Embrace the Unexpected: My Winter Adventure in Mongolia

Picture this: you’re standing in the middle of Mongolia, where the plains stretch as far as your imagination and you can feel your eyelashes freezing up. Winter is in full swing, and while most sane Australians are soaking up summer, I decided to embrace the chill with a delightful trip with the help of Crooked Compass. Spoiler alert: it was colder than my soul after The Crows have lost (minus 32 degrees Celsius, folks!).

The vastness of Mongolia was truly awe-inspiring. It’s so big it makes Texas look like a cozy neighborhood. The sweeping plains and rugged mountains were like something out of a movie—if that movie was set in a very chilly, very isolated version of Middle Earth.

Moments That Moved Me But Still left me frozen!

And oh, the history! Standing beneath the gigantic statue of Genghis Khan felt like a scene from a historical blockbuster—“Genghis Khan: If He Wants It He Khan Have It!” Mongolians wear their history, and their love of horses, like a badge of honor, and who wouldn’t? This guy practically invented organized chaos!

WHERE I STAYED

Let’s talk about my accommodations because it was a wild mix! First up, the Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel in Ulaanbaatar. Talk about modern luxury right in the heart of the action! Centrally located near the main square, I enjoyed breakfast with an omelet station that almost made me forget I was in the middle of Mongolia (I may or may not have had three).

Then, off I went to Terelj National Park, where I stayed in a beautifully heated wooden cabin at a tourist camp. Now, while breakfast and dinner were fixed menus (the chef decided what was for breakfast, and dinner was limited), they nailed it with their pizza! Who knew I’d be munching on pizza in the Mongolian wilderness?

Finally, I experienced the ultimate adventure: a night in a traditional ger at Hustai National Park. Sure, it was minus -32 degrees outside, but that little wood-fired stove kept me toasty—along with the multiple layers of thermals I wore. A true winter warrior moment!

CULINARY SURPRISE!

a bowl of tradtional Mongolian fermented mares milk — Fermented Mare’s Milk

Let’s chat about the food. If you’re expecting gourmet delights, this isn’t your spot (sorry, Gordon Ramsay). Mutton is the name of the game—fatty, hearty, and just a tad gamey. But hey, when it’s minus 32 outside, you need those calories to keep from turning into an icicle! It’s not a culinary destination, but it is a hearty one. Think of it as fuel for your adventures—like a car running on a diet of mutton, not exactly fuel-efficient but it gets the job done!

Im sorry, but the less said about fermented mare’s milk the better. It’s a taste that I just didnt acquire.

WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER MONGOLIA

The Zaisan Memorial that sits on top of a mountain overlooking Ulaanbaatar — The Zaisan Memorial

Mongolia is the quirky sibling of travel destinations, sandwiched between Russia and China. It’s like the world’s best-kept secret that no one bothered to tell you about. This place deserves to be on your bucket list, if only for the sheer joy of saying, “I went to Mongolia in winter, and I survived!”

Plus, the Russian Brutalist architecture in Ulaanbaatar? It’s like a relic from a bygone era that makes you wonder if someone accidentally dropped the design plans for a fallout shelter in the middle of a hipster art scene. It’s fascinating, and you’ll walk away feeling like you just completed an art history degree.

People often quipp about wanting to get “off the beaten track” in their travels – Mongolia is truly that. So if you’re ready to ditch the crowded beaches and fancy resorts, and you’re looking for adventure that promises both hilarity and a side of frostbite, Mongolia is calling your name.

Ready to Plan Your Own Adventure?

If you’re intrigued and want to explore this off-the-beaten-path wonderland, let’s chat about how we can make your Mongolian adventure a reality—preferably with fewer frozen nights in a ger!

While I quite enjoyed the experience of -32C (have I mentioned that it got to -32C enough?), you dont have to. You might consider travelling to Mongolia during July when the Naadam Festival is held. This three-day festival celebrates Mongolian culture and heritage, featuring traditional sports like wrestling, horse racing, and archery (where the temperature will be closer to +30C rather than minus!)