SHARMILA MELISSA YOGALINGAM follows in the footsteps of warlord Ghengis Khan into the vast and very beautiful Mongolian landscape. 
The breathtaking scenery of landlocked Mongolia, with its untouched vistas of mountains, lakes and ice slopes, was once the centre of one of the world's greatest empires created by the 13th-century Mongol warrior, Ghengis Khan. Today it entices travellers from all over the globe, drawn by a melting pot of adventures, tempting the explorer in us with a plethora of outdoor pursuits, trekking opportunities, ancient monasteries 
ULAANBAATAR
Your Mongolian adventure is likely to start in the capital, Ulaanbaatar, where most international flights touch down Considered a big city by Asian standards, Ulaanbaatar offers heaps of sights to keep the curious visitor busy.
See Ochidara and Didan-Lavran are the two temples that make up the city's most famous landmark Gandan Khiid, noted for the impressive Buddha images that line the walls. Stop next to check out the fabulous antiquities at the Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan, noted for its six temples that serve today as museums.
Okay, so it's another museum-temple, but it's still worth a visit. The Choijin Lama Temple Museum, located in downtown Ulaanbaatar, encompasses five beautifully ornate temples where on summer evenings you can catch free performances of traditional dance and music including the tsam mask dances and khoomii (throat) singing.
Eat Not unexpectedly, due to its geography, Mongolian cuisine has a taste of China and a dash of Russian influences, presenting an interesting amalgamation of food choices. Khaan Buuz (www.khaanbuuz.mn) serves traditional Mongolian fare including buuz - steamed meat dumplings - and bifshteks ondogtei (beefsteaks and eggs). Local delights including mutton and yak dishes, the mainstay meat for most Mongolian households, are on the menu also at Zochin Buuz on Peace Avenue in Central Ulaanbaatar. Eat like the locals and order salted milk tea to cap off your meal, but if such delights don't tempt your taste buds, burgers are readily available.
Stay
$ Zaya's Hostel (www.mongolia-travel-hostel-zaya.com) is a good, clean budget option offering a variety of room choices from doubles with ensuite to dorm-style rooms with shared bathrooms.
$$ Narantuul Hotel (www.narantuulhotel.com) offers mid-price accommodation and all rooms come with a kitchenette and bar area.
$$$ For a touch of opulence, stay at the Terelj International Resort and Spa Hotel (www.tereljhotel.com) where rooms are luxurious but pricey.
Getting there Air China (www.airchina.com)flies to Ulaanbaatar with a stop over in Beijing. Flight time is 10 hours. Singapore Airlines (www.singaporeair.com) flies to Seoul from where you board a Seoul Airlines flight to Ulaanbaatar, with a total flight time of 12 hours. Cathay Pacific flies into Hong Kong, where you can catch Mongolian airlines MIAT(www.miat.com) into its capital with a flight time of 12 hours.
DALANZADGAD
Ömnögovi, the hottest and driest place in Mongolia, is the country's largest province, but hardly anyone calls this place home. Nevertheless, its capital, Dalanzadgad, offers some of Mongolia's richest natural formations, including the Gobi desert.
Sights The famous Gurvansaikhan National Park, spans two million hectares studded with ice canyons, sand dunes, mountains and wildlife including snow leopards, wild camels, wild asses, black-tailed gazelles, ibex and sheep. The dinosaur fossils are pretty impressive too! Book a ride to the isolated western region of the park. It's the perfect place to soak up the entire landscape in all its glory. Take your time to explore this breathtaking park and don't forget your camera!
The Gobi isn't as barren as other deserts, primarily because of its abundant wildlife, mountains and the greenery peppering the landscape. You'll find loads of Gers, portable tent like dwellings popular with Mongolian nomads and considered an icon among travellers. Note, only a few operators and hotels organise land tours into the Gobi Desert.
Eat Many street vendors and stalls line the city, but it's likely better to eat at hotel restaurants such as the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan Hotel's Michid Restaurant. Also try Naran Café and at the corner of Mazaalai Bar you'll find a modest, nameless eatery serving good meat pancakes called khuushuur.
Stay
$ The Enkhe's Guest House is a six-bedroom, apartment-style base, which also arranges trips specifically into the Gobi including jeep tours and camel treks. Meals are provided for an additional fee. Alternatively you can use the kitchen to prepare your own meals.
$$ If you are looking for a Gers' experience, try budget campsites such as the Mazaalai Hotel or the Juulchin-Gobi Camp - not the greatest of facilities but easy on the wallet.
$$$ If you yearn for better facilities, the Tovshin Resort will likely be more your cup of yak butter tea, while the most luxurious of all Ger accommodation is Three Camels Lodge (www.threecamellodge.com), which offers clean, private bathrooms and nightly dance and music performances.
Getting there Buses make the 12-hour journey daily from Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad. Alternatively, fly from Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad on MIAT(www.miat.com) or EZ Nis Airlines (www.eznisairways.com)
Note: Tourism is still relatively underdeveloped so it's not easy to find or arrange tours into the Gobi Desert. Gobi Tour at Enkhe's Guest House is the most convenient tour operator while Three Camels Lodge also rents jeeps and arranges for a driver or guide. Hiring random drivers, who may be very inexperienced, is unrecommended.
Posted Jul 2010
