What is special Grand Tour in Mongolia?
"The Grand Tour" is a popular television series that takes viewers on a journey around the world to explore different cultures, landscapes, and experiences. One of the most exciting seasons of the show was filmed in Mongolia, a country known for its rugged beauty and rich history. In this blog, we'll take a closer look at the "Grand Tour" season in Mongolia and what made it such a thrilling adventure for the hosts and viewers alike. Filmed in late June 2018, Jeremy Clarkson himself has expressed his dislike for shooting this particular special, citing the challenging conditions faced by the trio during the segment. "Survival of the Fattest" received widespread praise, earning a 9.8/10 rating on both IMDb and TVTime, a 9.5/10 on TVMaze, and an impressive 86% score on Trakt.tv.
Who are the hosts of the Grand tour?
The season begins with the hosts - Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May - arriving in Mongolia, where they immediately immerse themselves in the local culture. They explore the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, sampling traditional foods like buuz (steamed dumplings) and airag (fermented mare's milk) and meeting locals who still live a traditional nomadic lifestyle.
From there, the hosts set off on a series of epic challenges and adventures that showcase the beauty and diversity of Mongolia. They race across the Gobi Desert in custom-built cars, taking on treacherous terrain and dodging sandstorms. They visit the ancient city of Kharkhorin, once the capital of the Mongol Empire, and explore the ruins of the Erdene Zuu Monastery.
Perhaps the most iconic moment of the season is when the hosts attempt to cross the vast expanse of the Khövsgöl Nuur, a massive lake in northern Mongolia that's surrounded by some of the country's most stunning landscapes. The hosts build their own boats out of various materials, from inflatable rafts to wooden canoes, and set off on a journey that's equal parts hilarious and heart-stopping.
Throughout the season, the hosts also interact with the local people, learning about their customs and traditions and gaining a deeper appreciation for the challenges and joys of life in Mongolia. They meet with nomadic herders who still live in traditional gers (tents) and rely on their animals for survival. They attend a local wrestling tournament and witness the fierce competition and camaraderie that defines this ancient sport.
What was vehicle of Grand tour Mongolia?
The custom-built off-road vehicle utilizes a 2.5L 300TDi turbodiesel engine from Land Rover, equipped with a locking differential at the front and a low-range gear, delivering 111 horsepower.
​Vehicle name | Picture | Drivers |
John - Land Rover's 300TDi 2.5L | ​  | ​James May and Jeremy Clarkson |
What makes the "Grand Tour" season in Mongolia so compelling is its combination of breathtaking landscapes, extreme challenges, and cultural immersion. The hosts are constantly pushed out of their comfort zones, but they also gain a newfound respect for the resilience and resourcefulness of the Mongolian people. Viewers are treated to a front-row seat to this unforgettable adventure, which is sure to inspire a sense of wonder and wanderlust in anyone who watches.
Finally, here's a list of some popular destinations in Mongolia:
Grand Tour in Mongolia route
1. Ulaanbaatar - the capital city of Mongolia, home to museums, monasteries, and bustling markets.
2. Gobi Desert - a vast and starkly beautiful desert in southern Mongolia, known for its sand dunes, canyons, and unique wildlife.
3. Kharkhorin - an ancient city and former capital of the Mongol Empire, now home to the ruins of the Erdene Zuu Monastery and other historical sites.
4. Orkhon Valley - a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features waterfalls, hot springs, and ancient ruins from different periods in Mongolian history.
5. Terelj National Park - a stunning natural area located just outside of Ulaanbaatar, with rocky mountains, grasslands, and beautiful hiking trails in the Grand Tour in Mongolia.
6. Lake Khuvsgul - one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world, surrounded by forests and mountains and home to a variety of wildlife, including reindeer.
7. Altai Mountains - a range of mountains in western Mongolia that are popular among hikers and mountaineers for their rugged beauty and stunning views.
8. Amarbayasgalant Monastery - a beautiful and well-preserved Buddhist monastery located in northern Mongolia, surrounded by scenic countryside.
9. Flaming Cliffs - a site in the Gobi Desert known for its stunning red sandstone formations and its importance as a fossil site for dinosaur remains.
10. Hustai National Park - a protected area just outside of Ulaanbaatar that's home to wild horses and other unique wildlife, including wolves, eagles, and marmots.
