Mongolia is an amazing country that amazes tourists with its uniqueness and originality. Located in Central Asia, this country borders only Russia and China and is landlocked. Therefore, the climate of Mongolia is sharply continental. And Ulaanbaatar is considered But still, Mongolia is popular among tourists all over the planet.

General information

Mongolia still preserves its traditions; it has managed to carry its cultural heritage through the centuries. The Great Mongol Empire had a huge impact on world history, the famous leader Genghis Khan was born on the territory of this particular country.

Today, this unique place on the planet attracts primarily those who want to take a break from the noise of big cities and usual resorts and immerse themselves in a special world of pristine natural beauty. Geographical location, climate, plants, animals - all this is unusual and unique. High mountains, endless steppes, blue skies, unique world flora and fauna cannot but attract tourists from all over the world to this country.

Geographical position

Mongolia, whose relief and climate are naturally interconnected, combines on its territory the Gobi Desert and such mountain ranges as the Gobi and Mongolian Altai, Khangai. Thus, on the territory of Mongolia there are both high mountains, and vast plains.

The country is located at an average altitude of 1580 meters above sea level. Mongolia is landlocked and shares borders with Russia and China. The area of ​​the country is 1,566,000 square meters. km. The largest rivers flowing in Mongolia are the Selenga, Kerulen, Khalkhin Gol and others. The capital of the state, Ulaanbaatar, has a long and interesting history.

Population of the country

Today, about 3 million people live in the country. The population density is approximately 1.8 people per square meter. m. territory. The population is distributed unevenly; in the capital the population density is very high, but the southern regions and desert areas are less populated.

The ethnic composition of the population is very diverse:

• 82% - Mongols;
• 4% - Kazakhs;
• 2% are Buryats and other nationalities.

There are also Russians and Chinese in the country. Among the religions here, Buddhism predominates. In addition, a small percentage of the population professes Islam, and there are many adherents of Christianity.

Mongolia: climate and its features

This place is called the "land of blue skies" as it is sunny most of the year. Located in temperate climatic zone Mongolia has a sharply continental climate. This means that it is characterized by sudden changes in temperature and a large number of precipitation.

The cold but practically snowless winter in Mongolia (temperatures can drop to -45˚C) gives way to spring with its strong gusts of wind, sometimes reaching hurricane force, and then warm and sunny summers. This country is often the site of sandstorms.

If we briefly describe the climate of Mongolia, it is enough to mention large temperature fluctuations even within a day. There are harsh winters, hot summers and increased dry air. The coldest month is January, the warmest is June.

Why is there such a climate in Mongolia?

Sudden temperature changes, dry air and large amounts of sunny days make this place special. We can conclude what are the reasons for the sharp continental climate of Mongolia:

• distance from the seas;
• obstacles to the flow of moist air currents from the oceans are the mountain ranges that surround the country;
• the formation of high pressure in combination with low temperature in winter.

Such sharp temperature fluctuations and low rainfall make this country special. Familiarization with the reasons for the sharp continental climate of Mongolia will help to better understand the relationship between the topography, geographical location and climate of this country.

Seasons

The best time to visit Mongolia is from May to September. Despite the fact that there are many sunny days here, the temperature range is very large across the seasons. The month-to-month climate of Mongolia has very characteristic features.

Vegetable world

Mongolia, whose climate is sharply continental, has a rich and unusual flora. On its territory there are various natural areas: highlands, taiga zone, forest-steppe and steppe, desert and semi-desert zones.

In Mongolia you can see mountains covered with deciduous, cedar and pine forests. In the valleys they are replaced by deciduous trees (birch, aspen, ash) and shrubs (honeysuckle, bird cherry, wild rosemary and others). In general, forests occupy about 15% of Mongolia's vegetation.

The vegetation cover of the steppes of Mongolia is also very diverse. It includes plants such as feather grass, wheatgrass and others. Saxaul predominates in semi-deserts. This type of vegetation makes up about 30% of the total flora of Mongolia.

From the number medicinal plants The most common are juniper, celandine, and sea buckthorn.

