Mongolia

Synopsis

Lonely Planet: The world's leading travel guide publisher

Lonely Planet's Mongolia is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Visit monasteries for a slice of Buddhist history and whispered mantras; hike through the rugged mountains, serene river valleys and fields of wildflowers in the Mongolian backcountry; and travel by camel across the Gobi Desert in the footsteps of Marco Polo. All with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of Mongolia and begin your journey now!

Inside Lonely Planet's Mongolia:

• Colour maps and images throughout
• Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests
• Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots
• Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, prices
• Honest reviews for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sightseeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss
• Cultural insights provide a richer, more rewarding travel experience - covering history, people, music, landscapes, wildlife, cuisine, politics
• Covers Ulaanbaatar, Central Mongolia, Northern Mongolia, Eastern Mongolia, The Gobi, Western Mongolia

The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet's Mongolia is our most comprehensive guide to the country, and is designed to immerse you in the culture and help you discover the best sights and get off the beaten track.

About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company and the world's number one travel guidebook brand, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973. Over the past four decades, we've printed over 145 million guidebooks and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travellers. You'll also find our content online, and in mobile apps, video, 14 languages, nine international magazines, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks, and more.

'Lonely Planet guides are, quite simply, like no other.' - New York Times

'Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves, it's in every traveller's hands. It's on mobile phones. It's on the Internet. It's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.' - Fairfax Media (Australia)

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Summary

Chapter 1: The Land

* Summary: Describes Mongolia's vast and rugged landscapes, including its mountains, steppes, and deserts. Highlights the country's extreme weather conditions and sparse population.
* Example: The Gobi Desert, one of the largest and driest deserts in the world, covers over a million square miles of Mongolia.

Chapter 2: The People

* Summary: Explores the diverse ethnic groups and traditions of Mongolia, focusing on the nomadic lifestyle and herding culture. Discusses the importance of horses and other livestock to Mongolian society.
* Example: The Kazakh people, a minority group in Mongolia, are skilled horsemen and eagle hunters who live in traditional yurts.

Chapter 3: History

* Summary: Traces Mongolia's long and tumultuous history, from the nomadic empires of the Mongols to the communist regime and the transition to democracy. Examines the impact of Genghis Khan and other influential figures.
* Example: The Battle of Khalkhin Gol in 1939 was a pivotal military confrontation between the Soviet Union and Japan, which played a significant role in shaping Mongolia's future.

Chapter 4: Culture

* Summary: Explores Mongolia's rich and vibrant culture, including its traditional music, dance, and arts and crafts. Discusses the influence of Buddhism and shamanism on Mongolian spirituality.
* Example: The throat singing performed by Mongolian musicians is a unique and distinctive art form that uses overtones and vocal techniques to produce harmonic melodies.

Chapter 5: Economy

* Summary: Examines Mongolia's resource-based economy, focusing on the mining, agriculture, and tourism sectors. Explores the challenges and opportunities facing the country's economic development.
* Example: The Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi coal mine, one of the largest in the world, has the potential to transform Mongolia's economy and generate significant revenues.

Chapter 6: Society

* Summary: Discusses Mongolia's social issues, including education, healthcare, and gender equality. Examines the challenges faced by herders and other marginalized communities.
* Example: The high rate of domestic violence in Mongolia is a serious social problem that has been exacerbated by alcohol abuse and traditional gender roles.

Chapter 7: Foreign Relations

* Summary: Explores Mongolia's international relations, including its close ties with Russia and China. Examines the country's role in regional organizations and its efforts to balance its interests and maintain strategic autonomy.
* Example: Mongolia has played an active role in the United Nations and has contributed peacekeeping forces to international missions around the world.

Chapter 8: The Future of Mongolia

* Summary: Discusses the challenges and opportunities facing Mongolia, including its economic development, social progress, and geopolitical security. Examines the country's aspirations and the potential for a prosperous and sustainable future.
* Example: Mongolia's growing tourism industry has the potential to create jobs and generate revenue, while also promoting awareness of the country's unique culture and natural heritage.