Part 1 of ‘World Theme Travel – When Fall Comes, Emotional Mongolia’, ‘Ops, My Heart Is Fuzzy’, will be broadcast on EBS1 TV at 8:40 pm today (14th).
There are people who have never been to Mongolia, but no one has come only once! It is said that the peak season for travel to Mongolia is summer, but if you want to feel its deep charm, fall is the real time.
For nomads who move their homes every season, the fall moving season is an important time that can determine life or death. Even in the arduous journey of life, there is consideration and kindness for others.
A day of blessing for new nomads, ‘Ger Covering Day’
An oasis created by the wind, the Mohart River
Mount Turgen, a hidden attraction known only to nomads
Last dance of a 56-year-old Mongolian wrestling veteran
Fall is here! Immerse yourself in the friendly sensibility of Mongolia.
Mongolia, a country where emotions bloom! The journey begins in Ulaanbaatar (Улаанбаатар), the most prosperous city and capital. The place I visited in Ulaanbaatar was Morning Street (Өглөөний гудамж) next to Sukhbaatar Square. In an alley filled with European-style buildings, wedding photos of couples wearing wedding dresses and formal attire are in full swing. Experience the changing lifestyle of Mongolia with a cup of fragrant coffee.
The first destination of the full-scale trip is Ops, where the nomadic tradition is maintained the most in Mongolia and the nature is also beautiful. On the way to Ops in the northwest, we come across the Nomadic World Cultural Festival (Нүүдэлчин дэлхийн соёлын наадм), which introduces Mongolia’s diverse nomadic culture. Biyelge (бий биелгээ), a traditional dance from western Mongolia, and Del (дээл), the traditional costume of Ops, performed here, raise expectations for the journey.
Arrived in Ops (Увс аймаг) after driving for two full days on a dirt road of about 1,400km. Hyargas Lake, famous for its pure white rocks and blue water, welcomes travelers. After the peak season, Hyargas Lake (Хяргас нуур) offers you the sound of water and birds, washing away the fatigue of a long journey.
The next destination is Ulaangom (Улаангом), the capital of Ops! There, we attend the ‘Ger Covering Day (гэр бүрэх ёс)’ feast, which is held only in Ops. The ceremony of building a new ger for a soon-to-be-married son is an event as important in a nomad’s life as a wedding. There were about 600 people in attendance, and the gifts received included dozens of livestock such as horses, sheep, and cows, as expected from nomads. Looking at the ger being built with the care of each and every guest, I offer my sincere support for the future of the nomads who are starting anew.
The road to Altangels (Алтан элс), a hidden attraction in Ops that boasts a unique landscape of desert and oasis. There was no road, so we finally arrived at dusk. As it was dark and the weather was not good, I found a ger while looking for a place to stay, hoping for the next day. On a sudden visit, I asked them to stay overnight, and I happily accepted and spent a warm night in the ger of a nomadic couple who even treated me to food. We met Altangels again the next day. Enjoy your time back to childhood amidst the overwhelming scenery created by the steep sand slope.
Economy Queen Reporter Park Yu-mi Photo provided by EBS World Theme Travel
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