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Same Same, But Different: Life for the Nomads of Mongolia Today

Many recognise Mongolia as the abode of nomads.

But the term ‘nomad’ often brings to mind images of a certain kind. And many a time, these mental snapshots portray a life seemingly detached from the broader world. Could this be because of the way the media tends to portray these nomads? Maybe. Or perhaps it's the classic scenario of "you won't know until you see it for yourself."

To know more, continue reading here - https://www.nomadicroad.com/stories/same-same-but-different-life-for-the-nomads-of-mongolia-today

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Discovering the Wonders of Salt Flats: A Tour of Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni Basin

Travel to the fascinating Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flat in the world, which is situated in the center of Bolivia's high-altitude plateau. This enormous region, which covers more than 10,000 square kilometers, presents a bizarre environment that enthralls visitors with its limitless horizon and ethereal beauty.

Why Travel to Bolivia's Salt Flats?

The salt flats, which were created from ancient lakes that have long since evaporated, are more than just a natural beauty; they are a reminder of Earth's historical and geological history. The crystalline salt tiles, shaped like hexagons and encircled by far-off mountains, create an astonishingly stunning panorama that seems unreal.

Ideal Time to Go

The dry season, which lasts from late fall to early spring, is the ideal time to visit the salt flats. The skies are clear and the visibility is the best during this time. As an alternative, going during the rainy season provides a singular show when the flats turn into a massive mirror that flawlessly reflects the sky above.

What to anticipate on your journey

A combination of amazement and adventure awaits travelers. There are many different types of sceneries along the way to Salar de Uyuni, such as rocky deserts and high-altitude lagoons. This adventure, which combines driving and hiking, is ideal for people who enjoy adventure and sightseeing together. 

Local Interactions and Cultural Perspectives

You will come across vibrant local towns and rich cultural heritage sites as you travel across Bolivia to get to the salt flats. Every market and town has a strong sense of indigenous traditions that provide a window into the daily lives of people who live in this area.

Snapshots and Grass Views

The salt flats are a photographer's paradise. The large open areas and natural lighting make for ideal shooting settings for gorgeous pictures. Every moment is worth taking a picture, whether it's of the geometric salt patterns or the mirror-like reflections during the rainy season. 

Making Travel Plans

It is essential to make sufficient plans before visiting the salt flats. Make sure you have the appropriate equipment because the weather can be unpredictable and the altitude might be difficult. Choose guided excursions that provide knowledgeable commentary and guarantee your safety the entire time.

In summary

More than just a travel experience, a trip to Bolivia's salt flats offers an immersion into the unmatched beauty of nature. For those who enjoy culture, adventure, or photography, the salt flats offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Are you prepared to take on the world's largest salt flats? Begin organizing your trip right now to fully experience Bolivia's natural and cultural treasures.

For more detailed insights and to embark on this adventure, visit Nomadic Road's Bolivia Expedition.

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Set Off on an Unforgettable Madagascar Road Trip Adventure

Take an amazing trip with Nomadic Road down the RN5, where every turn reveals a brand-new madagascar road trip adventure. Travel across a variety of environments as you discover the attractions of this fascinating island nation, from lush coasts to dense rainforests. Their road tours promise amazing experiences and genuine encounters with Madagascar's distinctive fauna and rich culture, all under the guidance of qualified guides. Their road trip through Madagascar offers the ideal balance of excitement and exploration, whether you're looking for heart-pounding activities, peaceful moments in nature, or cultural immersion. Take off now and let the journey of a lifetime take you across the roads of Madagascar. To know more have a look at their website - https://www.nomadicroad.com/expeditions/madagascar-rn5

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Embark on Adventurous Overland Expeditions with Nomadic Road

Are you a wanderer at heart, yearning to explore untamed landscapes and immerse yourself in the wonders of the great outdoors?

Look no further!

Nomadic Road invites you to embark on unforgettable overland expeditions, where every journey becomes an extraordinary adventure. With a passion for exploration and a commitment to responsible travel, Nomadic Road is your gateway to a world of thrilling experiences and breathtaking destinations.

