Mongolia

No longer just a stopover between Moscow and Beijing, Mongolia has rapidly emerged on the travel scene, captivating its visitors and demanding the title of a fascinating destination in its own right. Boundless, unspoilt wilderness and a huge potential for adventure are on any visitor’s dossier when heading to explore a country prized for its astounding natural diversity and vast, varied environments.

Visitors with a keen interest in history will find a mishmash of Soviet architecture and Buddhist monasteries in Ulaanbaatar, rubbing shoulders with glass tower blocks and international restaurants. The memory of Genghis Khan is alive and well in Mongolia still, so visitors can head to see the monks in the walled compound of Erdene Zuu monastery, close to his ancient capital of Karakorum.

For active travellers, Mongolia’s allure lies in its landscapes. Leaving the cities behind, this is a country for which walking boots should be laced and a sense of adventure should certainly be packed. Striking snow-capped mountain peaks frame rolling steppe that stretches for miles, the Gobi Desert sets a dramatic ochre backdrop for sand dune explorations by 4WD, and traditional ger camps offer a cosy, unique overnight experience for travellers keen to get to know the nomadic communities who have roamed these lands for generations.