Animal world

Mongolia has several very rare species mammals such as the snow leopard, Przewalski's horse, Mongolian kulan, wild camel and many others (about 130 species in total). There are also many (over 450) different species of birds - eagles, owls, hawks. Found in the desert wild cat, gazelle, saiga, in the forests - deer, sable, roe deer.

Some of them, unfortunately, need protection, as they are in danger of extinction. The Mongolian government is concerned about preserving the existing rich fund of flora and fauna. For this purpose, numerous reserves and national parks were organized here.

This country is unique. Therefore, it attracts many tourists who want to learn more about Mongolia. There are several features that characterize it:

• Mongolia, whose climate is quite harsh, is the country with the coldest capital in the world.
• It has the lowest population density of any country in the world.
• If you translate the name of the capital Ulaanbaatar from, you get the phrase “red hero”.
• Another name for Mongolia is “Land of the Blue Sky”.

Not all tourists heading to these regions know what the climate is like in Mongolia. But even a detailed acquaintance with its features does not frighten lovers of exotic and wild nature.

Geographical position

Mongolia, whose relief and climate are naturally interconnected, combines on its territory the Gobi Desert and such mountain ranges as the Gobi and Mongolian Altai, Khangai. Thus, Mongolia contains both high mountains and vast plains.

The country is located at an average altitude of 1580 meters above sea level. Mongolia is located in Central Asia, landlocked, and shares borders with Russia and China. The area of ​​the country is 1,566,000 square meters. km. The largest rivers flowing in Mongolia are the Selenga, Kerulen, Khalkhin Gol and others. The capital of the state, Ulaanbaatar, has a long and interesting history.

Population of the country

Today, about 3 million people live in the country. The population density is approximately 1.8 people per square meter. m. territory. The population is distributed unevenly; in the capital the population density is very high, but the southern regions and desert areas are less populated.

The ethnic composition of the population is very diverse:

• 82% - Mongols;
• 4% - Kazakhs;
• 2% are Buryats and other nationalities.

There are also Russians and Chinese in the country. Among the religions here, Buddhism predominates. In addition, a small percentage of the population professes Islam, and there are many adherents of Christianity.

Mongolia: climate and its features

This place is called the "land of blue skies" as it is sunny most of the year. Located in the temperate climate zone, Mongolia has a sharply continental climate. This means that it is characterized by sharp changes in temperature and low amounts of precipitation.

The cold but practically snowless winter in Mongolia (temperatures can drop to -45˚C) gives way to spring with its strong gusts of wind, sometimes reaching hurricane force, and then warm and sunny summers. This country is often the site of sandstorms.

If we briefly describe the climate of Mongolia, it is enough to mention large temperature fluctuations even within a day. There are harsh winters, hot summers and increased dry air. The coldest month is January, the warmest is June.

Why is there such a climate in Mongolia?

Sudden temperature changes, dry air and a large number of sunny days make this place special. We can conclude what are the reasons for the sharp continental climate of Mongolia:

• distance from the seas;
• obstacles to the flow of moist air currents from the oceans are the mountain ranges that surround the country;
• the formation of high pressure in combination with low temperature in winter.

Such sharp temperature fluctuations and low rainfall make this country special. Familiarization with the reasons for the sharp continental climate of Mongolia will help to better understand the relationship between the topography, geographical location and climate of this country.

Seasons

The best time to visit Mongolia is from May to September. Despite the fact that there are many sunny days here, the temperature range is very large across the seasons. The month-to-month climate of Mongolia has very characteristic features.

Vegetable world

Mongolia, whose climate is sharply continental, has a rich and unusual flora. On its territory there are various natural zones: highlands, taiga belt, forest-steppe and steppe, desert and semi-desert zones.

In Mongolia you can see mountains covered with deciduous, cedar and pine forests. In the valleys they are replaced by deciduous trees (birch, aspen, ash) and shrubs (honeysuckle, bird cherry, wild rosemary and others). In general, forests occupy about 15% of Mongolia's vegetation.