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Discover historic landscapes, meet nomadic people, and see rare animals in their native habitat. Book your next trip from Nomadic Road to embark on a once in a lifetime journey. Browse through their website for more details and information - https://www.nomadicroad.com/expeditions/road-to-gobi

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EPIC ADVENTURE ACROSS THE LAKE BAÏKAL

Some of my friends say I am living my dream. Some say I am living my passion. But it’s not as rosy as it looks. It’s not easy to travel on these adventurous expeditions while having an 11-year-old Autistic daughter at home. I am able to do these travels just because my one and only wife is supportive and allows me to follow my passion of adventure even though it’s difficult for her to manage without me. I will always stay indebted to her for this.

The same evening that I returned from the Mount Everest base camp expedition, I received a message from Venky regarding the Road to Baikal expedition in Siberia. In the morning, I had the permission granted and the confirmation went out to Venky and there was no looking back.

Expedition in this part of the world where the maximum temperatures are -10 degrees and minimum anywhere between -30 to  -35 degrees required 100% preparation. Looking for appropriate clothing including sleeping bag, shoes, socks, etc. began. In the meantime the flight tickets were booked and the Russian visa was taken care off. Being in Russia and not visiting Moscow would be considered a crime. So, I decided to take a stopover at Moscow on my return journey.

Months passed by so quickly and before I knew it, I was on my way to Irkutsk in Siberia from Dubai via Moscow. The journey to Moscow was not so bad. But the 9-hour wait in the airport lounge was killing even though there was food and free drinks. Sitting all alone (only Indian) with no company was the worst part. I reached Irkutsk the following morning where I had to forward the clock by 5 hours. The representative of Nomadic Road, organisers of this expedition, transferred me to our hotel, The Courtyard by Marriott.

As usual Venky was at the reception to greet and welcome me. The temperature was a little disappointing. It was only -2 degrees whereas the average temperatures at this time of the year are above -10 degrees. The Adventure began the same day. We were booked in for a private helicopter tour on Lake Baikal to cover the south side where we wouldn’t be driving and a lunch to be served on the lakeside. After a quick breakfast and freshening up at the hotel, we assembled at the lobby by 12 pm. Also, met the guys who would be, partners in crime on this expedition. I knew Ashlyn (who has done 2 expeditions with me) and Ajesh as we are members of the same off-roading club in Dubai. Met Ram from Mumbai and Mittal my would be partner in the vehicle from Pune. Also met the brother in law duo of Vijay from Mumbai and Suresh from Cleveland, Ohio, USA. Another brother in law duo Neeraj from Delhi and Deepak from Mumbai were to reach later that night. Charles, the French filmmaker also would arrive later that night after missing his connecting flight to Irkutsk. Ram and Mittal were not taking the helicopter tour. So the 5 of us were transferred to the helipad, a half an hour drive from our hotel along with an English-speaking guide.

“Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before”

After a simple briefing, which was translated to us, we were on the choppers ready for take-off. I was paired with Vijay in a small chopper (due to weight issues) and the others were in a 6 seater. The ride took us above Irkutsk giving us a bird’s eye view of the city and following the frozen Angara River towards Lake Baikal. We were told to watch out for any wildlife below, but were not lucky enough to spot anything. We could also see the long Trans-Siberian railway line winding through the mountains.

The first view of the humongous frozen lake Baikal brought goose bumps all over. The magnanimity of the lake and the thought of driving on it for the next 7 days brought more excitement within.

At the first sight of the clear blue ice below, I almost screamed out of joy, but somehow contained it. The scenery below was out of the world and brought back memories of some good science fiction movies such as The snow creature. We also got to see some locals carrying out ice fishing, cars driving on the lake, a hovercraft and surprisingly an adventurer trying to cross the lake with a cycle. The experienced pilots took us as low as possible so that we could get a good look of the lake and easily landed the choppers on the lakeside at Polovinniy bay besides the railway track. This village at Polovinniy bay is abandoned during winters. By the time we walked along the railway line near the village, the pilots had set our lunch on the lakeside and surprised us with a bottle of champagne.

