About Altai / Mongolia

The might of the great Chinghis Khan’s Empire, eternally blue cloudless sky, endless steppes dotted with white Mongolian yurts, golden sands of the Gobi Desert, the purity of mountain rivers and the smooth surface of alpine lakes – all these can be easily described with one word – Mongolia.

Being thinly populated, possessing immense expanses of virgin nature Mongolia is one of the most enigmatic countries in the world.

Not only the wonderful nature of this magic world remained preserved in its primordial state over centuries, the ancient traditions are still followed and valued high in Mongolian families.

Hospitality is one of the most prominent features of Mongolian character. As a well-known Mongolian saying goes “My home is your home”. Really, preparing for a long journey a Mongolian nomad never takes much food, he knows on the way the door of every yurt will be opened for him and an appetizing dinner and a warm bed will be offered to him.

Piousness is another important thing in Mongolian life. People here strongly believe that each natural object – a rock, a mountain, a river, a lake, etc – has its spirit. Everyone tries to please these spirits: greets them, thanks them, does nothing that would offend them or make them angry.

The river Hovd, the longest on this territory, and the mountain Tavanbogd Uul, the highest in Mongol Altai, are considered the most sacred places for Mongols, Kazakhs and Chinese.

Tavanbogd Uul translated from Mongolian as “the Five Holly Peaks” is probably the very point of Shambala, the secret country where the new generation is believed to appear after the world’s destruction.

With forests full of birds and animals and rivers full of fish this bountiful land is perfect for adventure tourism.