Adventures in Mongolia
Bolod Guesthouse and Tours
MEET
BOLOD.
"I'm Bolod. I speak Russian, English, Italian, and French."
In our guesthouse, you'll find 56 Book-Albums documenting all 629 trips we've arranged since 1993. We invite you to stay and travel with us to experience the true Mongolia.
I grew up in a nomadic family in far-eastern Mongolia, experiencing both the joys and hardships of rural life. In my childhood, I spent a lot of time on horseback. Although I've lived in the city for a long time, I still feel like a person of the countryside.
In the slow seasons of spring and winter, I often rush back to the countryside. I believe that unspoiled nature can sustain us for thousands of years, whereas uncontrolled mining may only last another 50-60.
Short Trips
Trips
Монголын хамгийн гайхалштай, зэрлэг байгальтай, өвөрмөц соёлтой газруудыг танд толилуулж байна.
Аялал олдсонгүй.
Change of nature
winter
Temperature
-20°C / -40°C
Highlights
- •Цагаан сар — Монголын уламжлалт шинэ жил
- •Нүүдэлчдийн өвөлжөөний амьдралтай танилцах
- •Говийн цасан дэнж дээр тэмээн аялал
- •Хөлдсөн нуурууд дээр загасчлал
autumn
Temperature
5°C / 15°C
Highlights
- •Өлгийн Бүргэдчний наадам — алтан намрын баяр
- •Нүүдэлчид өвөлжөөндөө нүүх үзэгдэл
- •Алтай, Хангайн алтан өнгөт ой
- •Аан агнуур, загасчлалын хамгийн сайн цаг
spring
Temperature
0°C / 15°C
Highlights
- •Хурга, ишиг, унага — малын төлийн улирал
- •Тал хээрийн цэцэглэлт, шувуу ажиглалт
- •Нүүдэлчид хаврын нутагтаа нүүнэ
- •Байгаль сэрж, агаар цэнгэг байна
summer
Temperature
20°C / 30°C
Highlights
- •Наадам — бөх, морь, сур гурван эрийн наадам
- •Хөвсгөл нуурт усанд орох, аялал
- •Хангайн ногоон уулс дахь морин аялал
- •Говь цөлийн хайрхан шөнийн одод
Latest Stories
Horseback Riding Across the Orkhon Valley
Mongolia is often described as the land of the horse. For a Mongol, a horse is not just an animal; it's a friend, a means of transport, and a symbol of freedom. Riding across the Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is perhaps the best way to experience this. The valley is lush and green, dotted with white gers and herds of animals. As you ride, you pass ancient monuments and the stunning Orkhon Waterfall. The horses are small but incredibly tough, with an endurance that puts larger breeds to shame. There's a specific rhythm to riding on the steppe. It's not about speed, though a gallop on a flat stretch is exhilarating; it's about the steady pace that allows you to take in the vastness of the landscape. It's a meditative experience that stays with you long after you've returned home.
Traditional Mongolian Cuisine: Beyond the Buzz
Mongolian food is built for the nomadic lifestyle—it's calorie-dense, portable, and uses the resources available: livestock. While it may seem simple, the preparation methods are deeply traditional. **Buuz** are steamed dumplings filled with minced mutton or beef. They are a staple of the Lunar New Year (Tsagaan Sar) but enjoyed year-round. The trick is to keep the juice inside the dumpling. **Khorkhog** is often called the 'Mongolian BBQ'. It's meat and vegetables cooked in a metal milk jug using red-hot stones. The stones seal the meat and create a unique, smoky flavor. Don't forget the **Airag** (fermented mare's milk). It's an acquired taste—slightly sour and fizzy—but it's the national drink and an essential part of Mongolian hospitality. When you visit a nomad family, you will almost certainly be offered a bowl.
Naadam Festival: The Three Manly Games
Naadam is the pride of Mongolia. Held every July, this festival celebrates the 'Three Manly Games': wrestling, horse racing, and archery. But today, it's a festival for everyone, with women participating in archery and girls and boys as the jockeys in the horse races. The atmosphere in Ulaanbaatar during Naadam is electric. The central stadium fills with people in beautiful traditional Deels. Outside, the smell of 'Khuushuur' (fried meat pastries) fills the air. Horse racing in Mongolia is unique; the races take place over 15-30 kilometers of open steppe, and the jockeys are children aged 7 to 13. To see the horses galloping towards the finish line, with the dust rising behind them and the crowd cheering, is to see the very soul of the Mongol nation. It's an event that connects every Mongolian to their nomadic roots.
Packing for Mongolia: The Ultimate Guide
Packing for Mongolia requires a 'layers, layers, layers' mentality. Even in the height of summer, temperatures can swing from scorching 30°C days to near-freezing nights, especially in the Gobi or high in the mountains. Here are the essentials you shouldn't leave home without: 1. **High-Quality Sleeping Bag:** Even if you're staying in gers (yurts), a good 3-season bag adds comfort and warmth. 2. **Sturdy Hiking Boots:** The terrain is often rocky and uneven. Make sure they are broken in before you arrive. 3. **Windbreaker/Rain Jacket:** The wind on the Mongolian steppe is legendary. 4. **Sun Protection:** The 'Eternal Blue Sky' means intense UV rays. Bring a wide-brimmed hat and high-SPF sunscreen. 5. **Portable Power Bank:** Charging opportunities can be sparse once you leave the capital city. Remember, space in the 4x4 vehicles can be limited, so try to pack efficiently in a soft-sided duffel bag rather than a hard-shell suitcase.