Mongolia's Summer 🇲🇳

01/12/18 04:42

Summer 2016: A Different Face of Mongolia

In the summer of 2016, I had the opportunity to visit Mongolia once again, this time for a monitoring visit to assess the humanitarian projects supported for dzud victims. Unlike my previous visits during the bitterly cold winter months, this trip allowed me to experience Mongolia’s summer, offering a completely different perspective on the country’s landscapes, culture, and daily life.

During this mission, I spent time in Ulaanbaatar, where I engaged in discussions with our humanitarian partners, particularly the Mongolian Red Cross Society, to evaluate the progress of the ongoing projects. I also took some time to further explore the capital city and appreciate its lively atmosphere under the summer sun. From Ulaanbaatar, I travelled to Mandalgobi and Tsant, where I had the chance to witness firsthand how the humanitarian aid was making a difference in the lives of the affected communities.

Ulaanbaatar: Mongolia’s Heartbeat

The bustling capital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, is a fascinating blend of modernity and tradition. Unlike in the winter, when pollution and extreme cold dominate the city, the summer months bring clear blue skies, pleasant temperatures, and an atmosphere of outdoor activity. The city comes to life with festivals, open-air markets, and bustling streets filled with both locals and tourists.

Some of the key highlights of my summer stay in Ulaanbaatar included:
• Sukhbaatar Square: The central hub of the city, where the imposing statues of Genghis Khan and other historical figures overlook the vast open space, which serves as a venue for public events and celebrations.
• Gandan Monastery: A visit to this iconic Buddhist monastery was particularly enjoyable in the summer, as the monks engaged in their daily rituals while tourists wandered through its beautiful courtyards.
• Local Cuisine: Summer in Ulaanbaatar meant plenty of outdoor food markets where I indulged in Mongolian specialities such as khuushuur (fried dumplings) and the popular airag (fermented mare’s milk), which is especially popular during the warm months.

Mandalgobi: A Glimpse into the Gobi Desert

My journey from Ulaanbaatar took me to Mandalgobi, the provincial capital of Dundgovi Province, located in the vast Gobi Desert region. Despite its remote location and arid environment, the town serves as an important administrative and cultural centre for the surrounding nomadic communities.

Key observations in Mandalgobi:
• Arid landscapes and semi-nomadic lifestyle: The summer brought out the beauty of the desert, with its rolling sand dunes, hardy vegetation, and nomadic herders tending to their livestock.
• Humanitarian challenges: The region still faces significant challenges related to water scarcity, livestock health, and economic opportunities, which were further exacerbated by the recent dzud disaster.
• Community resilience: Despite the difficulties, the people of Mandalgobi demonstrated remarkable resilience, adapting their traditional herding techniques to cope with the changing climate conditions.

Tsant: Rural Mongolia at its Best

Another stop on my mission was the village of Tsant, a rural area where many of the humanitarian projects were focused on rebuilding livestock herds and improving food security. Unlike the vast desert landscapes of Mandalgobi, Tsant offered a greener, rolling steppe that stretched as far as the eye could see.

In Tsant, I had the opportunity to:
• Meet with herding families: Engaging with local herders and learning about their struggles and successes in rebuilding their livelihoods after the dzud crisis.
• Inspect sustainable livelihood projects: I saw initiatives that supported herders with livestock vaccinations, fodder provision, and access to veterinary services.
• Experience the nomadic way of life: The summer season allowed for a more vibrant experience of Mongolian culture, with families living in traditional gers (yurts) and embracing their centuries-old customs.

Reflections on the Summer Visit

Experiencing Mongolia in the summer was a refreshing and enriching experience, providing a stark contrast to the brutal yet fascinating winters I had previously encountered. The opportunity to witness how humanitarian efforts were helping communities recover from the devastating dzud, while also enjoying the stunning landscapes and warm hospitality of the Mongolian people, made this trip unforgettable.

Whether it was the modern energy of Ulaanbaatar, the remote desert charm of Mandalgobi, or the picturesque beauty of Tsant, Mongolia continued to captivate me with its resilience, traditions, and awe-inspiring natural beauty.

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Mongolia's Summer 🇲🇳