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Quick Facts
Location & Borders
Mongolia is a sovereign country located in East Asia, bordered by two of the world's most populous countries: Russia to the north and China to the south, east, and west. This strategic location has played a significant role in shaping the country's history and culture. Mongolia is a landlocked country, meaning it does not have any direct access to the world's oceans. The country's geography is characterized by its vast steppes, mountains, and deserts, which have been home to various nomadic tribes and empires throughout history.
Mongolia's borders with Russia and China are relatively long, with the Russian border stretching for approximately 3,485 kilometers and the Chinese border spanning around 4,673 kilometers. The country's unique location has made it an important hub for trade and cultural exchange between Europe and Asia. The Altai Mountains and the Gobi Desert are two of the country's most notable geographical features, with the former forming part of the border with Russia and the latter covering much of southern Mongolia.
Terrain & Landscape
Mongolia's terrain is characterized by its vast steppes, which cover much of the country. The steppes are vast grasslands that are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including yaks, horses, and Bactrian camels. The country is also home to several mountain ranges, including the Altai Mountains, which are located in western Mongolia and form part of the border with Russia. The Khangai Mountains are another notable range, located in central Mongolia and known for their forested slopes and alpine lakes.
The Gobi Desert is a vast desert region that covers much of southern Mongolia. The Gobi is known for its extreme temperatures, limited vegetation, and unique wildlife, including the Bactrian camel and the snow leopard. Mongolia is also home to several major rivers, including the Selenge River, which flows into Lake Baikal in Russia, and the Orkhon River, which flows into the Angara River in Russia. The country's lakes and wetlands are also important habitats for a wide variety of waterbirds and fish.
The country's landscape is also dotted with volcanic formations, including the Dariganga Volcanic Field, which is located in southeastern Mongolia. This region is known for its unique geological features, including volcanic cones, lava flows, and geothermal activity. The Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is another notable feature of Mongolia's landscape, with its cultural and historical significance dating back to the Mongol Empire.
Climate By Season
| Season | Months | Temperature Range | Rainfall | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | March to May | -10 to 15°C | moderate | mild, with some rain and wind |
| Summer | June to August | 15 to 25°C | moderate | warm, with some rain and humidity |
| Autumn | September to November | -5 to 10°C | light | cool, with some rain and wind |
| Winter | December to February | -20 to -10°C | light | cold, with some snow and wind |
Best Time To Visit
Best months: June to August. Why: The summer months offer the best weather, with warm temperatures and long days, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and fishing. Avoid: December to February, as the winter months can be extremely cold, with temperatures often dropping below -20°C, making travel and outdoor activities challenging.
Natural Highlights
- Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park: a vast desert region home to a wide variety of unique wildlife, including the Bactrian camel and the snow leopard.
- Altai Tavan Bogd National Park: a mountainous region located in western Mongolia, known for its glaciers, alpine lakes, and forested slopes.
- Khustain Nuruu National Park: a protected area located in central Mongolia, known for its wild horses and unique flora.
- Orkhon Valley: a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its cultural and historical significance, as well as its natural beauty, with rivers, lakes, and waterfalls.
- Lake Khovsgol: a large freshwater lake located in northern Mongolia, known for its pristine waters and unique wildlife, including fish and waterbirds.
- Dariganga Volcanic Field: a unique geological region located in southeastern Mongolia, known for its volcanic formations, lava flows, and geothermal activity.