Mongolia

Mongolia is a fascinating country with a long, rich history and sublime landscapes where it’s possible to travel miles without seeing a house, petrol station or even a wandering farmer. Rolling steppes meet jagged mountains, crystal-clear lakes glisten in the distance, and the country is home to a vast amount of wildlife that seems to be at odds with the rest of the planet. But Mongolia isn’t just about its impressive scenery. In recent years the country has acquired a pace of development that matches countries in South East Asia.

Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia, is rapidly expanding as more and more locals move to the city for work and school. Once a simple nomadic settlement, Ulaanbaatar is now a modern city with an eclectic mix of 21st-century home comforts and a traditional atmosphere accentuated by the legendary hospitality of its native population. Head to Sükhbaatar Square for grand architecture and monuments, many devoted to the country’s iconic hero and symbol, Genghis Khan. However, this is still Mongolia, and incredible nature is to be found just a stone’s throw away in the Bogd Khan Uul National Park which adjoins the city.