DESTINATION MONGOLIA

The name 'Mongolia' has always stirred up visions of the untamed and exotic - the warlord Genghis Khan, camels wandering in the Gobi Desert and wild horses galloping across the steppes. Even today, Mongolia seems like the end of the earth - outside Ulaan Baatar you begin to wonder if you haven't stepped into another century, rather than another country. It remains one of the last great adventure destinations in Asia.

Mongolia's survival as an independent nation is little short of miraculous. For the first time in centuries the Mongolians, once rulers of the vast Eurasian steppe, are no longer colonial subjects of the Russian and Chinese empires. Only a century ago, so few Mongolians were left that it seemed their ancient, nomadic civilisation might disappear altogether. Now the country has a constitution, multiparty elections and a ruling democratic coalition.

Travel in Mongolia can be hard but if you're ready for a tough, invigorating journey, grab your warmest winter coat, steady your stomach and steel your nerves. It's worth the wander into nomad's land.

Map of Mongolia (12K)