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Mongolia is the perfect destination for introverts www.news.mn

Far, far away from the madding crowds is Mongolia, a country that’s filled with biodiversity but not people. If you have never been, what with this country being off the beaten path for so long, it is definitely worth checking out—especially if you’re a bit of an introvert who values physical and mental space from other people. Mongolia is a hidden gem that offers the perfect blend of nature, culture and solo activities. If you need some more convincing, here are a few reasons why Mongolia is a must-visit destination for those who like to travel but hate crowds.

Animals outnumber people

As of the last count in 2021, there are around 67 million animals to nearly 3.5 million people in Mongolia, and the sparseness of people compared to animals is evident from the moment you step out of the Chinggis Khaan International Airport.
The airport is located nearly 50 kilometres away from the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, and throughout the journey from the airport to the city, you are more likely to encounter a motley crew of animals—including horses, camels, sheep, cows—grazing along the rolling steppes beside the road than a traffic jam.
Travellers can get an even better idea of the diverse fauna of Mongolia once they travel to its vast countrysides. To the north is the Altay-Sayan mountains, which are home to snow leopards, reindeers, Siberian musk deer and much more; while the Central Asian Gobi region boasts Gobi bears, Bactrian camels, donkeys and the once-extinct-in-the-wild Przewalski’s horse, a wild breed native to Mongolia.

To catch a glimpse of these horses, which are locally known as “takhi horses”, one must head to Hustai National Park in Central Mongolia, where nearly 400 of these horses still thrive after a handful of them were reintroduced in the area in the 1990s. Look out for the white underbelly that is distinctive of this breed, and don’t be surprised if they come very close to you—the lack of tourists has made them unafraid of humans.

Other parts of Mongolia are also rich in animals, even in the vast Gobi desert. In fact, if you travel to that area during spring, keep your eyes peeled for migratory birds such as the Siberian cranes that often make a pit stop in the desert’s oases on their route from Russia to China.

Avoid overcrowded hotels

Forget about hotels and embrace your inner nomad by staying in a ger, the traditional tents that many Mongolian people live in. Also known as yurts, these cosy homes are made of felt and canvas and offer a unique lodging experience. Mongolia’s climate may be rough in some seasons—snowy and terribly cold in winter, and windy and unpredictable in spring—but the tents’ circular shape, its construction materials and wooden latticed walls and roof are designed to help them hold their own against the elements.

Several modern camps also offer glamping experiences, which means you can revel in the traditional aesthetics of the yurts from the outside, but without missing out on modern amenities like heaters and toiletries once you’re inside.

But no matter where you’re staying, the best part for introverts is that you won’t have to worry about bumping into other guests or hotel staff—it’s just you and the great outdoors.

Nature at its best

Mongolia is home to some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the world—from the rolling hills in its centre to the towering peaks of the Altai Mountains in the north. But what makes it a veritable paradise for introverts is that you can take in these amazing vistas in tranquillity, without being surrounded by thousands of fellow tourists or risk being poked by selfie sticks. The vast empty spaces can evoke loneliness in people who love human company, but for those who appreciate solitude, they might relish the feeling of being one of the few people on earth.

Fewer people also mean much less pollution of any kind, and one of the beautiful ways this manifests itself is in the clear view of starry skies at night. Just imagine gazing up at the stars from the comfort of your ger (Mongolian tents have skylights) with nothing but the twinkling stars and sound of the wind to keep you company.

Solo activities in nature

While doing nothing and gazing at the stars might appeal to a more laid-back traveller, those looking for adventure will appreciate the range of solo activities in nature available in Mongolia. These include hiking, photography, camel riding, horseback riding, biking and off-roading.

The Gobi desert, for instance, is the perfect backdrop for an off-roading adventure. The fifth largest desert in the world, its rolling sand dunes are interspersed with small hillocks, rocky mountains, old canyons and oases, making it a diverse and challenging terrain for petrolheads. For a slower yet equally exciting adventure, one can also choose to ride on Bactrian camels, which are native to the steppes of Central Asia. They are double-humped, which has an unexpected benefit for the rider—you can hang on to the first hump for dear life if things get too bumpy.

Immerse yourself in art and culture

If you are not into adventure sports but would rather seek calm and culture in a quiet museum, Mongolia has you covered there as well. There are plenty of museums in Ulaanbaatar, as well as in other places, which give you a comprehensive insight into the country’s rich heritage and culture.

Moreover, many monasteries from the 16th and 17th century have survived and are strewn across the country—from the Erdene Zuu Monastery in central Mongolia’s Orkhon valley to the Gandan monastery in Ulaanbaatar. The best part? There are hardly any queues anywhere, so you can appreciate the intricate art and sculptures within the monasteries at your own pace and without feeling rushed. What more can an introverted traveller desire?

(source: tatler asia)

Published Date:2023-08-27

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Mongolia is the perfect destination for introverts www.news.mn

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