Why I Won't Miss Mongolia
 

Mongolian food. Not one camp or lodge served Mongolian food. They served some variant of "western". Would you consider Deep Fried Trout covered in Ranch Dressing - Western?

Destinations.

- Lake Hovsgol. Not worth the effort.
- Terelj National Park. Nice but not special.
- Gobi. Diversity and great vistas.

Four days riding in a Russian Waz Furgon van. For me, a definite once in a life time experience.

Ulaan Baatar traffic. As bad as reported.

Having only been to 100+ countries I would suggest that there are many places with wonderful mountains for hiking. As noted, Gobi was nice for most part. Yol Valley was so-so.

By all means, if you want to see some dinosaur bone pieces - "Fighting Dinosaurs" - "Flaming Cliffs" - go for it. However, you can ride a camel or pony many other places.

Many will disagree but... that's my take.

Oh. OK, I read this title and post twice before figuring out that you meant you won't miss traveling in Mongolia. Originally I read it as why Mongolia is "don't miss" place to go -- a place you wouldn't want to "miss".

Wow...I heard from another traveler that Mongolia was one of their favorite trips.

Wow, you must be hard to impress!

I went a few years ago and I agree that the camps did serve what they thought was western food. But I found it quite agreeable after a long day hiking around. In fact, their take on speghetti was quite good.

I found Lake Hovsgol remote and beautiful.

Ulaanbaatar traffic wasn't great, but I have seen much worse in the states during rush hour.

Getting caught in a sandstorm was crazy, but was a really fun experience.

Not hard to please. Well traveled. Lake Hovsgol is remote and nice. Issue is not food or lodging. However, the effort required to get there is in my opinion not worth what you get. I have been in much worse. There are fantastic lakes and mountains all over the planet.

Alwaysonthe road, was your title a takeoff on my "I miss Mongolia" post or am I giving myself too much credit?

I liked Lake Hovsgol but I understand weighing the time and expense, plus the unpredictability of flight schedules, to go there with what you get once you arrive. It is true that the mountains and lakes are similar to those in many other places. I found the steppe region that surrounded Lake Hovsgol to be one of my favorite areas.

I think you have to have a real interest in what Mongolia offers--Naadam, nomadic lifestyles and homestays, Gobi, takhi horses, riding trips, Ghengis Khan history, etc. to enjoy it fully.

Thanks for your take. It can help others in deciding if they want to head to Mongolia or somewhere else.

We found the people unique -- visiting 2 different families living in gers was among our many memorable experiences. My perfect gift to a family was a frisbee labeled KANSAS. Would I choose Mongolia before traveling other places -- probably not. I've only travelled in about 25 countries. But now that I spent a week there I hope to go to the Golden Eagle Festival in western Mongolia... The People make the difference... plus one MUST be willing to smile at the unexpected and roll with "the punches" which WILL occur when you visit Mongolia -- the very definition of "Adventure"...

We only managed a few days in Mongolia but regretted not having more time. Walking in Terelj was good and Hustai excellent. People charming. Food varied from Mongolian to Mongolianish. UB driving style interesting. I suppose it all depends on your attitude and reasons for going somewhere.