Executive summary by darmansjah
Nearly half of Mongolia’s three million
residents are nomads, and most of the rest live in Ulaanbaatar—the country's
capital and largest city. The cultural, economic, and transportation hub on the
Tuul River is the starting point for two-humped Bactrian camel treks and other
exotic Gobi desert expeditions, but its ten museums, close proximity to
national parks, and collection of imperial palaces and Buddhist monasteries
qualify Ulaanbaatar as a destination rather than way station.
Wander through the Narantuul, a 2,500-vendor,
open-air market; visit Gandan Monastery—Mongolia’s largest functioning Buddhist
monastery—and the adjoining Megjid Janraisig and Kalachakra Temples; and view
Stone and Bronze Age artifacts, sacred relics, and fossilized dinosaur bones
and eggs found in the Gobi at the National
and Natural History Museums. During the July 11-13 National Holiday,
Ulaanbaatar hosts the nation’s largest Naadam
Festival, a legendary cultural celebration featuring wrestling, archery and
cross-country horse racing competitions, plus traditional costumes and dance.
Huge golden Buddha at Gandan
Monastery
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