The vegetation cover of the steppes of Mongolia is also very diverse. It includes plants such as feather grass, wheatgrass and others. Saxaul predominates in semi-deserts. This type of vegetation makes up about 30% of the total flora of Mongolia.

Among the medicinal plants, the most common are juniper, celandine, and sea buckthorn.

Animal world

Mongolia is home to several very rare species of mammals, such as the snow leopard, Przewalski's horse, Mongolian kulan, wild camel and many others (about 130 species in total). There are also many (over 450) different species of birds - eagles, owls, hawks. In the desert there are wild cats, gazelle, and saiga, and in the forests there are deer, sable, and roe deer.

Some of them, unfortunately, need protection, as they are in danger of extinction. The Mongolian government is concerned about preserving the existing rich fund of flora and fauna. For this purpose, numerous reserves and national parks were organized here.

This country is unique. Therefore, it attracts many tourists who want to learn more about Mongolia. There are several features that characterize it:

• Mongolia, whose climate is quite harsh, is the country with the coldest capital in the world.
• It has the lowest population density of any country in the world.
• If you translate the name of the capital Ulaanbaatar from the Mongolian language, you get the phrase “red hero”.
• Another name for Mongolia is “Land of the Blue Sky”.

Not all tourists heading to these regions know what the climate is like in Mongolia. But even a detailed acquaintance with its features does not frighten lovers of exotic and wild nature.

Basic moments

Hundreds of kilometers of land separate Mongolia from the nearest seas. This is the second largest country on the planet after Kazakhstan that does not have access to the World Ocean. Mongolia is also famous for the fact that among all sovereign states it is the most sparsely populated in the world, and its main city, Ulaanbaatar, is one of the coldest capitals along with Reykjavik, Helsinki, and Ottawa. But, despite such alarming records, the mysterious and original Mongolia never ceases to attract travelers. The homeland of Genghis Khan is famous for its rich cultural and historical heritage, fantastic landscapes, and diverse landscapes. Mongolia is called the “Land of Eternal Blue Sky” because the sun shines here more than 250 days a year.

There are 22 national parks in the country, most of them have a well-developed tourism infrastructure. There are roads and hiking routes throughout the protected areas, campsites, souvenir shops, cafes, and bird and animal watching areas are available for tourists. Each park offers travelers its own unique destinations and excursion programs. In Ulaanbaatar and Kharkhorin, standing on the site of the ancient Mongolian capital, you can see monuments of Buddhist and Chinese architecture of world significance, in mountain caves along the rivers - rock paintings by primitive artists, in the Mongolian steppes you can see stone steles with weathered images of ancient gods everywhere.

Tourists who like adventure and exoticism willingly travel to Mongolia. They go to the desert or climb mountains, travel on horses and camels. The range of active sports entertainment is very wide - from rafting on mountain rivers to paragliding. The ecologically clean reservoirs of Mongolia, where salmon, whitefish, and sturgeon are found, are a dream for lovers of great fishing. There are also separate programs in Mongolia for those who want to go on a yoga tour or hunt with a golden eagle.

All cities of Mongolia

History of Mongolia

Tribes primitive people began to populate the territory of modern Mongolia at least 800,000 ago, and scientists date traces of Homo sapiens presence on these lands to the 40th millennium BC. e. Archaeological excavations indicate that the nomadic way of life, which determined the history, culture, and traditions of the Mongols, established itself in these lands in 3500-2500 BC. e., when people reduced the cultivation of scarce land to a minimum, giving preference to nomadic cattle breeding.

IN different times, right up to the early Middle Ages, on the Mongolian lands the tribes of the Huns, Xianbei, Rourans, ancient Turks, Uyghurs, and Khitans replaced, pushed aside and partially assimilated with each other. Each of these peoples contributed to the formation of the Mongolian ethnic group, as well as the language - the Mongol-speaking of the ancient Khitans has been reliably confirmed. The ethnonym “Mongol” in the form “Mengu” or “Mengu-li” first appeared in the Chinese historical annals of the Tang Dynasty (VII-X centuries AD). The Chinese gave this name to the “barbarians” who roamed near their northern borders, and it probably corresponded to the self-name of the tribes themselves.

