10 Things to Do in Ölgii, Mongolia: Exploring Kazakh Traditional Games
The remote city of Ölgii, located in the far western corner of Mongolia, is a great place to explore the unique Kazakh culture and traditional games. From the traditional horse racing to the archery competitions, Ölgii has plenty of activities to offer visitors. Here are 10 things to do in Ölgii, Mongolia that will introduce you to the Kazakh culture and its traditional games.
1. Horse Racing: Horse racing is a popular sport in Ölgii and the surrounding region. It is a traditional game that is often held on special occasions. The races are usually held on a flat track and involve two teams of riders competing against each other. The races are usually fast-paced and exciting, and you can often find locals betting on the outcome.
2. Archery: Archery is another traditional Kazakh game that is popular in Ölgii. The archery competitions are usually held in the summer months and involve two teams of archers competing against each other. The goal is to hit the target with the most arrows in the shortest amount of time.
3. Falconry: Falconry is a traditional Kazakh sport that involves training a bird of prey to hunt. The falconer will use a lure to attract the bird and then use a glove to catch it. The falconer will then train the bird to hunt small game. Falconry is a popular pastime in Ölgii and it is a great way to get a closer look at the local wildlife.
4. Wrestling: Wrestling is a traditional Kazakh game that is still popular in Ölgii. The wrestlers compete in a ring and use a variety of techniques to try to pin their opponent to the ground. The winner is the wrestler who is able to pin their opponent three times in a row.
5. Kökbörü: Kökbörü is a traditional Kazakh sport that is similar to polo. It is a team sport that involves two teams of riders competing against each other on horseback. The goal is to hit a wooden ball with a stick and score a goal.
6. Kokpar: Kokpar is a traditional Kazakh game that is similar to polo but instead of a wooden ball, a goat carcass is used. The teams of riders compete against each other to try to grab the carcass and bring it to their side of the field.
7. Kyz Kuu: Kyz Kuu is a traditional Kazakh game that is similar to tag. Two teams of riders compete against each other and the goal is to capture the flag of the other team. The team that captures the flag first wins the game.
8. Snowsports: Ölgii is a great place to explore the winter sports of Mongolia. The city is surrounded by mountains and there are plenty of ski slopes and snowboarding areas to explore.
9. Hiking: Ölgii is surrounded by stunning mountains and there are plenty of hiking trails to explore. The trails vary in difficulty and you can find trails that are suitable for all levels of hikers.
10. Shopping: Ölgii is a great place to pick up some souvenirs and local handicrafts. The city has a variety of markets where you can find everything from traditional Kazakh clothing to handicrafts and jewelry.
These are just a few of the things to do in Ölgii, Mongolia. The city is a great place to explore the unique Kazakh culture and its traditional games. Whether you are looking for a thrilling horse race or a peaceful hike in the mountains, Ölgii has something for everyone.