One Of Asia's Least-Crowded Countries Is An Underrated Summer Vacation Destination

If you've skipped over Mongolia in favor of seemingly more enticing vacation spots, you're missing out on one of the most underrated adventure holiday destinations in the world. Explore a little deeper, and you'll find a land full of natural beauty that comes as much from the people as it does its vast steppe and desert landscapes. While it's hard to understand why Mongolia doesn't receive more attention, its relative obscurity means it has escaped, for now, the overtourism that plagues many other countries around the world.

Despite being around twice the size of Texas, Mongolia is one of the world's most sparsely populated countries. Home to around 3.6 million people, there are roughly six people per square mile compared to an average of 140 in other countries. On top of that, around half of Mongolia's population lives in the capital, Ulaanbaatar. A land of vast grasslands, mountains, lakes, forests, and desert, Mongolia is home to some of the last semi-nomadic people in the Northern Hemisphere. The country will forever be associated with Genghis Khan, who created the largest contiguous empire in history, stretching from Eastern Europe across to the Korean Peninsula.

But Mongolia isn't for everyone. If you're the kind of traveler who prefers champagne cocktails by the pool and freaks out when the wifi cuts out, then you should probably pick somewhere else. For nature lovers, adventurers, photographers, and anyone who'd rather travel on four legs than two, you're in for a treat. Summer is an especially good time to visit. While temperatures can reach up to 100°F in the desert regions, they remain pleasantly cool around the lakes and mountains.

Mongolia is best visited in summer when warmer temperatures provide better conditions to explore the vast and varied landscape, including Lake Khovsgol, a massive lake with Caribbean like waters, as well as the great Gobi Desert. Covering around 30% of the country, Asia's second largest desert contains some of Mongolia's most striking features, like the Khongor Dunes. Reaching heights of around 650 feet, the dunes produce a low humming sound when the wind blows, giving them the nickname "The Singing Dunes." Meanwhile, the Flaming Cliffs at Bayanzag are the place to be come sunset, when the steep sandstone rock face glows in shades of orange and red. 

Rare wildlife can be found in the Altai Mountains, where bears, argali sheep, and snow leopards have been spotted. Or if you head to Khustain Nuruu National Park, you'll see the world's last truly wild horse, the Przewalski's horse. In fact, you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to wildlife spotting, as Mongolia has 31 national parks to explore, as well as many more protected areas. 

While in Mongolia, do as the Mongolians do. Or at least take a closer look at their culture and traditions. In July, the Naadam Festival is Mongolia's biggest celebration and takes place in towns and villages all over the country. Typical activities include the "Three Manly Games" of horse racing, wrestling, and archery. You can also enjoy traditional ceremonies and performances brought to life with colorful costumes, folk music, and dancing.

Most flights into Mongolia arrive in Ulaanbaatar, where it's worth spending a couple of days sightseeing. Brush up on your Mongolian history at the National Museum of Mongolia or in the Chinggis Khaan Museum, which is spread over an impressive nine floors. Otherwise, head into Narantuul Market and stock up on cashmere goods, which you may be thankful for later when you spend your evenings out on the steppe. The legendary Trans-Siberian Railway also stops in Ulaanbaatar, if train travel is more your thing.

One way to really experience Mongolia's nomadic culture is to stay in a traditional ger (yurt). Many tour operators organize stays with families, such as the Nomadic Life Experience, where you help out with chores like milking cows, or head out onto the steppe on horseback. For a longer, more immersive experience, try the G Adventures' Nomadic Mongolia tour, which takes you on a 14-day round trip through the country. At some point, you'll sample some of the local specialties such as airag, or fermented mare's milk. The national drink is mildly alcoholic, popular in summer, and probably best enjoyed in moderation. Other specialties include buuz (meat-filled dumplings) and tsuivan (fried noodles and meat). As traditional Mongolian cuisine generally involves animal-based foods, vegans will want to plan ahead.

Other practicalities to consider before visiting Mongolia include keeping cash with you at all times. It's still the main payment method, especially outside of Ulaanbaatar. A power bank is also a good idea, as there will be days when you'll be a long way from any towns and power sources. Even in summer, the weather can be unpredictable, so pack decent waterproof gear, sturdy boots, and plenty of layers. You may want to splash out on a cozy new sleeping bag too, for when you spend your evenings under the stars.