Gay Trip Travel To Mongolia
As Soviet rule ended, homosexual acts in Mongolia were made legal in 2002. A lack of homosexual tradition and visibility of gay culture does not mean that gay tours to Mongolia are a bad idea.
Once led by Genghis Khan, Mongolia is situated between powerhouses Russia and China with Ulaanbaatar serving as a unique capital city. Known as a nation of nomadic people, the country is the least densely populated place and open to visitors looking to explore the lakes, mountains, Gobi desert and bands of wild horses.
The gay scene may be unheard of, but the country can still be a popular destination for gay travelers and couples.
As you consider a trip to Mongolia, you will want to start your adventure in the capital of Ulaanbaatar. There is an international airport or you can take the train directly from Beijing for a unique overland experience. As Mongolia’s capital and largest city it is the perfect starting point for countrywide excursions.
While drawing up an itinerary in the capital, you can expect to pay roughly twenty American dollars per night in most guesthouses, where you will meet friendly staff offering assistance in planning.
Both shorter and longer stays are possible and enjoyable within Mongolia. If you have only one to two weeks, consider heading to the ancient capital city of Kharakorum or going north for visits to the mountains and beautiful lakes. If learning about Mongolian culture interests you, think about participating in a family home stay where you will see everyday life in the country. You can do this near to the Terelj National Park where outdoor activities abound and the Gobi Desert is a mere two hours away.
Longer stays are possible and can incorporate larger tours of the country as a whole, making the diversity of the nation more apparent.
Ulaanbaatar itself offers tourist sites to visitors. It maintains a vibrant culture and delicious yet cheap restaurants, including Mongol Shabu, which offers traditional menus. You can also visit the Natural History Museum or catch a performance by the esteemed Mongolian National Symphony Orchestra at The Culture Show.
Those going to Mongolia as one of your gay vacations should not feel uncomfortable, despite homosexuality being relatively under the radar countrywide. This is not typically considered a result of conservativeness, but a relative lack of information about gay culture and context.
Planning your own vacation may be great for independent travelers, but tour groups catering to gay travelers also offer structured excursions that visit a wide variety of Mongolia’s most popular sites.
Typically they served as a way to see the “best of” the country and highlights include the Gobi Desert, ancient capital of Kharakorum, local camel farms and the Terelj National Park. With various activities like horseback riding along the Mongolian Steppe and cultural activities like traditional Naadam festivals, they appeal to all types of travelers.
These groups typically incorporate some LGBT excursions to community groups and whatever gay adventure travel may exist. With a wide range of activities, their itineraries make up for a lack of a gay scene by offering something for everybody.
Article about Mongolia generated by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys offers information on gay destinations and gay tantra.
