October, 2008 Photo Contest

Where Was This Photo Taken? Do you recognize this final resting place? Last Month's Winner Congratulations to Justin Mortensen of Oakland, CA for correctly identifying the Miraflores Locks in Panama.

Lost in Mongolia: Rafting the World’s Last Unchallenged River by Colin Angus

Colin Angus describes himself as a "full-time adventurer," who is dedicated to completing incredible feats in the most remote locations. In his second book, Lost in Mongolia, he recounts his five-month journey down the Yenisey River in Mongolia. With two companions, Angus takes on this 5,500 km river during the only time of year when it isn't frozen over. What ensues is a tale fraught with flash floods, inhospitable weather, and comical and frightening run-ins with a host of characters including the Mongolian military, Russian mob bosses, and local fisherman. ...

Mongolia Tour Operators

There are many local and international operators in Mongolia. These are three that offer authentic, low-impact trips: Nomadic Journeys www.nomadicjourneys.com Tseren Tours www.tserentours.com Mongolia Expeditions www.mongolia-expeditions.com If you prefer to coordinate your own travel, contact Blue Wolf Travel (mongol_altai@yahoo.com). Based out of Bayan Ulgii, Blue Wolf offers travel advice and coordinates special requests for transportation, guides and gear rental throughout the Western Aimags.

Exploring Western Mongolia

In July, a Xola team spent four weeks in the five Western Aimags of Mongolia. Read on for two adventure travel Hotspots that were identified by the team. We also bring you an interview with Roger Chao and Megan Kerr who will embark in 2009 on a year-long journey across Asia and Russia to pursue cultural and educational exchange with the native peoples. OTR will be capturing their exploits before, during, and after the trip. To get things started, we interviewed the pair between their custom-built Quike test drives. Click ...

Clam Digging in Korea

Take the Janghangseon line train from Seoul and disembark at the Ungcheon station. From there, travel for an hour on the Muchang-po bus to Muchangpo beach. Here you can rent clam digging equipment and join the ajjumas (older Korean women) in their sunhats in their search for clams on the beach. If you're not up for cooking your bounty right away, enjoy delicious seafood at one of the many restaurants that line the boardwalk nearby. Twice a year, during the lunar high ...

A Spontaneous Trip to Antarctica

Traveling in South America and considering a trip extension to Antarctica? Do it! Make your way to Ushuaia, Argentina where you can secure a berth on the next available boat. Last minute tickets are often available for half price. I got a spot on the Antarctic Dream for my Antarctica adventure. The Chilean expedition ship is a bit rough around the edges, but its friendly staff, multiple daily meals, and panorama views more than made up for it. Be warned that the ocean en route to the southern continent can be rough, especially through the Drake Passage (arguably the ...

Experience Mongolia’s Root of the World

A rich Kazakh culture resides in the Bayan-Ulgii province of Mongolia, a remote land of high mountains, shimmering glaciers, and powerful rivers. Fly or travel overland from the capital city of Ulaanbaatar to the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park for first-class backcountry skiing, mountain climbing, and trekking opportunities in the highest range of the Altai Mountains. After an active day, share a meal with the kazakh locals who live in and around the park for a special cultural experience. The local Environment Protection Agency offers English speaking guides and will issue permits and direct ...

Hearing Birds Fly: A Nomadic Year in Mongolia by Louisa Waugh

This is the story of a British journalist who spends a year teaching English in the remote mountains of Western Mongolia. She recounts her experiences and explains how this life-altering experience changed her perspective of the people and the country. Hearing Birds Fly is an excellent introduction to the lives of the Mongolian people who live in this remote area and the timelessness of their existence. Waugh effectively explores the ...