Travel Tips

Gay Vacation Travel To Mongolia

With a barely existent gay scene, is putting Mongolia on your list for gay tours a good idea? Despite little knowledge and a practically invisible LGBT community, Mongolia offers incredible views, outdoor activities and vibrant culture that may appeal to all travelers, gay or straight. Homosexuality is legal and the unique experience of Mongolia makes it a great destination for gay couples and groups.

Once led by Genghis Khan, Mongolia is situated between powerhouses Russia and China with Ulaanbaatar serving as a unique capital city. Known as a nation of nomadic people, the country is the least densely populated place and open to visitors looking to explore the lakes, mountains, Gobi desert and bands of wild horses.

The gay scene may be unheard of, but the country can still be a popular destination for gay travelers and couples.

With an international airport and train station welcoming overland travel from China, the capital city of Ulaanbaatar serves as the best starting point for your Mongolia adventures. With low priced guesthouses doubling as travel coordinators, it is the best place to settle in and plan for your visit to the country.

While drawing up an itinerary in the capital, you can expect to pay roughly twenty American dollars per night in most guesthouses, where you will meet friendly staff offering assistance in planning.

From there, the options are plentiful. For shorter stays, consider a local home stay near Terelj National Park, just two hours from the capital and an easy ride to the Gobi Desert. You might also want to think about a trip to Genghis Khan’s ancient capital or adding a week to head north for spectacular lake, mountain and river excursions.

Longer stays of a month or longer are ideal for a big loop of the country to include the aforementioned destinations all in one trip.

While in Ulaanbaatar, you will want to see the Natural History Museum and The Culture Show, which include the spectacular talent of Mongolia’s National Symphony Orchestra. Also be sure to find traditional Mongolian fare on the cheap at places like Mongol Shabu.

While Mongolia may be an incredible, off the beaten path for gay vacations, homosexuality is not necessarily received well. There are few religious barriers to it; however, a general lack of gay context leaves a general sense of naivete on the subject.

Planning your own vacation may be great for independent travelers, but tour groups catering to gay travelers also offer structured excursions that visit a wide variety of Mongolia’s most popular sites.

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.

These groups often include visits with local LGBT groups and a look at the barely existent gay scene in country. Despite a small gay scene, the country offers beautiful landscapes and unique culture that make it an unforgettable excursion for gay destinations.

Exposition written by Howie Holben regarding Mongolia and gay travel tours. Spirit Journeys can help with your next gay trip.

© 2010 Travel Oversea.