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Is mongolia worth visiting reasons you have to visit.

Is Mongolia worth visiting? YES, YES, and YES again! When we arrived back in Vietnam, after 4 months of backpacking through Hong Kong , Macau , China , Mongolia , South Korea and Japan, many people were curious to know where exactly was our favourite destination. Without hesitation, both of us, hands down would say Mongolia! Mongolia is a unique country that will forever hold a special place in our hearts. Here, we have compiled a list of 9 reasons why you should DEFINITELY visit Mongolia.

Colourful costumes at the Naadam Festival, Mongolia

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Travelling to Mongolia is a path less trodden

Many people have heard of Mongolia and the Mongol Empire, but how many people do you know who have been? Probably not many, right? Mongolia is one of those countries that are less travelled , but we think this is definitely going to change over the next few years. Infrastructure is rapidly improving, and the country is becoming more popular and modernized. We recommend you book a Mongolian tour fast before the culture and natural preservations are overshadowed by mass amounts of tourism and international influences. However, for now, the country is still a relatively undiscovered and untouched corner of the Earth.

Make sure to check out our ultimate  backpacking Mongolia  itinerary for more inspiration!

Orkhon Valley waterfall, Mongolia

The incredible landscape throughout Mongolia

Is Mongolia worth visiting for its landscapes? Of course! Mongolia boasts landscapes that will blow you away! One of the most interesting things about Mongolia is that it has the lowest population density in the world, and half of Mongolia’s 3 million population lives in the capital city, Ulaanbaatar. Therefore, the land outside of the city is untouched and ready to take your breath away. Mongolia has a vast amount of open land that constantly changes as you venture further away from the city. From the dunes in the Gobi Desert, the glaciated snow-capped mountains in the west, to the lush green forests in central Mongolia; you are sure to discover landscapes so different, yet so close by like you have never seen before. Honestly, it is out of this world, and it somewhat reminded us of landscapes that are so unrealistic that you would see them in a cartoon.

Horse riding to Naiman Nurr, Mongolia

Go for a Mongolia adventure

Amazing adventures await! A sense of adventure is certainly out there, even for the most well-organised travellers. Once you hop into your old Russian mini-van and leave the city, who knows where you will end up for the night, what you will eat, or what you will see along the way? You could go days before you get the chance to take a shower, eat a nice warm meal, or even sleep in a comfy bed free of creepy crawlies. But what we can be sure of is the amazing wildlife and animals you will see, the kind-hearted families you will meet, and the lifelong lessons you will learn along the way.

The adventure is continuous, with opportunities to watch heavenly sunsets at the top of dunes, ride on horseback through lush steppes and lakes, camel ride into the sunset in the desert, bike through an ice glacier in the summer heat, or sleep under the magical night stars.

Camels in the Gobi desert, Mongolia

Mongolia culture

There is nothing quite like Mongolia’s distinctive culture! Mongolian culture is unique, and you will find no other culture like it. From the fascinating nomadic lifestyle to the colourful and rich traditional dress sense; you will be intrigued to learn more about this captivating culture that has been preserved, despite living in a fast-advancing world. Immerse yourself into the culture by sleeping in a traditional ger with a local nomadic family and eating freshly made goat cheese biscuits and slabs of mutton meat. You may even get the chance to become a farmer for a day, by helping the family herd their sheep.

A child holding a goat in Mongolia

Go to Mongolia alone and take a break from civilization

Take a break from people! Mongolia is one of the least populated countries on Earth. Once you leave the city it’s not hard to get lost in your thoughts. The mass open landscapes, no houses, no buildings, and no people will truly make you feel like you’re the only one in the world. Find fun in the simpler things in life; like skipping stones in the lakes and chasing goats and sheep off the road. Or even hanging your head outside of a fast-moving van, to feel the wind gliding through hair.

Tsagaan Suvarga Canyon, Mongolia

The epic Naadam Festival

Is Mongolia worth visiting for its festivals? Absolutely! The epic annual Naadam Festival takes place around the middle of July and lasts for 3 days. We were very lucky to have had the chance to witness the festival, despite not having originally planned to be there during the festival time. The festival kicks off with a huge opening ceremony that plays out the history of Mongolia. Afterwards, you will have the chance to watch traditional Mongolian wrestling, archery and, of course, horse riding.

This festival has even been dubbed the ‘Mongolian horse racing festival’, for the number of horse races that take place; from wee babies riding horses, to fully grown adults. Aside from being astonished at children as young as 5 years old galloping around on their horses, make sure to feel the suspense as 115+ kg wrestlers take each other to the ground. If you can, we highly recommend planning your trip to Mongolia around the Naadam Festival. Make sure to buy your tickets in advance, as you don’t want to miss out on the day’s events.

Wrestlers at the Naadam Festival, Mongolia

The kind-hearted people of Mongolia

Of course, Mongolia is worth visiting for the welcoming people! The people of Mongolia are among the most kind-hearted people we have ever come across. They are just as much intrigued about you, as you are about them. Despite a language barrier, the people will go out of their way to help you, make you feel welcome, feed you, and make sure you are comfortable for the night. We experienced nothing but kindness from our host families across the entire country. One family even went as far as moving out of their bedroom ger to make room for us for the night.

Kids in Mongolia

The funky capital of Mongolia – Ulaanbaatar City

The funky, old-soviet style city of Ulaanbaatar is a great place to hang out for a few days. With half of the population in Mongolia living in the capital, you would expect the city to be relatively big. Nope! You can easily cover the city on foot, as it is quite small. Surprisingly, despite the rest of the country living on a farm with little technology, the city is built up. Ulaanbaatar has all the conveniences that you would find at home. The city has a Russian feel to it and is worth taking a few days to explore. Not only is Ulaanbaatar a nice city to spend a few days in, but it’s also the perfect place to start your trip. It’s easy to reach from both Russia and China via train. For more information on how to reach Mongolia from China the cheapest way , check out our post.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Ulaanbaatar, make sure to check out the latest prices  HERE.

Naadam festival costume parade - Mongolia

Fascinating Mongolian history

The history of Mongolia is utterly fascinating! If you’re a history sponge, then Mongolia is undoubtedly a country for you. The history of Mongolia spans way back to the 13th century when the Mongols rose to rule the world. Relive the past at the National Museum or follow in the footsteps of Genghis Khan, with a trip on horseback through Mongolian forests, steppes and lakes. The possibilities to unfold centuries worth of history are endless. But a cool place to visit is the Genghis Khan Statue , which can easily be combined with a trip to Terelj National Park .

Genghis Khan Statue, Mongolia

Essential resources for travelling in Mongolia

Travel Insurance – No matter where you’re travelling to, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re covered for any accidents or losses. We spent days and weeks searching for insurance, but most insurers would not allow us to take out a policy as we were already abroad. Our personal choice is Safteywing . You can opt for automatic monthly payments, just like a subscription. More importantly, it is available in 180 countries and can be purchased whilst already travelling. There is no cap on the duration of travel.

Visa – Before you travel to any country, make sure to check if you need a visa. iVisa is a fantastic website that is super easy and quick to use. Just type in where you are from. and where you are going. to check if you need a visa. If you do, you can quickly make an application online.

Accommodation – Booking.com is our go-to when looking to pre-book accommodation online. Booking.com tend to almost always have the best rates and a FREE cancellation policy for most properties.

Tours & Activities – If you want to book tours and activities online, make sure to check out Get Your Guide . Get Your Guide takes the stress out of booking activities abroad. You will also find a range of benefits, such as skip-the-line passes, lunch included in your tours, and so much more.

Travel tips ebook -Before you head off on your adventure, make sure to download our free ebook. It has a whopping 109 budget travel tips to help you make your hard-earned cash go further. Click here to download your FREE ebook.

So, what do you think? Is Mongolia worth visiting? We hope this list of reasons to visit Mongolia has inspired you to visit this amazing country! It’s quite clear that Mongolia is the perfect retreat for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts. Don’t hold back from visiting; book that flight, change cars for horses, houses for gers, and roads for gravel dirt paths.

If you’re inspired to visit Mongolia (which you should be), find out  how to get a Mongolian visa  here.

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Reasons You Have to Visit Mongolia

9 thoughts on “ Is Mongolia Worth Visiting? Reasons You Have to Visit ”

why travel to mongolia

Mongolia looks great and your information is also helpful. I am not sure how it will be to visit Mongolia with kids.

why travel to mongolia

It always seems a bit strange that Mongolia is not that populous anymore, especially as it was such a great empire in the past. I have heard nothing but amazing things about Mongolia and it looks like a must-do for the travel bucket list. That said, I like your short tips on why to visit, nice heads up about the Naadam festival.

why travel to mongolia

I know right ! I do think that it is going to rapidly change in the coming years though. It won’t be long before it is a tourist hot spot. Hope you get to visit one day soon.

why travel to mongolia

I legitimately didn’t need any more reasons to add Mongolia to my 2018 list, but this definitely makes me want to go even more!

Glad it makes you want to go more 🙂 Do you have plans to go this year ?

why travel to mongolia

Neither of us is a huge fan of roughing it, but honestly, the experience you had is almost enough to change that. Anytime you get to immerse yourself in a culture is a true gift, and it sounds like you got that. Amazing!

To be honest, we are not huge fan of roughing it either but it’s totally worth it in Mongolia. The gers are actually really cosy too, when the fire is lit.

why travel to mongolia

Oh yeah! Looks great. I am planning on hitting Mongolia early next year. I have also been listening to a Mongolian band called Huun Huur Tu who are great also.

Awesome ! You are going to love it. Seems like you are getting into the Mongolian vibe already.

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why travel to mongolia

Borders Of Adventure

Borders Of Adventure

Leading Culture and Adventure Travel Blog by Becki Enright. Looking at the world with a different angle to change perceptions of misunderstood places, for the best in travel.

An orange overland truck and rows of green tents besides the wide Ugii Lake in Mongolia

Adventure Travel , Mongolia

This is How to Travel to Mongolia – Overlanding the Least Densely Populated Country in the World

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to handpicked partners, including tours, gear and booking sites. If you click through or buy something via one of them, I may receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you and allows this site to keep running.

Want to get to somewhere lesser-known and travel differently? This Mongolia travel guide shows how to go overlanding in the world’s least densely populated country.

Travel to Mongolia means tackling a land of extremes. Both in the landscape, from its vast desert lands and towering dunes to its lush green mountainous national parks, and in its lack of infrastructure, where you become just as frustrated as you are in awe by the country’s areas of extreme isolation.

Visiting Mongolia is to find a canvas of rugged beauty capped by a sky so blue that pollution isn’t even a word that exists here. Passing only wild horses, herds of cattle, an isolated ger in the distance, and the odd truck also on its way to the city, life here is at its purest and most beautiful.

Outside of its unkempt capital, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia exists with limited facilities, but that’s what makes it attractive. On the road, it can take hours of driving before you pass a small ger community, a Mongolian on horseback or another vehicle, and in between blessed with the most stunning views of a country so desolate that you know you’ve reached the real heart of it.

Overlanding through Mongolia, rather than flying or taking the train, is one of the best decisions I have ever made. This guide will show you how to travel Mongolia from China by land, in a vast loop that takes in some of the country’s most treasured hotspots and wilderness hideaways.  

A blue house with a red roof and a white Ger sit isolated in Mongolia's Orkhon Valley

Visit the Least Densely Populated Country in the World

Off the beaten track adventure, when is the best time to go to mongolia, it pays to know a local, classic nomadic mongolia, local living mongolia, discover mongolia – national geographic journeys, experience the naadam festival in mongolia, is mongolia expensive to travel, mongolia visa on arrival, visa-free access to mongolia, day 1: visiting ulaanbaatar, day 2: getting from ulaanbaatar to the gobi desert, day 3: visit the baga gazryn chuluu rock formations, day 4: sleep at a ger camp in the gobi desert, day 5: dalanzagad to gobi discovery ger camp, day 6: hiking in yolin am – mongolia’s ice valley, day 7: a trip to the gobi desert khongoryn els sand dunes, day 8: visiting the bayanzag flaming cliffs, day 9: seeing ongii monastery and driving to arvaikhee, day 10: stuck in mongolia, day 11: hiking in orkhon valley, day 12: seeing the orkhon valley waterfalls, day 13: visiting a mongolian family in a ger, day 14: erdene zuu monastery in kharkhorin, day 15: camping at ugii lake, day 16: visiting hustain national park and seeing przewalski’s horses, day 17: driving to ulaanbaatar and visiting terelj national park, day 18: hiking terelj national park and seeing turtle rock, day 19: a trip to the ghengis khan statue on the tuul river, day 20: back to ulaanbaatar, how to overland in mongolia, building a road in mongolia, getting stuck in the mud, the unexpected river crossing, what to pack for mongolia, planning mongolia travel pin it, why travel to mongolia .

Mongolia travel changes you and makes you appreciate the beautiful patches on the earth’s surface not ruined by extreme modernisation, pollution and overpopulation.

My time in Mongolia meant experiencing everything from bush camping to ger camps, being at one with nature (and not care who sees you squatting in the process) and realising that animals like to roam and Mongolians love to chat – right outside your Ger from 5 am.

I saw a night sky so clear that I didn’t think you could ever see so many stars. I traversed a land so serene in isolation and culture so welcoming that I hope it never, ever becomes ruined by tourist traps or the tight grips of mass capitalism (currently contained to Ulaanbaatar).

Wild horses in the Mongolian flat, barren landscape drinking from a small pool of water

Wild horses in the vast Mongolian landscape

If you want to get off the beaten track, not be on any set grid and take each day as it comes, you will love Mongolia. But this also comes with its frustrations where you need droves of patience and a good chunk of travel time to spare.

There are hardly any roads. Roads are dirt tracks or pre-made grooves in the land pointing the way, and paved highroads are very few and far between.

Mongolia is prone to unpredictable weather conditions. That means random onslaughts of rain and the likelihood that you are likely to get bogged at some point. There were countless numbers of times where we had to dig out and push the truck or find locals to come to the rescue – tractors are a saving grace here.

It’s a vast country that you could get lost in for weeks on end, and when you accept the setbacks, you start to see them as part of the big adventure – travel at its most raw. Back to basics, getting dirty and struggling with the lack of modern amenities we too often take for granted is part of what travelling in Mongolia is all about.

The orange and white overlanding truck used to travel to Mongolia and its rural landscape like the muddy one shown

The Overlanding vehicle used to travel to Mongolia and around.

The summer season between May to September is said to be the best time to go to Mongolia. July and August are the hottest months, with temperatures in the Gobi Desert reaching 40°C. Rainfall is at its highest between June and September, balancing out the heat while keeping the forest and valley lands, in particular, lush and fertile. I travelled to Mongolia in July and experienced a lot of rainfall alongside high temperatures. 

Mongolia’s winter season is from November to February. While some people like to experience the landscape in this snowy season, temperatures can drop to below minus 20°C – a harsh and challenging environment to travel in. You’ll find that not many companies run tours during this time.  

Is it Safe to Travel to Mongolia Safe?

While petty crime and pickpocketing are common in the capital, Ulaanbataar, Mongolia is a relatively safe place to travel, and I never encountered any significant problems. It pays to be more streetwise and alert in the city, as you would in any other. As the landing and departure point for tourists, opportunism poses a higher risk. 

Despite the lack of infrastructure and the relative isolation when travelling through the country, the only minor issue we encountered was related to the high levels of alcoholism in the country. We saw drunk drivers on our long drives and an occasion or two when inebriated locals came to our makeshift camp out of curiosity. Even then, it never felt threatening, and we were always within the safety of our group.  

On the whole, we rarely saw other people, and when we did, we were met with kindness, invited into homes and welcomed into common spaces such as markets and small-town social spaces. 

I also travelled alongside a Mongolian guide – someone who could speak the language when we got stuck, who could walk to a nearby home and explain the need for assistance and who understood the land’s general navigation. Therefore, in Mongolia, it pays to get yourself a local guide, join a small group tour, formulate a small group of your own in Ulaanbataar or be equipped with general wilderness survival skills if going out there entirely on your own. 

Mongolia Tours

When I was planning my trip to Mongolia, Dragoman was the only company offering Mongolia tours that lasted from ten days to two weeks. The 21-day overland journey was the first trip itinerary of its kind they were running here, which included Inner Mongolia. Today the 21-day trip, called Nomads & Wilds of Mongolia, is on a loop from Ulaanbaatar and includes Khovsgol Lake in the north. Although Dragoman suspended operations during the pandemic, they are back in 2024. 

Adventure travel experts G Adventures, offer Mongolia tours that all start and end in Ulaanbaatar. 

A 14-day trip, including all the highlights at an affordable price (from €1999), this Mongolia trip includes a Gobi Desert and Mongolian Grasslands stay, alongside packing in the major historical must-sees and cultural experiences that make Mongolia an unforgettable adventure. 

This 10-day local living trip includes staying with three different families in Gers to experience life as a nomad. Mix historical monuments with cultural moments, exploring pastures, forests, lakes and national parks by foot and horseback while helping your host families prepare traditional dinners and learn the skills of their nomadic trades. 

G Adventures, in partnership with National Geographic Journeys, offers a   two-week comfort adventure through Mongolia . You get to visit   Khustai National Park,   Karakorum (the ancient capital of Mongolia),   Tsenkher Hot Springs, the Orkhon Valley and more. You will also   see a nomadic camel-herding family and dive deeper into Mongolia’s culture, as well as support the local community where tourists pass through. 

Want to experience the Naadam Festival’s horseracing, archery and wrestling tournaments? This mini adventure takes you to it and throws you right into the buzz of traditional Mongolian festivities. 

Mongolia is expensive to travel in and around due to the very nature that it is not overly touristic. Due to the lack of infrastructure, a tour with a local guide and appropriate transport can often be necessary to cover more ground.

  • You will need to budget between $2400-$3600 for an extensive trip around the country.
  • An average meal (if not making your own on the trip) costs around $5.
  • Entrance fees to historic sites and museums average around $2 per ticket. 

For those on a budget, day trips can be taken from Ulaanbaatar, or you can try and plan some shorter 3-5 day trips from the city. However, this can often depend on having a minimum amount of people signed up for the trip to run and isn’t always guaranteed. 

Do you need a Visa for Mongolia?

If you are not a national of one of the visa-exempt countries listed below, you will need a Mongolia visa.

  • A single-entry visa (valid for three months from the date of issue) for up to 30 days – £40/$50
  • A double-entry visa (valid for three months from the date of issue) for up to 30 days – £55/$65

It is cheaper to apply directly at a Mongolian Embassy (either at home before you leave or in the country you are travelling in prior). You will need a valid passport, passport photos and supporting trip documents alongside a completed application. 

Allow one working week for processing. Some Embassies provide a one-day service for an extra charge.  

A 30-day tourist visa on arrival is available for tourists coming from European and other countries where there are no Mongolian Embassies present, obtained at Ulanbataar Airport or the Mongolian land borders. I got my visa in London months before my trip.  

The following countries are granted visa-free entry to Mongolia. 

Visa-free entry for 90 days: Argentina, Belarus, Brazil, Chile, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Serbia, United States (US). Those from Ukraine require a form of invitation. 

Visa-free entry for 30 days: Canada, Cuba, Germany, Israel, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Russia, Singapore, Turkey, Thailand, Uruguay. 

Visa-free entry for 21 days: Philippines.

Visa-free entry for 14 days: Hong Kong.

You can find further information on the Embassy of Mongolia website . 

Where to Go in Mongolia – Itinerary

I spent 20 days Overlanding in and across the central and western Mongolian plains. We travelled in a big clockwise circle from Ulaanbaatar, through the scorching Gobi Desert to beautiful lakes, forests, canyons and waterfalls, all the while passing vast herds of wild horses, camels, goats, yaks and cows.

Overlanding in Mongolia for Three Weeks:

Kilometres travelled:  2492

Number of significant times the truck got stuck:  2

Number of minor times the truck got stuck:  12

Number of incredible driving days:  15

We spent a full day in Ulaanbaatar exploring outside of the stark Soviet communist-style architecture and moving past the city’s general dodgy feeling. There’s plenty to see and do here, including a walk through the modern Sukhbaatar (Parliament) Square, the Gandan Monastery, the National History Museum and the shopping paradise of the Black Market . In the evening, check out the singing, dancing and contortion talent at the Cultural Show before hitting a few bars and pubs. There’s so many you won’t know where to start.

The red and gold roofed white temple building of the Gandan Monastery in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Gandan Monastery in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Three people photographing a pair of giant Golden statue feet outside the Gandan Monastery Ulaanbaatar Mongolia

The golden feet outside the Gandan Monastery Ulaanbaatar

We set off in the truck from Ulaanbaatar to drive to the Baga Gazryn Chuluu rock formations in the Gobi desert. Due to heavy traffic when getting out of the city and general road conditions we got delayed and so decided to set up bush camp for the evening. Be prepared for delays in Mongolia but delight in being the only people in the area. All the space is yours.

We got to Baga Gazryn Chuluu – rock formations worshipped by locals who make pilgrimages here partly because legend states that Ghengis Khan camped here – before journeying to the Gobi Desert.

Layers of of Baga Gazryn Chuluu rock formations in Mongolia poke out of the grassy slope

Layers of Baga Gazryn Chuluu rock formations in Mongolia

A woman sits crosslegged on top of a large rock in the middle of a grassy area, part of the Baga Gazryn Chuluu rock formations Mongolia

A hike to Baga Gazryn Chuluu as part of a Mongolia travel itinerary

On the way, we got to experience the famous Nadaam Festival when we passed through the local town of Mandal Govi . It was full of wrestling, horse racing, archery and fairground style fun. Nadaam means ‘games’, and the buzz was all around us as the only Westerners there. It was great to be a part of a traditional Mongolian community celebration, even if the afternoon was marred by a bogging, which resulted in the truck not being released from the soft mud until midnight.

Two wrestlers talks to five judges at the Nadaam Festival in Mongolia

Watching the wrestling at the Nadaam Festival in Mongolia

Mongolians in local dress gathered outside a white ger with their horses at the Nadaam Festival in Mongolia

Mongolian locals enjoy the Nadaam Festival.

The plan was to get to our first ger camp, but after approximately 30 kilometres, we encountered a large ditch of water on the road. It resulted in us having to drain the water by hand and build a road and a dam for most of the afternoon to help us get across. Although this sounds horrendous, it created a great sense of camaraderie and, ultimately, an immense sense of achievement. We got to camp on a high point of the Gobi Desert instead near the town of Tsogoovi .

A dozen white gers line a hilltop in the Gobi Desert Mongolia

A Ger Camp on a hilltop in the Gobi Desert, Mongolia

We began our journey without a hitch to the ger Camp called Gobi Discovery, stopping at the town of Dalanzagad on the way. Mongolian towns are typically tiny and compact settlements that are reasonably large but without the ruin of a city like Ulaanbaatar.

People gather in a courtyard surrounded by colourful buildings in the town of Dalanzagad, Mongolia

Market time in the town of Dalanzagad, Mongolia

We hiked in Yolin Am , a beautiful canyon in the Gobi, an ice valley, which hosts a colossal glacier all year round. The hike was spectacular, but, unfortunately for us, little of the iceberg remained, although we had lots of fun playing with what little ice there was regardless.

Two men travel by horseback in the Yolin Am valley in Mongolia

Hike or horseback in the Yolin Am Valley in Mongolia

Many sandy riverbed crossings eventually led us to our second Ger camp, Khongoryn Els Ger Camp. Here, you only have to open your ger door to be greeted with a breathtaking view of the Gobi and the Khongoryn Els Sand Dunes , which I later climbed, drank beer on and ran down. That was after a camel ride, of course.