By the end of the 12th century, numerous tribal tribes united in alliances roamed the vast lands stretching from the Great Wall of China to Southern Siberia and from the headwaters of the Irtysh to the Amur. At the beginning of the 13th century, Khan Temujin, who belonged to the ancient Mongolian family of Borjigin, managed to unite most of these tribes under his rule. In 1206, at the kurultai - a congress of the Mongolian nobility - other khans recognized Temujin's supremacy over themselves, proclaiming him great kagan. The supreme ruler took the name Genghis. He became famous as the founder of the most extensive continental empire in human history, extending its power over most of Eurasia.

Genghis Khan quickly carried out a series of reforms to centralize power, created a powerful army and introduced strict discipline into it. Already in 1207, the Mongols conquered the peoples of Siberia, and in 1213 they invaded the territory of the Chinese state of Jin. In the first quarter of the 13th century, Northern China, Central Asia, and the territories of Iraq, Afghanistan, and Armenia came under the rule of the Mongol Empire. In 1223, the Mongols appeared in the Black Sea steppes, on the Kalka River they crushed the combined Russian-Polovtsian troops. The Mongols pursued the surviving warriors to the Dnieper, invading the territory of Rus'. Having studied the future theater of military operations, they returned to Central Asia.

After the death of Genghis Khan in 1227, the unity of the Mongol Empire began to acquire only a nominal character. Its territory was divided into four uluses - the hereditary possessions of the sons of the great conqueror. Each of the uluses gravitated towards independence, only formally maintaining subordination to the central region with its capital in Karakorum. Later, Mongolia was ruled by the direct descendants of Genghis Khan - the Genghisids, who bore the titles of great khans. The names of many of them are captured on the pages of history textbooks telling about the times of the Mongol-Tatar occupation of Rus'.

In 1260, Genghis Khan's grandson Kublai Khan became Great Khan. Having conquered the Celestial Empire, he proclaimed himself the Chinese emperor, the founder of the Yuan dynasty. In the lands conquered by the Mongols, Khubilai established a strict administrative order and introduced a strict tax system, but the ever-increasing taxes caused increasing resistance among the conquered peoples. After a powerful anti-Mongol uprising in China (1378), the Yuan dynasty was defeated. Chinese troops invaded Mongolia and burned its capital, Karakorum. At the same time, the Mongols began to lose their positions in the West. In the middle of the 14th century, the star of a new great conqueror rose - Timur Tamerlane, who defeated Golden Horde V Central Asia. In 1380, on the Kulikovo field, Russian squads, led by Dmitry Donskoy, completely defeated the Golden Horde, marking the beginning of the liberation of Rus' from the Mongol-Tatar yoke.

At the end of the 14th century, federalization processes intensified in feudal Mongolia. The collapse of the empire lasted for 300 years, and as a result, three large ethnic formations were outlined on its territory, which in turn were divided into several khanates. In the 30s of the 17th century, the Manchu Qing dynasty, ruling in Northeast China, began to lay claim to Mongolian lands. The southern Mongol khanates (now Inner Mongolia, an autonomous region of China) were the first to be conquered; the last to fall under the rule of the Qing dynasty was the Dzungar Khanate, which resisted until 1758.

After the Xinhai Revolution (1911), which destroyed the Qing Empire, a national liberation movement unfolded throughout the former Mongol Empire, which led to the creation of a feudal theocratic state - Bogd Khan Mongolia. It consistently had the status of an independent power, a protectorate of the Russian Empire, an autonomy within China, the ruler of which was the Buddhist leader Bogdo-gegen XVIII. In 1919, the Chinese revoked their autonomy, but two years later they were driven out of Urga (today Ulaanbaatar) by the division of the Russian general Ungern-Sternberg. The White Guards, in turn, were defeated by the Red Army. A People's Government was created in Urga, the power of Bogdo Gegen was limited, and after his death in 1924, Mongolia was proclaimed a People's Republic. Its sovereignty was recognized only by the USSR until the end of World War II.

