Reasons why Mongolia will be your wildest trip ever

This one is for the chasers of all things wild. Mongolia is for all things uninhibited, and a road trip might just be the best way to explore this country. With Russia and China for its neighbours, and a terrain that is desert as well as gigantic mountains, it is a place steeped in mystery. When I write Mongolia as one of the wildest destinations in the world, I also have in mind the fact that more than 30% of its population is nomadic, in the true sense of this word. Plus, its connection with Genghis Khan!

So, you have communities that are largely on the move all year around, pitching camps and moving in caravans. And yes, horse culture is still practised on an impressive scale in the country. If you have been inspired by the likes of Indiana Jones and Jack Sparrow, Mongolia is where you can get as close to their wild fantasies; and this is what makes it the land of all things wild.
1. Falconry at work

Yes, you read that right. Falconry, the practice of training birds of prey, is quite a thing in Mongolia. In fact, around a decade back, the internet broke with photos of Mongolia’s eagle hunters. The harsh terrain sets the perfect backdrop as well; the sight of Mongolian hunters with trained eagles to aid them is just the stuff life in Mongolia’s wild regions is made of.

2. Stay with the nomads
With some luck, planning, and money, you can have the lifetime experience of staying with the Mongolian nomads. A quick search online of how their gers (tents) look like will be lures enough for you; these tents come with no windows and are intricately decorated. A solace in the harsh winters, gers are always a welcome sight in the Mongolian landscape. Once in, you will have to walk clockwise, sleep with your feet pointed towards doors and follow such rules. Days are best spent in helping them with herding, cleaning, cooking and such.
3. Sleep under the stars
Mongolia is not a place for hotel stays, though you can choose one during your stay in the capital. While an outlanding trip is perfect to explore the country, nights are best spent in open, in a comfortably warm tent though because temperature plummets fast here. The starkly clear sky will make up for the bitter cold. Again, a Mongolia ger is what you should look for.

4. Camel safari in the great Gobi Desert
My fascination with the Gobi Desert started years back, when it was mentioned in a Geography class at school. The thrill of exploring a cold, barren desert in the centre of the world felt like a dream. If you harboured a dream like mine, the great Gobi Desert is more welcoming than it looks. You can even go on a camel safari across its golden sand; while there, keep an eye out for sudden snow bursts in summer, and the fact that this desert is also home to the rather elusive snow leopards.

5. The best desert hikes ever!
Mongolia turns another shade wilder for it is home to the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park. The hikes that the park offers are not arduous and are great for moderately fit people. On your way, you can feast your eyes on the most stunning landscape ever, other than hopping over some wild water streams. A hike here is entirely off the touristy grid, making it the perfect rendezvous between humans and the wild.