There are many places a traveler can visit in search of an adventure. But if one should supersize the scope of the wilderness terrain and the positive experience it brings, one of the best land-locked places to tour is Mongolia.
Being one of the most sparsely populated countries worldwide, Mongolia has almost 20 times the number of the domesticated herd for every inhabitant. As foreign visitors make their first stop at the capital, Ulaanbaatar City, their next top 5 eco-tourist sites are the following:
Gorkhi-Terelj National Park
As the nearest wilderness from the capital city, Gorkhi-Terelj lies 80 kilometers northeast of Ulaanbaatar. Spanning a total of 1,600 meters, this park was first established as a tourist venue in 1963. One of the most visited natural landmarks is the Turtle Rock - a fascinating rock formation nearly resembling a turtle statue.
The Gobi Desert
Home to the Silk Road during the height of the Mongol Empire in the 13 Century, the Gobi Desert was once replete with caravan superhighways stretching from Rome to China vis-à-vis. But as a modern ecological wonder, geologists (and likeminded academics) camp and trek around the Mongolian boundary of Gobi Desert exploring the so-called Asian Grand Canyon named Bayanzag, or the fascinating 'singing dunes' of Khongor.
Khovsgol Lake National Park
The 'Dark Blue Pearl' is known as the second clearest freshwater body after Russia's treasured Baikal Lake. Most tourists explore this region to understand Mongolia's multi-faceted wildlife conservation efforts. The shores of Khovsgol Lake are teeming with pines and larches, and home to the country's finest reindeer breeders.
Altai Tavan Bogd Mountains
The western mountain ranges of Altai Tavan Bogd is one of the most impressive snow-capped highlands of Central Asia. Home to Mt. Khuiten, this 6,300 sq. kilometer park is a magnet for alpine mountain climbers around the world. There are over 35 glaciers in this area.
Dornod Steppes
A vacation in Mongolia would not be complete for eco-travelers without paying a 'strictly-supervised visit' to the famous Dornod Steppes. The vast great prairies are designated as the base of a multibillion dollar conservation project first established in 1992. It is home to many of Central Asia's documented endangered species.