Most of Mongolia is a vast plateau with mountain ranges, steppes, and hilly valleys located at an altitude of 1000 m. The western lands are divided by a continuous chain of valleys and basins into mountainous regions - the Mongolian Altai with highest point countries Munkh-Khairkhan-Ula (4362 m), Gobi Altai and Khangai, bounded in the south by the semi-desert Valley of Lakes, and in the West by the Basin of the Great Lakes. In the northeast of Mongolia, near the border with Russia, the Khentei Highlands are located. Its northern spurs stretch into Transbaikalia, and the southwestern ones, descending to the central part of the country, surround its capital - Ulaanbaatar. Southern regions Mongolia is occupied by the rocky Gobi Desert. Administratively, the country is divided into 21 aimaks, the capital has the status of an independent unit.

A quarter of Mongolia's territory is covered mountain steppes and forests. This belt, covering mainly the Khangai-Khentei and Altai mountain regions, as well as the small territory of the Khangan region, is the most favorable for life and, accordingly, the best developed region. In the steppe regions, people engage in farming and grazing livestock. In the floodplains of rivers, there are often flooded meadows with tall herbs used as hayfields. The northern moist slopes of the mountains are covered with forests, mostly deciduous. The banks of the rivers are bordered by narrow strips mixed forests, where poplar, willow, bird cherry, sea buckthorn, and birch predominate.

In the forests there are marals, elk, roe deer, deer, brown bears, as well as fur-bearing animals - lynxes, wolverines, manulas, squirrels. In the mountain-steppe regions there are many wolves, foxes, hares, wild boars; the steppe is inhabited by ungulates, in particular gazelle antelopes, marmots, birds of prey, and partridges.

Are born in the mountains deep rivers. The largest of them is the Selenga (1024 km), crossing Mongolia, then flowing within Russian Buryatia and flowing into Lake Baikal. Another one large river– Kerulen (1254 km) – carries its waters to Lake Dalainor (Gulun-Nur), located in China. There are more than a thousand lakes in Mongolia, their number increases during the rainy season, but shallow seasonal reservoirs soon dry up. 400 km west of Ulaanbaatar, in a tectonic depression in the Khangai Mountains region, there is a large lake Khubsugul, collecting water from 96 tributaries. This mountain lake lies at an altitude of 1646 m, its depth reaches 262 m. In terms of the composition of the water and the presence of a unique relict fauna, Lake Khubsugul is similar to Lake Baikal, from which it is separated by only 200 km. The water temperature in the lake fluctuates between +10...+14 °C.

Climate

Mongolia, located inland, is characterized by sharp continental climate with long and extremely cold winters, short hot summers, capricious springs, dry air and incredible temperature changes. Precipitation is rare here, most of it occurs in the summer. Winters in Mongolia have little or no snow, rare snowfalls are considered natural disaster, since they do not allow livestock to get to food in the steppe. The lack of snow cover cools the bare ground and leads to the formation of permafrost in the northern regions of the country. It is worth saying that permafrost is not found anywhere else on the planet at similar latitudes. The rivers and lakes of Mongolia are frozen in winter; many reservoirs freeze literally to the bottom. They are ice-free for less than six months, from May to September.

In winter, the entire country falls under the influence of the Siberian anticyclone. High atmospheric pressure sets in here. Weak winds rarely blow and do not bring clouds. At this time, the sun reigns in the sky from morning to evening, illuminating and somewhat warming snowless cities, towns and pastures. average temperature January, the coldest month, varies from -15 °C in the south to -35 °C in the northwest. In mountain basins, frosty air stagnates, and thermometers sometimes record temperatures of -50 °C.

IN warm time the years are approaching Mongolia air masses Atlantic. True, when traveling a long way over land, they waste their moisture. Its remains go mainly to the mountains, especially their northern and western slopes. The Gobi desert region receives the least amount of rain. Summer in the country is warm, with an average daily temperature from north to south from +15 °C to +26 °C. In the Gobi Desert, air temperatures can exceed +50 °C, in this corner of the planet characterized by extreme climate, amplitude of summer and winter temperatures is 113 °C.

