Travel Destinations

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.

Once led by Genghis Khan, Mongolia is situated between powerhouses Russia and China with Ulaanbaatar serving as a unique capital city. Known as a nation of nomadic people, the country is the least densely populated place and open to visitors looking to explore the lakes, mountains, Gobi desert and bands of wild horses.

Despite having little in the way of gay establishments, the unique history and culture of Mongolia make it a worthwhile destination for gay travelers.

With an international airport and train station welcoming overland travel from China, the capital city of Ulaanbaatar serves as the best starting point for your Mongolia adventures. With low priced guesthouses doubling as travel coordinators, it is the best place to settle in and plan for your visit to the country.

While drawing up an itinerary in the capital, you can expect to pay roughly twenty American dollars per night in most guesthouses, where you will meet friendly staff offering assistance in planning.

They can help you to coordinate both longer and shorter stays. If you are planning a shorter vacation, they will likely advise you to visit Kharakorum, Genghis Khan’s ancient capital city, as well as the Terelj National Park, which is a good stopover on the way to the Gobi Desert. You may also be interested in doing a family home stay, in which you lodge with local residents and get a feel for everyday life and culture in Mongolia.

Longer stays are better for incorporating all parts of the country, including the north where majestic mountains and pristine lakes are abundant.

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.

While visiting the country independently and sorting out an itinerary on your own offers flexibility, there are also travel groups catering to LGBT travelers that provide structured trips.

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.

These groups often include visits with local LGBT groups and a look at the barely existent gay scene in country. Despite a small gay scene, the country offers beautiful landscapes and unique culture that make it an unforgettable excursion for gay destinations.

Howie Holben gay holidays to Mongolia pointers. He is the owner of Spirit Journeys, a gay tours association. Spirit Journeys makes available spiritual gay vacations world wide.

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