Gay Tour Travel To Mongolia

March 21, 2010 | Posted by Howie Holben

As 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.

With topography ranging from mountains to deserts, Mongolia is the least densely populated country and is home to famous wild horses and pristine lakes. Once under the grips of the Soviet Union and led by Genghis Khan, Mongolia’s distinct history and culture make it one of the ultimate “off the beaten path” destinations.

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

It is best to start your journey in Ulaanbaatar, where guesthouses typically serve as travel agencies that can help you plan your trip. It is best to travel into the capital and spend several days planning your countrywide excursions. There is an international airport, but consider taking the train from Beijing in order to view the beautiful countryside.

Guesthouses are the best place to stay as they offer cheap accommodation (roughly twenty U. S. Dollars per night) and also act as travel agencies that can help you to draw up an itinerary.

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.

One of the appeals specific to these types of tour groups includes parties and visits to local LGBT community groups as a way to see firsthand the gay scene in Mongolia. Beautiful vistas, diverse geography and an incredibly unique culture and history, appeal to the interests of anybody. Whether traveling independently or as part of a tour, travel to Mongolia is a unique vacation for a gay adventure.

Howie Holben wrote this gay trips to Mongolia pointers essay. He is the caretaker of Spirit Journeys, a gay men vacations firm. Spirit Journeys makes available spiritual and gay travel tour all over the planet.