Spring weather in Mongolia is extremely unstable. The air at this time becomes extremely dry, the winds carrying sand and dust sometimes reach the force of a hurricane. Temperature changes over a short period can amount to tens of degrees. Autumn here, on the contrary, is everywhere quiet, warm, sunny, but it lasts until the first days of November, the arrival of which marks the beginning of winter.

Culture and traditions

Mongolia is a mono-ethnic country. About 95% of its population are Mongols, slightly less than 5% are peoples of Turkic origin who speak dialects Mongolian language, a small part are Chinese and Russians. The culture of the Mongols was initially formed under the influence of a nomadic way of life, later it was influenced by strong impact Tibetan Buddhism.

Throughout Mongolia's history, shamanism, an ethnic religion widespread among the nomads of Central Asia, was widely practiced here. Gradually, shamanism gave way to Tibetan Buddhism; this religion became official at the end of the 16th century. The first Buddhist temple was built here in 1586, and by the early 30s of the last century there were more than 800 monasteries and about 3,000 temples in the country. During the years of militant atheism, places of worship were closed or destroyed, and thousands of monks were executed. In the 90s, after the fall of communism, traditional religions began to be reborn. Tibetan Buddhism has returned to its dominant position, but shamanism continues to be practiced. The peoples of Turkic origin living here traditionally profess Islam.

Before the accession of Genghis Khan, there was no written language in Mongolia. The oldest work of Mongolian literature was “The Secret History of the Mongols” (or “Secret Legend”), dedicated to the formation of the clan of the great conqueror. It was written after his death, in the first half of the 13th century. The Old Mongolian script, created on the basis of the alphabet borrowed from the Uyghurs, existed with some changes until the mid-twentieth century. Today, Mongolia uses the Cyrillic alphabet, which differs from the Russian alphabet by two letters: Ө and Y.

Mongolian music was formed under the influence of nature, nomadic lifestyle, shamanism, and Buddhism. The symbol of the Mongolian nation is a traditional string musical instrument Morinhur, its headstock is made in the form of a horse's head. Long-winded, melodic Mongolian music usually accompanies solo singing. Praised in epic national songs motherland or a favorite horse, lyrical motifs are usually heard at weddings or family celebrations. Throat and overtone singing is also famous, which, using a special breathing technique, creates the impression that the performer has two voices. Tourists are introduced to this unique form of art during ethnographic excursions.

The nomadic lifestyle of the Mongols was also expressed in local architecture. In the 16th-17th centuries, Buddhist temples were designed as rooms with six and twelve corners under a pyramidal roof, reminiscent of the shape of a yurt - the traditional dwelling of the Mongols. Later, temples began to be built in Tibetan and Chinese architectural traditions. The yurts themselves - mobile collapsible tent houses with a frame covered with felt felt - are still home to 40% of the country's population. Their doors still face the south - towards warmth, and in the north, the most honorable side of the yurt, they are always ready to welcome a guest.

The hospitality of the Mongols is legendary. According to one of them, Genghis Khan bequeathed to his people to always welcome travelers. And today, in the Mongolian steppes, nomads never refuse accommodation or food to strangers. Mongols are also very patriotic and united. It seems that they are all one big Friendly family. They address each other with warmth, calling strangers“sister”, “brother”, demonstrating that respectful relationships instilled in the family extend beyond its borders.

Visa

All sights of Mongolia

Central Mongolia

In the middle of the Tuva (Central) aimag, the main city of the country, Ulaanbaatar, and the administratively subordinate territories are located as an enclave. Almost half of Mongolia's population lives here. This vibrant, original city, surrounded by a dense ring of yurts, impresses with its contrasts. High-rise buildings coexist here with ancient Buddhist monasteries, modern skyscrapers coexist with faceless buildings from the times of socialism. The capital has the best hotels, shopping centers, restaurants, nightclubs, National Park entertainment.

