Home Tips Photos Videos ... Save $$ This Beautiful Land Three times the size of France, Mongolia is sandwiched between Russia, China, and Kazakhstan. The Gobi Desert dominates the southern third of the country. Much of this area falls within Inner Mongolia, under the control of China. Most of the rest of Mongolia is grassland, home to the famed Takhi horses that were used so successfully by Genghis Khan in his conquests. Mongolia is one of the highest countries in the world with an average elevation of over 1,500m (5,000ft). The highest mountains are in the far west. The Mongol Altai are permanently snow-capped and the highest peak, is 4,370m (14,350ft), on the border between Mongolia, Russia and China. A land of contrasts, there are arid deserts where rain almost never falls, endless rolling steppes, mountains and lakes, (the largest containing two percent of the world's fresh water). The mountain steppe in central and northern Mongolia is dominated by the Selenge and Orkhon rivers. The Orkhon Valley provides fertile pasture to yaks and other animals. A few hours from Ulaan Baatar, it is a beautiful area to visit, to ride or hike. Closer to Ulaan Baatar, the Terelj National Park offers everyone a chance to see something of Mongolia's beautiful countryside, however short a stay. The Turtle Rock is a famous landmark. | |
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