Scouting trip to Eastern Mongolia, May 2011

Scouting trip to Eastern Mongolia, May 2011

Scouting trip to Eastern Mongolia, May 2011

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June 1, 2011
Eastern Mongolia remains largely unknown to travelers, despite the abundant resources it offers. For nearly two weeks, two members of our team, accompanied by three English-speaking guests who made the journey for the occasion, explored this magnificent region to scout out a new itinerary. Through encounters with local families, horseback treks, and close encounters with local wildlife, they finalized an authentic circuit in the heart of Genghis Khan's region! The circuit began with a day-long train journey. Onboard this iconic mode of transport, the first immersion unfolded in peaceful contemplation—discovering the landscape and meeting the first Mongols. Once we arrived in Sainshand, we began our loop through the East, ultimately returning to our starting point: Ulaanbaatar. Along our route, numerous adventures and discoveries awaited us. We stayed with herding families, sharing unique moments of daily life that allowed us to become familiar with the nomadic lifestyle. We also spent several nights in bivouac camps and occasionally rested in ger camps. The remarkably diverse landscapes that make up this journey offer a glimpse into different ecosystems. Desert, endless steppe, and Siberian taiga enchanted us throughout our travels.
erdetsagaan-choibalsan-troupeau-gazelles
We had the opportunity to trek by camel in the Gobi Desert and also enjoyed horseback rides with the nomadic herders of Dadal! We ventured to the summit of sacred sites in Buddhist religion to contemplate the vastness of the country from peaks cherished by the Mongols. We also had the chance to explore historical heritage by visiting Buddhist monasteries and walked in the footsteps of Genghis Khan, the great founder of the Mongol Empire, by crossing his birthplace and visiting the monuments dedicated to him. Along our route, numerous animals came to greet us. During our jeep journeys along the quiet tracks of the east, herds of horses, sheep, and goats kept us company. Then marmots, foxes, and other wild animals occasionally poked their heads out to brighten our way. Finally, herds of thousands of gazelles—animals characteristic of this region—allowed us to witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of untamed nature. This unique circuit is therefore perfect for travelers seeking vast open spaces, immensity, discovery of fauna and flora, and encounters with the local population. Several outdoor and cultural activities punctuate our exploration of Genghis Khan's birthplace. Deep in Eastern Mongolia, we venture off the beaten path and leave the regions known to the general public to immerse ourselves entirely in nature and discover all the wonders it holds. This 14-day journey will allow travelers seeking grand landscapes to discover the heart of Mongolia and all the aspects that define it.
Charlène Nomadays
An SEO writer from Nomadays' earliest days, Charlène has evolved into content manager and head of communications, accompanying the adventure since its inception with passion and dedication. After living seven years across Asia—from China to Thailand, passing through Mongolia and South Korea—she has made travel a way of being in the world. A lover of words, nature, and human connection, she endeavors to convey through her writing a sensitive, committed, and responsible vision of tourism. Each article is for her a bridge between curiosity, respect, and wonder.

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