A man and woman walk through the Gobi Desert Mongolia towards the Khongoryn Els Sand Dunes in the distance

The glorious Gobi Desert Khongoryn Els Sand Dunes

Bumpy mountain roads took us to the spectacular Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs , which are a Mongolian version of the Grand Canyon, but smaller. It’s a significant site that unearthed many dinosaur fossils and eggs, and it is also a stunning backdrop for bush camping.

The firey orange rocky layers of the Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs, which you can visit when you travel to Mongolia

The blazing ochre colours of Mongolia’s Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs

A woman sits if a rocky ledge overlooking the orange mars like landscape of Mongolia's Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs

Marvel the mars-like landscape of Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs when you travel to Mongolia

When the communists invaded Mongolia in the 1930s (known as the Purges), nearly all Monasteries were destroyed. Ongii Monastery was one of them, and we visited the ruins here before driving to Arvaikheer, where heavy rain forced us into a hotel for the night. At times, random bad weather makes bush camping in Mongolia impossible, so it is essential to prepare for a budget recount at any given time.

The red building with a green roof that marks the site of the Ongii Monastery in Mongolia

The site of the Ongii Monastery in Mongolia

The scattered stone ruins of Ongii Monastery in Mongolia covered by patches of green as nature takes over

The scattered stone ruins of Ongii Monastery in Mongolia

We began our journey to the third ger camp but got badly bogged around midday after the truck had to swerve slightly, of course, to miss a drunk driver who came in our path (sadly, a lot of people drink and drive here). It took over five hours to get out, with the help of a small local tractor, and during that time, a few of us who remained to help with the truck (local jeeps rescued a few) lost our minds. It was a hilarious few hours that would have made an excellent documentary, probably how a Lord of the Flies scenario starts.

Tractors help pull the overlanding truck out of the sticky mud in Mongolia's rural landscape

Tractors help pull the Overlanding truck out of the sticky mud in Mongolia’s rural landscape.

The roads were not rigid and stable enough for the truck to continue, especially with all the hills. After setting up tents and cooking dinner, two small vans came to the rescue to take us on our two-hour journey to the Ger Camp. It was a scary ride in the dark, where we stopped at the driver’s backyard and where a small boy jumped into the hold of the van for the rest of the journey. 

I highly recommend staying in a ger camp in the beautiful Orkhon Valley . There’s nothing like a pleasant hike through the beautiful forest to reach the Tuvkhon Monastery and see the surrounding area. Pure bliss.

A light path cuts through the green grass, towards the soft peaks in the Orkhon Valley Mongolia

The lush green leading to the soft peaks in the Orkhon Valley Mongolia

A small group set up camp from their overland truck in Orkhon Valley Mongolia

A rest stop in the scenic Orkhon Valley landscape

a small groups of travellers hike in the forest of Orkhon Valley Mongolia

Hiking the forest trails of Mongolia’s Orkhon Valley

The rocky plateau that surrounds the Tövkhön Monastery in Mongolia, as seen from the hike to the entrance marked by red buildings with red roofs

The rocky plateau that surrounds the Tövkhön Monastery in Mongolia

A red door with mint green roof marks the Entrance to the Tövkhön Monastery Mongolia

The colourful entrance to the Tövkhön Monastery

The Orkhon Valley waterfall was the next stop on our five-hour drive to the next ger camp. This camp plays host to the famous hot springs in the region, where we went skinny dipping and enjoyed a few refreshing beers. 

A Mongolian man sits in a chair peacefully enjoying the backdrop of the Orkhon Valley Waterfalls in Mongolia

A Mongolian man sits in a chair peacefully enjoying the backdrop of the Orkhon Valley Waterfalls in Mongolia.

Fully clothed, of course, we took a short hike through the lush green forest to visit the source of the hot springs. When you come across your first sighting of trees after two weeks of barren land, you begin to appreciate such incredible surroundings.

A small group of tourists visit a local nomadic family in their ger in Mongolia

Visiting a local nomadic family in their ger in Mongolia

As we had two Mongolian guides with us (invaluable support in a country where very little or no English is spoken or understood), we could visit a Mongolian ger and a local family to learn about nomadic life.

It wasn’t a tourist set up, but a traditional, local family who lived on an isolated patch of land in the valley. We tried their dairy products (their source of income), including fermented mare’s milk, curd and butter, before learning about ger rules and traditions and asking each other many questions!

READ MORE: Visiting a Mongolian Ger – Understanding the Nomadic Culture of Mongolia

We needed a quick stop in the nearby town of Tsetserleg to stock up on food supplies. It was a market day with an electric atmosphere. I get a high from moments when you don’t know where you are and what to do, and where you have to work hard to communicate and negotiate.

We later visited the most important Monastery in the country, Erdene Zuu Monastery in Kharkhorin – the first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia that had up to 100 temples and 1,000 monks before the purges in 1937. Only three temples remained, alongside several statues and other items.

Layers roofed temple structures in a row line the wall of the exterior of the Erdene Zuu Monastery Mongolia

The exterior walls of the Erdene Zuu Monastery, Mongolia

The white temple complex inside Erdene Zuu Monastery Mongolia

Part of the temple complex inside Mongolia’s Erdene Zuu Monastery

The red and gold temple structures with green roofs at Erdene Zuu Monastery Mongolia

The red, gold and green temple structures at Erdene Zuu Monastery

A visit to the museum we camped next to – the Kultigen Monument, housing artefacts from the Turkish empire – set us on the way to the nearby Ugii Lake, where we would relax all day and camp for one night.

Ugii lake emits a calming atmosphere and invites you to traverse it slowly. While it would take almost a day to walk around, it’s a great place to unwind and reflect. I count this as one of my most favourite spots in all of Mongolia.

Our camping set-up beside Ugii Lake in Mongolia

We arrived at Hustain National Park in the afternoon to settle into a ger camp. This National Park is known for the rare Przewalski’s horse, unique to Mongolia. When you finally track down a small group, it’s still hard to see their beauty up close as you can’t get that close to them.

Still, we got to meet the ‘Best Mongolian Folk Band in Mongolia’ called Domog in the evening after a fantastic show where they performed rock-style tunes via the famed throat singing. I guess it is the equivalent of meeting Westlife in Ireland. Seriously.

Two female travellers meet Meeting Damog, the Best Mongolian Folk Band in Mongolia

Meeting Damog, the Best Mongolian Folk Band in Mongolia

We had to journey back through the crazy, construction-overloaded, traffic-ridden Ulaanbaatar to get to Terelj National Park and the last ger camp of the trip (we were due to bush camp the weather put a stop to that). 

It’s incredible how a few hours down the road from the capital brings you to some of the country’s most spectacular landscapes.

Visiting the mountain backed Terelj National Park Mongolia

The road that leads to the heart of Terelj National Park, Mongolia

If you love walking and hiking, you will love Terelj National Park. Here you can wander for hours, hike to a Monastery and horse ride through the forests and rocky hilltops. Make sure you check out ‘Turtle Rock’ too. You may think it looks like something else from a certain angle!

One of the layered rock formations in Terelj National Park Mongolia

One of the layered rock formations in Terelj National Park in Mongolia

the famous Turtle Rock in Terelj National Park Mongolia, named for its shape similar to the animal

Visiting Turtle Rock in Terelj National Park Mongolia, named for its shape similar to the animal

Nothing beats the end of the wilderness journey than a visit to the giant 40-metre tall silver Ghengis Khan statue just outside of Ulaanbaatar on the banks of the Tuul River. Legend has it that it was at this spot that Ghengis Khan found his golden whip. Anyhow, a bit of a pilgrimage spot for locals, it was fascinating (if not a bit odd and imposing in the same way a colossal silver statue of Hitler in Germany would probably evoke the same feeling).

the giant, silver Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue in Mongolia

40-metre tall silver Ghengis Khan statue just outside of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Back in Ulaanbaatar, I turned my hostel room into an office and distracted myself with a pizza slice, cake and coffee at Wendy’s Bakery – worth a visit alongside the State Department Store, which is right next to the hostel area. It’s an excellent chance to rest up after adventure through the vast landscapes of Mongolia. 

The Dragoman overland truck is what we called home, except we didn’t sleep on it overnight. Instead, we went wild camping and every night, checking into a hotel once when the rains were too much to settle a tent comfortably. 

The Outside

The truck’s exterior has lots of compartments – storage for luggage and tents and a clean water supply, mealtime equipment and food supplies. It’s a travelling transformer, and everyone has to lend a hand setting up and packing down for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

If you have no sense of camaraderie or hate getting dirty, then this isn’t the kind of adventure trip for you. I embraced it and loved every minute of ‘roughing it’.

The outside of the overlanding truck travelling in Mongolia which opened out into camping facilities and storage space

Travel in Mongolia was mostly about camping.

Twenty-three seats, a fridge, a safe, a bookshelf, prominent speakers and a place to recharge equipment, this is where we spend hours at a time, or what could end up being an entire day, traversing the landscape. We filled it with our belongings like a messy bedroom and made it cosy.

Inside the overlanding truck on the journey travelling Mongolia

Inside the Overlanding truck on the journey travelling Mongolia

Along the Way

The two drivers are the mechanics, the navigators and the troubleshooters. Everything about the truck, from where it goes and how it gets there, hangs on their decision making, alongside our Mongolian guide who knew the land better than anyone else and could speak the language when we needed to call upon locals for help. 

A truck drives through deep water, Overlanding in Mongolia nature

Overlanding in Mongolia was a real adventure.

Although the drivers would jump out to check the road, walking far ahead to determine the best track to take or check waterlogged areas (often by getting in the water) to limit the truck’s chances of getting bogged. We often stopped to help locals whose cars were stuck, knowing that karma would need to be returned one day. 

The Realities of Rural Travel in Mongolia

“Ok, guys, you have to get off. It’s not looking good.” This phrase, accompanied by the engine’s low hum and strain as it finally gave up, became a regular occurrence during the three weeks I spent in Mongolia. Getting dirty in Mongolia is a given, but I never thought on my travels that I would push a truck out of thick, stodgy mud, build a road complete with a dam or wade knee-deep through a river to get to the other side. 

In Mongolia, aside from the small handful of roads available, you will take the path less travelled, one that hasn’t been used for days or worn in by other vehicles for an easy pass. You could call it bad luck, or you could call it a reality, but travel comes with its challenges and getting stuck in Mongolia is by far the most common.  While I wasn’t expecting substantial bogging incidents on this trip, I began to embrace them when they did happen. After all, the locals have to face these situations regularly. It became a part of what Mongolia is and what it means to cross her lands.

The drivers of the truck were responsible for assessing each situation when it arose. They were the first to get dirty, walk through the water and determine the outcome. At times it put you on edge, wondering how long you would be stuck somewhere with no one passing by for hours. At other times it merely meant us having to walk a short distance to lighten the truck.

Either way, the result was a massive whoop and roar for our truck, Archie, when he made it through. It felt good, and we then knew the next stage of the journey could begin. These are the times I’ll always remember.

A group helps find a track in the water for the truck to pass in Mongolia

Our group helps find a track in the water for the truck to pass in Mongolia.

It had been raining on and off for a few days, mainly in short spurts in the evenings, and we were bumping along the wet dirt tracks just fine. When the truck stopped, and we saw that two pools of water had filled two road tracks, we knew a bogging incident was imminent. The drivers walked, pondered and walked through the water. Could we drive through it without getting stuck?

The usual scenario rested on two possibilities – drive through it or find hard enough ground around it. Except that this time it was different. We were told: “We need to empty this road of water and then let the ground dry out so we can cross over it.”

Cue the mad dash to empty our camping gear to find our plastic washing-up bowls and any other form of a plastic container to begin the removal process. The ladies rolled up their shorts to get right in there and scoop out the water as the men started digging to create a road. Everyone built a dam by hand on each side of the tyre track grooves so that the emptied water wouldn’t flow back in.

It was hard work, but we became a team, a great team. The sun was shining that day which meant we only had to wait a couple of hours while the heat dried out our creation. We ate, we played, we sang, and we marvelled at what resourceful people we were. It was a scary moment when Archie made his move to cross our road (our beautifully crafted highway that could be crushed in seconds and need rebuilding), but he made it in one unbeaten run, and our handmade route was left to the land and in nature’s control.

Happening upon grassy, muddy areas is sporadic. You can never tell exactly how hard the ground is beneath it. After bouts of rain, the ground softens, and even though there were times when the truck had to work a little harder, it made it through.

We had just had a fantastic afternoon checking out a local Nadaam festival and were in high spirits, which we needed knowing that we would be driving for the rest of the day. Except we didn’t – we were soon stuck in thick, sticky mud, and no amount of pushing and revving was going to change it.

Teo men dig out a truck wheel from deep, wet mud while overlanding in Mongolia

Digging out the truck wheels from the deep, wet mud in Mongolia

Our Mongolian guide walked to the nearest ger to get help, and the locals later returned on a motorbike to check out the situation. The whole family came out – we regularly became a source of fascination or amusement en route through the country. However, they kindly decided to use their big, industrial tractor to help pull the truck out of the mud – that too got stuck.

With two vehicles out of action and night starting to fall, we decided to set up camp on a drier patch of land nearby, and the drivers worked relentlessly with the locals throughout the evening. We got bogged at 5 pm, and it took until midnight for the truck to be pulled from sludge. It was a day wasted, but another example of how unpredictable travelling here can be.

When the truck stops dead at a deep area of water, you know the situation isn’t going to be resolved quickly. Can a truck this size pass through a river without sinking or getting stuck? Although we enjoyed paddling in the freshwater, we didn’t know whether we could have to completely re-route to get around it and lose more time.

The conclusion was that there was a distinct lack of knowledge about alternative roads around the river, and somehow we would have to find a way to get through it. With a small truck already stuck right in the middle, it was a scary prospect.

The drivers identified the most shallow and hard ground area in the water to pass, although we couldn’t be on the truck, unfortunately. You can imagine the chaos – a group of locals trying to rescue their vehicle and 20 non-locals trying to navigate through the water, knee-deep and screeching, scared of falling in.

My heart skipped a beat watching our truck splash through the water and wondering whether it would stop dead in its tracks and slowly swim in a sea of mud, taking all our belongings with it. But Archie made it, and this time, he got the biggest cheer. And a giant sigh of relief.

A blue truck is stuck in a pool of water in Mongolia as a group of people try to help

Typical river crossings in Mongolia and helping out locals who were also stuck

With unpredictable weather conditions, a challenging landscape to navigate and a trip mostly comprised of wild camping, packing for Mongolia requires some planning. In short, you need to factor in the following:

  • Items of clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty and wholly ruined.
  • Clothing layers for the constant switch of hot and cold climates – thermals to moisture-wicking and waterproof items.
  • Sun protection and bug spray for mosquitos and sandflies.
  • All medications you need as you’ll often be far from any significant stores or aid.
  • Snacks from home as the food variation can get very repetitive.

For a more extensive overview, read my full Mongolia Packing List .

Mongolians in traditional dress with their horses, outside a Ger at a cultural festival

About Becki

Becki Enright is a British Travel Press Award-winning writer whose work focuses on changing perceptions about misunderstood aspects of destinations. Her writing combines storytelling with insight into the social, historical, political and economic factors that shape the country or place in relation to tourism. Becki has appeared live on Sky News and CNN and has contributed to high profile media including National Geographic, Time.com, Guardian online, New York Times, Grazia and Buzzfeed.

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A Local’s Mongolia Itinerary for First Timers (and Why it Needs to Be on Your Bucket List)

Eagle Hunters Mongolia

Ever dreamed of visiting Mongolia? The thought might seem daunting or a bit out of your comfort zone, which is why I’ve enlisted Mongolia expert Breanna Wilson to share her top tips and Mongolia itinerary–3 in fact–to jumpstart your planning process. Keep reading for a deep dive into everything you need to know about exploring this vast country.

It was by accident that I visited Mongolia a few years ago. I knew nothing about the place (except for some hazy memory from high school history of a Mongol ruler named Genghis who did that one thing, that one time, 800 years ago).

But I had just quit my full-time job, had a hefty tax refund in my bank account, and had just been introduced to some guy on Instagram. “That guy” quite literally changed my life. (And not in some mushy rom-com kinda way. We’re better than that, girls. He’s now one of my dearest friends in life as well as a badass business and adventure partner. We all need an Erik Cooper in our lives.)

Today, Mongolia is my part-time home (I split my time between Ulaanbaatar and Tbilisi, Georgia) and is a place that I’ll forever have a fascination with and passion for. It’s not an easy place to live (by any means), but that’s what I love about it. 

Altai Mountains in Western Mongolia itinerary

Everything about Mongolia pushes you. Pushes you to your limits. Pushes what you thought you knew about yourself. Pushes you to open your eyes and your mind. Mother Mongolia, as I like to call her, doesn’t mess around; just when you think you have everything under control, she throws something unexpected your way.

It’s a place where you truly have to let go–let go of control, schedules, and yourself. The only way to truly experience Mongolia and everything she has to offer is to let go. Once you do, she’ll show you everything you’ve ever wanted to know about yourself, and so much more. 

After two years in the country, I still discover new things every day. From befriending reindeer riders, Kazakh eagle hunters, and Gobi Desert camel herders to uncovering unexpected street art and fashion scenes, underground jazz clubs, and experimental cuisines, I never grow tired of what this country has to offer. 

Which is exactly what led me to launch Meanwhile in Mongolia –to share my experiences of scuba diving in the world’s most landlocked country to hiking volcanic craters, and everything in-between. 

That’s why I love Mongolia and why I think it should be on everyone’s bucket list. But don’t just take it from me, it’s a place that you need to experience for yourself. And when you do, well, here’s everything you need to know about visiting Mongolia for the first time.

See you there.

Breanna Wilson Mongolia itinerary

Why Mongolia Should Be at the Top of Your Bucket List

From riding reindeer to hunting with eagles, swimming in color-changing lakes or cruising on camels across the Gobi Desert, visiting Mongolia puts your wanderlust into overdrive.

Some of my favorite adventures include:

  • Winter Dog Sledding in Gorkhi Terelj National Park
  • Motorcycling Across Mongolia in Vintage Russian Urals
  • Learning to Hunt with Eagles from the Kazakh Eagle Hunters in the West
  • Riding Reindeer Across the Taiga in the Northern Provinces

Is Mongolia Safe for Female Travelers?

Breanna Wilson in Mongolia

Is Mongolia safe? It’s the number one question people have about traveling to Mongolia, especially solo female travelers like myself (it was my biggest fear about moving here as well).

Mongolia is like any other country–there are parts that are extremely safe, and parts where you’ll need to be cautious. There’s no point in sugarcoating this: foreigners absolutely stand out here. Because of this, I do not recommend females travel around the country by themselves. I say this for a few reasons.

First, you’re remote. Like, remote, remote. There’s no one around for miles and miles. So, if you’re driving solo in a rental car and get a flat tire (or worse), you’re all alone. No AAA. No 911. It’s up to you to figure out this problem, and I can almost guarantee it won’t be a little one. Mongolia is a rough and rugged place.

Second, alcoholism is very common among locals. I’m not saying this to make you think all Mongolians are alcoholics, but only to provide 100% clarity on what you’re getting into.

So, if you’re staying in a ger (also known as a yurt) with a family, be aware of both your and the family’s alcohol consumption. We all know that alcohol can increase aggression, and miscommunication without a clear understanding of cultural nuances or the language leads to increased frustrations. Create a safe experience for yourself by avoiding these situations altogether.

Overall, Mongolia is a place where guns are rare (unless you’re in the countryside protecting a herd), and although pick pockets and petty theft are common, that’s the worst of it. Wars and political unrest are practically unheard of, and natural disasters are nearly impossible.

Read More Travel Guides:

7 things you have to do on your first trip to morocco, an india bucket list for photographers, how to spend one day in abu dhabi, a 1-day north bali itinerary from ubud.

People walking through Altai Mountains in Western Mongolia itinerary

When to Go to Mongolia

Summer is the absolute best time to visit Mongolia (unless you really enjoy -40 C/F weather).

In May you still face the risk of getting stuck in a snowstorm, but by June temperatures are warm. Rain is common, but it won’t ruin your trip.

July is when Naadam, the biggest festival of the year, takes place. The entire country shuts down for about two weeks usually starting around the second weekend of the month. Horse races, wrestling matches, and archery all take place across the country during this time. It’s an incredible way to experience Mongolian culture.

August is hot and a great time to escape north to higher elevations or to Lake Khovsgol, the second largest freshwater lake in Mongolia (after Lake Baikal).

September and October are just as wonderful but be prepared for cold nights. Ger camps start to close down for the season during this time, and some nomads begin moving towards their fall and winter camps.

Summer summary: Nights are chilly. The weather is dry, and usually in the 80s F. Overall, it’s a place where layers are your friend and you can adventure freely without delays. 

Breanna Wilson riding a camel in Mongolia

How to Get There

Getting to Mongolia from the US is, well, a journey. It’s going to take at least 24 hours, and you’ll have to go through Istanbul (my preference), Hong Kong, Beijing, Seoul, or Moscow. ( Note : these are all pre-Coronavirus flight patterns and not all of these routes may have reopened, so research accordingly.)

The country’s main international airport is located in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital. Though there’s a smaller international airport in Bayan Olgii, it’s mostly for “local” international flights out of Kazakhstan and Russia.

The main airlines that fly to Ulaanbaatar include Turkish Airlines, Korean Air, Cathay Pacific, Aeroflot, and Air China. Turkish Airlines is my airline of choice as flying through the new Istanbul airport offers plenty of food options and quiet corners for sleeping.

Aeroflot flights typically leave from New York City through Moscow, but I know more people than I’d like to tell you about who’ve lost their baggage on this route. If you’re heading out of the city shortly after landing, I’d recommend avoiding Aeroflot since it’s a bit of a process to recover lost luggage once in Ulaanbaatar.

From the west coast, flying through Seoul, Beijing, or Hong Kong are fairly good options. Layovers in Beijing or Hong Kong can be 12 hours, but if you’re on a budget, it usually offers a good fare.  

Street art in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Where to Eat, Sleep, and Play in Ulaanbaatar

If you ask me, Ulaanbaatar is one of the most misunderstood cities in the world. It’s not exactly pretty at first glance. There’s an insane amount of traffic. Things don’t open early–or even on time. It’s a place–like the rest of Mongolia–where you have to go with the flow.

Service is slow (or nonexistent). Food quality is hit or miss. And complicated orders are a recipe for disaster (sorry vegans and eaters with dietary restrictions, this is not going to be an easy place for you).

But, when it comes to things to do in Ulaanbaatar, the possibilities are endless. It’s the hidden gems that really make this place stand out. No matter where you stay, most activities are either walking distance or a short taxi ride away. Plus, you’ll have to fly in and out of Ulaanbaatar regardless, so adding it to your Mongolia itinerary is non-negotiable.

Where to Stay:

  • Budget: Zaya Hostel
  • Mid: Holiday Inn
  • Luxe: Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar

Search for more Ulaanbaatar hotels on Booking.com:

Where to Eat:

  • La Rosa Tapas & Tequila Bar
  • Rosewood Ulaanbaatar Kitchen + Enoteca
  • ROC Caffeine Bars (Coffee)

Where to Play:

  • Fat Cat Jazz Club
  • MB Beer Plus
  • Republik Pub

Moto Mongolia

Quick Tips for Planning Your Mongolia Itinerary

Here are a few quick tips for planning your trip that will make your Mongolia itinerary run more smoothly:

Plan *almost* everything in advance

Mongolia is not a place to “wing it”. You won’t find hotels everywhere. Or water, for that matter. Wi-Fi won’t necessarily work once you leave the city. And don’t expect people to speak English.