The lunch was a good spread of Fish and Beef along with the famous Omul Salad.  Omul is a white fish species of the salmon family endemic to Lake Baikal. It is considered a delicacy in Siberia and eaten raw in a salad. As the champagne disappeared in a few minutes, Ajesh pulled out a bottle of Remy Martin from his bag. The Omul salad tasted great with the company of cognac and I had never imagined that I would be eating raw fish someday. Once done we took off again and flew over the town of Listvyanka where most of the tourist from Irkutsk comes to enjoy the frozen lake. It seems around 300 rivers come and empty themselves into lake Baikal and only 1 river flows out of lake Baikal which is river Angara and starts from Listvyanka.

We got to witness one more wonder of Mother Nature. The 700 meters at the mouth of the river Angara, where it flows out of Baikal never freezes under any circumstances and any temperature even in the harshest winters. The remainder of the journey was very scenic and kept me busy making video clips and clicking pictures. We also flew over the famous Taltsy museum, which is an open-air museum. Taltsy was a village of wooden houses, which was moved and preserved in the present location to enact the life of the Russians in the 17th and 18th century. It was on my list to visit this museum, but had to be satisfied by the aerial view due to shortage of time. Upon landing at the helipad, we celebrated our trip with local Baikal vodka shots at the heliport bar and returned to our hotel. In the evening Ram and Mittal joined me, Ajesh and Ashlyn for a walk to the old town. A picture by Babur the lioness, a bronze sculpture was a must. To read more visit - https://www.nomadicroad.com/stories/epic-adventure-across-the-lake-baikal

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Namibia Expeditions - Delve into a Motoring Expedition in Namibia | Nomadic Road

Embark on a thrilling Namibia expedition with Nomadic Road and explore the stunning landscapes of Southern Africa. Discover the culture, wildlife, and unique landscapes of Namibia on a motoring adventure of a lifetime. Self-drive across Namibia and experience the greatest overland expedition. Book your trip now!

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Road to Gobi: Exploring the Wonders of Mongolia's Vast Landscapes

The Road to Gobi is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that passes through some of Mongolia's most breathtaking landscapes. As you journey across Mongolia Gobi Desert tour expansive grasslands, craggy mountains, and ancient ruins, this trip offers a rare chance to experience the nomadic way of life. You can experience horseback riding, go to a traditional Mongolian family, and take in the Naadam celebration. In the Gobi Desert, where the adventure comes to a close, you may visit tall sand dunes and the well-known Flaming Cliffs. This is an adventure not to be missed, full of life-changing encounters and treasured memories. Have a look at our website for more details and information - https://www.nomadicroad.com/expeditions/road-to-gobi

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Nomadic Road Offers the Best Overland Trips

Nomadic Road is a pioneer in planning overland trips to destinations never before dreamt of and in ways never before thought of. Go on a memorable adventure and discover some of the finest regions on the planet. Start planning your trip of a lifetime today by visiting their website here - https://www.nomadicroad.com/

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Explore memorable overland expeditions with Nomadic Road

Nomadic Road provides adventurous and unforgettable overland expeditions to some of the world's most beautiful and off-the-beaten-path destinations. Their team will take you on a once in a lifetime journey while keeping comfort, safety, and authenticity in mind. Join them on their explorations and experience the thrill of discovering remote and stunning landscapes. Check out their website for more details and information - https://www.nomadicroad.com/expeditions/road-to-altai

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Set out on a mongolian expedition with Nomadic Road

Embark on an unforgettable journey with Nomadic Road's mongolian expedition. Their mongolia road trip uncovers an opportunity to witness the rugged Altai Mountains, vast open plains, and spectacular landscapes. Discover this fascinating country's culture and history through authentic cultural experiences and breathtaking views. Visit Nomadic Road’s website to plan your next adventure https://www.nomadicroad.com/expeditions/road-to-altai

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Are you wondering to go to Namibia for your Holidays?

The Namibia Holiday trips are scheduled from December 6 to December 20, 2023, and each participant is required to pay a fee of US$9879. This gives you ample time to plan and organize a trip with your loved ones. The tour will take you through the central and northern regions of Namibia, where temperatures are expected to range from a maximum of 35°C to a minimum of 18°C, so make sure to pack accordingly. To know more about this trip, visit here https://www.nomadicroad.com/expeditions/road-to-namibia-2023