Mongolia without a yurt

Visitors can feel the history and culture of Mongolia through the traditional architecture.

While it is not uncommon to see people who have had one too many, the contrasts of modern life awkwardly juxtaposed with traditional Mongolian culture make it a fascinating place to visit.

And you don't even have to stay in a yurt anymore.

The traditional wooden circular framed homes, covered with a white felt blanket, have been housing the nomadic tribes since the 13th century to the present day.

But sadly, sometime in the 21st century, the backpacking brigade with their beanies and bongos decided the semi-permanent tents were "cool" and so began a generation of wannabe warriors on yurt gap-year vacations. Unfortunately, for every destination with unspoiled culture, there will always be 10 dreadlocked students with badly tuned guitars.

But rich in vast mineral reserves, Ulan Bator is on the move, and so is the landscape of travelers venturing into this desolate region.

Arriving at Chinggis Khaan International Airport offers an instant impression of the most sparsely populated country on the planet.

Rolling green hills - the stuff of computer screen savers - appear as far as the eye can see. About 3 million people live in this landlocked nation that is slightly smaller than Alaska.

The airport walls are emblazoned with huge portraits of Genghis Khan and his descendant rulers - feared warriors who look as intimidating in paint as the legends depicted in history books.

It was once, and still is, a place of inconceivable contrasts, but the capital Ulan Bator, fueled by trillions in untapped minerals, is witnessing a makeover.

Hotel Blue Sky is the latest skyscraper to emerge from this Soviet-era style landscape. The extraordinary design, like a giant ship's sail of glass in the center of the city, is the latest member of Preferred Hotels and Resorts.

Opened in January 2012, the 200-room Blue Sky is the first world-class hotel to grace this city and caters to those who prefer luxury over roughing it in a circular tent.

Situated on Peace Avenue opposite the central Sukhbaatar Square, the hotel would look completely out of synch if not for the Louis Vuitton store across the street that opened just a year earlier.