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Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
CNN
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Given its isolation and brief summer period, Mongolia has historically been a spot overlooked by adventurers.
However, as the nation strives to become more accessible to tourists by relaxing its entry requirements for foreign guests and improving its infrastructure, 2023 may truly be the prime time to visit.
Here are 10 motivations for travelers to begin planning their long-desired trip to Mongolia now.
An expanding visa-free list
With the Mongolian government designating 2023 through 2025 as the “Years to Visit Mongolia,” citizens from an additional 34 nations can now enter the country without a visa until the end of 2025.
The inclusion of several European nations, such as Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, Norway, Spain, and the UK, along with Australia and New Zealand, now increases the total of countries and territories on the visa-free list to 61.
The complete list can be found here.
A new $650 million airport is inaugurated
Following several delays, a pandemic, and multiple controversies, the newly constructed Chinggis Khaan International Airport finally commenced operations in the summer of 2021.
Capable of accommodating around 3 million travelers yearly (twice the capacity of the previous airport), the addition of 500 new parking spaces for aircraft and the infrastructure to facilitate an increase in both domestic and budget flights represent a significant upgrade to the country’s tourism development.
Budget flights to Hong Kong have resumed through EZNIS Airways since the airport’s inauguration, and negotiations for reinstating direct flights to the United States are reportedly ongoing.
A contemporary new museum
The recently opened Chinggis Khaan Museum presents a stunning, refreshed perspective on Mongolia’s dynamic history.
Featuring over 10,000 artifacts that span more than 2,000 years, the museum delves into the legacy of the Mongols and the empire they forged – and eventually lost.
The museum showcases its artifacts across eight floors, incorporating six permanent and two temporary exhibition halls. Guided tours are provided in English every weekend from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at no cost.
Mongolia’s equivalent of Coachella
When the majority conjure thoughts of Mongolia, music festivals and environmentally focused art installations nestled in one of the world’s largest deserts are often not the first things that spring to mind.
Nevertheless, this is rapidly transforming thanks to events like Playtime, Spirit of Gobi, INTRO Electronic Music Festival and the Kharkhorum 360 Visual Art & Music Experience.
Positioning international artists, DJs, and musicians from across the globe alongside Mongolia’s diverse array of rappers, bands, and folk performers, the nation could very well be one of the most underappreciated spots for festival enthusiasts.
Commemorate Naadam as it reaches the century mark
The yearly Naadam festival has long served as an excellent reason to journey to Mongolia, and now, having just marked its 100th anniversary, 2023 is the ideal time to partake.
Although the festival’s roots trace back to the era of Genghis Khan, when he utilized competitions in horse racing, wrestling, and archery to keep his warriors prepared for battle, Naadam only became an official public holiday 100 years past.
Presently, the festival – hosted in Ulaanbaatar at the National Sports Stadium, offers far more excitement than it did during the era of the Great Khan.
Securing a seat for the opening ceremony on July 11 has always been 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 individuals like Altankhuyag Nergui, one of the top archers in the field, and his academy, Namnaa.
Here, individuals learn the basics of Mongolian archery before mounting a horse and advancing their newly acquired skills to a greater level.
During the summer months, students and academy members present weekly performances for interested onlookers. The academy also hosts full-day training sessions for those eager to delve into this demanding sport.
Discover Mongolian calligraphy through a master
In the realm of revitalizing Mongolia’s ancient customs, the revival of Mongol bichig, the traditional Mongolian script that is inscribed top to bottom and read left to right, has witnessed notable rejuvenation in recent times.
Stop by the Erdenesiin Khuree Mongolian Calligraphy Center in Karakorum to gain insights from master calligraphist Tamir Samandbadraa Purev regarding this vital cultural legacy. And while visiting, peruse the yurts filled with Tamir’s creations.
Swap the horse for horsepower
Combine the launch of Husqvarna’s latest Norden 901 Expedition motorcycle with Nomadic Off-Road’s newly introduced Eagle Hunter Tour, and you have one of the swiftest escapades in Mongolia.
This tour guides six participants over 1,700 kilometers from Ulaanbaatar to Bayan-Ulgii, where they eventually encounter their hosts, the renowned eagle hunters of Mongolia.
The only thing that rivals the swiftness of this adventure is the pace at which Nomadic Off-Road’s excursions fill up.
Winter excursions provide unique insights
Professional musher Joel Rauzy has been conducting dogsledding expeditions across the frozen Lake Khuvsgul for 18 years.
With diminished crowds, reduced hotel costs, and the opportunity to witness one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world completely frozen, winter in Mongolia offers something extraordinary to see and experience.
Rauzy’s organization, Wind of Mongolia, facilitates tours of the lake, with each participant having their own sled and dogs for the adventure. Following Rauzy’s guidance, mushers will traverse a loop around the lake. Activities include ice fishing, with travelers accommodated in winterized yurts while spending time with nomadic families along the route.
Scandinavian design arrives in Mongolia at Yeruu Lodge
Situated in the center of Selenge province on the Yeruu River, Yeruu Lodge is the vision of Norwegian founder Eirik Gulsrud Johnsen, who first visited Mongolia in 2017.
Featuring a minimalist Scandinavian-style dining area and restaurant, several well-equipped yurts for guest accommodation, two pétanque courts, kayaks, a driving range, mountain bikes, and a yoga space, the lodge caters to nature enthusiasts.
Completely off-grid, the lodge operates on solar energy, utilizes thermal heating, and all water sourced on-site is recycled after use.
Moreover, all glass, metal, and plastic utilized at the lodge is recycled, while organic waste is processed into compost to cultivate vegetables, berries, and herbs on the premises.
The lodge is set to launch in April 2023.
