Gay Vacation Tours To Mongolia
Posted in Spirituality on February 28th, 2010 by Howie Holben – Be the first to commentAs Soviet rule ended, homosexual acts in Mongolia were made legal in 2002. A lack of homosexual tradition and visibility of gay culture does not mean that gay tours to Mongolia are a bad idea.
Mongolia is sparsely populated, leaving plenty of room for the beautiful lakes, majestic mountains and flowing rivers for which the country is often known. Mongolia boasts a unique history as the Mongols and Genghis Khan once ruled powerfully, only for the country to later fall under Soviet grasps.
Despite having little in the way of gay establishments, the unique history and culture of Mongolia make it a worthwhile destination for gay travelers.
As you consider a trip to Mongolia, you will want to start your adventure in the capital of Ulaanbaatar. There is an international airport or you can take the train directly from Beijing for a unique overland experience. As Mongolia’s capital and largest city it is the perfect starting point for countrywide excursions.
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.
They can help you to coordinate both longer and shorter stays. If you are planning a shorter vacation, they will likely advise you to visit Kharakorum, Genghis Khan’s ancient capital city, as well as the Terelj National Park, which is a good stopover on the way to the Gobi Desert. You may also be interested in doing a family home stay, in which you lodge with local residents and get a feel for everyday life and culture in Mongolia.
Longer stays are better for incorporating all parts of the country, including the north where majestic mountains and pristine lakes are abundant.
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 typically incorporate some LGBT excursions to community groups and whatever gay adventure travel may exist. With a wide range of activities, their itineraries make up for a lack of a gay scene by offering something for everybody.
Article about Mongolia written by Howie Holben. Howie runs Spirit Journeys, a best gay vacations outfit. Spirit Journeys presents spiritual gay yoga throughout the world.
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