Second part of our Trans Siberian Express
The land of the mighty Genghis Khan appeals to the imagination. Tundra and steppe areas located in the north, a mountainous area (Altai) in the middle, and the Gobi desert in the south. This is a beautiful country.About a third of the, mostly Buddhist, people live in the capital Ulan Bator. The rural population lives mainly nomadic in traditional felt tents, gers / yurts (yurt comes from the Russian, Mongolians prefer the term ger) and provides its necessities by livestock; sheep, horses and camels are kept in free-running herds. The north of the country has some form of industry in the form of wood processing and mining.
Naadam (meaning game or competition) is the national festival of Mongolia, which is held every year from July 11 to July 13. The games played are Mongolian wrestling, horse back riding and archery. Women also now take part in the archery and horse back riding. These competitions are somewhat similar to the Olympics. Don't be suprised to see a wrestler from Mongolia in the finals.
Enjoy the pictures and get an impression of what you can expect in Mongolia. You should know that the great hospitality of the people is difficult to capture in the photo. On your way you are welcomed in every ger. Coffee or tea is exchanged (by tourists) for a bowl of Airac (fermented mare's milk). Out of courtesy don't forget to accept this with two hands. And, put your hands through the pillars that hold the ger upright. Furthermore, you will find that the people very brotherly interact. While traveling, by bus or jeep, they group together and sing the most beautiful songs. The worst comes when you youself have to sing a song.
Train from Irkutsk to Ulan Bator
Main square Ulan Bator
Horse back riding
Drinking Airac
Wrestling and Eagles
Archery
