Renewed interest in Mongolia as a travel destination

June 6th sees the UK release of Mongol: The Rise to Power of Genghis Khan, a film based on the early life of the Mongol Emperor. The Oscar-nominated film is directed by Russian filmmaker Sergei Bodrov and based on the writings of historian Lev Gumilyov. Mongol focuses on the early life of the fearsome leader, who went on to become ruler of the largest overland empire the world had ever seen, covering 22% of the Earth’s total land area.

Cox & Kings, the world’s longest established travel company, expects the film to provoke renewed interest in the region. Far East Product Manager Yaow Butwisate said, “Films can occasionally have a powerful effect on travel trends – Lost in Translation stimulated great interest in Japan a few years ago, and we hope Mongol will result in renewed interest in Mongolia as a travel destination.

“Genghis Khan still looms large as a figure in Mongolia – he is a source of national pride and his face can be found on everyday items, from banknotes to vodka. Two years ago we ran a number of special tours celebrating the 800th anniversary of the formation of the Mongol Empire, which all sold out, so the interest is definitely out there.”

Cox & Kings’ 13-night Mongolia: Land of Blue Sky tour visits Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol empire, as well as Ulaan Baatar, Terelj National Park, the Gobi Desert and Hustain Nuruu National Park. The tour starts from £2,295 per person, including flights, full board accommodation, guided excursions and transfers, and there are departures on 29 June and 8 July.

Both of these special departures include Mongolia’s Naadam Festival, which features the traditional nomadic sports of archery, horse-riding and wrestling amongst a full programme of activities, many of which can be traced back to Genghis Khan’s day. Mongolia: Land of Blue Sky can be taken at any time as a private journey.

Mongol: The Rise To Power of Genghis Khan opens in UK cinemas on 6 June 2008. It is expected to be the first of a trilogy of films documenting the leader’s life.