The Mongolian Dagurian Strictly Protected Area is divided into two parts. The larger northern part (Chuluunkhoroot soum territory of Dornod aimag), contiguous to Russia's Daurski Reserve, takes the rolling steppe and wet lands on the south shore of white-tinted Tari lake.

The attraction and activities for tourists in Mongolia relate to the natural environment, historic features and cultural heritage. Also Mongolian have been nomad pastoralists since ancient times.

Like the Chinese, the Mongolians use a lunar calendar to celebrate traditional holidays, such as the lunar new year. Years are traditionally grouped into five blocks of 12 years. Each block is named after one of the elements (Earth, fire, water etc) and each year is named after the 12 animals of the zodiac.

Letters and parcels posted abroad can take anything from ten days to a few months to arrive at their destination, but they do usually arrive. The current rates are relatively expensive; postcards MNT 400, letters under 20 grams MNT 550.

If you are in emergency, try to find a Mongolian who speaks English (or your native language) because almost all of the people you will need to speak to understand only Mongolian. It can be useful to carry the contact details of your embassy with you. (See contact details of foreign embassies in Mongolia )