Stock up on some solid gear

While I hate pushing gear on travelers, I’d recommend stocking up on some solid staples before leaving. You DO NOT need the best of the best to travel/hike/adventure/overland here, but it can get cold at night so a down puffer jacket is an absolute must.

A portable water purifier just might save your life. And never underestimate the power of quick-dry socks, a waterproof rain jacket and pants, and a knife.

Buy travel insurance

Just do it. Trust me. It personally saved me $3,000 when I broke my collarbone in Mongolia last summer.

[Note: For travel insurance, Live Like it’s the Weekend recommends World Nomads or SafetyWing for the best budget options with the most coverage. If you want to read more about my experience with travel insurance, click here ).

Moto Mongolia tours

Three Bucket List Mongolia Itineraries for First Timers

Mongolia isn’t an easy place to plan for or explore on your own. Here are three ways to explore Mongolia without feeling overwhelmed, because these badasses have done the work for you.

Moto Mongolia tours

How to Explore Mongolia by Motorcycle: Moto Trip Mongolia

Who this trip is perfect for: New and experienced motorcyclists looking to adventure in style.

I may be biased since I designed this trip with some friends, and I personally lead this adventure … but it’s good .

Along with the nomadic herders and translators we bring along who will open your eyes to Mongolian life and culture in one of the most unique ways possible, this experience will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about life, travel, and most importantly–yourself.

What to expect on a Moto Trip Mongolia itinerary :

  • A vintage Ural motorcycle with sidecar (so, 2 riders per motorcycle– perfect for bringing a friend).
  • A motorcycle driving experience that includes off-roading across the Mongolian steppe.
  • All drivers must have a motorcycle license and proof of travel insurance. Riders in the sidecar do not need a motorcycle license but must have travel insurance. The tour is set up so that drivers and riders will switch throughout the trip, but if someone doesn’t want to drive (or doesn’t have a motorcycle license), that’s okay too–they can be the passenger the entire duration of the trip!
  • While it is required that you have a motorcycle license for this trip, this is a great trip for new and beginner motorcyclists! These Urals are easy to manage since you’re on three wheels, and there isn’t much chance of a traffic accident out on the steppe–it’ll be just us out there!
  • And I can’t forget to mention, this is a great trip for females since it’s led by me !
  • All meals, accommodations, transportation, motorcycles, and fuel are included.
  • The trip also includes a follow car for carrying luggage, a translator, and motorcycle mechanic who will repair and tune up the bikes all along the way.

Follow the Tracks tour Mongolia

Self-Drive Mongolia and Take a Photography Masterclass Along the Way: Follow the Tracks

Who this trip is perfect for: Self-sufficient explorers looking for great photos for the ‘gram.

I really, really like the Follow the Tracks model. It’s a self-driving tour plus a photography masterclass designed by Max Muench, a guy you’ve almost certainly seen (more like, stalked) on Instagram .

You can choose from a few different routes (I recommend the Gobi Desert one), all of which start and end in Ulaanbaatar. You’ll have your own rental car, car camp essentials, and an iPad loaded with everything you need to make the most of this go-at-your-own-pace adventure.

I recommend grabbing enough friends to do this trip with at least two cars so you can tow each other in case of any hairy situations. Plus, more people equal more fun.

What to expect from the Follow the Tracks experience:

  • A rental car from Sixt Rent a Car will be waiting for you in Ulaanbaatar at the start of your trip.
  • Each car has 4-wheel drive and is equipped with a rooftop tent for sleeping.
  • The car will have a GPS system loaded onto an iPad for your use during your self-driving adventure. This iPad will also act as your photography masterclass workbook, pointing out the best spots to capture photos along the route, and the best camera settings to do so.
  • Additionally, the car will have camping and kitchen equipment, but you are responsible for purchasing your own food–and fuel–for the duration of your trip. (I suggest stocking up on food in Ulaanbaatar before hitting the road. Once you reach the tiny soums (tiny villages) in the countryside, you never quite know what you’re going to find.)

Breanna Wilson holding an eagle in Mongolia

Ride Reindeer and Learn the Ancient Tradition of Hunting with Eagles: Erik Cooper Adventures

Who this trip is perfect for: Equestrians looking to really embed themselves with Mongolia’s unique–and very remote–tribes.

Erik is the gateway to the Tsaatan Tribe and Kazakh eagle hunters (he’s also the reason I fell head over heels in love with Mongolia). He’s spent the last eight summers in Mongolia and his connections are truly the reason why his tours are the most immersive, unique, and bang-for-your-buck.

You are thrown into the lifestyle, into the steppe, and into everything Mongolia has (for better or worse) to offer, with a touch of boujee along the way. There isn’t anyone that I trust more in Mongolia–or with my life. You can tell him I said that.

What to expect on an Erik Cooper Adventures Mongolia itinerary:

  • All meals, accommodations, and transportation included. A translator will also accompany you during the duration of the trip.
  • You MUST be comfortable on a horse. Because there are no roads where you’re going, you’ll be riding semi-wild horses for two days just to get to the Tsaatan Tribe’s home on the taiga, for example. If you are inexperienced on a horse, or afraid of riding, this trip is not for you. Erik will vet you before the trip, so don’t expect to fake your way into this experience, it’s simply too dangerous to do that.
  • Each of Erik’s trips is different. You never know if you’ll get to ride reindeer across a glacier, watch locals compete in a reindeer race, or watch on as Eagle Hunters battle in ancient Kazakh games. No matter which trip of Erik’s you join, each one is specially curated and pulls out all of the stops.

Hope to see you all in Mongolia. You know where to find me when you do.

Planning a trip right now don’t miss my go-to websites for booking everything from flights and tours, to accommodation and more:.

  • Booking.com for the best hotel deals
  • World Nomads for flexible travel insurance
  • VRB O for awesome home rentals
  • Skyscanner for finding the best flight deals
  • Hostelworld for budget accommodation
  • Rentalcars.com for easy car rentals

Mongolia itinerary guide Pinterest cover

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On the contrary, it’s very easy to eat vegan in Ulaanbaatar. There’s plenty of great vegan spots to eat there.

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That’s helpful to know, Joe thank you. Can you share some of your favorite vegan spots and maybe we can update the post?

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That’s an incredibly detailed and well thought out guide. Thank you

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Once Upon a Journey

Mongolia Travel: 19x Why You Must Visit Mongolia

By Author Roxanne & Maartje

Posted on Last updated: August 25, 2021

Have you ever thought of traveling to Mongolia, or is it on your bucket list already? We can tell you: you must go! Mongolia travel is amazing, and we are going to tell you why you must visit Mongolia.

Mongolia is one of the world’s most sparsely populated countries and has one of the last surviving nomadic cultures in the world. More pure, authentic experiences are hard to find in a world where, nowadays, no place seems unexplored.

It’s a country that’s still authentic. But with a tourism industry that’s growing, we aren’t surprised to see major changes coming in the next couple of years. That’s why you should travel to Mongolia as soon as you can!

Mongolia travel yurts ger tents

Around 3.3 million people live in Mongolia. Nearly half of the population lives in the capital city, Ulaanbaatar. You can travel around the rest of Mongolia without seeing people for hours. Just sit back and enjoy the landscapes.

Landscapes that are super diverse. The country has deserts, huge mountain ranges, grasslands, rocky valleys, sand dunes, and canyons. It’s an adventurous country to travel to.

We traveled to this amazingly diverse country and had the most amazing time ever! Together with a driver, we drove around the country in three weeks and enjoyed every second of it.

Here’s our list of 19 reasons why you must travel to Mongolia!

Reasons Why You Must Visit Mongolia

We also include the best places in Mongolia to visit, the tourist attractions in Mongolia (yes there are a few), facts about Mongolia, the best time to visit this amazing country, and so much more!

Mongolia travel is amazing, and we hope more people get the chance to experience it.

Mongolian People

Mongolian family with goats

Mongolians are arguably the most friendly & warmhearted people in the world. We were welcomed open-armed everywhere.

It doesn’t matter that they do not speak English, and we didn’t speak the local language (please do learn some basic words for greetings and a polite ‘thank you’). Mongolians speak with their warm smiles. Mongolian people are one of the reasons to travel to this beautiful country!

Around 3.3 million people live in Mongolia. Nearly half of the population lives in the capital city, Ulaanbaatar. It’s one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. In comparison, the country is over 4 times bigger than Germany, but about 80 million fewer people live in Mongolia.

More and more people Mongolians move to the city. One quarter still lives a traditional Mongolian nomadic life, but as life is changing, there are fewer people living nomadically.

The official language spoken in Mongolia is Mongolian and is spoken by most Mongolians. Many Mongolians also speak Russian, so if you speak Russian, it could be to your advantage when traveling around Mongolia.

Untouched by Western Life

Mongolian herder

Except for the big capital, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia is untouched by western life. And more importantly: undiscovered by mass tourism. But with a tourism industry that’s growing, we aren’t surprised to see major changes coming in the next couple of years.

When we visited Mongolia, we saw many paved roads being constructed in the countryside. The infrastructure is changing quickly.

That’s why Mongolia is the place to go, now. More pure, authentic experience is hard to find in a world where nowadays no place seems unexplored.

Festivals in Mongolia

Nadaam Festival Mongolia

There are some great festivals in Mongolia! So if you can visit Mongolia during this time, your Mongolia trip would be extra special.

A popular time to travel to the country is during the national Nadaam Festival. It’s the most famous festival in the country and a national holiday for the locals.

Every summer, usually around mid-July, this festival is held. There will be wrestling, horse riding, and archery. Nadaam literally means a feast of sports, but it is much more than just a festival about games and sports.

People get together, eat together, have fun, probably empty one or two bottles of strong drinks, sing, dance, and perform. Mingle with the locals and learn about the authentic Mongolian culture.

You have to visit northern Mongolia to see the most traditional Nadaam Festival celebrations, for example in the area of lake Khuvsgul. And make sure to bring your camera with you, as it’s a picturesque happening.

Another amazing festival in Mongolia is the Altai Eagle Festival in West Mongolia. In the Altai mountains, eagle hunters and their trained eagles will showcase their traditional culture. The festival is the start of the eagle hunting season.

We stayed with a Kazakh family of eagle hunters and had the most amazing time.

Off the Beaten Track Travel

Off the beaten track 4x4 Mongolia tour

Looking for an off-the-beaten-track destination? Mongolia it is! When traveling to Mongolia, we heard so many people saying ‘Mongolia is on my bucket list too’ and ‘one day I will go there’. But as it’s really an off-the-beaten-track destination, the country sits on people’s travel bucket-list forever.

There are not many paved roads in Mongolia, so your Mongolia trip will get adventurous. In 2007, there were just 2600 kilometers (1615 miles_)of paved roads in the country. In recent years, this changed to 10,000 kilometers (6214 miles) of paved roads.

Most of those paved roads are in and around Ulaanbaatar. This is just 20% of the total roads in Mongolia, so imagine how many unpaved roads there are.

And those roads are often very bumpy, or sometimes roads are fully gone! For our trip, we hired a local driver (and his 4×4 car). We know some people rent their own car and drive around the country, but we don’t understand how they managed.

Our driver had to ask other Mongolians multiple times a day if roads were accessible. And sometimes, after multiple hours of driving, we had to turn around to find another road. Sometimes we were unable to drive on it; there was too much water on the road or roads were too muddy, for example.

If you are going to drive yourself, it might be handy if you know how to change a tire!

And if you are sitting back in the back of the car, it will get bumpy. Adapt and enjoy the ride – and the gorgeous views. Bring medication with you if you get motion sick!

Mongolian Culture

Mongolian people setting up a yurt ger

Mongolia’s culture – one of the world’s last surviving nomadic cultures – is world-famous. These days, we all know “digital nomads”. Working remotely, online, and moving places all the time.

But the Mongolian nomads have been doing this for many, many years already. But they don’t work online, they work in and around their portable home.

The nomads in Mongolia live in a yurt, which is a portable and round tent covered with skins and felt. A yurt is also known as a ger, this is how the Mongolians call their home. They pack everything they own twice or three times a year to move to a different location.

Usually, the nomadic families move in spring and just before winter. The nomadic families move according to the natural circumstances of the season. They do this to provide new food for their herds and to protect themselves from the cold weather in wintertime.

It’s not like they move from north to south, but from the lowlands to highlands, or from open valleys to more hidden places against the wind. It gets very cold in winter in Mongolia.

Nomadic family Mongolia moving in spring

Normally, nomadic families don’t move far from one camp to another and stay within the region.

When traveling around Mongolia in spring, we saw many families moving around. That was so impressive, to see them moving places with their stuff and their animals.

The nomadic families often have cows, goats, sheep, horses, and/or camels. They keep them for food (meat and milk), and for trading.

About 25-40% of Mongolia’s population still preserve a Mongolian nomadic way of life. And the nomadic cultural heritage and lifestyle are still very similar to the traditions of centuries ago. 

Sleeping in a Yurt Mongolia

Mongolian yurt ger during sunset

Sleeping a ger is a must when visiting Mongolia! We got the opportunity to stay with nomadic families in their ger, and it’s an adventure to never forget.

There are ger camps in Mongolia, especially for tourists. It’s like a lodge setup but with gers. These ger camps are great to go to, as they give tourists an idea of how it is staying in a ger, but with western amenities.

The gers of nomadic families are often very modest, so there’s not always a bed, shower, or toilet. But we stayed at one nomadic family who had electricity, walkie-talkies to communicate with each other, a television, solar panels, and lights.

So some western life is integrated into the traditional Mongolian nomadic lifestyle in some families, but this is still rare. And we can imagine they don’t want too much stuff. As the more stuff you have, the more you need to move around!

Nomadic culture

Mongolian boy and camel

Everything nomadic people need is there in their ger. Each ger has a fireplace in the middle, for cooking and to keep the Ger warm. Smoke from the fireplace escapes through a hole in the center of the roof, like a chimney.

These large portable tents protect nomadic families from some of the coldest temperatures on the planet during winter. 

If you get the opportunity to stay with a Mongolian nomadic family in their ger, definitely take it! As this is such an authentic experience.

As a whole family lives in the yurt, there’s not really any privacy. There are no walls or separated places in the yurt, and they live, sleep, and eat together. Not sure how you can be really intimate this way, but it’s obviously been done like this for ages (and we saw many little children walking around)!

Don’t expect comfort when staying with a nomadic family, it’s the perfect way to leave the western way of living behind for a bit.

Because of its beautiful open culture, Mongolia’s people make the country feel surprisingly accessible and warm (even during the cold spring!).

Wildlife Mongolia

Animal traffic jam in Mongolia sheep and goats

In the countryside of Mongolia, you will not see normal traffic jams, but traffic jams caused by herds of cows, sheep, goats, horses, or camels. They are just walking on the road, standing on it, or are trying to cross.

Animals can wander wild and free in Mongolia’s countryside (which is almost the whole country). They can go where they want to go!

There are no fences for animals, and nomadic families keep their herd together with help of herding dogs. The dogs also keep wolves away, who see the free-roaming animals as easy prey.

Be prepared to see many animals while traveling around the country. When you are on the road, opening your ger, or when you are squatting behind a bush and out of a sudden there’s a camel looking at you.

There are also many wild animals living in Mongolia. Like the famous Prezwalski horse, snow leopards, yaks, gray wolves, the Siberian ibex, Gobi bears, and gazelles!

We searched for snow leopards in the mountains on a tour but didn’t see them, sadly.

The Feeling of Being the Only One

Baga Gazriin Chuluu Mongolia landscape

In Mongolia, you can truly feel like you are the only one on earth. We already talked about the fact Mongolia is one of the least populated countries in the world.

But it’s not only a low populated country, it is also the 19th biggest country on earth. Only 2 people live per square kilometer (5 people per square mile).

You can drive around the country for hours. Hours of seeing nothing but limitless open space. And you can visit the most incredible places without other tourists around. It makes you feel like you are the only person in the world.

This is not something you can experience in many countries in the world. Especially not in the Netherlands (where we are from) and many other countries in Europe.

Trans-Mongolian Railway

Trans Mongolian Railway Trans Siberian Railway

Want to make your trip extra adventures? Why not travel by train to or from Mongolia? We visit Mongolia during our Trans-Mongolia Railway trip.

Initially, we were supposed to do the Trans-Siberian Railway route through Russia only, but we are so happy we changed our minds.

The Trans-Mongolian Railway travels from Moscow to Beijing, via Mongolia. One of the reasons you must visit Mongolia is because of this epic train ride. It’s the longest continuous rail line in the world, traveling across two continents, covering almost 10,000 kilometers (6214 miles).

Yes, you can stay on the train and enjoy the ride while looking outside the window. But you have to experience Mongolia yourself!

Mongolia’s Nature

Yolin Am Canyon Gorge in Gurvan Saikhan Mountains Mongolia hike

If you love the outdoors, Mongolia is your paradise. Mongolia’s nature is incredibly diverse, and driving through Mongolia amazed us every minute.

From the beautiful desert steppe and incredible sand dunes in the Gobi in the south to the mountainous regions in the west to the lakes in the north: Mongolia’s nature will never bore you.

The best places to visit in Mongolia are: Lake Khövsgöl, the Gobi Desert, the Orkhon Valley, Khustain Nuruu National Park, Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, and the Altai Mountains.

Looking for more stunning nature in Asia? Visit Khao Sok National Park in Thailand!

Horse Riding Mongolia

Mongolian horses horse riding Mongolia

Mongolia is heaven for everyone loving horses! Here you can find wild Przewalski’s horses , the only species of wild horses left on earth. Once, they were nearly extinct, but they were imported back into Mongolia. And now you can find them in Khustain Nuruu National Park! They are beautiful to see.

Of course, the Przewalski’s horses aren’t meant to ride on, but horse riding is a very important part of Mongolian culture (on other horses than the Przewalski’s horses). Nomadic families use their horses to move around.

Horse riding tours in Mongolia are popular as it’s an amazing way to see true Mongolia, become part of Mongolia’s wilderness, and experience and see the nomadic lifestyle first hand.

You can do a short horse riding tip of a couple of hours in Mongolia. But if you love horse riding, a multiple day-tour might be the best way to see (a part of) Mongolia.

The Beauty of Every Season

Herder in Mongolia on a horse

Mongolia is called the country of the blue sky because it has over 250 sunny days a year! The summers are hot and the winters extremely cold.

And in spring, the weather is everything. Literally. In the Altai Mountains in the west, you can see all four seasons, from snow to sun to rain, in just ten minutes. Every season shows a different Mongolia.

The winter shows a beautiful white wonderland, the summer its green mountains, and spring its newborn animals jumping around happily.

Driving around Mongolia is most recommended during (late) spring, summer, or early autumn. This way, it’s easiest to travel around the country without being delayed because of the weather and undrivable roads.

Gobi Desert Mongolia

Sand Dunes of Khongoryn Els Gobi Gurvan Saikhan

The Gobi Desert in Mongolia is one of the places you have to visit when you travel to Mongolia! It’s the second-largest desert in Asia and the sixth in the world.

And it has super unique ecosystems, amazing natural formations, real dinosaur fossils, huge dunes, many camels live here. Plus, the desert was an important place of the ancient Silk Road.

The desert is also famous for its dust and wind storms, so be prepared! During wintertime, the temperatures can reach minus 35 degrees Celsius (-31 Fahrenheit) in the desert, and during summer temperatures can reach plus 35 degrees Celsius (95 Fahrenheit).

Must-visit spots in the Gobi Desert are the flaming cliffs and the Sand Dunes of Khongoryn Els. We camped next to the dunes with our own tents and had the best night ever.

Camping in Mongolia

Camping in the Mongolian desert Gobi

You could say sleeping in ger is kinda camping in Mongolia, but another option is to bring your own tents! We hired a driver, and he arranged tents, so we could overnight everywhere we wanted. You can wild-camp in Mongolia almost everywhere.

Camping is especially a great option if you travel to Mongolia between May and mid-October, for the best weather.

We only had great experiences camping in Mongolia, only one time it got a little too cold when staying in the mountains searching for snow leopards. We can’t recommend camping with -10 degrees Celsius (14 Fahrenheit) at night.

Camping in Mongolia

There’s no light pollution in Mongolia (if you stay in the countryside), so make sure to admire the sky at night. The skies filled with stars are incredible!

Some basic camping tips: don’t set up your tent under a tree, you never know if a storm sets up and branches might fall. And don’t set up your tent too close to water or riverbeds that are dry. Heavy rain can change everything!

Eagle Hunters and The West

Eagle hunter Mongolia Kazakh

Most tourists go from the capital to the Gobi Desert in the south, or to Lake Khövsgöl in the north, and they miss out on the best part of the country: the west.

The more we travel west, the friendlier the people become; we drive into the Kazakh area. These people are known for their hospitality and… for eagle hunting!

We visit the family of the Eagle Huntress and have the best time. Besides Kazakh people, West Mongolia is also famous for its nature.

Our driver proudly tells us that you don’t have to travel all of Mongolia: all things can be found right there, in the west. Mountains, sand dunes, and lakes: everything!

The Altai mountains are located in western Mongolia, which is the highest and largest mountain range in the country. If you visit this area during the right time, you might even get the chance to see the Altai Eagle Festival.

Hiking Mongolia

West Mongolia hike

Horse riding is one option to experience the wilderness of Mongolia, hiking is another option! Mongolia is a paradise for hiking lovers. And there are hikes for everyone, from beginners to pros.

If you have enough time and are an experienced hiker, then the Altai mountains are the place to be for hiking. Walk through the amazing snow-capped mountain ranges and enjoy the wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and culture you will experience on the way.

The Khangai Mountains in central Mongolia are great for hiking if you are looking for an easier area for hiking. And if you don’t want to travel too far from Ulaanbaatar, other options are Lake Khövsgöl, the Terelj National Park, and Bogd Khan Mountain. 

Mongolian Food

Aaruul Dried Curd Mongolia

Okay, for some people this might be the reason to not visit Mongolia. Mongolian food is interesting as it features a lot of meat and milk products. Especially when you visit Mongolia in winter or just after. At that time, there aren’t many vegetables available.

We traveled through Mongolia in early spring and were happy when we found a carrot or potato somewhere, something else than meat.

Mongolians eat and use everything from the animal, which we think is amazing. You shouldn’t be surprised if they serve a dish with intestines. So if you like meat and don’t mind experimenting, Mongolia is a great place for you.

Besides the meat, they also use other things from animals. Mongolians make warm clothing from animal skin, and they use cow poo to make fire.

There are also many dairy products available in Mongolia. They are very creative with the use of milk from their local animals like camels, horses, cows, goats, yaks, and sheep.

The most interesting dairy snack we got was Aaruul. Aaruul is dried curd, and quite difficult to eat (it’s very hard)!

Ulaanbaatar

Mongolian Parliament building statue of Genghis Khan

Although it is the coldest capital city in the world, Ulaanbaatar – or just UB – is a lively capital with a rapidly growing population.

The capital city is located 1,350 meters (4,430 feet) above sea level and reaches temperatures of -42 degrees Celsius (-44 Fahrenheit) during winter.

But summer temperatures can reach 39 degrees Celsius (102 Fahrenheit), so the city experiences extreme differences between seasons.

Nowadays, almost half of Mongolia’s entire population lives in Ulaanbaatar. No wonder the rest of the land is so empty people-wise. It is crazy to think that UB is also Mongolia, as the feel is the opposite of that of the countryside.

