I’ve found that I tend to procrastinate when it’s down to the final post(s) usually. It feels as if you’re wrapping up a memory and learning to move past it – but inside of me, I know I’m dreading it.

Anyways, here goes the final post for Mongolia!

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We were in for a busy day – from exploring the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire, to interacting with an eagle, horse-riding with our final nomad family, and a farewell feast for the last night of the trip.

Karakorum was one of the most important cities in the history of the Silk Road. Although founded by Genghis Khan in 1220, Kharakhorum’s development as capital of the Mongol Empire occurred in the 1230s under his son Ugudei.

Erdene Zuu Monastery – one of the earliest surviving Buddhist monastery in Mongolia.

These eagles are taken from their nests when they’re few months old, and live with the hunter for several years, before getting released again when they’re about 5 years old.

Our drivers also cooked us a special stew for farewell dinner!

And some last pictures before we departed:

A final goodbye 😦

And the last with our straight-out-0f-a-movie-looking host & his son:

Mirko, Dao & I also stayed for another two nights in Ulaanbaatar before heading home. We made a trip down to the Dinosaur Museum & also the Chinggis Khan Museum.

There, we learned more about the Fossils uncovered in Central Asia, as well as the origins of mankind.

And wrapping the final of Mongolia’s updates with this Tarbosaurus bataar, a close relative of the Tyranosarus.

Mongolia will be one that I remember for life. We travelled for hundreds of kilometers everyday, was hosted by three nomad families, tangled and untangled our hair from the sand countless times, and ate copious amount of lamb and camel meat. But what struck me most was the genuine smiles from everyone we met – from our drivers, tour guide, to each and every nomad family member and Mongolian we met.

Mongolia taught me how life can be simple, yet fulfilling. From the dinosaurs that once roamed Central Asia, to the first dinosaur eggs found at Flaming Cliffs in the 1920s expedition, to present-day Mongolia which offers a mix of modern-nomad lifestyles, there’s beauty and life everywhere – as long as we’re willing to look for it.

Thank you, Mongolia. And a huge shout-out to the folks at Sunpath Mongolia for taking great care of us all through the trip.

If this is the first time you’re reading about my Mongolia trip, check these other posts out:

• Flaming Cliffs & The First Dinosaur Eggs
• Khongor Sand Dunes & Camel Riding
• Yol Valley & Frozen Valley
• White Stupa

With lots of love,

Olivia L.