We will begin the route at the New “Genghis” Khan Airport in Ulaanbaatar (inaugurated on July 3, 2021, located 52 km/32.3 miles away, approx. +2-3 hours of travel depending on traffic), the capital of Mongolia, where you will be welcomed by the Samar Magic Tours team. This is one of the most fascinating routes in Mongolia. Next, we will head northeast to visit the Equestrian Statue of Genghis Khan. At the base of the statue, visitors can see a replica of the legendary Golden Whip of the Great Khan. Tourists may ride the elevator inside the statue; the exit is located at the level of Genghis Khan’s thigh, from where you can walk up to the horse’s head for an outstanding panoramic view of the steppe. We will also visit a small Bronze Age Museum, located in the basement of the Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue. We then continue northeast to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, situated 1,600 meters above sea level, with its impressive granite rock formations from the Mesozoic era, mountains, steppes, alpine forests, and iconic natural landmarks such as Turtle Rock. Declared a National Park in 1993, it covers an area of 300,000 hectares. Afterwards, we depart westward to attend an Authentic Mongolian Nomadic Show, which demonstrates the traditional lifestyle of Mongolian nomads: the breeding and use of the five main types of livestock, moving from one place to another with ox carts, yaks, camels, and horses. A large part of Mongolia’s population still lives as nomads, moving with their Gers and herds. Encountering these families and their way of life is an unforgettable experience. To truly enjoy it, one must accept the conditions in advance, let go of preconceived ideas about how things “should” be, and remain open to the unique experiences this country has to offer.