The capital attracts young people from rural areas and this makes the city feel alive! For tourists, it’s the international gateway to Mongolia’s wilderness.

But we also recommend spending at least one day in UB. There are some great cultural sights, art galleries, and museums in the capital city. The National History Museum is great to visit.

You can also see many remains of the Communist regime in for example buildings, featuring Soviet architecture.

Visiting other cities in Asia too? Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur are among our favorite cities!

Adventure is Out There

Gobi Desert Mongolia

Last but not least, and I think you will get this one by now: adventure is out there in Mongolia! We visited many countries in the world, and Mongolia travel is by far our most adventurous travel experience of all.

For seventeen days, we saw barely any paved roads, no shower, no toilets, and no electricity. We were totally off the grid and lived the nomadic life ourselves. The real one, and not the digital nomad lifestyle we were used to. It is adjusting, but amazing. We had the time of our lives!

Best Time to Visit Mongolia

What’s the best time to visit Mongolia? In winter, the temperatures can be very harsh, reaching -45 degrees Celsius (-49 Fahrenheit). It doesn’t snow a lot in Mongolia. But the snow that falls stays for a long time as the temperatures stay freezing cold at least for four months. The snow simply doesn’t melt!

Winter in Mongolia is from November to February. With good equipment and good preparation, Mongolia travel is possible this time of the year.

The landscapes in winter are extra magical. You probably see many ice sculptures made by Mongolians. And nomads will give you an extra warm welcome because they don’t see many foreigners this time of year.

But, it’s also good to know your Mongolia trip will get extra adventurous. As there aren’t many roads and the infrastructure isn’t there, it isn’t always safe to travel outside of Ulaanbaatar this time of year.

In our eyes, the best time to visit Mongolia is during spring and summer. The temperatures are getting warmer, and nomadic families will move places. This makes for amazing sights.

And in summer the Nadaam Festival happens, which is a great moment to visit Mongolia!

Good to know: it’s possible to experience every season of the year in one day. Especially in intermediate seasons, in May or September. It doesn’t rain often in Mongolia, but the most in summer.

Map of Mongolia

Mongolia travel is amazing, and we hope you are enthusiastic to travel to this beautiful country too!  Do you have any questions?  Drop them below or send us a message.

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19x Why You Must Visit Mongolia

Bren Broussard

Friday 18th of February 2022

Thanks for the article on Mongolia. Yes, it has ALWAYS been on my wish list. I was especially impressed when I saw the eagle huntress a few years back when she was making headlines. How did you grt to stay with the Eagle Huntress family? It it possible for me and my partner to pay to also stay with them? Or other nomadic family in the west? Please assist, before its too late and overrun by tourists… oh wait, that’s me! Oh deer…

Sincerely, Bren

Roxanne & Maartje

Monday 21st of February 2022

Hi Bren! We connected with Ishee Battulga (Ishbaljir Battulga) and he had all the connections to make it happen! Ishee's brother drove us and was our tour guide. I don't think his website is working, but you can find him on Facebook and reach out.

Ratnakor Dosshu

Sunday 14th of June 2020

What is the minimum money needed to stay in Mongolia for 6 month?

Wednesday 24th of June 2020

That really depends on what you do! For a trip through the desert, you need at least $40 per day for the tour. But in Ulaanbaatar, you can definitely do with less!

Wednesday 8th of January 2020

Incredibly beautiful places. I was impressed with your trip! Thanks for sharing!

kimberleygriffioen

Monday 4th of December 2017

Wauw, ziet er echt heel indrukwekkend uit. Wil ik zeker een keer naartoe!

Friday 8th of December 2017

Het is nog veel indrukwekkender in real life!!

Wij deden hier o.a een gobi dessert tour....fascinerend landschap

We hadden echt nog nooit zoiets gezien!

  • mongolia , Popular Posts , travel stories

Why you should travel to Mongolia (or, why my solo trip to Mongolia was everything)

By oneika raymond.

If travel to Mongolia isn’t already on your radar it should be. Here’s why, plus my recommendations for things to do and see in Mongolia on a short trip.

Travelling Mongolia isn’t really on the average tourist’s radar, but since I was living in Hong Kong (which isn’t super close by but is at least in the same hemisphere) planning a visit there was always in the back of my mind.

However, after nearly five years in HK and travels to nearly every other country in the region, I still hadn’t made it to Mongolia.

Why? Turns out that going to Mongolia, even from HK, isn’t particularly cheap nor easy.  And as someone who mostly plans their trips around cost and convenience, this meant a visit to Mongolia kept getting put on the backburner, while I flitted around to places like Japan , Thailand , and Myanmar . *cue the world’s smallest violin*

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But last year, as my move back to The Big Apple loomed , I decided to bite the bullet, throw down the cash, and make the time (and energy) for a recon trip. I went to Mongolia for 5 days in June (yet froze my buns off?!) and rocked the adventure solo dolo (thinking about travelling alone? Peep my tips for solo travel here ).

And you know what? It was everything.

But before I get into what I did, here are a few quick facts about Mongolia for you geography buffs out there.

Facts and figures (aka why you should go to Mongolia in the first place)

-Mongolia is one of the most sparsely populated nations in the world, with only 4.3 people per square mile. -Mongolia is known as the “Land of Blue Sky” because it has 260 days of sun a year. -There are 13 times more horses than humans in the country, and sheep outnumber humans 35 to 1.

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-Mongolia is home to one of the world’s last surviving nomadic cultures, and these nomads still live in traditional tents known as gers or yurts . These portable dwellings are round and covered with animal skins or felt to retain heat. -Mongolia is perhaps best known for its steppes, or endless expanses of grasslands. These prairie regions are characterized by their lack of trees.

Intrigued? I sure was. Here’s what I did on my trip to Mongolia and why my stay there was amazing.

Top things to do in Mongolia (aka why my trip to Mongolia was everything)

I visited the coldest capital city in the world– ulaanbaatar.

Did you know that Mongolia’s capital city of Ulaanbaatar is the coldest in the world? Temperatures in January are as low as −36 to −40 °C, eek!  My journey started from there, and this was the view from my hotel room.

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Heck, since I’m sharing, here is what my hotel room looked like.  I was hosted by the  J Hotel , a very clean, new-ish hotel found a short cab ride away from Ulaanbaatar’s sites.

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(Sidebar: I was very happy to luxuriate in that king size bed since I the previous night’s sleeping quarters consisted of stretching myself across three metal chairs in Beijing’s airport, where I had a 9 hour overnight layover.  Remember when I mentioned that getting to Mongolia was inconvenient? I wasn’t joking).

Truth be told, Ulaanbaatar doesn’t have loads of must-sees or things to do from a tourist perspective, and I found it to have a bit of a weird vibe. That may or may not be because I had a bit of a “situation” at the Naran Tuul Market– while I was wandering amongst the outdoor stalls a male vendor roughly grabbed my arm (perhaps to get me to look at his goods?) and wouldn’t let go for at least 10 seconds as I tried to, then eventually succeeded, in pushing him away. As he was speaking in Mongolian, I have no idea what he actually wanted.

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Please note: I wouldn’t say that I feared for my safety, but that, combined with a couple of lecherous glances/advances I got from men (no doubt emboldened to do so since I was a female foreigner travelling on her own) definitely contributed to the sketch factor.

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At any rate, apart from that, I spent most of my two days in the city walking around and taking photos. Both nights I was in town I ate at Hazara, a very good (if pricey) Indian restaurant about a twenty minute walk from my hotel.

While I don’t recommend visiting Ulaanbaatar as a top thing to do in Mongolia, it’s highly likely to be your first point of entry into the country anyway, especially if you arrive by plane.

I went into the Mongolian steppe, got to stay with a Mongolian family, and got to sleep in a ger

Folks, if you’re looking for a top thing to do in Mongolia– this is it! In all honesty, this is what most (if not all) tourists come to Mongolia for.

The best way to experience Mongolia when you’re short on time is to go on a tour. I thus partnered with Idre Tour on a 3 day, 2 night adventure in the Mongolian steppe.

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It was an epic experience that took me through two of the country’s major attractions: the Khogno Khan Uul Nature Reserve and Gorki-Terelj National Park. The tour was made all the more poignant by the fact that I was “unplugged” in all senses of the word: I had no access to electricity, running water (yup, no showers), or internet for 72 hours!

While I’m an internet addict, the opportunity to appreciate nature without the constant distraction of my phone/Whatsapp/laptop was nice. The opportunity to travel by myself (I was the only person on my tour for the 3 days) was nice, too.

Over the course of the tour I stayed with two different Mongolian families and slept in a “ger”, which I mentioned before is a traditional tent dwelling. However, while I enjoyed this authentic Mongolian experience, it was very cold at night, even in June!

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The tour company was great. Not only did they arrange everything with the families, they also provided transportation from Ulaanbaatar to the steppe and back.  I was accompanied by a local guide and a driver every step of the way– they not only explained everything about Mongolia’s unique culture, nature, and history, but also served as translators and chefs.

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But more about the nomadic families I stayed with.  They welcome travellers into their homes, despite speaking zero English and being unable to communicate. This is so amazing to me. The first family I stayed with consisted of an older couple who I called “Grandma” and “Grandpa” as I struggled to pronounce their names (Mongolian language is not easy).  Though we couldn’t talk to each other without the aid a translator, their sincerity, simplicity, and kindness brought a tear to my eye. I’ll share more about the experience (for example getting the chance to sample traditional Mongolian food!) in a future post.

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I went camel trekking in the Gobi Desert

Livestock is the main source of livelihood in Mongolia, so there were animals EVERYWHERE. Sheep, goats, camels, horses, and pigs are raised commercially. I love farm animals and got to play with a ton!

But one of the most amazing things to do in Mongolia is to ride a camel through the Gobi Desert, which I had a chance to do on my tour (I also took a selfie with a yak and watched bulls get in a fight with each other steps away from my ger, but I digress).

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No doubt, camel trekking is a top tourist attraction in Mongolia.  I thus jumped at the opportunity to ride a two-humped beauty through the Khogno Khan Uul Nature Reserve, which is home to the southern part of the Gobi Desert.

I got to visit the Genghis Khan Statue Complex– the largest horse statue in the world

Whether you call him Genghis Khan or Chinggis Khaan, there’s no disputing he is an integral part of Mongolian history.  Genghis is the founder and emperor of the Mongolian empire, so you’re guaranteed to see his name and likeness throughout the country.  It was thus no surprise that on the third day of my tour, we made a stop at the Genghis Khan Statue Complex, only located about an hour outside of Ulaanbaatar.

The complex is mainly built around a massive monument memorializing the mighty warrior atop his trademark horse– a random fact is that it’s actually the biggest equestrian statue in the world at over 130 feet high!

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Even more random is that the complex also houses one of the biggest boots in the world– it’s composed of over 300 cowhides!

I got to reconnect with myself

Beyond all the stunning sights and attractions Mongolia has to the offer, one of the best things about going was the opportunity to reconnect with myself through solo travel, a practice of which I’m a huge advocate (especially for women) . In particular, my days out in the steppe, sans distractions like the internet, gave me time to relax and ponder life’s big questions.

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Yes, you should go to Mongolia!

So, in a nutshell, if you are interested in escaping to a less touristy destination that has loads of nature, quiet, culture, and wide open spaces where there are more animals than people (#antisocial), Mongolia is definitely the place for you. Just don’t go in the winter months because if it was that cold in June I can’t imagine what it’d be like in January!

Would you ever travel to Mongolia? What do you know about the country?

SHARING IS CARING

85 comments.

Oh wow! I love it when someone shares their experience after traveling to a rarely-visited-not-flooded-with-tourists-kinda country. Those are countries I yearn to see…Thanks for sharing the experiences you had in Mongolia!

Thanks so much Caroline!! I’ve been meaning to blog about Mongolia for ages but am only now just getting around to it!

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I would love to go to Mongolia! Although I’ve been reading about industrial pollution in Mongolia which is really sad. A lot of western companies who know the government who do anything when they dump toxic or radioactive waste throughout Mongolia 🙁

Eek! I’m not very knowledgeable about that but I wouldn’t be surprised! Mongolia’s neighbour China has a huge problem with industrial pollution too!

Wow!! Mongolia is not really on my top ten list to visit (or anywhere near my top ten, to be honest) – cost and convenience, like you said – I am really intrigued by it seeing as Turks trace our ancestry back to the Mongols, and it would be really impressive to experience my roots, so to speak.

The history is insane. I wish I had more time to explore the country and to learn more about it!

Wow, this was indeed an amazing read. I never knew that such rustic beauty existed in Mongolia. There are often places like this ignored by people and only those lucky enough to know their true identity can explore their beauty. Thanks a lot for sharing this as Mongolia is definitely on the top of my list now.

Yay I’m glad to hear that! The only reason Mongolia was on my radar is because I lived in Asia already!

Incredible post, Oneika! Ever since I started seeing photos of Mongolia, I’ve wanted to visit and spend a few disconnected weeks experiencing its beauty. It looks like you had a wonderful time, and you’ve really captured it beautifully!

Thanks so much Kay! It was really lovely over there!

Hi Oneika. I travelled on my own to Vietnam and Cambodia for 5 weeks 3 years ago, and admittedly I’m much older than you (47), but I felt kind of strange and out of place as a solo female traveller in this age group. Few people talked to me (especially fellow tourists) and it seemed as if most other travellers were in couples, groups or families in the countries I visited. I guess everyone’s experience is different (and I also acknowledge I’m not a particularly outgoing person), but even so, I’m not sure I’d feel comfortable travelling solo again for such a long period of time.

That’s totally fair! I hope you get to round up a group of friends to do this trip!

‘Love the post Oneika!

I would love to go to Mongolia. My dream is to do the Trans-Siberian or the Trans-Mongolian train journey, as I’m desperate to get back to Russia!

It was almost a thing last year, but I opted to go to the Philippines and Taiwan instead lol!

Some colleagues of mine did the Trans-Siberian last summer! I think the train trip would be a little long for me but it would definitely be interesting.

Outstanding pictures. I have never thought of visiting Mongolia but now I will research it and see what’s on offer. Thanks for the insightful post.

Yay! Glad this inspired you to visit!

I’d go for the textiles alone. Mama’s tunic was everything!

Haha! Right!?

I’ve wanted to visit Mongolia for years (mostly because I used to be a horse-crazy little girl and Mongolia is a home to a unique breed of wild horses, haha), but so far I haven’t had a chance to visit. You said it was quite expensive to get to, but once in the country, how pricey was it?

There are sooooo many horses! As for prices, I wouldn’t say it’s for a budget traveller. Most activities require a tour and tours can be pricey, BUT they often include all food and transport. The tour I did was about $300 USD but it included all food, accommodation, entry fees, and transfers.

Hey. I myself is a Mongolian and I live in Hungary. If Elina or anybody has a plan of spending a fraction of their SUMMER 2018 fun in Mongolia, don’t hesitate to hit me up/ask questions and travel together. Thanks Oneika for showing the beauty of this special country. [email protected]

I’ve always wanted to explore Mongolia but, no one was willing to travel to such a distant land with me. Since reading your blog I’m ready to “Grid my loins” and take that giant leap solo! Thanks for sharing your amazing adventure!

Yay! Glad to hear that!

Wow, love the photos and blog post about Mongolia. It’s been on my list for almost a decade, but like you, cheaper destinations win out. It’s great to know that a short ger excursion is available. If you were able to stay longer, what else would you have done or recommended?

So glad to see you went to Mongolia!! My sister was there for briefly for the Peace Corps (she cut her term short) a few years ago. We have been talking about going back since. I am going to share this with her. It is awesome to see solo WOC travelers going off the beaten path. I look forward to more posts about this trip.

Thanks so much for reading, Arley! You’re right, it’s perhaps not the most typical trip- WOC traveller or not! I hope you make it there with your sister soon!

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Oh wow. Mongolia has been on my radar for years, but group tours are so expensive. Your blog is making me think it might be possible as a solo trip.

It looks amazing, and I love what you say about solo travel and reconnecting with yourself, as I couldn’t agree more!

I hope you go! It’s totally possible, and worth it!

Great post, so informative. Looking forward to my trip but until then, I guess I’ll have to make do with my playlist of Mongolian music: https://resfeberblog.tumblr.com/post/164440818755/comongolia-mongolia-playlist-a-playlist-on

Thanks, Ian

How long did you stay in Mongolia for? I am going to HK in november but thinking about doing quick trip to Mongolia, realistically probably only have around 5 – 6 days. Is that feasible / worth the cost? Your trip sounded amazing.

Hi Oneika, your trip to Mongolia looks great. I was wondering if you still had the details for the company/tour you went with? As its itinerary sounds ideal.

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Hi Oneika! Your trip to Mongolia looks amazing!!! I’m a solo traveler (sometimes) and others that my BF or friends tag along is cool! I travel to China a lot for work and was thinking of venturing off to Mongolia in October after my work is done to explore. I stay in Shenzhen near HK usually so to go to Mongolia I read from your info that is not so convenient. Regardless, I can figure it out! Is there a way you could share your itinerary, where you stood? a little more info 🙂 if possible. I will try to convince a Chinese friend that lives in Shenzhen to go, but if she can’t, I might just go alone! any help!! would greatly appreciate the info!

Hello Oneika! I truly support your solo travel concept. Though I have some foreign tours with amazing group of people, there is something so special traveling alone with just a guide, cook and driver. So glad I am able to read your Mongolia trip. At the end of this month (August/2018), I will be in Ulanbaataar for 6 days and 10 days to trek up Mt. Altai from Olgii. I am so looking forward to this trip and some of the points of interests you mentioned are on my list, booked and ready to go. Thanks for sharing…follow me at https//:walkingtheearth.blog. I am new in blogosphere, need to update more travel info. Take care and happy trails to you!!

Nice blog about Mongolia, but I have read many blogs on Mongolia and those blog says that its to hard to travel alone, but after I read your blog I gain courage to visit there… thanks for sharing your incredible experience…

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Visit Mongolia

The Ultimate Mongolia Travel Guide 2024

From the best time of year to visit to how to get a SIM card and where to register with immigration , these are the important things to know as you plan your trip to Mongolia.

  • April 9, 2020
  • Updated: January 24, 2024

Breanna Wilson Mongolia Travel Expert

Live with an Eagle Hunter Family During this Eagle Festival Tour 2024

Traditional Mongolian Archery

What is Mongolian Traditional Mounted Archery?

Tsagaan Sar Tour

Mongolian Lunar New Year and Shambala Winter Tour 2025

Table of contents.

When I say I love living in Mongolia, I mean it with every part of my heart and soul. It was after coming here in 2018 as a tourist to join a Mongolia tour and experience the local culture that I remember thinking, this place can’t be real.

It turned out to be the best way to experience Mongolia I could have asked for. That short trip made me realize the Mongolian steppe is one of the last truly untouched places in the world for nature lovers and true adventure seekers.

Nomadic families really did still live of the land, and their herds, the same way they have for thousands of years. Talk about sustainable.

In fact, 25% of the Mongolian population still lives this way. That’s a huge percentage in a country of just over 3.2 million.

However, it wasn’t just the Mongolian countryside that I fell in love with. After coming back and living a summer in Ulaanbaatar (also written as Ulan Bator), Mongolia’s capital city, I knew this was the country, and the place for me.

It’s by no means easy living here. This is not the United States, where everything runs smoothly. Language barriers are a thing, credit cards always have issues (especially Mastercard), and you really need to get used to Mongolian time. Whether you want to or not.

In the end, I’ve learned it’s better not to resist this style of living and just go with the flow. It’s probably the only reason I’ve made it this long here. Living here has taught me a lot about patience, compassion, and myself. Things living in Los Angeles, New York, and growing up in Pittsburgh couldn’t do in 32 years.

Because, when it comes down to it, Mongolia is a tough place to be as a foreigner among the local people. When I moved here, there was no information on how to navigate the the city, let alone rural Mongolia. I’m talking, nothing! I had to become my own local guide.

Not just for people crazy enough to move here like me, but for travelers, too. The type of people willing to travel more than 24 hours to a place where they usually have no idea about the chaos they are about to encounter. The kind of people who book a tour but the tour company could be real and you could have the adventure of the lifetime, or it could be a complete scam. The people who just go for it with fearlessness without ever looking back. Those are my people. You are my people.

So, I hope this Mongolia travel guide, along with the other guides on this Mongolia travel blog give you the insight and information that wasn’t available to me when I first came here. That these articles will help you navigate Ulaanbaatar like a local and Mongolia like a travel pro.

As always, if you need help planning an itinerary or have more specific travel questions, you can always book a 30-minute travel consultation with me. There’s nothing I love more than talking about Mongolia and getting people excited about visiting.

When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Mongolia?

Summer is the best time of year to visit Mongolia and is considered peak season. June, July, and August are beautiful months with a great deal of things to see and experience. This is when most tourists visit Mongolia, so you can expect peak rates, sometimes crowded natural landmarks and museums, and full flights.

The average summer temperature in Mongolia is between 25° and 32° C, with cold nights. You can comfortably wear t-shirts during the day and a light jacket when it gets dark. Dust storms are common in the summer season, especially when you’re on the wide-open plains.

Keep in mind that if you visit areas in the north or west, at higher elevations, temperatures will be lower than this. If you visit places in the south, particularly the Gobi Desert, temperatures will be much higher. Temperatures in the Gobi Desert average 40° C, and higher, in June, July, and August.

If you plan to visit Mongolia in the summer, especially in July, book your tours, hotels, and flights no later than March. July is the busiest month for tourism in Mongolia thanks to the Naadam festival. Hotel rates in Ulaanbaatar are even known to double in price between July 10 and 12, when the Opening Ceremony takes place in the city.

Naadam is the biggest and most important festival of the year and visiting Mongolia during Naadam gives you the best of Mongolia, and Mongolian culture, in just a few short days. The festival always takes place in July, with the National Opening Ceremony always being held in Ulaanbaatar on July 11. Thus, the high hotel rates in the city.

It’s during Naadam when you can watch wrestling, horse racing, and archery competitions big and small across the country.

Here are some other great things to see and experience when visiting Mongolia in June, July, and August:

  • Annual Naadam Festival
  • PlayTime Music Festival
  • Spirit of Gobi Music Festival
  • Tenger World Shaman Festival
  • Mongol Derby
  • Monkey Run Mongolia
  • Free Daily Cultural Shows in Ulaanbaatar
  • Polo Matches at the Genghis Khan Retreat and Polo Club

Mongolia Travel Guide Blog

What to Expect When You Visit Mongolia in Fall, Winter, or Spring

While summer is the most popular, and best time to visit Mongolia for many reasons, fall, winter, and spring shouldn’t be immediately ruled out. Here are a few reasons why.

Personally, fall is my favorite time to be in Mongolia .

Tourism starts to die down at the end of August as school starts and the weather starts to get a bit chillier and days shorter. This is the time when most nomadic families begin to prepare for the cold winter months ahead, which makes it an especially interesting time to visit. You can help families move to their winter camps, either by truck, camel, or yak, and help tear down and build their gers (homes) with them. It’s a special time to bond with families and feel like you’re being useful. The worst is when you go somewhere and feel like they’re just putting on a “show” for tourism reasons. This isn’t that. I can promise.

September is also the time when the landscape turns a beautiful golden hue. Trees turn bright shades of yellow, orange, and red, and snow starts to cover the mountain tops.

Because of all these things, traditional ger camps begin closing up for the season at this time. This is usually to traveler’s benefits because it means you can find great deals on nightly rates before they do.

Then, when October hits, it’s time for the famous Golden Eagle Festival .

