I was really lucky! The visit coincided with the very colourful Nomad’s Festival, I think it’s almost like the very popular Nadaam festival, where tickets are almost next to impossible to get! This year, it’s happening at Terejl, hence our perfect 3 day itinerary, 2 days at the festival and the third a road trip further north of Ulanbaatar, thanks to the help of local friends! On display at the festival are booths showcasing the foods of Mongolia, ethnic costumes, art & culture, as well as performances and dances. Archery, especially archers on horse are my favourite cool thing to look out for, plus performances and stunts on horseback. Lots of dairy products for sampling, from cheeses, curds, butter to milk from horses, cow or yak. The most pungent being airag, fermented horse milk.
It feels like I’ve just stepped into a set for a period drama – with actors in full costume, soldiers, horses, war flags set against the hills and rolling greens.
The drive from Ulanbaatar to Terejl takes close to two hours, pending traffic conditions. I like Terejl for its close proximity to the city, yet like paradise away from the busy town. Landscape’s beautiful. Whoever visits Mongolia but only have a few days must at least stay a night here, though of course nothing beats taking a road trip into the countryside!
Some videos of the costume parade
Animals always capture our heart!
Show over, we make our way slowly back to the resort. Instructions given was to just follow the river … we made it back before the sun sets, thankful to the long daylight hours!
It’s interesting to see the sun lowering into the horizon and lengthening shadows!
