If you visit Mongolia in the summer (June to August), you can expect to see some stunning natural landscapes, experience unique cultural events, and enjoy a range of outdoor activities.
Scenery
Mongolia is a beautiful country with diverse landscapes, ranging from rolling hills and vast grasslands to towering mountains and sweeping deserts. During the summer months, Mongolia experiences warm temperatures and relatively dry weather, making it an ideal time to explore the country’s stunning natural scenery. You can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, and camping in the countryside to experience the natural beauty up close.
In the grasslands, also known as the steppe, you’ll find lush green meadows stretching out as far as the eye can see, dotted with herds of grazing livestock such as horses, sheep, and cows. The steppe is also home to traditional Mongolian ger tents, which are circular dwellings made of felt and wood and used by nomadic herders.
As you travel further west, you’ll encounter the vast and rugged landscapes of the Altai Mountains, which rise to over 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) above sea level in some areas. The mountains are home to a wide range of wildlife, including snow leopards, ibex, and wolves, as well as stunning glaciers and deep-blue lakes.
In the Gobi Desert, which covers much of southern Mongolia, you’ll find a landscape of towering sand dunes, rocky outcrops, and vast plains of desert scrub. The desert is also home to unique wildlife such as Bactrian camels, Gobi bears, and desert gazelles. Although it may be hot during the day, the nights are cooler, and you can witness stunning sunsets and starry skies. You can explore the sand dunes, visit unique landforms such as the Flaming Cliffs, and meet local camel herders.
Overall, the scenery in Mongolia during the summer months is breathtaking, with a diverse range of landscapes and natural wonders to discover.
Festival
Naadam Festival (State Naadam Festival: July 11-12, Local Naadam festivals throughout July)
Summer is also the season for many traditional festivals in Mongolia, including the Naadam Festival, which takes place in July. Naadam is the largest and most popular festival in Mongolia, and it features the country’s traditional sports of wrestling, archery, and horse racing. You can witness colorful parades, traditional costumes, and exciting competitions, which are a significant part of the country’s cultural heritage.
Yak Festival (July 23)
The mountainous regions of Mongolia are home to a widely domesticated animal, the yak, which has evolved to withstand the harsh and challenging climate of the area. Mongolia holds the distinction of being the second-largest country in the world to herd yaks, after China. The Yak Festival celebrated in remote mountain regions, is a cultural event that aims to promote the benefits of yaks. During the festival, attendees can witness exciting activities such as yak races, lassoing, yak polo, and yak milking competitions. Additionally, there are various dairy products and other goods derived from yaks that can be enjoyed during the festival. The festival provides an excellent opportunity to celebrate the vital role that yaks play in the traditional way of life in Mongolia.
Danshig Naadam (August 05)
Legend has it that the first Danshig Festival was held in 1639, during the Year of the Rabbit in the 11th century, at Shireet Tsagaan Lake. The festival was organized to introduce the first High Saint Zanabazar, who later became the first Bogd of Mongolia. The term Danshig originates from Tibetan and means “Bat- Introduction” in Mongolian. The primary purpose of the Danshig Festival is to promote harmony by giving alms and offering sacrifices to local people. During the Danshig festival, people from different parts of Mongolia gather to participate in a range of cultural activities, including horse racing, wrestling, and archery competitions. There are also traditional music and dance performances, as well as religious ceremonies led by Buddhist monks. The highlight of the Danshig ceremony is the Khuree tsam, during which monks participate in activities such as book exchanges, debates, and balin oil crafting competitions. The Danshig Festival has become a popular event among both domestic and foreign tourists, as it provides an opportunity to experience Mongolian culture and traditions.
In summary, visiting Mongolia in summer offers a unique opportunity to witness stunning natural landscapes, cultural events, and outdoor activities.