There are many monuments in the city dedicated to national heroes and masterpieces of religious architecture. The architectural symbol of Ulaanbaatar is the Gandan Monastery, where 600 monks permanently reside and religious ceremonies are held daily. The main attraction of the temple is a 26-meter statue of the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, one of the most revered representatives of the Buddhist pantheon, covered with gold leaf. The Chinese architectural tradition is represented by the palace complex of Bogdo-gegen. The last ruler of Mongolia lived here until 1924.

In the bowels of the modern city, behind a palisade of skyscrapers, lies the beautiful temple complex Choijin-lamyn-sum (Temple of Choijin Lama). It includes several buildings, one of which houses the Museum of Tibetan-Mongolian Religious Art. There are about a dozen wonderful museums with rich collections in Ulaanbaatar. The most famous of them are National Museum History of Mongolia, Museum of Natural History, Museum of Fine Arts.

The near and far surroundings of Ulaanbaatar are incredibly picturesque, where national parks are located surrounded by mountains. Among them, the most famous is Bogd-Khan-Uul, surrounding the mountain of the same name. In its gorge, according to legend, the young Genghis Khan hid from his enemies. A walking route runs through the park, leading to the top of the mountain, from where a spectacular panorama of Ulaanbaatar opens.

Buses depart daily from the capital of Buryatia, Ulan-Ude, to Ulaanbaatar. Departure is at 07:00, arrival at the station at the Ulaanbaatar railway station is at 20:00. The bus travels through the Mongolian cities of Sukhbaatar and Darkhan.

INFORMATION FOR TOURISTS

CLIMATE OF MONGOLIA

The high ridges of Central Asia, encircling Mongolia on almost all sides with powerful barriers, isolate it from moist air currents of both the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean, which creates on its territory sharply continental climate. It is characterized by a predominance of sunny days, especially in winter, significant dry air, low precipitation, sharp temperature fluctuations, not only annual, but also daily. Temperatures during the day can sometimes fluctuate between 20–30 degrees Celsius.

The coldest month of the year is January. In some areas of the country the temperature drops to –45...50°C.

The hottest month is July. The average air temperature during this period in most of the territory is +20°C, in the south up to +25°C. Maximum temperatures in the Gobi Desert during this period can reach +45...58°C.

Average annual precipitation is 200–250 mm. 80–90% of the total annual precipitation falls within five months, from May to September. The maximum amount of precipitation (up to 600 mm) falls in the aimags of Khentii, Altai and near Lake Khuvsgul. The minimum precipitation (about 100 mm per year) occurs in the Gobi.

The winds reach their strongest in spring. In the Gobi regions, winds often lead to the formation of storms and reach enormous destructive force– 15–25 m/s. A wind of such strength can tear down yurts and carry them several kilometers away, tearing tents to shreds.

Air temperature

Precipitation

Mongolia is characterized by a number of exceptional physical and geographical phenomena; within its borders are:

• center of the global winter maximum atmospheric pressure
• the world's southernmost zone of permafrost distribution on flat terrain (47° N).
• in Western Mongolia, in the basin of the Great Lakes, there is the northernmost desert zone on the globe (50.5° N)
• The Gobi Desert is the most extreme continental place on the planet. In summer, the air temperature can rise to +58 °C, in winter it can drop to -45 °C.

SPRING IN MONGOLIA

Spring is coming in Mongolia after a very cold winter. The days became longer and the nights became shorter. Spring is the time for snow to melt and animals to emerge from hibernation. Spring begins in mid-March, usually lasting about 60 days, although it can be as long as 70 days or as long as 45 days in some areas of the country. For people and livestock, this is also the driest and windiest season. In spring, dust storms are common, not only in the south, but also in the central regions of the country. When leaving home, residents try to close the windows, as dust storms arrive suddenly (and pass just as quickly).