The festival is extremely popular with tourists, so be sure to make your arrangements if you want to attend as far in advance as possible. I would recommend making your arrangements before June. Especially since securing flights from Ulaanbaatar to Ulgii can be tricky and confusing. For this I also recommend hiring a local tour company to make all your arrangements.

The annual Golden Eagle Festival is always held the first weekend in October .

Here are some other great things to see and experience when visiting Mongolia in September, October, and November:

  • Sagsai Eagle Festival
  • Golden Eagle Festival
  • Ulaanbaatar Jazz Week

Don’t let the idea winter in Mongolia intimidate you. Yes, temperatures do reach -30° C. And yes, Ulaanbaatar is officially the coldest capital city in the world . But it’s because of these things Ulaanbaatar, and Mongolia, are something special to see and experience during December, January, and February.

While temperatures do drop to around -30° C, you can still do things like visit and spend the night in a yurt with a nomadic family out in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. Out there, you can go horseback riding on Mongolia’s famously wild horses, and even dog sledding through the winter wonderland that has become the snow-covered countryside.

Or, better yet, head down to the Gobi Desert, one of the only deserts in the world where snow can lay across the dunes covering them in a sea of white. This is the perfect time to experience the natural beauty of the Mongolian desert, but with fewer crowds.

Alternatively, Tsagaan Sar , or Mongolian Lunar New Year, happens in February and is a unique way to experience a Mongolia relatively free of other tourists.

The holiday marks the first day of spring and a time when Mongolians take the time to visit each of the elders in their family, bringing gifts and sharing a meal. This is a special time for Mongolians to celebrate with family and look forward to new beginnings.

Here are some other great things to see and experience when visiting Mongolia in December, January, and February:

  • Ulaanbaatar’s Christmas Markets
  • New Year’s Eve Celebrations
  • Tsagaan Sar (Lunar New Year)
  • See the Gobi Desert Covered in Snow
  • Dog sledding on Lake Khusvgul
  • Ice Fishing

Winter in Mongolia Things to Do

While most people think of spring as a time when temperatures start to warm up, flowers begin to bloom, and life returns to nature, spring in Mongolia isn’t quite that. In fact, spring is still uncomfortably cold and you should probably just think of spring in Mongolia as winter-lite.

Blizzards can still occur in May, which locals refer to as dzud (or zud, a natural phenomenon that kills off a large portion of herds from starvation since they aren’t able to graze), and it’s still a harsh time in the country as locals start to run out of winter rations and look forward to warmer summer months.

However, as is usually the case in Mongolia, the brave are rewarded with two very cool festivals that make a trip to Mongolia in the spring worth it.

The annual Camel Festival is held each March in the Gobi Desert.

During the festival, there are camel polo matches, camel races, and friendly competitions among the local camel breeders. Mongolia is one of the few places in the world where you find Bactrian (two-hump) camels, and the Gobi Desert one of the only deserts in the world where snow accumulates. Making a trip down to the desert during this time is actually quite a magical experience.

Also in March, the annual Ice Festival is held on Lake Khuvsgul, the world’s second-largest freshwater lake. The lake is completely frozen over and is strong enough to drive cars over and host an entire festival on.

And yes, this region bordering Siberia will be every bit as cold as you’d expect it would be, so don’t come unprepared. A fur-lined winter deel (traditional Mongolian robe) probably wouldn’t be a bad investment. You can have one custom-made in Ulaanbaatar as soon as you land.

Here are some other great things to see and experience when visiting Mongolia in March, April, and May:

  • Camel Festival
  • Ice Festival
  • Ulaanbaatar Eagle Festival

Finding a Cheap Flight to Mongolia

Check the cheapest rates to Ulaanbaatar on CheapOair.com below.

The best direct flights to Mongolia are on the following airlines:

  • Mongolian National Airline (MIAT)
  • Turkish Airlines

If you’re traveling from the U.S., your two best options are via Istanbul on Turkish Airlines or via Seoul on Korean Air. I usually recommend traveling via Istanbul if you’re departing from the east coast and via Seoul if you’re departing from the west coast.

Turkish Airlines is my personal preference and I’ve never had an issue with them. I particularly like Turkish Airlines right now because they have a layover program that includes a  free 4-star hotel in Istanbul . Besides helping break up your jetlag, it’s also an excuse to cross another country off your list. Two birds, one stone!

From Europe, flying via Frankfurt on MIAT, Mongolia’s national airline, is another good option. As an airline, MIAT is safe, but they don’t always have the best track record for being on time, having a smooth check-in process, and cancellations do happen with them more often than other airlines. I have flown MIAT, but they usually aren’t my first choice.

Internal domestic flights can be booked through MIAT, Aero Mongolia, or Hunnu Air. Domestic roundtrip flights are not cheap, usually costing at least a few hundred U.S. dollars. It’s also extremely confusing to book these flights on your own, especially without a local Mongolian bank account. If you plan to book a domestic flight in Mongolia, I recommend getting a local tour guide or agency to help you through the process.

Once you land in Ulaanbaatar at Chinggis Khaan International Airport, here are the best ways to  get from the airport into the city center .

Taking the Trans-Siberian Railway

Taking the Trans-Siberian Railway from Moscow to Beijing is one of the most iconic train journeys in the world. It’s high on my list of things to do, and I’m hoping to do it sooner rather than later.

Conveniently, the Trans-Siberian Railway stops in Ulaanbaatar, giving travelers an excuse to explore the city and surrounding countryside for a few days. The train station is located in the heart of Ulaanbaatar and most hostels and guesthouses offer free transfers from the train station.

Tips for Taking Taxis, Public Transportation, and Hiring a Driving

When it comes to hailing a taxi, finding the bus schedule, or hiring a private driver, there are a few things to know. Use these travel tips for getting around Mongolia cost-efficiently and with less hassle than if you were to have to figure it out on your own.

Finding a Taxi in Ulaanbaatar

You can hail a taxi in Ulaanbaatar simply putting out your hand to your side, signaling you’re looking for a ride.

These are not official taxis, but they are the most common way to get around the city. It’s how I get around almost every day. It’s safe and reliable, but you do need to explain where you’re going. I usually tell the driver a major landmark that’s close enough to where I’m going or I show them on Google Maps. On occasion, the driver will ask for your destination before allowing you in their car, just in case they aren’t going that way. Both male and female drivers stop and do this, sometimes with kids and other family members in the car. It’s all normal here.

When it comes time to pay your driver, expect to pay 1,500 MNT per kilometer . It’s helpful to have small bills and exact change, most drivers don’t carry cash.

If the thought of getting into a strange Mongolian’s car freaks you out, apps like UBCab are the Mongolian equivalent of Uber, which don’t exist in Mongolia. You’ll need a local Mongolian number to register within the app and begin requesting rides. The app is okay from a user perspective and the driver usually calls when they’re on their way to your pickup location.

You’ll still need cash if using UBCab, the app doesn’t accept credit cards. At the end of the ride you’ll see your total in the app, which also helps you get a gauge on the average taxi price to get around the city.

Scooters and Bikes

Ulaanbaatar is now home to both scooter and bike sharing apps.

Jet scooters are hard to miss scattered around town. To use one, download the Jet app ( Apple , Android ), scan the scooter’s QR code, and then pay by the minute. You can use the app to find a nearby scooter and while they are a convenient way to beat rush hour traffic, Ulaanbaatar’s sidewalks and drivers don’t make it the safest option. Ride with caution!

Hi Sainuu ( Apple ,  Android ) is the bikesharing app that’s taken over the city. It works much the same way as Jet and, again, should be used with caution.

Public Transportation in Ulaanbaatar

Buses within Ulaanbaatar are often crowded, especially around rush hour thanks to a lack of routes and other public transportation options. Ulaanbaatar does not have a subway system.

Cash is not accepted once you step on the bus so you’ll need a refillable U Money Smart Card (3,600 MNT to purchase) to take the bus. The price per ride is 500 MNT. You can purchase and refill a U Money Smart Card at bus kiosks around town or inside CU convenience stores. Note that routes and bus numbers will appear in Cyrillic.

You can find information on bus stops, waiting time, routes, and U Money kiosks on the UB Smart Bus app ( Apple ,  Android ).

Additionally, it’s possible to take buses from Ulaanbaatar to different cities throughout the country. Bus tickets and schedules are found at the Dragon Center Bus Station, on the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar. You can now  purchase bus tickets to destinations outside of Ulaanbaatar online , but be warned the system doesn’t always work as promised. I recommend going to the bus station a day before you plan to depart Ulaanbaatar to get the most up-to-date schedule and purchase your ticket in-person then.

A bus ride to Moron, for example, will be relatively inexpensive, costing 32,000 MNT for the 14-hour ride.

Renting a Car in Ulaanbaatar

Renting a car in Mongolia  these days isn’t as cheap as it used to be. In fact, it’s downright expensive. With only two major rental companies to choose from, Avis and Sixt, there’s a monopoly on the car rental market. When you rent from either company, expect to pay a deposit on the rental around $2,000 USD, not including any of your rental costs, which will also need paid up front. If there’s no damage done to the car, you’ll get the deposit money back after returning the rental at the end of your trip.

One hack to that is renting a car through a company like  Follow the Tracks . The company offers self-driving tours of Mongolia and these cars are equipped with rooftop tents and they even give you a route to follow.

Another reason I really like Follow the Tracks is because it can be very difficult to navigate Mongolia on your own. Once you leave the city the roads conditions start to worsen, and fast.

Unless you’re a driver who’s really comfortable driving off-roading, and in extreme conditions, I don’t recommend renting a car in Mongolia.

Instead, hire a driver.

Hiring a Driver in Mongolia

There are a few benefits to hiring a driver in Mongolia.

First, like I mentioned above, unless you are really comfortable driving off-road, driving in Mongolia is not easy.

Second, you can’t beat the cost. The cost per day to hire a driver with a car in Mongolia is currently 200,000 MNT per day. You are responsible for the driver’s meals, making sure they have a place to sleep, and you’ll pay for your own gas along the way. Your gas costs will depend on your route, and the type of car you’re in, but expect to fill up at least three to four times during your trip at 300,000 to 400,000 MNT per tank.

Your driver will need to be paid in cash at the end of your trip. Gas can usually be paid for by credit card at gas stations like Petrovis, but you should also carry emergency cash on you for at least two tanks of gas, just in case.

I recommend hiring a driver with either a Toyota Land Cruiser 200, Toyota Delica, or Russian UAZ furgon. These will be the most reliable cars that will get you across the steppe. UAZ furgons are the least comfortable of the three options, and usually also the cheapest.

Drivers are always flexible, easy going, and ready to fix their own car when something goes wrong. Something I can almost guarantee will happen. Usually drivers don’t speak English, but you’ll quickly learn the key words you need to get through your journey. Never underestimate the power of sign language and Google Translate. Take the time to get to know your driver, they’re funny characters that start to become like family in no time.

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Plugs and Voltage

Sockets in Mongolia work with both U.S. (type B plugs with two flat prongs and a grounding pin) and European plugs (type C plugs with two round pins). Each socket has one type of each plug.

So, if you’re coming from the U.S., your device will work in most wall sockets in Mongolia. However, it is important to note that there will be a voltage difference. In Mongolia the sockets are 230 volts, compared to the typical 120 volt sockets we use in the U.S.

Most computer chargers, phone chargers, and other electronics have power converters built into the device to account for these types of voltage differences.

For example, I use my U.S. computer charger without any issue. I plug it right into the socket in my apartment, in coffee shops, in hotels – everywhere – and I’ve never had an issue. The same goes with my phone charger, camera battery charger, drone charger, hair straightener, and just about any other electronic you can think of.

If you’d like to bring a wall charger that will allow you to charge via USB-A and USB-C, I recommend this travel adapter . This two pack also gives you the most charging power out of the shortest available charging time.

When packing for Mongolia, be sure to bring travel adapters, power banks, extra C charging cables, and a solar powered charger, if you have one. Electricity is not reliable or regularly available once you leave Ulaanbaatar, so you need to be prepared if you plan to travel around the country for several days. Especially if you plan to do a homestay or spend time in the more remote corners of the country.

As I mentioned above, be aware that the voltage is much higher in Mongolia than it is in the U.S. (230 V vs 120 V). If you plan to plug directly into the wall socket make sure your device has a built-in power converter, or you have a power adapter that allows for dual voltage.

Getting a SIM Card

The best place to get a physical SIM card in Ulaanbaatar is at the State Department Store on the 5th floor. There you’ll find Unitel , MobiCom , Skytel , and gmobile kiosks next to each other. Since they are all located next to each other, it’s easy to browse and compare each company’s service plans and choose the right one for your trip.

Most locals use Unitel, myself included, which offers some of the best service coverage across the country.

Getting a SIM card is quick and easy, but you will need to bring your passport with you to get one issued. You can use a credit card or cash to purchase your car and plan, which should cost less than 40,000 tugrik all together.

If you have an iPhone 15 that doesn’t have a SIM card holder , you can ask for your SIM to be converted to an eSIM . From experience, I know that Unitel offers eSIM cards .

eSIMS are also available in Mongolia and can be purchased through apps like Airalo. Purchasing an eSIM this way is more expensive ($35 USD compared to $10 USD), but it is more convenient and works just as well as using a physical SIM. If you’re short on time and won’t have time to make it to the State Department Store before leaving the city, this is a great option.

Before you purchase a SIM card of any kind, be sure to ask yourself if you really need or want one. Service in the countryside is hit and miss, so even if you purchase a SIM you may not have any data or service.

Only purchase one if it’s absolutely necessary for you to stay connected. Otherwise, enjoy being disconnected, that’s one of the best things about traveling in Mongolia.

If you do decide to purchase a SIM, the two most reliable service providers in Mongolia are MobiCom and Unitel. Tourist plans start as low as 20,000 tugrik and include international call rates, SMS messaging, and different levels of data. No service provider will be able to offer unlimited data, we just don’t have that in Mongolia yet.

Exchanging Cash in Ulaanbaatar

The local currency in Mongolia is Tugriks , also spelled togrog or used as the abbreviation MNT.

As of December 2023, one USD = about 3,455 Tugrik .

You will always need to have cash on hand in Mongolia. Even in Ulaanbaatar where credit cards are becoming more widely accepted. But, you can’t always rely on them to work. It’s especially known that there are issues with Mastercard credit cards and American Express. If you have a Visa credit card, that is your best option for using around the city.

Cash will always be needed if you hail a taxi off the street, and be sure to carry smaller bills on you at all times. Expecting exact change isn’t always possible. I recommend carrying at least ten 1,000 MNT bills, four 5,000 MNT bills, and two 10,000 MNT bills with you at all times. This is still a country where cash is king.

The easiest way to exchange USD or Euros for Tugriks is at one of the currency exchange offices off of Sambuu Street, near the  Holiday Inn , where this Google Maps pin is.

There is also a cash exchange stand in the State Department Store, on the third floor, near the kitchen electronics.

ATM’s are more available than cash exchanges in the city, so you can pull out money that way as well. ATM’s typically have a withdraw limit of 500,000 MNT, 800,000 MNT at very select terminals.

Prepare to have what will seem like a large amount of cash on you and note that Mongolia does not use coins.

While most tour operators, guides and private drivers are happy to accept cash in USD or Euros, taxi drivers and local businesses will only accept MNT.

Take my advice and take care of this before you leave Ulaanbaatar for the countryside. Finding working ATMs and currency exchange counters isn’t so easy in the country’s small towns and remote areas.

Visa-Free Countries and How to Get an E-Visa

Citizens from more than 60 countries, including the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland can enter Mongolia without needing a visa.

U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter Mongolia. If you are a U.S. passport holder, and you plan to stay more than 30 days, you will need to register with the immigration office within 7 days of arriving in the country. Then, you can stay up to 90 days without issue. If you fail to register with immigration, you’ll be fined a few hundred dollars at the airport when leaving the country.

Citizens of Canada, Denmark, Belgium, Germany, Iceland, Israel, Italy, France, Spain, Greece, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland can stay visa-free for up to 30 days .

Citizens from 98 countries, including India, China, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Armenia can now apply for an electronic visa before departing for Ulaanbaatar.

See the full list of  visa-free countries  here.

Registering with the Immigration Office

When I first started coming to Mongolia this process had to be done in person at the Immigration Office, which is nowhere near the center of town. Today the process is automated and takes only minutes to complete.

U.S. citizens who plan to stay in Mongolia for more than 30 days need to register with the Immigration Office within 48 hours of arrival.

This has nothing to do with being allowed to stay for up to 90 days visa free. This is absolutely mandatory. I can’t stress this enough. If you fail to register at the Immigration Office you will be stopped at passport control on your way out of the country and not allowed to board your flight until you pay the fine for violating this law. Even worse, you could be banned from entering the country ever again.

Luckily, you can now register with the Immigration Office online.

To register online with immigration you will need to do the following. You will need the information for the person responsible for your stay in the country, including their ID number, email, local phone number, and address . You should have this information before you begin filling out the form.

  • Go to  https://immigration.gov.mn/en/
  • Click “Registration of a Foreign National”
  • Follow the steps on the form
  • Click submit and you’re all set. The form may not look like it’s been submitted, but it has.
  • You won’t receive a confirmation email so I recommend taking a picture of the screen or a screenshot in case there is an issue or dispute when you go to leave the country.

Language and Religion

Mongolian is the official language spoken in Mongolia. It’s written using the Cyrillic alphabet. Although it’s becoming more common to see it written using Latin letters.

Russian and English are the second and third most spoken languages by Mongolians. However, don’t expect most people in Ulaanbaatar to speak English. Most Mongolians don’t.

It will be more likely to find English-speakers in Ulaanbaatar. Once you leave the capital, don’t expect English to be a common language to use for communicating. (You can always use my Mongolian Language Cheat Sheet for help.)

Buddhism is the main “religion” practiced in Mongolia. About 80% of the population considers themselves Buddhist.

Mongolians also believe in respecting the earth and its inhabitants above all else. This is called Tengerism and it was primary religion in Mongolia centuries ago. Today Tengerism and  Shamanism  still play an important role in the core beliefs of most Mongolians, but they’ll still call themselves Buddhists.

While most of the country’s monasteries were destroyed during Soviet times, a handful can still be found across the country and are worth taking the time to seek out and visit.

Eating and Drinking in Mongolia

There are many amazing traditional Mongolian dishes to taste during your travels. From homemade buuz (dumplings) to tsuvian (friend noodles with dried meat and vegetables) and khuushuur (think: Mongolian hot pocket meets an empanada), you’ll have plenty of opportunities to taste them all. Especially if you’re planning to spend time with a nomadic family in their home.

There are a few important things to remember about eating and drinking in Mongolia.

First, it’s rude to accept food and not finish it. Food is a scarce and sacred resource on the steppe and it should be treated that way.

Second, always accept a plate, cup of tea, or anything else from your host with your right hand or two hands.

Finally, drinking is very common in Mongolian culture. A bottle of vodka for your nomadic host will always go a long way but be warned that (like many post-Soviet countries), alcoholism can be a problem. Always drink with caution and be aware of your surroundings and never drink and drive. Mongolia has a zero tolerance policy.

Besides vodka, airag , or fermented mare’s milk, is another common alcoholic beverage. It’s most commonly consumed in the countryside, where nomadic families make their own brew. Be cautious when drinking airag, your stomach won’t be used to the bacteria and it’s been known to make people run to the toilet. I’m speaking here from experience!

I recommend keeping your drinking to a minimum when you’re staying with a host family. Especially if you’re female or traveling alone.

Mongolian Food Khorkhog

Travel Insurance and Emergency Healthcare

Getting medical treatment is cheap compared to other countries. I paid about $3,000 all in for surgery in Ulaanbaatar at a private hospital when I broke my collarbone. If I was in the U.S. that same surgery would have probably been $30,000.

The downside of cheap medical treatments is that they aren’t always the most reliable or consistent. While I had a great experience, I can’t say that other foreigners have had the same.

This is why I always recommend purchasing travel insurance for your trip to Mongolia.

Should something terrible happen to you during your trip, such as a horse riding or car accident, your travel insurance policy should cover medical emergencies and evacuation. Be sure to do your research when looking at policies and choose the best one for you, your travels, and your budget.

Look for a policy that also covers trip cancellation in case you need to unexpectedly cancel your travel plans. Trip cancellation policies cover unforeseen events, like an illness, injury, jury duty, or an airline strike. Reimbursable costs in these instances could include transportation, accommodations, and tour costs, up to 100% depending on your policy.

If you experience a medical emergency while in Ulaanbaatar, the phone number is +976 103.

If you experience a medical emergency while outside of Ulaanbaatar, the best thing to do is get to the city as quickly as possible. If you don’t need to, don’t go to one of the local towns for medical treatment.

Hospitals I can vouch for in Ulaanbaatar are:

  • UB Songdo Private Hospital

You can find more information, including each hospital’s location and contact information, on our  what to do in case of emergency  page.

Breanna Wilson Mongolia Travel Expert

Author: Breanna Wilson

Hi! Sain uu! I’m Breanna, an American travel writer and adventurer living in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia for more than 5 years. I’ve written for and been featured in Condé Nast Traveler, CNN, Forbes, and the New York Times, among others. Read more of my Mongolia travel articles here .

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Are you ready to embark on a journey to the wild and untamed beauty of Mongolia? Trust me, it’s an experience like no other. And if you’re still unsure about this offbeat destination, let me share my experience so you’ll know why Mongolia should be on your bucket list, and what to expect along the way.

Mongolia was a travel destination my friend and I picked a few years ago before the blip in time we all know as COVID-19 happened. We were throwing out ideas like Bhutan and Nepal… basically, anywhere we could seemingly go off the grid and experience a place at its rawest. No bustling cities or tourist traps. We wanted to go somewhere we could be alone with nature. Finally, we settled on Mongolia. Once the borders opened, we booked our tickets and we were in for the ride of our lives.

Now, Mongolia is no walk in the park. Here, you have to surrender yourself to Mongolia’s embrace. Forget about schedules, let go of control, and open your eyes to the unexpected. Trust me, once you do, you’ll discover sides of yourself you never knew existed. Leave the comforts of home behind and just— experience . Mongolia will push you to your limits, challenge your preconceptions, and force you to let go of control. But hey, that’s what makes it so thrilling!

Mongolia Travel Itinerary

In this itinerary, we will be spending 7 days out in the Gobi Desert, a region that will test your spirit of adventure. Mother Mongolia doesn’t mess around; just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, she throws a wild card your way.

So, why should Mongolia be on everyone’s bucket list? It’s simple – you have to experience it for yourself. And when you do, get ready for an epic adventure. With so much to explore, it can be difficult to decide where to start and what to include in an itinerary. In this blog post, I’ll outline an 11-day Mongolia travel itinerary that covers some of the rawest highlights of the country which includes Central Mongolia and the Gobi Desert. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know about embarking on your first journey to Mongolia.

Get ready to embrace the wild, discover your true self, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Mongolia awaits, my fellow adventurers!

  • 1 Why Mongolia Should Be at the Top of Your Bucket List
  • 2 Where is Mongolia?
  • 3 How do I get to Mongolia?
  • 4 How do you get around Mongolia?
  • 5 Is Mongolia safe?
  • 6 What’s the best month to visit Mongolia?
  • 7 How many days do you need in Mongolia?
  • 8 Do you need a visa in Mongolia?
  • 9 Can you go to Mongolia without a tour?
  • 10 Money in Mongolia
  • 11 SIM Cards in Mongolia
  • 12 Drinking water in Mongolia
  • 13 The Ultimate Mongolia Itinerary
  • 14 Day 5: Visit Mongolia’s ancient capital, Kharkhorin
  • 15 MY TOP TRAVEL TIPS & RESOURCES

Why Mongolia Should Be at the Top of Your Bucket List

Prepare for an adventure that will kick your wanderlust into high gear! In Mongolia, you can ride reindeer, join the ranks of eagle hunters, or hop on a camel for a wild ride across the magnificent Gobi Desert. It’s a thrill-seeker’s paradise where every moment is packed with excitement and wonder. It’s no wonder CNN is naming Mongolia the country to visit in 2023.

