Paragliding Mongolia

Paragliding Mongolia

"Good evening, Greca, do you still want to fly with us?" 

came the message at 19:15, 20 Nov

"Hello Bold, I just want to watch and take photos..." 

I replied at 19:48, 20 Nov

"We will fly this weekend...Saturday and Sunday, 

we will be there around 10am."

After rounding up my adventure partners Boss Bayraa - Enkhbayar Sanjaasuren, CEO of Tugs Nud (Exquisite Eye) Entertainment and Erdenetsogt O., production assistant, we navigated our way through Saturday traffic and in less than an hour, we found ourselves in Yarmag.

Artsat Road presented a challenge. Erdenetsogt's car twisted, hovered, bumped, rolled and kicked on the track road leading to the mountain, just like a hip-hop dancer. In the distance, colorful fabrics swayed, fluttered, folded, crumpled, or grazed the cheeks of the mountain.

We emptied the car and headed to where some men were huddled. The fresh, clean, nippy air immediately energized our bodies.

"Hi, are you Bold?"
"Yes, nice to meet you, Greca. Welcome. Are you going to fly with us? You can do tandem."
"Hmm...first, I'll watch."

Students go through 30 hours of classroom work and 60 hours of on-site training 

For a basic paragliding course, students pay MNT350,000.00 (+-USD186.00) - for a two-month course

Bold offers a basic paragliding course at his school in Namyanju, at the Bayankhairkhan Trade Bldg - a stone's throw away from my apartment! Is this a sign or what?

Students attend 30 hours of classroom work. They are then transported to Yarmag, to a field behind a hospital. There, students can hone their new skills as paragliding pilots.

Left: Bold P., CEO, Oyu World Tours & Arts LLC

Third and Second from Right: Enkhbayar Sanjaasuren, CEO, Tugs Nud (Exquisite Eye)

Entertainment and Erdenetsogt O., Production Assistant. 

While we were there, a carload of paragliding enthusiasts arrived.
They excitedly jumped out of their car. 

"They're here for tandem flying," Bold said. A tandem fly will cost you MNT50,000.00 

(+-USD26.54). This amount includes transport from UB city center to Yarmag. 

So, if you are brave at heart, here's your chance to fly like a golden eagle. 

Pick up the telephone, whip up your Android or iPhone, electronic mail him or go find him. 

"People find us."

Contact: Bold P, +976-8801-2123

www.tourismmongolia.co.uk

ceo@tourismmongolia.co.uk

Oyu World Tours & Arts LLC

Bayankhairkhan Trade Bldg

Namyanju Avenue

Bayanzurkh District

14th microdistrict

Ulaanbaatar 2040, Mongolia

And, did I tell you that you can also go Tuul river rafting with him? Woohoo! 

From May to September, before the river sleeps in winter. 

And, did I tell you that you can also go dog sledding with him? It's a blast! Winter fun!

HAVE GOOD FUN! 

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Photography by: Greca Durant

For professional/commercial business video/photography:
Enkhbayar Sanjaasuren, CEO, Tugs Nud (Exquisite Eye) Entertainment
+976-99055490
https://www.facebook.com/enkhbayar.sanjaasuren?fref=tl_fr_box

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Mongolian Naadam - Ulaanbaatar City, July 11-13, 2013

Mongolia goes into party mode come July. Everyone gears up for the biggest annual show on Chinggis Khaan's land: NAADAM!!!! 

The biggest of them all is of course the Ulaanbaatar city Naadam from the 11th to the 13th of July. It is held at the National Stadium, Olympic Street cor. Chinggis Avenue. 

Ulaanbaatar Naadam Opening Ceremony, July 11, 2013, 11:00AM, National Stadium 

All aimags, cities and sums hold their own version of the festival of the 'three manly games' - Naadam. 

Tuv aimag Naadam, Zuun Mod, July 28, 2013, Central Stadium 

The 'three manly games' as they are known are wrestling, horse racing, and archery. In 2001, knucklebone shooting was added to the games. 

Don't worry about the word 'manly.' Women compete in archery and young girls ride as jockeys in the horse races. Most of the action happen at the National Stadium but the horse races are held at Khui Doloon Khudag, a good 40 kilometers from Ulaanbaatar proper. 

Mongolian wrestling is, however, only reserved for men. According to Jack Weatherford, writing for Lapham's Quarterly, during Khubilai Khaan's time, one of his cousins, Princess Khutulun-- who was born sometime in 1260 and who grew up with 14 brothers, and who happened to be the great-great granddaughter of Chinggis Khaan, -- competed in wrestling and decimated all her opponents. 

From that time on, wrestling became a sport for men only, and wrestlers have to wear tight, open-fronted, long-sleeved jackets that show their manly chests. And when wrestlers dance in victory, with their arms up high, bare chests exposed, showing their maleness, they are actually paying homage to the wrestling princess that no man could outwrestle. 

This year, the 'last man standing' Gunaajav Erkhembayar of Mandal sum, Selenge aimag, received the State Giant accolade. 

Wrestlers everywhere!

As for archery, men, women and children compete for honors. Ethnic Uriankhai, Buriad and Khalkh competitions are held before the nationals. The State Archery Tournament follows Khalkh regulations. Participants are dressed smartly in their colorful deels, impressive-looking bows and arrows by their side. 

The targets

Lady archers

Knucklebone shooting is held at the shooting field next to the Central Stadium. This game traces its origin to a 13th century game played by high society men. Participants also attire themselves in radiant deels. 

The horse races are held in the wide open spaces of Khui Doloon Khudag, where the air is perfumed with the scent of wild oregano and horse sweat. Where the skies are bluer than blue. Where spectators are in carnival mode. No betting allowed, but, you can drink as much airag--fermented mare's milk-- as your stomach can take. 

There are many sideshows during Naadam. One of the most colorful is the Deeltei Mongol Naadam or Mongol in Deel, the traditional dress festival held on the 13th of July at Sukhbataar Square, in the center of the city. It's a giant photo op. 

So, if you missed this year's Naadam, you've got next year to look forward to. 

Caixan naadaarai!!!