Mongolia is a landlocked country bordering China and Russia with a population of almost three million. Dominated by the Gobi Desert, it has vast uninhabitable areas; however, it has plenty of fascinating places to visit, not least the capital Ulan Bator, which is slowly transforming into a vibrant city.

Ulan Bator, with its east meets west vibe will always be your first point of call and has the feeling of a city trying to open itself up to tourism, with its internet cafés and swanky bars. A few Buddhist monasteries remain intact here, including the Choijin Lama Monastery, which has been turned into a museum. The National Museum of Mongolian History offers an interesting insight into Mongolian history dating as far back as the prehistoric times.

Alternatively, you can arrange hiking trips across the great plains of Mongolia, where you can experience a truly nomadic lifestyle. Watch as a pair of golden eagles hunt down a wolf and then sit down and tuck into the local cuisine, usually based on mutton.

Naadam Festival (mid-July) is the biggest festival in Mongolia and it is worth planning your trip around. Festivals are held all over the country, with the biggest taking place in Ulan Bator. The festival consists of three sports: horseback riding, archery and Mongolian wrestling. An elaborate ceremony gets things underway featuring dancers, musicians and the athletes themselves. Once this is completed the competition begins.

Clean and comfortable hotels in Ulan Bator are affordable but basic. Youth hostels are also available if you are travelling on a budget. Luxury hotels in the capital will cost you the same as a high end room in a European city.

Chinggis Khaan International Airport is the only airport in Mongolia that offers scheduled international flights. Direct flights are only available other Asian countries as well as Russia. The Trans-Siberian Railway runs through Mongolia, connecting it with Russia and China; however, there is little else connecting the rest of the country. Very few of the roadways are paved, but private bus and minibus companies run from Ulan Bator to remote destinations if you wish to explore the rest of the country.