  • Jaw-Dropping Landscapes : Get ready to have your mind blown by the epic beauty of Mongolia’s vast steppe, rugged mountains, and mind-boggling deserts. Seriously, your Instagram feed will thank you!
  • Nomadic Vibes : This might have been my favorite part of my entire Mongolian adventure (if picking a favorite was even possible). It was the most precious experience getting to immerse myself in the nomadic culture of Mongolia and learn about their culture and traditions. It’s like stepping into a whole new world!
  • Adventure Awaits : Mongolia is a paradise for adventure junkies. From galloping on horseback across the open plains to riding camels through the desert, it’s a thrill-seeker’s dream come true. Definitely unlocked a core memory for me!
  • Soul-Stirring Moments: Get ready for those “pinch-me” moments that touch your soul. The serene landscapes, the simplicity of life, and the genuine connections you’ll make will leave an indelible mark on your heart. Mongolia has a way of changing you for the better.
  • Animal-lovers Paradise: Mongolia’s five jewels are its animals, namely horses, goats, camels, cows, and sheep. We got to meet and interact with all five which was an absolute dream come true for me. Here you’ll get up close and personal with these animals in their natural habitat. No fences, no ticket prices, no barbed wires. Just you and these glorious creatures. It was heaven for an animal-lover like me. I got to ride horses and camels, and even cuddle baby goats!

Mongolia Travel Itinerary

So, pack your sense of adventure, a camera with lots of storage space, and an open mind. Mongolia is calling, and it’s time to answer that call.

Where is Mongolia?

Mongolia is a landlocked country located in East and Central Asia. It is bordered by Russia to the north and China to the south, east, and west. The capital city, Ulaanbaatar, is situated in the north-central part of the country.

How do I get to Mongolia?

Mongolia is a relatively remote country, but it is possible to reach it by air or overland. Here are some of the most common ways to get to Mongolia:

  • Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar is the main gateway to Mongolia and is served by several airlines from various countries, including Korean Air, Air China, Turkish Airlines, and MIAT Mongolian Airlines.
  • From Russia: The Trans-Siberian Railway connects Moscow to Ulaanbaatar, with a journey time of around 4 days. It is also possible to cross the border by road.
  • From China: There are several border crossings between China and Mongolia, with regular buses and trains connecting major cities in China to Ulaanbaatar.

It is important to note that visa requirements vary depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Be sure to check the current visa requirements and regulations before traveling to Mongolia.

How do you get around Mongolia?

Getting around Mongolia can be an adventure in itself, as the country is vast and its infrastructure is still developing. A lot of the time we found ourselves driving through the desert on unmarked roads. And we were left wondering how our driver even knew where he was headed to, but we always made it to our destination safely.

Mongolia transport UAZ

With that said, I highly discourage first-time travelers from renting a car and driving on their own. You might be able to do that in Ulaanbaatar, but if you’re venturing any further than that, I highly recommend going with a reputable tour company that’ll arrange a professional guide and driver for you.

It is important to note that road conditions and transportation options may vary depending on the season and weather conditions. Be sure to research and plan ahead to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey in Mongolia.

Is Mongolia safe?

Mongolia is generally considered a safe country for travelers. The crime rate is relatively low, and violent crime is rare. However, as with any travel destination, there are some risks to be aware of.

One potential risk in Mongolia is the harsh and unpredictable weather, particularly in the winter months when temperatures can drop below -40°C (-40°F) and blizzards can occur. Travelers should be prepared for extreme weather conditions and follow the advice of local authorities.

Roads in Mongolia - Travel Itinerary

Another potential risk is the condition of the roads and transportation infrastructure. Many roads in Mongolia are unpaved and can be difficult to navigate, especially in rural areas. Travelers should exercise caution when driving or riding in vehicles and ensure that their chosen mode of transportation is safe and reliable.

Finally, as with any travel destination, it is important to take precautions to protect your personal belongings and avoid scams or tourist traps. It is also recommended to avoid political demonstrations or protests, as these can sometimes turn violent.

Overall, with proper planning and precautions, Mongolia can be a safe and enjoyable travel destination.

What’s the best month to visit Mongolia?

The best time to visit Mongolia is during the summer months from June to August when the weather is warm and dry, and the countryside is in full bloom. This is the peak tourist season, and the days are long, providing ample time to explore the vast landscapes and experience the rich cultural traditions of the nomadic herders. Tourist ger camps are open during this time so those seeking a little more comfort while traveling in the desert can opt for this period.

Mongolia

During the summer months, temperatures can range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) during the day, but can drop significantly at night, so it is important to bring warm layers for evenings and early mornings. Mongolia is notorious for experiencing 4 seasons in a day. While we were there in April, we experienced 15°C days and subzero nights, so a good layering strategy is essential when traveling in Mongolia. I’ll be posting a Mongolia packing guide soon to share my packing list tips and tricks.

If you are interested in attending the Naadam Festival, a traditional Mongolian festival featuring sports competitions, music, and dance, it takes place every year from July 11th to 13th in Ulaanbaatar and other parts of the country. I highly recommend visiting during this time. I plan to revisit Mongolia just for this festival in the future!

While the summer months are the most popular time to visit Mongolia, it is worth noting that the shoulder seasons of April, May and September can also be good times to visit, with fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and beautiful autumn foliage in September.

We visited in late April, one week before the tourist camps open, and we had almost if not all the tourist attractions to ourselves. Weather was great, and we could take everything at a leisurely pace. If you can, I highly recommend coming during this time!

How many days do you need in Mongolia?

The number of days you need in Mongolia depends on your travel preferences and what you want to do and see during your trip. However, for a general Mongolia itinerary, a minimum of 7-10 days is recommended to fully experience the country’s unique culture, stunning landscapes, and traditional nomadic way of life.

With a 7-10 day itinerary, you can explore the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, visit the famous Terelj National Park, hike in the Altai Mountains, ride horses or camels with nomadic herders, and experience the Naadam Festival if your trip coincides with it.

Of course, if you have more time, you can explore additional regions and activities in Mongolia, such as visiting the Gobi Desert, Khovsgol Lake, or the ancient city of Karakorum, the former capital of the Mongol Empire.

It is worth noting that Mongolia is a vast country, and travel times can be long and sometimes challenging, especially in rural areas. On some days, we were on the road for 5-8 hours. It is important to plan your itinerary carefully and factor in travel time between destinations to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip. But if you go with a tour company, they will plan everything out for you according to how much time you have.

Mongolia - Travel Itinerary

Do you need a visa in Mongolia?

Whether or not you need a visa to enter Mongolia depends on your nationality and the purpose and length of your visit.

Visa-free entry:

  • Citizens of 26 countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and many European countries, can enter Mongolia visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism and non-work-related purposes.

Visa-on-arrival:

  • Citizens of several other countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea, can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport in Ulaanbaatar for a fee. The visa is valid for up to 30 days for tourism and non-work-related purposes.

Visa required:

  • Citizens of some countries, including India and China, are required to obtain a visa in advance from a Mongolian embassy or consulate before traveling to Mongolia.

It is important to check with the Mongolian embassy or consulate in your home country to confirm the visa requirements for your specific situation and plan accordingly.

Can you go to Mongolia without a tour?

The answer is yes and no. If you’re just planning to travel around Mongolia’s capital city, Ulaanbaatar, then yes it is possible. However, if you’re planning to venture out of the capital city, independent travel can be challenging, especially if you are not familiar with the local language, customs, and geography.

If you decide to travel independently, you will need to arrange your own transportation, accommodation, and activities. While there are some public transportation options available in Mongolia, they can be infrequent and unreliable, especially in rural areas.

Mongolia transport UAZ

Additionally, the nomadic way of life in Mongolia means that many attractions, such as traditional ger camps and horseback riding experiences, are often owned and operated by local families rather than large tourist companies, which can make it more difficult to book directly without local connections.

Mongolia nomad ger

We personally booked a tour with Sunpath Mongolia , and it was the best decision we made on the trip. Although I ordinarily prefer to travel independently and take the less touristy route, traveling through the Gobi and the more remote areas in Mongolia required the help of a tour guide and driver. But Sunpath managed to let us experience Mongolia as authentically as possible while still making it as comfortable as possible for us.

Money in Mongolia

The official currency of Mongolia is the Mongolian Tugrik (MNT). Cash is the most commonly used form of payment in Mongolia, especially in rural areas, so it is recommended to carry cash with you during your trip. However, some larger businesses, hotels, and restaurants in urban areas also accept credit cards.

Here are some tips and information regarding money in Mongolia:

  • ATMs: ATMs are available in Ulaanbaatar and other major cities in Mongolia, but they may not be as widely available in more remote areas. Some ATMs may only dispense Mongolian Tugrik, so make sure you have a currency conversion calculator or app to ensure you withdraw the correct amount.
  • Currency exchange: It is recommended to exchange money at banks or exchange offices in Ulaanbaatar or major cities. Avoid exchanging money on the street, as this can be unsafe and unreliable.
  • US Dollars: US Dollars are widely accepted in Mongolia, and some hotels and tour operators may also accept payment in USD.
  • Tipping: Tipping is not expected in Mongolia, but it is becoming more common in tourist areas. If you feel that the service was exceptional, a small tip is appreciated.
  • Budget: The cost of travel in Mongolia can vary widely depending on your travel style and itinerary. Budget accommodation and food can be found for around $20-30 per day, while mid-range hotels and restaurants can cost around $50-80 per day. Tours and activities can range from $50-100 per day and up.

Overall, it is recommended to have a mix of cash and credit cards with you during your trip to Mongolia, and to plan your budget carefully to ensure you have enough funds for your entire trip.

SIM Cards in Mongolia

Getting a local SIM card is a good option for travelers to Mongolia who want to stay connected and have internet access on their phones during their trip.

The three main mobile network operators in Mongolia are Mobicom, G-Mobile, and Unitel. They all have booths at the airport and in Ulaanbaatar, and SIM cards can also be purchased at some convenience stores and supermarkets. We picked up a Mobicom SIM card for 15,500MNT (USD4.40) which gave us 15GB for the duration of our trip.

We were lucky to have picked Mobicom as our guide told us that Mobicom has the best coverage in the desert. However, coverage is still spotty regardless, and we had no service when we were traveling on the roads on certain days, and in certain ger guesthouses. In general, we had internet connection about 60% of the time, which is a lot more than I was expecting!

Alternatively, if you don’t want the hassle of changing SIM cards, you can  download the Airalo app , purchase a package, and get connected instantly! This is my favorite way to stay connected as it saves all the hassle of buying a SIM card and messing about with these tiny SIMs. PLUS, you can purchase the package in advance and get connected instantly even when you’re still on the plane!  Find out more about Airalo.

Drinking water in Mongolia

Access to safe drinking water can be a concern in Mongolia, especially in rural areas. Our guide bought us enough bottled water to last us throughout our trip, and we used this water for drinking and for brushing our teeth. There is no running water while we’re out in the desert!

The nomads usually get their water from nearby wells and filter them before drinking or cooking. To be safe, make sure to have bottled water with you or bring a  filtered water bottle for travel  that provides clean drinking water anywhere on Earth. It filters almost any type of water, including from river streams, and turns it into clean drinking water.

The Ultimate Mongolia Itinerary

Mongolia Travel Itinerary

When planning our Mongolia trip, we were spoilt for choice with all the beautiful sights the country has to offer. We ended up opting for a more authentic experience that focused on nature and nomadic living. In this Mongolia itinerary, we explore the Gobi Desert and Orkhon Valley where we got to walk on frozen rivers, go horseback riding, and experience the nomadic way of life.

Without further ado, here we go!

Day 1: Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

Start your Mongolian adventure in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar. Spend the day exploring the city, or if you’re arriving late just like us, get lots of rest and enjoy a good shower as you won’t be having one for a while! It’s also a good opportunity you’ll need for the next 9 days away from civilization.

Day 2: Journey into the Mongolia desert

Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupas)

Today we met up with our tour guide and driver from Sunpath Mongolia who were going to be with us for the next 9 days. Once we leave Ulaanabatar, most of the journey will be off-road so hiring a local company to take you will be your best bet as roads are unmarked and you’ll literally be driving through the desert!

Our journey begins with a thrilling 450km (279 miles) drive to the iconic White Stupa, also known as Tsagaan Suvarga.

We stopped for lunch in a town called Mandalgovi where we tried local food for the first time! Mongolian dishes mostly consist of meat. Meat, meat and lots more meat. You’d be hardpressed to find much vegetables here. Most of the time, you’ll only find carrots and potatoes. Sometimes , you’ll find cabbage. But remember, out in the desert, it’s hard to grow leafy vegetables so say goodbye to your spinach and kale for a couple of days.

Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupas)

Located in the Middle Gobi Province, the White Stupa is a geological formation that stands out with its towering cliffs of white and orange limestone, resembling ancient ruins. As we explore the area, we learn that the White Stupa holds significant geological importance, with its layers of sediment representing millions of years of natural history. The unique colors and shapes of the cliffs create a surreal and magical atmosphere, making it a photographer’s dream. It is a popular tourist attraction due to its stunning white and orange cliffs that resemble a massive stupa or temple.

Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupas)

Visitors to the White Stupa can explore the area and hike around the cliffs to admire the natural beauty of the landscape. The cliffs offer a fantastic opportunity for photography, especially during sunrise or sunset when the colors become even more vibrant.

Aside from the visual appeal, the White Stupa holds significance for the local nomadic herders who consider it a sacred place. It is believed to have spiritual and healing properties, and visitors are encouraged to show respect and be mindful of the cultural and natural significance of the site.

After we were done exploring the White Stupa, we headed to our ger for the night situated just a few minute’s drive away. Days in Mongolia are mostly like this as distances between sights can be quite long, so you’ll often be visiting one sightseeing spot per day while spending most of your time on the road.

We were very excited for our first night in our ger! Our host was a lovely Mongolian lady who made us dumplings for dinner! I met my first herd of sheep here which had me squealing in delight.

Our first night out in the ger was so surreal. Having to get used to no running water, no showers, and no toilets – living with the bare minimum but we still found it bearable. There also wasn’t any service there so it was a great opportunity for us to get to know each other better and actually talk!

why travel to mongolia

Day 3: Walk on ice at the Yol Valley

Yol Valley, Mongolia

Our journey continues as we make a stop in Dalanzadgad, the capital of the South Gobi Province. This small town serves as a gateway to the Gobi Desert so we were able to stock up on some amenities and… take a hot shower! There are public showers in the town where you can freshen up, and I was plesantly surprised by how clean and spacious these shower rooms were!

Yol Valley, Mongolia

From Dalanzadgad, we head to the enchanting Yol Valley , also known as the Eagle Valley. This deep and narrow gorge is renowned for its dramatic rock formations, icy streams, and stunning wildlife. As we embark on a 5km walk through the valley, we are surrounded by towering cliffs that harbor rare and endangered species, such as the bearded vulture and Siberian ibex. The cool air and tranquil ambiance create a serene atmosphere, allowing us to connect with nature on a deeper level.

Yol Valley, Mongolia

In the evening, we retreat to our gers nestled within the Yol Valley.

why travel to mongolia

Day 3: Marvel at the Khongor Sand Dunes and ride camels into the sunset

why travel to mongolia

Today promises a thrilling off-road adventure as we journey to the mesmerizing Khongor Sand Dunes , also known as the “Singing Sands.” These expansive sand dunes stretch across the southern part of Mongolia, covering an area of over 180 kilometers.

Khongoryn Els Sand Dunes

Upon arrival, we are immediately captivated by the grandeur of the sand dunes, with some reaching heights of up to 300 meters. The Khongor Sand Dunes are known for their shifting patterns, shimmering golden colors, and the melodic sound produced when the sand is disturbed by the wind, hence the name “Singing Sands.”

Khongoryn Els Sand Dunes

It is quite a climb, so make sure you’ve got your stamina in tow. I only managed to climb up to halfway point before giving up. I’d say you’d have to be relatively fit to reach all the way up to the peak. But it’s definitely worth a shot!

Once we reached our nomad family for the night at Ongi River, we embarked on an unforgettable camel riding experience through the sunset which was truly magical.

why travel to mongolia

Tonight we rest, and for the first time, going a whole day with no showers! There was also no service in the area, so the experience was as authentic as it comes! The host family even taught us some local games using ankle bones (yes, goat bones!).

why travel to mongolia

Day 4: Walk in the footsteps of the dinosaurs at the Flaming Cliffs

Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs)

This morning we set off at 7 am to the Flaming Cliffs , also known as Bayanzag . These towering red and orange cliffs hold great significance, most famous for  yielding the first discovery of dinosaur eggs . It was so fascinating imagining dinosaurs once roaming on the very ground we were walking on!

Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs)

Continuing our journey, we make a stop in Bulgan for lunch. We were supposed to have another shower here but the public showers were closed. Accepting hiccups are all part and parcel of traveling in Mongolia! And in the nomadic spirit of flexibility, we trudge on and continue on our journey. At this point, we might even be getting used to this level of hygiene (or, maybe not)!

Next, we visit the historic Ongi Monastery , which once stood as one of Mongolia’s largest Buddhist monastic complexes. Sadly, it was destroyed during the communist era, leaving behind evocative ruins that still hold immense spiritual significance. As we wander through the remains, we gain a sense of the monastery’s former grandeur and the profound impact Buddhism had on Mongolian culture.

Day 5: Visit Mongolia’s ancient capital, Kharkhorin

Today’s drive is especially long, but it’s going to be a relaxing day. We set off for Kharkhorin , the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire and an important historical site. This historic city served as the political, economic, and cultural center during the reign of Chinggis Khan and his successors.

Kharkhorin: Erdene Zuu Khiid Monastery

Upon reaching Kharkhorin, we satisfy our hunger with a delicious lunch before visiting the renowned Erdene Zuu Monastery . This architectural masterpiece stands as a testament to Mongolia’s spiritual heritage and is considered one of the country’s most important monasteries. As we explore the monastery’s grounds, we are hit by a surprise— an epic sandstorm ! More adventures to add to the book.

Kharkhorin: Erdene Zuu Khiid Monastery

Despite the weather conditions, we were lucky that tonight we would be staying in a hotel ! That’s one of the great things about Sunpath —they knew to break up our itinerary of staying in the gers every night with a 1-night hotel stay! Awfully thoughtful of them and much needed by us.

We hugged our toilet bowls, marveled at the water faucets, and reveled at the rain shower—comforts we so often take for granted in our daily lives.

Day 6: Immerse yourself in Orkhon Valley’s breathtaking landscapes

Today’s adventure takes us on a leisurely drive to the enchanting Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its natural and cultural significance—and my personal favorite spot throughout our whole trip. The valley encompasses breathtaking landscapes, including rolling hills, lush meadows, and the Orkhon River, which meanders through the region.

Orkhon Valley, Mongolia

Everywhere you turn was a postcard view waiting to be snapped. Rolling hills and frozen rivers with horses grazing nearby. I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming.

Orkhon Valley, Mongolia

In the Orkhon Valley, we had the privilege of visiting a nomadic family and experiencing their warm hospitality. Interacting with the nomads allowed us to gain insights into their traditional way of life, from milking animals to herding livestock. We learn about their customs, traditions, and the harmony they maintain with the land.

Ger in Orkhon Valley, Mongolia

This was our favorite nomad ger of all too. I mean, look at that landscape! Waking up to that view does wonders for the soul.

Ger in Orkhon Valley, Mongolia

Day 7: Orkhon Valley

Today was the day we had been excitedly anticipating. We get to ride horses! We embarked on a thrilling 20km horse riding journey to the magnificent Red Waterfall , also known as Ulaan Tsutgalan . The feeling of riding through the open plains like this is just simply indescribable . It felt so surreal; like something right out of a movie scene!

Horseriding in Mongolia

We were even lucky enough to capture a herd of yaks crossing the river!

Orkhon Valley, Mongolia

Arriving at the Red Waterfall, we are greeted by the sight of cascading water against a backdrop of lush greenery. Here, we stopped for a nourishing picnic lunch which we absolutely enjoyed!

why travel to mongolia

Continuing our exploration of Mongolian traditions, we engage in archery, a sport deeply rooted in the country’s nomadic heritage. Can’t say I got the hang of it, but at least I gave it a shot! Pun intended.

Mongolian archery

Day 8: Return to Ulaanbaatar

As our unforgettable journey draws to a close, we bid farewell to the stunning Mongolian landscapes and begin our return to Ulaanbaatar. It was a 10-hour drive back to the city, but it allowed us to reflect on the remarkable experiences we’ve had and the profound connections we’ve forged with the land and its people. The beauty and vastness of Mongolia will forever remain etched in our hearts.

Day 9: Chinggis Khan Statue and Ulaanbaatar City Tour

Chinggis Khan Statue, Mongolia

Before concluding our Mongolian adventure, we set aside a day to visit the magnificent Chinggis Khan Statue, a colossal tribute to Mongolia’s legendary leader. The statue stands at an impressive height of 40 meters and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. It’s a sight worth seeing if you have the time!

In the afternoon, we take a walk around the city of Ulaanbaatar, the bustling capital of Mongolia. It definitely shot down many misconceptions I had about the city. It’s much more developed and modern than I imagined!

This 9-day Mongolia travel itinerary has been a journey of discovery, allowing us to connect with nature, immerse ourselves in nomadic culture, and witness the beauty and authenticity of Mongolia. Mongolia has enriched my life, and I hope I’ve inspired you to embark on your own unforgettable journey through this captivating country.

Has Mongolia been on your bucket list? Or have you been to Mongolia and have your own stories to share? Leave me a comment below!

why travel to mongolia

MY TOP TRAVEL TIPS & RESOURCES

Here are my top travel tips and resources to help you save money and plan your trips effectively! If you're looking for more tips, head over to my travel tips resource page or my comprehensive guide on trip planning .

  • Booking Flights: When it comes to finding great flight deals, I always start my search on Google Flights or Skyscanner . To save some cash, consider flying mid-week or on the weekends, opt for carry-on only with budget airlines, and be open to red-eye or early morning flights. Check out my in-depth guide on how I find the cheapest flights .
  • Accommodations : I'm a stickler for finding the absolute best deals on my stays, so I will obsessively oscillate between a few booking sites: Booking . com (in general) and Agoda (for Asian destinations). When it comes to vacation rentals, there's Airbnb or VRBO .
  • Travel Insurance : It's always a wise decision to purchase travel insurance for international trips. I can't stress this enough - it's highly recommended! For international travel insurance, I suggest considering World Nomads or SafetyWing . SafetyWing , in particular, stands out as one of the few policies that cover Covid-19. They also offer excellent monthly policies that are perfect for digital nomads and long-term travelers!
  • Travel Credit Card : My go-to travel credit card for booking trips is the Wise travel card. I love that there are no foreign transaction fees, so I can pay like a local and never get any surprises at the end of my trip. You can also withdraw cash from the ATMs wherever you are. With  Wise , you are always guaranteed the best exchange rate, and I have saved  sooo  much money just by using this card. Most of the time, I get charged the exchange rate I see on Google, plus or minus a few cents.
  • Tours: Most times, I prefer traveling independently but sometimes, getting a guide and a local's perspective makes the experience all the more enriching. When it comes to tour bookings, I trust Viator and GetYourGuide to provide me with excellent options. In Asia, I choose Klook as they are the biggest provider in the region. Plus, you can often get entrance tickets and discounted prices!
  • Transportation : To navigate through public transit options and plan my journeys from one place to another, I rely on Rome2Rio. When it comes to rental cars, I compare rental companies and find the best deals through DiscoverCars .
  • Connection : It's essential to me to have seamless connectivity wherever I go. I need it to navigate to new places, Google what's around me, and keep in touch with my loved ones. But fumbling around with multiple SIMs has always been a nightmare, which is why I choose Airalo when I travel. No more switching SIMs, just purchase a plan on your phone, on the go, anywhere, and stay connected.
  • Luggage Storage : Whenever I need to check out early or take advantage of a long layover, I securely store my luggage with LuggageHero . It's a reliable service that allows me to roam around freely. As a bonus, you can use this link to enjoy your first hour of FREE luggage storage on me!
  • What to Pack : I always have packing anxiety once I've left home— you know the phantom feeling that you've forgotten something even though you've checked 372836 times . So I made my own packing list and use it religiously before every trip, and by religious I mean I tick off that list at least 7 times before I zip up my bag. Check out my in-depth packing list here.

