The name ' Mongolia ' has always stirred up visions of the untamed and exotic - the warlord Genghis Khan, camels wandering in the Gobi Desert and wild horses galloping across the steppes. Even today, Mongolia seems like the end of the earth - outside Ulaan Baatar you begin to wonder if you haven't stepped into another century, rather than another country. It remains one of the last great adventure destinations in Asia . Mongolia 's survival as an independent nation is little short of miraculous, sandwiched as it is between the godzilla states of Russia and China . The country now has a ruling democratic coalition but independence has costthem dearly. Currently they are suffering from a lack of infrastructure and support, and a couple of harsh winters have decimated herds and bought the country to near starvation.
Area: 1,566,000 sq km (610,740 sq mi)
Population: 2.6 million
People: Khalkh Mongols (86%), Kazaks (2%), Chinese (2%), Russian (2%),
about a dozen other ethnic groups
Languages: Mongolian, Turkic, Russian, Chinese
Religions: Tibetan Buddhism, Muslim, Shamanism
Government: Communist-Republic
President: Natsagiyn Bagabandi
Prime Minister: Nambaryn Enkhbayar
GDP: US$1 billion
GDP per head: US$390
Annual growth: 3.5%
Inflation: 44%
Major industries: Copper, livestock, cashmere, wool
Major trading partners: Russia , China , Japan , US,
Mount Kharkhiraa Hiking Trip in the Altai Mountains
This is a fabulous trek in the remote north western corner of Mongolia on the border with Kazakhstan . The mountainous landscape is dramatic with snow capped mountains, glaciers, fast flowing rivers, amazing rock formations and crystal clear lakes. For much of the route it is not possible for vehicles to travel, so we use pack horses and camels to carry our equipment, just as the local people do. We walk approximately 15 km per day, and reach a maximum altitude of 2930 metres. The trek is suitable for people who are fit and who are prepared for all weather conditions. The climate is extremely changeable and you may experience all four seasons in a single day. This is a hard but very rewarding trip in a part of Mongolia rarely visited by foreigners |
