Editor’s Note: This series of CNN Travel is sponsored by the nation it showcases. CNN maintains complete editorial authority over topics, reporting, and the frequency of the articles and videos involved in the sponsorship, adhering to our policy.
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
CNN
—
Owing to its isolation and brief summer, Mongolia has historically been a destination often ignored by tourists.
However, as the nation aims to open itself more to tourism by relaxing its entry requirements for global visitors and enhancing its facilities, 2023 might be the optimal time to visit.
Here are ten motivations for travelers to begin arranging their long-desired trip to Mongolia now.
An expanding visa-free list
The Mongolian government has declared the years 2023 to 2025 as the “Years to Visit Mongolia,” allowing citizens from an additional 34 nations to travel to the country without a visa until the end of 2025.
With the inclusion of several European nations, such as Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, Norway, Spain, and the UK, as well as Australia and New Zealand, the total number of countries and regions on the visa-exempt list now stands at 61.
The complete list is accessible here.
A new $650 million airport has opened
After numerous delays, a pandemic, and several issues, the newly constructed Chinggis Khaan International Airport successfully commenced operations in the summer of 2021.
With a capacity to accommodate around 3 million travelers annually (twice that of the previous airport), the addition of 500 new aircraft parking spots, and the facilities to support an increase in both domestic and budget airlines, the airport is a significant asset to the nation’s tourism growth initiatives.
Affordable flights to Hong Kong via EZNIS Airways have resumed since the airport’s inauguration, and discussions to restart direct routes to the United States are reportedly in progress.
A contemporary new museum
The recently inaugurated Chinggis Khaan Museum provides a stunning, refreshed perspective on Mongolia’s turbulent history.
Featuring over 10,000 artifacts that cover more than 2,000 years, the museum delves into the history of the Mongols and the empire they established – and ultimately lost.
The artifacts are displayed over eight floors with six permanent exhibition halls and two temporary ones. Guided tours are available in English every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at no cost.
Mongolia’s version of Coachella
When people envision Mongolia, music festivals and art installations aimed at conservation in the heart of one of the largest deserts are often not what comes to mind.
However, that perception is shifting with festivals like Playtime, Spirit of Gobi, INTRO Electronic Music Festival and the Kharkhorum 360 Visual Art & Music Experience.
Bringing together international artists, DJs, and musicians from across the globe alongside a diverse range of Mongolian rappers, bands, and folk artists, the country may very well be one of the most underrated destinations for festival enthusiasts.
Commemorate Naadam as it reaches a century mark
The annual Naadam festival has always been a compelling reason to visit Mongolia, but now, with its centenary just past, 2023 is an ideal time to partake.
While the festival’s roots trace back to the era of Genghis Khan, when he employed horse racing, wrestling, and archery to keep his warriors fit between conflicts, Naadam was only formally recognized as a national holiday 100 years ago.
Nowadays, the festival – held at the National Sports Stadium in Ulaanbaatar – boasts more attractions than it did during the reign of the Great Khan.
Obtaining a seat for the opening ceremony on July 11 is consistently one of the most challenging tickets to acquire in the city.
Experience archery the Mongolian way
Mounted archery is experiencing a revival in Mongolia thanks to athletes like Altankhuyag Nergui, a highly skilled archer and the leader of his archery academy, Namnaa.
Here, learners acquire the basics of Mongolian archery before getting on a horse to elevate their newly acquired skills.
During the summer, students and academy participants host weekly displays for intrigued visitors. The academy also provides full-day training sessions for individuals eager to engage in this demanding sport.
Discover Mongolian calligraphy from an expert
Speaking of reviving Mongolia’s ancient traditions, the revival of Mongol bichig, or the traditional Mongolian script that is written top to bottom and read left to right, has also gained considerable momentum in recent times.
Visit the Erdenesiin Khuree Mongolian Calligraphy Center in Karakorum to learn from master calligrapher Tamir Samandbadraa Purev about this significant cultural legacy. While you’re there, explore the yurts filled with Tamir’s creations.
Replace the horse with motor power
Pair the launch of Husqvarna’s new Norden 901 Expedition motorbike with Nomadic Off-Road’s newly unveiled Eagle Hunter Tour, and you’ve got one of the swiftest escapades in Mongolia.
The tour takes six riders on a 1,700-kilometer journey from Ulaanbaatar to Bayan-Ulgii, where they eventually encounter their hosts, the famed eagle hunters of Mongolia.
The only thing quicker than this expedition is how fast Nomadic Off-Road’s tours are fully booked.
Winter tours provide fresh perspectives
Professional musher Joel Rauzy has been leading dogsledding excursions across the frozen Lake Khuvsgul for 18 years.
With lesser crowds, reduced hotel prices, and the opportunity to see one of the largest freshwater lakes fully frozen, winter in Mongolia presents an extraordinary sight and experience.
Rauzy’s company, Wind of Mongolia, conducts tours of the lake where each participant is paired with their own sled and dogs for the journey. Under Rauzy’s guidance, mushers make a loop around the lake. Activities include ice fishing, while travelers stay in winterized yurts and interact with nomadic families during the trip.
Scandinavian aesthetics make their way to Mongolia at Yeruu Lodge
Positioned in Selenge province along the Yeruu River, Yeruu Lodge is the creation of Norwegian entrepreneur Eirik Gulsrud Johnsen, who first traveled to Mongolia in 2017.
With a Scandinavian-style restaurant featuring minimalist design, well-equipped yurts for guests, pétanque courts, kayaks, a driving range, mountain bikes, and a yoga space, the lodge is an attractive destination for lovers of the outdoors.
Completely off-grid, the lodge is powered by solar energy, uses thermal heating, and sources all its water from an onsite well which is recycled post-use.
Furthermore, all glass, metal, and plastic materials utilized at the lodge are recycled, with food scraps converted into compost for growing vegetables, berries, and herbs onsite.
The lodge is anticipated to open in April 2023.