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Hi! I’m Steph. You probably ended up here because just like me, you have an insatiable thirst for trotting the globe, or are just curious about travel. Get ready for brutally honest and in-depth travel guides that will be your trusty companions on global adventures. No fluff, just real talk and practical tips to make your journeys smooth. Join me as we conquer the globe, one epic destination at a time! Together, we’ll uncover hidden gems, laugh at mishaps, and create unforgettable memories. So grab your passport, pack your sense of adventure, and let’s embark on this thrilling journey!

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Hi there, I really enjoyed your Mongolia travel itinerary ! May I know which travel agent did you use for your trip? Thanks!

Hi Rose, I went with Sunpath Mongolia and only have good things to say about them! Please go, I promise you will have the trip of a lifetime!

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9 Top Reasons to Visit Mongolia: A Once-in-A-Lifetime Destination 2023

9 Reasons to Visit Mongolia

There are many tourist attractions in this beautiful country and we’re going to cover 9 Reasons to Visit Mongolia . You may be wondering why we’re talking about Mongolia. Isn’t that a little…off the beaten path?  Yes, indeed, Mongolia is not the most visited destination, but that’s what makes it so special.

It’s one of the last places on Earth that feels truly untouched by modern civilization. If you’re looking for an adventure and want to experience something truly unique, then Mongolia is the place for you. In this article, we’ll share some of the reasons why I think Mongolia should be on your bucket list !

Mongolia is a landlocked nation, meaning it does not have direct access to the sea. It is nestled between two powerful neighbors, Russia to the north and China to the south. To the west and east , Mongolia shares its borders with Russia’s Siberia and the Chinese regions of Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang. This strategic location has played a significant role in shaping the country’s history and culture .

Ulaanbaatar: The capital and largest city of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar is located in the north-central part of the country. It serves as the cultural, economic, and political hub of Mongolia, with a mix of modernity and tradition. Visitors often begin their Mongolian journey in Ulaanbaatar, exploring its museums, monasteries, and vibrant markets.

Darkhan: Situated in the northern part of Mongolia, Darkhan is the country’s second-largest city. It’s known for its industrial activities, including mining and manufacturing, and provides a glimpse into urban life beyond the capital.

Erdenet: Located in the Orkhon Valley of northern Mongolia, Erdenet is celebrated for its massive copper mining operations. Travelers can explore the city’s mining culture and nearby natural attractions.

Table of Contents

9 Reasons Why You Should Visit Mongolia

Mongolia, a land of captivating landscapes and rich cultural heritage , offers an extraordinary adventure like no other. If you’re contemplating a visit to this remarkable country, we present you with nine compelling reasons that will ignite your wanderlust and make Mongolia an unforgettable destination .

From its vast expanses of untouched wilderness and nomadic traditions to the warm hospitality of its people and the fascinating history of the Mongol Empire, this guide will showcase the enchanting allure of Mongolia. Get ready to immerse yourself in the mesmerizing beauty of the Gobi Desert, witness the thrilling spectacle of the Naadam Festival, and explore the timeless landscapes of the Mongolian steppe.

Join us as we unveil the captivating wonders that await you in Mongolia, a land that will capture your heart and leave you with unforgettable memories.

Serenity and landscapes

Imagine rolling landscapes dotted with traditional gers (yurts), horses grazing in the distance, and clear blue skies overhead. This is the picture-perfect image of Mongolia, a destination that’s gaining in popularity for its serenity and untouched landscapes. What’s not to love about Mongolia?

It’s one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world, making it a haven for nature lovers and adventurers. And with a history dating back to the 13th century, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. So, if you’re looking for an unforgettable travel experience , put Mongolia at the top of your list. You won’t regret it!

why travel to mongolia

Wildlife In Mongolia

If you’re an animal lover, Mongolia is the place for you. This country is teeming with wildlife, from the elusive snow leopard to the majestic Tibetan antelope. And if that’s not enough to tempt you, there are also vast herds of gazelle, as well as deer, wolves, and bears. So, pack your binoculars and your sense of adventure—Mongolia is waiting for you!

Snow Leopards: Mongolia is one of the few places in the world where you can encounter the enigmatic snow leopard. Known for its elusive nature, this magnificent feline roams the remote mountains and rocky outcrops of the Altai and Sayan Mountains. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these elusive big cats and their fragile habitats.

Birds of Prey: Mongolia boasts a rich avian diversity, with numerous species of birds of prey soaring through its skies. The country’s nomadic culture is intertwined with falconry, an ancient tradition where eagles are trained to hunt.

why travel to mongolia

Nomadic culture

Oh, Mongolia, the land of hospitality and nomadic wonder! Let’s talk about the enchantment of the Mongolian people and their oh-so-warm and open hearts. Seriously, these folks roll out the red carpet (okay, maybe not literally, but you get the point) for visitors, offering a tantalizing peek into their vibrant cultural tapestry.

Traditional Ger Camps

Now, if you really want to dive headfirst into the heart of Mongolian hospitality, you’ve got to stay in one of those traditional ger camps. These bad boys aren’t your run-of-the-mill accommodations; they’re a freaking gateway to the nomadic way of life. Picture this: cozy felt-covered dwellings amidst the vast Mongolian landscapes. It’s like living in a real-life Instagram post, complete with comfort and authenticity that’ll have you feeling like family.

Warmth and Generosity

And speaking of family, these nomadic folks take immense pride in sharing their homes and traditions with guests. We’re not talking about your average “thanks for the place to crash” situation. Oh no, my fearless wanderers, this is an all-out extravaganza of warmth, generosity, camaraderie, and friendship. It’s like joining an extended nomadic family, where you’ll be showered with kindness and open arms.

Learning Traditional Crafts

Nomadic life in Mongolia is a treasure trove of traditional crafts that have been passed down through the generations. This is your chance to unleash your inner artist and learn from skilled artisans within the community. Get your hands dirty and dive into the art of crafting traditional clothing or creating intricate felt designs. It’s a hands-on experience that’ll make you appreciate Mongolian craftsmanship like never before.

Plan Your Nomadic Stay

Now that we’ve dabbled in the hospitality, the cozy gers, and the rich world of Mongolian craftsmanship, it’s time to make a plan, my brave adventurers. If you’re seeking a truly immersive cultural encounter, a stay in a traditional ger camp is an absolute must. It’s not just about witnessing the rhythms of nomadic life, it’s about actively participating and forging connections that’ll last a lifetime.

Unique Mongolian Cuisine

The food in Mongolia is something special. It’s a unique blend of Chinese, Russian, and Turkish flavors, and it’s the perfect way to experience the local culture. Some of the traditional dishes you’ll find in Mongolia include buuz (steamed dumplings), khorkhog (a type of stew made with mutton and vegetables), and baijig (fried dough pieces served with honey). Yum! So, if you’re looking for an unforgettable culinary experience, be sure to add Mongolia to your list of places to visit . You won’t regret it!

The Gobi Desert

If you’re looking for an adventure, you need to put Mongolia on your list. This is a destination that’s full of surprises, and one of the most amazing things about it is the Gobi Desert. The Gobi is one of the most remote places on Earth, and it’s not what you expect. It’s a vast and stunning landscape that’s full of dunes, canyons, and wildlife. Sure, the Gobi is challenging to get to, but that’s all part of the fun. Once you’re there, you’ll feel like you’re in a whole other world. If you’re looking for an unforgettable travel experience, Mongolia is worth considering .

Hospitality

The hospitality showcased by Mongolians is unmatched. The nomads would host a visitor in the main ger – a tent made from wood and felt – while they stay in the spare ger. They are extremely proud yet very welcoming and warm, they always want to entertain and show off their culture.

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No Other Tourists

With half of the Mongolian population located in Ulaanbaatar – with a total population of under 3 million people – coming across other travelers in this region is quite unlikely. Still, Mongolia is steadily becoming a preferred destination to a lot of travelers owing to the increased number of direct flights from countries in the West. The sooner you visit Mongolia, the sooner you get to experience the untouched landscapes all to yourself.

Mongolian History

The world perceives Chinggis Khan, or Genghis Khan as one of the most ruthless emperors in history who founded his territory stretching to Eastern Europe from Asia. However, Mongolians view him as the father and founder of nations. There is a silver statue with a height of 40m close to the capital of him riding his horse. Tourists and other travelers are allowed to climb on the horse’s back and give themselves a view across Khan’s land.

Eagle Hunters

Locally known as the Berkutchi, the Kazakh people of the Western region of Mongolia are known for training Golden Eagles – selecting nested chicks – to hunt prey as huge as wolves. There is also a Kazakh Eagle Festival in the western Altai mountains every September and October.

why travel to mongolia

Naadam Festival

Naadam Festival is reason enough to visit Mongolia. The festival is a tradition and essential that celebrates the ‘manly’ aspects of Mongolia. The Festival is held in the month of July and is celebrated countrywide, with the largest gathering and climax happening at the capital of Mongolia. During the festival, Men compete in archery, wrestling, and horse riding.

First on the agenda is traditional Mongolian wrestling, where these competitors flex their muscles and show off their strength, technique, and agility. Picture this: skilled wrestlers, decked out in their traditional costumes, going head-to-head in matches that’ll have you on the edge of your seat. It’s like watching a centuries-old tradition come to life, with each bone-crushing throw and gravity-defying move showcasing their badassery and dedication.

Horse Racing

We can’t forget about the thundering hooves of the racing horses that add an electrifying energy to the whole shebang. These horse races ain’t your run-of-the-mill derby at the local track. Oh no, these races span long distances across the vast open steppes, reflecting the nomadic lifestyle where horses are valued like gold. It’s not just a race; it’s a celebration of the deep bond between the nomads and their trusty four-legged companions.

This ain’t no Robin Hood wannabe shooting arrows into a target. Nope, we’re talking precision, skill, and a dash of vibrant attire. Picture participants, dressed to the nines, demonstrating their marksmanship with traditional bows and arrows. The archery competition adds a layer of grace and artistry to the festival, completing the trio of what they like to call the “Three Manly Games.” It’s a feast for the eyes and a showcase of the ancient Mongolian art of hitting the bullseye like a boss.

Beyond the Games

But hold on to your hats, my fierce travel mavens, because Naadam is about more than just sports. It’s a time for traditional music, dance, and vibrant festivities. The air is filled with mouthwatering aromas of traditional Mongolian cuisine as locals come together to celebrate their identity with pride and joy. It’s a whirlwind of colors, sounds, and tastes that’ll leave you feeling a part of something bigger than yourself.

You may have never heard of Mongolia, but it’s time to add it to your list of must-see destinations. This beautiful and exotic country is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the world, from the Gobi Desert to the snow-capped mountains of the north.  No matter where you choose, though, always remember to Travel Till You Drop!

  • jill charpia
  • April 28, 2023
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61 Useful Tips for Travelling to Mongolia (Backpacker’s Guide)

March 28, 2020.

Everything you need to know about travelling in Mongolia. Where to visit, how to get around, safety, and more are covered in this comprehensive travel guide.

Mongolia is one of my favourite countries I’ve ever visited. Known as the “land of the blue sky”, Mongolia is home to an incredible nomadic culture and gorgeous natural beauty. It’s also one of the least visited countries in the world, making it a great off-the-beaten-path backpacking destination.

I spent over three weeks backpacking around Mongolia and learned a lot about the best ways to travel around it. I can’t wait to get back soon and see more of it.

In this post, I’ll go over everything you need to know about travelling in Mongolia based on my experience.

After reading this guide, you’ll be ready to head out and see the rugged streets of Ulaanbaatar, the singing sand dunes of the Gobi Desert, and the endless steppe of the Orkhon Valley.

  • 1 Backpacking Mongolia
  • 2 Visas for travelling to Mongolia
  • 3 Safety in Mongolia
  • 4 Money in Mongolia
  • 5 Communication in Mongolia
  • 6 Getting to Mongolia
  • 7 People & Culture of Mongolia
  • 8 Where to visit in Mongolia
  • 9 Tours in Mongolia
  • 10 Food in Mongolia
  • 11 Accommodation in Mongolia
  • 12 Transportation in Mongolia
  • 13 Mongolia Travel Itineraries
  • 14 When to visit Mongolia
  • 15 Travel Costs in Mongolia
  • 16 Internet & SIM Cards in Mongolia
  • 17 Solo Travel in Mongolia
  • 18 Female Travel in Mongolia
  • 19 Travelling in Mongolia Wrap-Up

Gorgeous lakes in Orkhon Valley, Mongolia

Backpacking Mongolia

Mongolia is the perfect backpacking destination. It’s got a ton of unique landscapes including the Gobi Desert to the Altai Mountains. Mongolians are very friendly and want to show tourists a good time. It’s an affordable country to travel in, especially if you’re willing to rough it a bit.

I definitely think more people need to add backpacking Mongolia to their bucket list. It’s a country like no other and is a must-see if you’re planning a long trip to Asia.

Visas for travelling to Mongolia

1 – Visa-free access to Mongolia: People from certain countries are lucky enough to get visa-free access to enter Mongolia by air or land! Visa-free length varies by passport, here is the current list:

90 days visa-free : Argentina, Belarus, Brazil, Chile, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Macao, Serbia, Ukraine (with invitation), USA 30 days visa-free : Canada, Cuba, Germany, Israel, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, Uruguay 21 days visa-free : Philippines 14 days visa-free : Hong Kong

2 – Mongolia visa at an embassy: If you’re not on the above list of countries, you should apply for your Mongolia visa at your nearest Mongolia embassy.

To apply for a tourist visa, you’ll need:

  • Completed application form
  • 3.5×4.5cm photo
  • Copy of hotel booking in Mongolia
  • Copy of flight/train tickets

For the most up-to-date requirements, contact the embassy that you wish to apply at.

Mongolian nomads in Orkhon Valley

3 – It is no longer possible to extend your visa in Mongolia: While you used to be able to apply for a 30-day visa extension in Ulaanbaatar, as of 2019 this is no longer the case.

Travellers have been reporting that they are told to simply pay a $4 per day overstay fee instead, as long as the overstay is less than 58 days. If you overstay longer than 58 days, you will be deported.

Safety in Mongolia

4 – Is it safe to travel to Mongolia?: I’d say that Mongolia is a pretty safe country to visit. According to the Canadian government (which is usually pretty conservative with travel advisories), you should simply exercise normal precautions while visiting Mongolia.

Be careful around drunk people. Unfortunately, certain people can become quite aggressive, especially if you’re a foreign dude talking to a Mongolian girl. Avoid walking around Ulaanbaatar in the dark – it’s better to take a taxi.

Carry some medical supplies if you’re going anywhere outside of Ulaanbaatar. It’s a long way to a pharmacy when you’re in the middle of the Gobi Desert.

Use common sense and you’ll be perfectly fine when backpacking Mongolia, but of course, you should purchase travel insurance before you visit Mongolia.

For more information, check out my post on staying safe in Mongolia .

Travel Insurance for Mongolia

5 – Travel insurance for Mongolia: No matter where you go, you should always have travel insurance – Mongolia is no exception. Even though Mongolia is safe, accidents can still happen.

I personally use and recommend World Nomads. It’s designed for adventurous travellers with cover for overseas medical, evacuation, baggage and a range of adventure sports and activities (important if you plan on doing any treks or other outdoor adventures while backpacking in Mongolia).

GET YOUR FREE QUOTE FROM WORLD NOMADS HERE

Just a camel chilling in the Gobi Desert

Money in Mongolia

6 – The Mongolian tugrik (MNT) is the official currency of Mongolia: Sometimes also written as tögrög, the Mongolian currency is quite low in value. The current rate as of January 2020 is 1 USD = 2740 MNT .

7 – There are plenty of ATM machines in Ulaanbaatar:  In Ulaanbaatar, it’s easy to find an ATM machine that will accept an international Visa or Mastercard, and this is how I got all of my local currency during my trip to Mongolia. Credit cards are not commonly accepted at businesses in Mongolia, but you may have some luck at high-end hotels and restaurants.

8 – Outside of Ulaanbaatar, ATMs are unreliable: If you’re planning on heading out into the countryside, you should bring as much cash as you think you’ll need. It’s difficult to find a working ATM even in some of the larger towns, and even then it might be out of cash.

9 – Converting USD to MNT works too: You can also bring USD from home and convert it to tugrik when you’re in Mongolia, although you might not get quite as good a rate as if you’d used an ATM. It may be possible to change RMB, EUR, or RUB, but don’t count on this.

Quick water break while horseback riding in Mongolia's Orkhon Valley

Communication in Mongolia

10 – Mongolian is the official language of Mongolia: Spoken by around 95% of the population, Mongolian is by far the most common language in Mongolia.

11 – In Mongolia, the language is written using the Cyrillic alphabet: While there is a traditional Mongolian script that is used in Inner Mongolia province of China, Mongolia uses the Cyrillic script to write Mongolian.

12 – You don’t need to know Mongolian to travel in Mongolia: You don’t need to know any Mongolian to travel in Mongolia, but knowing the Cyrillic alphabet can be a huge help. If you learn the Cyrillic alphabet, you’ll be able to read signs and certain words on menus. It only takes a few hours to learn the basics –  check out this resource  to learn more.

Luckily, most people who travel outside of Ulaanbataar will be with an English-speaking guide, so they’ll help you get over any language barriers in rural areas.

Really want to impress the locals? Pick up a  Mongolian Phrasebook  and try to use it while you’re in Mongolia!

Sunset in the Gobi Desert

Getting to Mongolia

13 – Overlanding into Mongolia via either China or Russia is totally possible:   There are a number of border crossings to both China and Russia that are open to foreigners. Border procedures are fairly straightforward, as long as you’ve got a valid visa (or don’t need one).

14 – The current border crossings with China are:

Erlian – Zamin Uud: This border crossing is quite straightforward. I wrote a complete guide to getting from Beijing to Ulaanbaatar , so check that out if you’re planning on taking that route (or that route in reverse).

Takashiken – Bulgan:  Border crossing between Urumqi and the Mongolian Altai. It is possible to reach this border via public transport from Urumqi and continue onto Khovd by shared taxi. Expect long border procedures on the Chinese side (including a search of electronic devices).

One other lesser-used border that is open for tourists is the Khatavch – Bichigt Zuun crossing. Do note that the border crossings with Xinjiang Province are subject to random closures.

15 – The current border crossings with Russia are:

Kyakhta – Altanbulag : The main road border crossing between Ulan-Ude and Ulaanbaatar. There are direct buses between the two cities, taking about 12 hours to complete the trip.

Sükhbaatar – Naushki : This is the railroad border crossing for the Trans-Mongolian Railway between Ulan-Ude and Ulaanbaatar. Very straightforward – immigration officers will board your train and stamp you in.

Orkhon Waterfall in Central Mongolia

16 – Mongolia is an expensive country to fly into, and isn’t well connected by air: It can be a bit pricey to fly into Mongolia from Europe and North America. Ulaanbaatar (ULN) is the only airport in Mongolia with international flights, so you’ll most definitely be flying into here.

17 – Mongolia’s flag carrier is MIAT Mongolian Airlines: They offer direct flights to Frankfurt, Moscow, Bangkok, Beijing, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Seoul, Busan, Tokyo, and Osaka.

Other airlines operate flights from Ulaanbaatar to Istanbul, Astana, Irkutsk, Tianjin, and Hohhot.

As you can see, there aren’t that many places you can fly to Mongolia from without a connecting flight.

I recommend using  Google Flights to find the cheapest flights to Mongolia.

Endless sand dunes in the Gobi Desert

People & Culture of Mongolia

18 – Mongolia is the most sparsely populated country on Earth: A lot of the country’s traditions and culture stems from this fact.

19 – The country became independent from the Qing Dynasty in 1911:  There is a lot of shared history between Mongolia and China, although nowadays Mongolians don’t look upon China very fondly.

20 – Most people in Mongolia are Mongolian:  In fact, a whopping 96% of the population is Mongolian. The other 4% are Kazakhs in the far western Altai region of the country.

21 – Buddhism is the most popular religion in Mongolia:  Over 50% of Mongolians are Buddhist, making it by far the most common religion. Another 39% are non-religious, and the remainders are split up between Islam, Shamanism, and Christianity.

22 – There isn’t really a dress code in Mongolia:  There is no set dress code here, but it is still a conservative society so it’s best to dress modestly. In the central areas of Ulaanbaatar, things are a bit more liberal.

Where to visit in Mongolia

23 – Most of Mongolia is empty, so getting around can take a long time:

The country can be divided up into six distinct regions based on differences in culture and geography. Each region requires at least a week to properly visit (aside from Ulaanbaatar).

Let’s cover all of the best places to visit during your travels in Mongolia.

Flaming Cliffs in the Gobi Desert

Backpacking Ulaanbaatar 

24 – Almost every traveller will begin their adventure in Mongolia’s capital city of Ulaanbaatar: Ulaanbaatar is the only real city in Mongolia and is home to over half of the countries population. The city is connected to China and Russia via the Trans-Mongolian Railway  and has an international airport.

The city is a great place to organize tours into the countryside, visit museums, eat, shop, and chill out after a long journey through the steppe.

I’ve met a lot of travellers who told me that they hated Ulaanbaatar, but I kinda liked it. There are some nice western-style cafes, good restaurants, and some malls if you need to get any gear.

25 – There isn’t much to do in Ulaanbaatar, but it’s alright for a couple of days: While most travellers visiting Ulaanbaatar are here to organize the rest of their Mongolia adventure, there are a few things worth checking out in the city itself.

When you arrive, pay a visit to the Genghis Khan Square and take in the atmosphere of the political center of Mongolia. Next, make your way to the Gandantegchenling Monastery for a look at some of Mongolia’s Buddhist traditions.

If you’ve got some extra time, you can also check out the National History Museum . For any shopping that you need to do, hit up the State Department Store.

26 – Ulaanbaatar is full of great hostels: It’s the perfect place to meet other people who want to travel around Mongolia.

I’d recommend staying at the Golden Gobi Hostel when you’re in Ulaanbaatar.

They’re super organized with arranging tours to the other parts of Mongolia, and the hostel is a great place to meet other travellers. I had a great time here!

Also, consider Sunpath Mongolia – they provide similar quality and services to the Golden Gobi hostel.

Clean streets of Ulaanbaatar

Backpacking Central Mongolia

27 – Central Mongolia one of the more popular regions among travellers: It’s not far from Ulaanbaatar and offers gorgeous natural beauty along with hospitable nomadic people.

