Stay in a ger camp
Horse racing and Naadam
Visit to camel herding familyI am fairly certain every day in Mongolia will bring experiences I cannot even imagine, as I type this from my living room. Being a part of daily life and witness to cultural events will be the focus in Mongolia. I am most looking forward to sleeping in a traditional ger, cheering at Naadam events, and visiting a family of camel herders.
A ger is a traditional home that is used by Mongolian nomads today. We will be lucky enough to stay in one for a couple of nights. Yes, this probably means no running water or electricity, but the beauty and isolation is sure to be unlike anything I've felt before. Click on the photo above to learn how it is constructed and the specific arrangement of the inside.
The Naadam festival usually takes place in mid-July, but our hosts are planning a smaller version so that we can admire Mongolian archery, wrestling, and horsemanship. An interesting difference in horse racing: jockeys are all children under age 12 and races are as long as 17 miles. Click the picture above to learn more.
Any chance to see animals up close and personal and I'm there. Although horses are viewed as the most important animal in Mongolia, camels are valued as well for wool, milk, and transport. Many challenges face the herder and the numbers of camels are declining. Click on the photo above to link to "The Story of the Weeping Camel" information.
