Country info for backpacking in Mongolia

With only 4.5 people per square mile, Mongolia has the lowest population density of any independent country, and it is this vast and majestic emptiness that is the country's enduring appeal, bringing the traveler, as it does, into a close communion with nature and its nomadic inhabitants. This East Asian country is entirely landlocked, sandwiched between China and Russia. The weather is bitterly cold during the winter, dropping down to -40 celsius in parts. With many types of terrain--from desert to verdant mountains--the weather during the summer varies from region to region. Generally, however, this time of year is marked with many rains, and it can become quite cool at night.

History

Recorded history of Ancient Mongolia dates back to third century BC when the Huns (Xiongnu) came to power among many other nomadic tribes. Due to illiteracy and nomadic lifestyle, little was recorded by Huns of themselves except they first appear in Chinese history as Barbarians against whom the walls were built which later became known as Great Wall of China. The struggle for mere existence and power over other tribes kept going till the time of Genghis Khan. When he came to power and united these warring tribes under the Great Mongol Empire in 1206, he was proclaimed as Genghis Khan of all Mongol tribes. If you are really into the history, I recommend The Secret History of the Mongols by Professor Onon. I have not read it in English but every Mongolian reads the book in the modern Mongolian language. This is probably the oldest book in Mongolian. There are vivid similarities with the Bible in literary style, wording and story telling. It is speculated that the author could have been a Christian or at least was very knowledgeable with the Bible. According to Hugh Kemp, Qadag (pp 85-90, Steppe by Step) is the most likely candidate on authorship of Secret History of the Mongols. I like the way he writes the history of ancient Mongolia and connects the modern reality with the ancient world. Even though his book is about the history of Christianity in Mongolia, he covers much more in a very interesting way. His book will help you to see the picture of ancient Mongolia from the height of 21st century.

Holidays and festivals

Mongolia wrestling is one the three "manly" sports but actually there are four types of sports and these are not truly manly except the wrestling. They are wrestling, horse racing, archery and "shagai", here sheep ankle bones serve as target. Naadam is the National Holiday of Mongolia celebrated on July, 11-13. During these days all of Mongolia watch or listen the whole event which takes place in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar through Mongolia's National Television and Radio. It is believed that Naadam celebrations started with the rise of Great Mongolian Empire as Genghis Khan's strategy to keep his warriors strictly fit. After the fall of Empire, the contests were held during religious festivals and since the communist revolution it was celebrated on its' anniversary. The legend says that in old times a woman dressed like man won wrestling competition once. That is why open chest and long sleeve wrestling costumes, called "zodog", meant to show that every participant is male. Wrestlers wear short trunks, "shuudag", and mongolian boots, "gutal". The yellow stripes on tales of wrestlers' hats will indicate the number of times the wrestler became a champion in Naadam. Only Naadam gives official titles to the wrestlers. Mongolia wrestling tournaments have 9 or 10 rounds depending on the number of 512 or 1024 wrestlers registered for the competition that year. If the wrestler wins 5 rounds, he will be awarded title "Nachin" (bird), 6 rounds - Hartsaga (hawk), 7 rounds - Zaan (elephant), 8 rounds - Garuda, 9 rounds - Arslan (lion) and 10 - Avarga (Titan). In 2006, Zaan (Elephant) Sumyabazar won 9 rounds that made him Garuda but that year 1024 wrestlers had 10 rounds which he won all. This entitled him to Avarga. Or Arslan (Lion) must win 2 in a row to become Avarga (Titan). The titles are for life. If Avarga (Titan) keeps winning at Naadam more and more attributes will be added to his title. There is no weight categories in Mongolian Wrestling tournaments but there is a time limit of 30 minutes, if the wrestlers can not overthrow each other, referees use lots for better position which often settles the match. One who falls or his body touches the ground loses the match. Mongolia Wrestling matches are attended by seconds whose role is to assist their wrestlers in all matters and to encourage them to win by spanking on their butts. They also sing praise songs and titles to the leading wrestlers of both wings, west and east, after 5 and 7 rounds. The referees monitor the rules but the people and the fans are the final judges. They will speak and spread the word of mouth about who is who till the next year.

Mongolia is generally a very safe place to travel. However, incidences of pick pocketing and bag slashing have been on the rise in recent years, so always keep your personal belongings in a safe place (money belts are highly recommended), especially in crowded areas or in places where your attention is diverted, such as internet cafes . Notorious places for theft are the Black Market (bazaar), the railway station and crowded bus stops. Violent crime is uncommon, but still caution is required at night, and dark or deserted alleys and streets, in particular, should be avoided. Lone or female travelers obviously need to exercise a higher degree of awareness of their surroundings. Finally, be careful when traveling by horse as it is not unknown for groups to follow tourists and then steal their goods, including the horses, while they sleep at night.

Nomads' dogs may have rabies, and marmots should not be eaten certain times of the year because they can carry bubonic plague. As a precaution, consider having a rabies shots before coming.