As Soviet rule ended, homosexual acts in Mongolia were made legal in 2002. A lack of homosexual tradition and visibility of gay culture does not rule out gay travel deals to Mongolia as a vacation plan.
Mongolia is sparsely populated, leaving plenty of room for the beautiful lakes, majestic mountains and flowing rivers for which the country is often known. Mongolia boasts a unique history as the Mongols and Genghis Khan once ruled powerfully, only for the country to later fall under Soviet grasps.
With beautiful landscapes and cultural experiences, Mongolia can be a popular destination for gay travelers despite its not being known for an open gay scene.
It is best to start your journey in Ulaanbaatar, where guesthouses typically serve as travel agencies that can help you plan your trip. It is best to travel into the capital and spend several days planning your countrywide excursions. There is an international airport, but consider taking the train from Beijing in order to view the beautiful countryside.
While staying in Ulaanbaatar, you can expect to pay roughly twenty dollars per night (for double rooms) if staying in a guesthouse.
Both shorter and longer stays are possible and enjoyable within Mongolia. If you have only one to two weeks, consider heading to the ancient capital city of Kharakorum or going north for visits to the mountains and beautiful lakes. If learning about Mongolian culture interests you, think about participating in a family home stay where you will see everyday life in the country. You can do this near to the Terelj National Park where outdoor activities abound and the Gobi Desert is a mere two hours away.
Longer stays are better for incorporating all parts of the country, including the north where majestic mountains and pristine lakes are abundant.
Ulaanbaatar itself offers tourist sites to visitors. It maintains a vibrant culture and delicious yet cheap restaurants, including Mongol Shabu, which offers traditional menus. You can also visit the Natural History Museum or catch a performance by the esteemed Mongolian National Symphony Orchestra at The Culture Show.
Gay travelers should not feel uncomfortable, despite homosexuality being relatively under the radar countrywide. This is not typically considered a result of conservativeness, but a relative lack of information about gay culture and context.
There are other options available besides traveling on your own. Various tour groups, specializing in gay travel groups, offer vacations in Mongolia.
Typically they served as a way to see the “best of” the country and highlights include the Gobi Desert, ancient capital of Kharakorum, local camel farms and the Terelj National Park. With various activities like horseback riding along the Mongolian Steppe and cultural activities like traditional Naadam festivals, they appeal to all types of travelers.
One of the appeals specific to these types of tour groups includes parties and visits to local LGBT community groups as a way to see firsthand the gay scene in Mongolia. Beautiful vistas, diverse geography and an incredibly unique culture and history, appeal to the interests of anybody. Whether traveling independently or as part of a tour, travel to Mongolia is a unique vacation for a gay adventure.
Gay travel deals in Mongolia suggestions post by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys can point you towards great gay travel information. Get further recommendations about gay romance travel at Spirit Journeys site.
