, and culture, and are a great way to immerse oneself in the country’s vibrant atmosphere.

Experience the Naadam Festival

The annual Naadam event has always been a great reason to visit Mongolia, but now that the festival has just celebrated its 100-year anniversary, 2023 is as good a time as ever to attend.

The festival, which is held in Ulaanbaatar at the National Sports Stadium, has a few more bells and whistles than it did during the days of the Great Khan. A seat at the opening ceremony on July 11 is always one of the hardest tickets to score in town.

Try Your Hand at Archery

Mounted archery is seeing a resurgence in Mongolia thanks to guys like Altankhuyag Nergui, one of the most accomplished archers in the sport and his archery academy, Namnaa.

Here, locals learn the fundamentals of Mongolian archery before mounting a horse and taking their new-found skills to another level.

Learn about Mongolian Calligraphy

The Erdenesiin Khuree Mongolian Calligraphy Center in Karakorum is a great place to learn about this important cultural heritage.

Visit the center to learn from master calligraphist Tamir Samandbadraa Purev about the traditional Mongolian script written from top to bottom and read from left to right.

Get Ready for an Adventure

Pair the release of Husqvarna’s new Norden 901 Expedition motorbike with Nomadic Off-Road’s newly announced Eagle Hunter Tour, and you have one of the fastest adventures in Mongolia.

The tour takes six riders 1,700 kilometers from Ulaanbaatar to Bayan-Ulgii, where riders eventually meet their hosts, Mongolia’s famous eagle hunters.

Experience Winter in Mongolia

Professional musher Joel Rauzy has been leading dogsledding tours across the frozen Lake Khuvsgul for 18 years.

With fewer crowds, lower hotel rates, and the chance to see one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world completely frozen over, winter in Mongolia is something else to see and experience.

Relax at the Yeruu Lodge

Nestled in the heart of Selenge province on the Yeruu River, the Yeruu Lodge is a destination for nature lovers.

With a minimal Scandinavian-style restaurant and dining area, a handful of fully kitted out yurts for guests to stay in, two pétanque courts, kayaks, a driving range, mountain bikes, and a yoga area, the lodge is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the beautiful scenery.