SUMMER IN MONGOLIA

Summer is the warmest season in Mongolia. The best season to travel around Mongolia. There is more precipitation than in spring and autumn. Rivers and lakes are the deepest. However, if the summer is very dry, then closer to autumn the rivers become very shallow. The beginning of summer is the most beautiful time of the year. The steppe is green (the grass has not yet burned out from the sun), livestock is gaining weight and fat. In Mongolia, summer lasts approximately 110 days from late May to September. The hottest month is July. The average air temperature during this period in most of the territory is +20°C, in the south up to +25°C. Maximum temperatures in the Gobi Desert during this period can reach +45...58°C.

AUTUMN IN MONGOLIA

Autumn in Mongolia is the season of transition from hot summer to cold and dry winter. There is less rain in autumn. Gradually it becomes cooler and vegetables and grains are harvested at this time. The grassland and forests turn yellow. Flies are dying and livestock are fat and unclear in preparation for the winter. Autumn is an important season in Mongolia to prepare for winter; collecting grains, vegetables and fodder; preparation in the size of their sheds cattle and awnings; preparing firewood and heating it at home and so on. Autumn lasts approximately 60 days from early September to early November. The end of summer and the beginning of autumn is a very favorable season for travel. However, we must take into account that snow may fall at the beginning of September, but within 1-2 months it will completely melt.

WINTER IN MONGOLIA

In Mongolia, winter is the coldest and longest season. In winter, the temperature drops so much that all rivers, lakes, streams and reservoirs freeze. Many rivers freeze almost to the bottom. It's snowing all over the country, but not heavy. Winter begins in early November and lasts approximately 110 days until March. It snows occasionally in September and November, but heavy snow usually occurs in early November (December). In general, compared to Russia, there is very little snow. Winter in Ulaanbaatar is more dusty than snowy. Although, with climate change on the planet, it is noted that more snow began to fall in winter in Mongolia. And heavy snowfalls are a real natural disaster for cattle breeders (dzud).

The coldest month of the year is January. In some areas of the country the temperature drops to –45...50 (C.). It should be noted that the cold in Mongolia is much easier to bear due to the dry air. For example: a temperature of -20°C in Ulaanbaatar is tolerated the same as -10°C in the central part of Russia.

Mongolian dogs - bankhars - have always played an important role in the life of the nomadic Mongols, but their main role was to protect their owners and their property. Husky dogs are used for sledding dogs. However, although sled dog racing is not a native sport to Mongolia and the husky is not a Mongolian breed, the combination of the two provides an incredible adventure in the depths of the Mongolian winter.

Dog sledding in Mongolia is available in national park Gorkhi-Terelzh is a trip during which you can feel the dominant forces of nature - from the wolf tracks you encounter in the snow to the sound of ice moving along the frozen rivers Tuul and Terelzh.

Yes, the word “adventure” is fashionable and even overused in the tourism industry, but it really is a real adventure - living with dogs, meeting shepherds and their families, will give a real sense of freedom. You will be deeply touched by the privacy and space. There is no doubt about it.

Indeed, this is a challenge. All huskies love to run. This is what they are made for. They really love to run on the trail. At the start of the day, dogs will be excited and racing forward, so hold on tight for a fast and exciting ride!

5-6 dogs pull the team with great strength. And at the end of each day you get the opportunity to help with the care of the dogs (feeding time!). It opens up new perspectives, you will learn interesting information about caring for wonderful, hardy and friendly dogs.

As for surprises along the route and changeable weather conditions, you should know that most of the trip takes place on a smooth, frozen river, but you will encounter hard pack ice, snow-covered ice, puddles of water, cracks, hummocks, objects frozen in the ice and overhanging plants along the banks of the river.

It's very easy to find yourself outside of your comfort zone - be it air temperature, route conditions or speed.

If you want to try a new way of traveling, then consider dog sledding in Mongolia.

Take thermal underwear and warm clothes with you, come to Mongolia this winter and do something unusual for yourself. Come and let the winter landscapes dominate, then you will have a wonderful experience that will truly make you feel alive.

In addition, Mongolia is known as the “Land of Eternal Blue Sky”. Most days of the year, almost 260 in fact, there are blue skies overhead, especially in winter, so you can fully enjoy the cold fresh air and crystal blue skies.