If you only have one week in Asia, consider making Mongolia your destination. Aside from being one of the prettiest places in Asia, Mongolia also offers visitors several distinct experiences that they can’t have anywhere else. Read about these unique Mongolian travel experiences below!

Ride A Camel Through The Gobi Desert

Mongolia is definitely an underrated Asian country that should be on everyone’s bucket list. One of the best and most unique travel experiences you can have there is riding a camel through the Gobi Desert. The desert itself is full of fascinating attractions, including the flaming cliffs of Bayanzag, the Yolin Am Ice Field, and the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, where you’ll find several rare species of plants and endangered animals.

You can choose to explore these sights by foot or by horseback, but there’s nothing quite like riding a camel through the Gobi Desert. In between the most famous sights, you’ll get to experience the common wonders of the region that add to its dramatic scenery, including sand dunes and mountains.

The best way to experience the desert is to book through a tour company. The majority of tours run anywhere from six to 12 days and will show you the highlights of the area. Most only operate during summer due to the low levels of tourism in Mongolia in the winter, when it can get quite cold in the desert.

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Stay With A Nomadic Family In A Ger

A truly unique experience to have in Mongolia is venturing out beyond the capital city of Ulaanbaatar and staying with a nomadic family in a traditional ger. Of the three million people living in Mongolia, between 25 and 40 percent of them are nomadic and make their living from herding. When residing with a nomadic family, you’ll be expected to live off the land as they do, which is a truly unforgettable experience and well worth the hospitality you’ll get in return.

A ger is a Mongolian circular teepee that houses a group of people. Some will have two or three beds while some families will sleep on the ground. During your stay, you might be expected to help the family herd their cows, goats, horses, or camels or play games with the children. There’s also the authentic local food and drink to look forward to, normally consisting of Mongolian barbecue and vodka.

You can arrange to stay with a nomadic family by booking a tour through several online tour companies. Additionally, there are gers to rent on Airbnb.

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Bask In The Wonder Of The Genghis Khan Statue

An awesome thing that every visitor to Mongolia has to do is visit the Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue, which is part of the Genghis Khan Complex by the Tuul River. The complex is located just to the east of the capital city, Ulaanbaatar. The statue stands 131-feet tall and tends to leave all visitors in awe.

Considered a great hero in Mongolia, Genghis Khan was the founder and first emperor of the Mongolian Empire. He brought power to Mongolia by uniting the nomadic tribes of the area and conquering much of Eurasia. Along with the impressive statue, the complex also boasts a museum exhibiting artifacts from the Mongol Empire, a café, and a souvenir shop.

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Attend A Naadam Festival

If you happen to be in Mongolia during midsummer, then attending the Naadam festival is a must. Also known as ‘the three games of men’, the festival features competitions in Mongolian wrestling, archery, and horse racing. The main celebrations of the festival are held in Ulaanbaatar, but locals all over the country hold their own festivities.

You can buy tickets to the opening and closing ceremonies online, while tour companies can also arrange your attendance at the festival, along with accommodation and transportation.

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