Our 18 to 28 August 2024 Mongolia trip to the Land of Eternal Blue Sky was so memorable. I am moved to record it as a beacon for those who have never visited. Go for it at the next invite for the following reasons:
1. Experience, get overwhelmed by the immensity of the landscape of endless grasslands/steppe against white clouds and blue sky. As far as the eye can see.
2. Grasp physically the nomadic way of life. See, feel, and taste what the nomads experience living in their abode; round tents called Ger and with their livestock around them. They also use modern technology eg vehicles, mobiles where they can. Our Gers out in the grasslands have full amenities, comfortable.
3. The horse is ultra-special to the Mongols. On visiting a horse farm, we were dramatically greeted by a racing herd of horses; accompanying our arrival. Life in a horse farm was shown us. Some of us capped the visit with a 1 hour guided horseback ride into the rolling hills.
4.Our lunches and dinners were superb in quality and quantity. Salads was surprisingly fresh and tasty, different from the servings at home. All table meats are grass-fed; unlimited pastures.
5. I had thought of Mongolia as an underdeveloped country. Wrong. The capital, Ulaanbaatar, is as modern as S'pore. Purple/blond hair and ripped jeans are common. Traffic jams in the city are worse than ours.
Highlights of shopping are pine nuts and cashmere apparel.
6. Education wise, we learnt primitive as they were, the Mongols conquered/ruled the Asia-Europe continent through Chinggis Khaan (aka Genghis Khan) and his successors. The national museum showcasing the history and artefacts were impressive, attesting to their supremacy in those days.
7. Our local travel agency and accompanying group manager (Jimmy) coupled with our host guides and drivers rose to the occasion for us. We give thanks!
By
Chin Wah Seng