The main tourist sights in Central Mongolia are the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, the ancient city of Karakorum, and the incredible Orkhon Valley.

28 – Gorkhi-Terelj National Park:  Located only 70 kilometres from Ulaanbaatar and is a great place to visit if you have a short amount of time in Mongolia. In the park, you can go hiking, horseback riding, and stay with nomadic families.

Gorkhi-Terelj NP is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mongolia, so there are plenty of tourist camps offering all sorts of services.

You can access the park via 2 daily buses departing from Ulaanbaatar – do note that there is a 3000₮ entrance fee at the park gate.

29 – Karakorum: The city of Karakorum was the capital of the Mongol Empire and visited by Marco Polo on his during his travels through the area.

When you’re here, roam around the historic former capital of Mongolia and learn more about its history.

30 – The Orkhon Valley: This gorgeous valley is located about 300 kilometres from Ulaanbaatar and follows the banks of the Orkhon River. It’s a lush grassland home to many nomadic people who still live traditional lives in ger camps. Orkhon Valley is also home to Mongolia’s tallest waterfall.

The Orkhon Valley is the perfect place to embark on a multi-day horse trek or spend some time living with a local family. The landscapes here are beautiful, and it’d be a shame to only visit for a day! Try not to miss the Naiman Nuur National Park (Eight Lakes).

Orkhon Valley in Central Mongolia

Backpacking the Gobi Desert

31 – Basically all of Southern Mongolia is covered by the Gobi Desert: It’s Asia’s largest desert and is home to camels, massive sand dunes, and a ton of other interesting sights.

This region is fairly accessible from Ulaanbaatar. Dalanzadgad is the capital of the region, and you can get there from Ulaanbaatar by bus in about 10 hours.

The main sights to visit in the Gobi Desert are:

32 – Yolyn Am:  Yolyn Am is probably not what you would’ve expected from the Gobi Desert. It’s a deep, narrow gorge that often has snow left in it well into summer months.

When here, you should spend a couple of hours hiking (or horseback riding if you’re confident) through the gorge.

33 – Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs): The Flaming Cliffs are one of the more famous spots in the Gobi Desert, for good reason! They’re absolutely stunning and make for epic photographs (especially at sunset).

In the 1920s, the first-ever dinosaur eggs were discovered here by an American paleontologist, and a number of subsequent fossil finds have occurred here.

34 – Khongoryn Els: When you think of the Gobi Desert, giant sand dunes probably come to mind. Don’t worry, Khongoryn Els has got you covered!

Some of the dunes are over 300 meters tall, and they go on for over 100 kilometres. Hiking up the tallest dune and watching the sunset was one of my favourite travel experiences.

Incredible sunset from the top of Khongoryn Els

Backpacking Northern Mongolia

35 – Mongolia’s north is home to Lake Khuvsgul, the most beautiful lake in the country: In the northwest of Lake Khuvsgul, the Tsaatan tribe are one of the only remaining groups of nomadic reindeer herders.

Most travel around Northern Mongolia will be based out of the town of Moron. Getting to Moron can take a while – there are buses running from Ulaanbaatar that take about 12 hours, or you can take a flight for around $150 USD.

Visiting the Tsaatan tribe can take some time, requiring a multi-day horse riding journey. If you plan on visiting the Tsaatan, do your research and find an outfitter that places an importance on sustainability and preservation of the Tsaatan culture.

Backpacking Western Mongolia

36 – Western Mongolia is the most remote part of Mongolia: Most travellers will visit this region to journey into the Altai Mountains. Ölgii is the starting town for most adventurers in the region. Ölgii a 48-hour bus ride from Ulaanbaatar, or a short flight.

In early October, the Kazakh inhabitants of the region host the Golden Eagle Festival.

I haven’t visited this region yet, but I plan on making it a large focus of my next trip to Mongolia.

Backpacking Eastern Mongolia

37 – Eastern Mongolia is rarely visited but is home to the birthplace of Genghis Khan: Much of the region is a vast steppe without many interesting tourist sights. If you’ve been to Eastern Mongolia, let me know more about it and I’d love to update this section!

My awesome guide who took me and two others around Mongolia for 12 days

Tours in Mongolia

38 – So, how do you organize a trip in Mongolia?: Before my trip to Mongolia, my biggest challenge was figuring out how I was going to get around the country! Public transportation connects the main regional hubs to Ulaanbaatar, but other than that there isn’t any way of getting around.

All of the incredible sights are hours away from town and require a 4×4 vehicle to reach.

This means that the typical “backpacker” travel style of staying in hostels and taking public transportation doesn’t work here.

39 – Group tours in Mongolia are a great option: Almost every hotel, hostel, and guesthouse in Ulaanbaatar will offer group tours.

An organized group tour in Mongolia will typically include the following things:

  • Vehicle and driver
  • English-speaking guide
  • Accommodation in gers or tents
  • Food (not including snacks or alcohol)
  • Entrance fees and activities

As you can see, a group tour will include pretty much everything you need!

Ger somewhere in the Orkhon Valley

40 – How much do group tours typically cost?: The tour cost depends on the number of people who sign up. Expect to pay between $50-70 USD per day for a group tour that has a few other backpackers on it.

It’s hard to give an exact number, so make sure to budget for the high end to be safe.

When you are in Ulaanbaatar, I’d recommend staying at the Golden Gobi hostel . They’re very well organized and have multiple tours leaving every day in the summer.

Another hostel that I heard good things about is Sunpath Mongolia . If you can’t find the tour you’re looking for, or Golden Gobi is all sold out, consider staying there.

Camel chillin' in the Gobi Desert

41 – Don’t arrange your group tour from outside of Mongolia: It will cost a lot more. It’s much easier to arrange things on the ground in Ulaanbaatar with any other travellers that you may meet.

Both of the above hostels have many tours leaving each day, so it’s easy to show up and join a group that’s leaving the next day.

Independent travel in Mongolia

42 – Independent travel is also possible, but much more challenging: If you want to independently backpack around Mongolia, you’re gonna need your own vehicle or a lot of cash.

If you have your own vehicle (4×4, bicycle, motorbike, horse), then getting around won’t be too difficult.

Most tourist sights have ger camps that you can pay to stay in, but you’ll need to bring a tent and cooking supplies for the places that don’t have ger camps.

If you don’t have your own form of transportation, you’ll need to hire a private vehicle and driver. Hiring a private vehicle will cost a couple of hundred dollars per day.

Grass meets sand in the Gobi Desert

Food in Mongolia

43 – Outside of Ulaanbaatar, food in Mongolia is pretty basic: As many people still live nomadic lives in rural Mongolia, they aren’t able to grow things like fruits and vegetables. Because of this, their diets still consist of mostly meat and dairy products.

Ulaanbaatar has pretty decent options for food, however. There are some good Indian, Chinese, and Korean restaurants if you want some flavour after spending time in rural Mongolia.

44 – You need to try airag when you’re in Mongolia:  Araig (called kumis in Central Asia) is a dairy product made from fermented horse milk. It’s sour is very unique, and it’s even got a light alcohol percentage due to the fermentation.

In rural parts of Mongolia, you’ll see people drinking this all the time! It’s served in a bowl, and if you finish your bowl you’ll instantly get a refill.

45 – It can be a bit challenging to travel here as a vegetarian: In Ulaanbaatar, you’ll find a few options for vegetarian-friendly food, but in rural areas don’t expect locals to know what you’re talking about.

If you travel on a tour, you should tell your guide in advance so they can make the appropriate accommodations.

Naadam Festival in Mandalgovi

Accommodation in Mongolia

46 – In Ulaanbaatar, all sorts of accommodation are available: Ulaanbaatar is full of hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. It’s up to you to choose which one you’d prefer, but hostels are usually the best bet if you also want to find people to group up with for a tour.

I’d recommend staying at the Golden Gobi hostel . I stayed here both times I was in Ulaanbaatar and arranged my tour through them and had no complaints.

47 – Rural areas have more basic accommodation: When travelling through the rural parts of Mongolia, accommodation will either be in basic homestays, ger stays, or camping. If you travel with an arranged tour, they’ll sort all of this out for you. Most places like these aren’t displayed online anywhere.

I mean.. look how empty it is!

Transportation in Mongolia

48 – Getting around Mongolia takes a long time: Unless you’re travelling between a large town and Ulaanbaatar, there aren’t really paved roads in Mongolia. This makes getting around take forever.

49 – There is a decent bus network: There are buses running between Ulaanbaatar and all of the major towns, although these all take a long time. Getting from Ulaanbaatar to Khovd in Western Mongolia can take upwards of 40 hours.

50 – Hitchhiking is also possible: Although be prepared to be patient. Hitchhiking on main roads is doable, but if you want to go to touristy sights it will be rather difficult as there isn’t any local traffic.

51 – Flying long distances is a good idea: If you want to avoid taking a 40-hour bus ride from Ulaanbaatar to Khovd, there are some domestic airlines in Mongolia that fly routes such as that one. It isn’t the cheapest option, but it is your best bet if you’re short on time.

Camels in the Gobi Desert

Mongolia Travel Itineraries

Mongolia 1-week itinerary.

With a week in Mongolia, you’ll want to stick around the Ulaanbaatar area.

Spend a couple of days in Ulaanbaatar visiting its main sights, and then head to the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. I’d recommend spending a few nights here, you’ll get to stay in a ger, try fermented horse milk, and go horseback riding.

If you arrange a driver with your hostel in Ulaanbaatar, you could also take a trip to the ancient capital of Karakorum. It’s a good 5-6 hour drive from Ulaanbaatar, so plan accordingly. I’d only recommend this if you’re really info Mongolian history, as there isn’t much else to do in Karakorum.

Mongolia 2-week itinerary

Two weeks is the perfect amount of time to check out Ulaanbaatar, Central Mongolia, and the Gobi Desert.

A typical tour of Central Mongolia and the Gobi departing from Ulaanbaatar will take about 12 days, and you’ll get to spend time in all the major sights.

For info on arranging a tour like this, see the Group tours in Mongolia section above.

The Gobi and Central Mongolia offer a perfect intro to the country and are what I’d recommend for a first-time visitor.

Gobi Desert views

Mongolia 3-week itinerary

With three weeks, you’re able to add on another region to the above itinerary. Northern Mongolia would make the most sense, as you’re able to drive there pretty easily after visiting Central Mongolia.

A week in Northern Mongolia probably won’t be enough time to go and visit the Tsaatan people,  so plan for a longer amount of time in the north if this is something you wish to do.

Mongolia 1-month itinerary

A month in Mongolia – I’m jealous! With this amount of time, you could make it all the way out to the western part of the country. You’ll be able to go hiking in the Altai mountains and meet the Kazakh people that inhabit that area.

Western Mongolia will take up about two weeks (the exact amount of time depends on if you fly or bus there). For your other two weeks in the country, consider checking out the Gobi and Central Mongolia. You’ll also probably want to plan some rest time in Ulaanbaatar.

The incredible Tsagaan Suvarga cliffs

When to visit Mongolia

52 – Mongolia can be visited year-round: But.. you’ll have a vastly different experience in the summer than you would have in the winter. For most people, the best time to visit Mongolia is in summer, but let me go over the pros and cons of the different seasons.

53 – What is Mongolia like in the winter?: Unless you like -30°C weather, it’s probably best to avoid visiting Mongolia in the winter (November to March). If you do visit Mongolia in the winter, dress warm and you’ll experience a Mongolia that few other backpackers do!

Be warned – in the winter, Ulaanbaatar becomes one of the most polluted cities on Earth due to wood-burning heating.

54 – What is Mongolia like in the spring?: In the spring  (April to May), weather can still be unpredictable and roads can be quite muddy as the snow is still melting.

Post-hail in the Orkhon Valley

55 – What is Mongolia like in the summer?: Mongolia’s summer lasts from June to August and is definitely the best time of year to visit Mongolia. In the summer, the steppes will be green and the skies will be blue (for the most part). Still, be prepared for any type of weather.

I backpacked around Mongolia in August, and when I was in the Gobi Desert climbing the Khongoryn Els sand dunes, it started pouring rain. Later on,  I was in the Orkhon Valley and we were hit with a hail storm that covered our ger in ice. Be sure to bring gear for any sort of situation.

In late July/early August, the Naadam festival takes place all over the country. It’s an incredible experience that shouldn’t be missed!

56 – What is Mongolia like in the fall?: In the fall temperatures begin to drop, but gorgeous fall colours help make up for it. After summer, fall is probably the best time to visit Mongolia.

If you’re in Mongolia in early October, try to make it out for the Golden Eagle Festival in Ölgii.

Rain clouds forming over the Gobi Desert

Travel Costs in Mongolia

57 – How much does it cost to backpack in Mongolia?: Well, Mongolia lies somewhere in the middle of the budget range. It’s more expensive to travel in than places like Vietnam or India, but cheaper than Japan or Korea. Due to its massive size and low population, a tour is pretty much required to see anything outside of Ulaanbaatar.

To be safe, budget between $50 and $70 per day in Mongolia if you plan on taking a group tour.

If you’re just visiting Ulaanbaatar, costs will be much lower. A hostel dorm bed (Again, I recommend the Golden Gobi ) will be less than $10 USD, and you can eat at local restaurants for only a few dollars.

Check out the State Department Store if you need to do any shopping – they have everything from camping gear to televisions.

Internet & SIM Cards in Mongolia

58 – In the countryside, internet access is non-existent: As most of Mongolia is extremely sparsely populated, expect to be offline most of the time while you’re travelling in Mongolia.

59 – What about in Ulaanbaatar and larger towns?: WiFi isn’t great, but I recommend picking up a local SIM card from either MobiCom or Unitel . With one of these local SIM cards, you’ll have 4G coverage in Ulaanbataar and quite a few towns around the country. You can purchase a SIM at any of the MobiCom or Unitel shops – just be sure to bring your passport.

Basic data packages are quite cheap – you can get about 10GB of data for around $5.

For detailed info about the different plans offered by the telecoms, check out the Mongolia Prepaid SIM Card Wiki.

Storm brewing over the Flaming Cliffs

Solo Travel in Mongolia

60 – It’s easy to meet other backpackers in Ulaanbaatar: Before my trip to Mongolia, I was a bit worried about going solo. I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to find any other travellers who wanted to visit the same places as me, and therefore worried that I would be stuck paying a lot more money for my tour.

Fortunately, it’s super easy to find people to split your tour costs with in Ulaanbaatar. As long as you don’t plan on going wayyy off of the beaten path, you’ll be able to find someone. Most hostels in Ulaanbaatar communicate with each other, so they’ll ask the other hostels if they have anyone with your same plans and put you in contact.

Don’t worry about heading to Mongolia solo – you’ll be able to meet other travellers and make some new friends!

Somewhere in the Orkhon Valley

Female Travel in Mongolia

61 – Mongolia is a great destination for female travellers: Mongolia is a safe destination for female travellers, and you’ll definitely find plenty of others there.

You’ll need to be careful to dress somewhat conservatively and follow the female safety practices that you would anywhere else. Avoid heading out alone in the dark (in Ulaanbaatar), and you will be fine.

Here’s some great info on female travel in Asia – be sure to check it out if it’ll be your first time in Asia.

Travelling in Mongolia Wrap-Up

And that’s it for my guide to travelling in Mongolia! I hope this helped you plan your Mongolia adventure.

If you’ve got any questions about backpacking in Mongolia, feel free to ask me!

Remember to check out my guide to getting from Beijing to Ulaanbaatar , if you’re planning on taking that route.

I’ve also got a few other comprehensive backpacking guides – feel free to check them out if you’re planning a trip!

  • China Backpacking Guide
  • Pakistan Backpacking Guide
  • Wakhan Corridor Travel Guide

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Yay transparency!  There are affiliate links in this guide. If you book or buy something using my links, I’ll make a bit of money at no extra cost to you.

Jacob Laboissonniere

21-year old Canadian dude who loves to visit off-the-beaten-path places, climb tall mountains, and try delicious foods.

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Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Mongolia To Learn About The Once-Ancient Tradition Of Eagle Hunting

Hold a golden eagle while visiting the traditional Kazakh eagle hunters of western Mongolia for the ultimate travel adventure.

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Why the kazakhs in mongolia preserve the tradition of eagle hunting, the practice of eagle hunting in mongolia, what to know about visiting the kazakh eagle hunters of mongolia.

Mongolia is a vast but sparsely inhabited nation on the Eurasian steppe . It is famous for the massive Mongolian Empire that swept over the world under the mighty Genghis Khan, which spread all the way into Europe. These days Mongolia continues to preserve many of its ancient traditions, with a large percentage of the population continuing to live a nomadic existence.

In the west of Mongolia, the Kazakh minority continues to preserve the age-old tradition of eagle hunting. Visiting the eagle hunters is one of the great trips of a lifetime and feels like something straight out of a movie. Mongolia is the stuff of medieval fantasy still being lived today - spending days trekking across Mongolia on horseback is another must for intrepid travelers. Excellent tours around Mongolia are offered by Mongolian companies like Top Tours Mongolia .

Most of the population of Mongolia are ethnic Mongolians, but there are also minorities. These include the reindeer-herding Tuvans in the north (most live in the Republic of Tuva in Russia) and the Kazakhs in the west (most live in the independent country of Kazakhstan ).

During the Soviet Union, many of the traditions of the countries of Central Asia were lost. The Kazakhs (and Kyrgyz) were nomads living in yurts across the steppe, much like the Mongols. But in modern times, the Soviets compelled them to settle, and today, almost all the people in these countries live settled lives.

As a consequence, the ancient Kazakh tradition of eagle hunting was partly lost in Kazakhstan. But during the Soviet period, Mongolia remained independent and preserved many of its traditions. Even so, Kazakhstan is proud of its heritage, and the eagle features prominently on its flag. Today the Kazakh minority in western Mongolia preserves the age-old tradition of eagle hunting.

Related: 10 Countries That Could Be Major Tourist Destinations In The Future

In the past, eagles were trained for hunting to help people survive in the harsh climate of Central Asia. These days, they are still used for limited hunting, but the main reason to train the eagles is to keep the tradition alive and to pass it on to the next generation.

To train the eagles, the chicks are caught from the nest when they are young. Only the female chicks are taken as only the female golden eagles hunt. The eagle hunter trains the eagles and enters them in competitions around Mongolia. When the birds are a few years old (soon after they reach maturity), they are released back into the wild. The hunter typically never sees the bird again.

This practice can also aid in preserving the eagles as they are tended to through in their vulnerable years as a chick, but when they are released, they are still as able to survive in the wild as any other eagle.

Related: Mongolia's Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue Is Truly Impressive

Some of the eagle hunters welcome visitors to their homes as homestays. Eagle hunters are often nomads and live in yurts (so where they live changes through the year).

Visitors need to be prepared for what it means to visit. Nomads live in remote regions off-road, without electricity (other than a solar panel to charge their phones, etc.), without running water, and without a recognizable toilet or bathroom. Clothes need to be washed by hand in the freezing water by the tourists themselves.

But the trip is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and one that every adventurous traveler should try to do. Visitors get to don traditional Kazakh fur clothes and hold the mighty eagle on their own arm (caution, the birds are surprisingly heavy).

While it may be possible to visit by oneself, by far the best way is with a guided tour. Remember that these are nomads - there is no fixed address, and they typically do not speak English. Getting there typically includes some serious off-roading.

21-Day Tour Of Mongolia Inc. Visiting Eagle Hunters:

  • Cost: $2,100 Per Person (four people & more)
  • Includes: Food, Off-Road Transport, Admission Fees, English-speaking Tour Guide, Accommodation (Homestays, Yurts, Camping)
  • Duration: 21 Days (2 Days with the Eagle Hunters)

One of the best companies to choose from is Top Tours Mongolia . As the Kazakh Eagle hunters live so far away from the main Mongolian city of Ulaanbaatar, guided tours to them are normally part of much larger tour packages around Mongolia. Top Tours Mongolia is a very flexible and friendly tour company in Mongolia that has extensive experience with guiding foreigners around Mongolia. They have 15 day and 21 day tours in Mongolia that include visits to the eagle hunters.

The 21-day tour also visits the ancient Mongolian capital of Karakorum - once the capital of the largest empire the world ever knew (until the dawn of the larger British Empire).

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Is Mongolia Worth Visiting? | 10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Mongolia

Is Mongolia worth visiting

To answer “is Mongolia worth visiting?” Mongolia is definitely a must-visit tourist place, that’s the comment of the tourists after participating in the tour of Go Mongolia Tour. Mongolia is a unique country that will forever hold a special place in tourists’ hearts. Regarding the less traveled destination, Mongolia is one of the world’s most sparsely populated countries, and its nomad-based nature conservation has kept Mongolia a nature tourist destination. Mongolia offers legendary wildlife watching and photography expeditions, as well as true wilderness in its most distant areas, in terms of nature tourism. These two key elements may be the primary motivations for explorers, photographers, and culture travelers to visit Mongolia.

1. Discover the Peacfulness and Breath Taking Landscapes in Mongolia

Mongolia is famous for its severe yet incredibly gorgeous landscapes. With its spectacular mountains, huge green meadows, towering sand dunes, and mysterious serenity in the open air, it’s easy to see why Mongolians dubbed their country the “land of the blue sky.” As the sun sets and the moon rises, the night sky offers a magnificent sight of stars that appear close enough to touch!

Mongolia has a large quantity of open area that changes as you travel further away from the city. From the sands of the Gobi Desert to the glaciated snow-capped mountains in the west to the lush green forests of central Mongolia, you are guaranteed to experience vistas you have never seen before. It truly is out of this world, and it reminded us of landscapes that are so ridiculous that they might appear in a cartoon.

Discover the Peacfulness and Breath Taking Landscapes in Mongolia

2. Indulge in Wildlife of Mongolia

With reindeer roaming the north, golden eagles flying in the west, and camels roaming the deserts of the south, visitors frequently choose which areas to visit based on the wildlife they hope to see. The uncommon and stunningly beautiful snow leopard can also be found in the highlands of the southern Gobi. In the hopes of encountering these elusive species, intrepid travelers might hike through their natural environment.

In the Mongolian countryside, traffic delays are caused by herds of cows, sheep, goats, horses, or camels, not by cars. They are simply walking, standing, or attempting to cross the road. Animals can roam freely in Mongolia’s countryside (which is almost the whole country). They can go wherever they choose! There are no fences for animals, and nomadic households use herding dogs to keep their herd together. Wolves, who consider the free-roaming animals as easy prey, are also kept at bay by the dogs.

Indulge in Wildlife of Mongolia

3. Experience Nomadic Culture and Horse Riding Tours

While the capital is home to half of Mongolia’s inhabitants, the rest live a quiet nomadic existence, herding cattle and wildlife as the seasons change. Living alongside nomad families, getting up with them in the morning to milk the cows, collect water, and assist cook the day’s meals, is a genuinely once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s a humbling and illuminating experience that brings you back to the essence of life.

Horse riding excursions in Mongolia are popular because they are an incredible way to explore actual Mongolia, become a part of Mongolia’s wilderness, and firsthand experience and see the nomadic lifestyle. In Mongolia, you may do a couple of hours of horseback riding. However, if you enjoy horseback riding, a multi-day tour may be the finest way to explore (part of) Mongolia.

Experience Nomadic Culture and Horse Riding Tours

4. Enjoy the Hospitality of Mongolians

Mongolians are known for their hospitality despite leading humble lives. If nomads have a spare ger (a felt and wood tent), they will live in it while hosting visitors in the main ger. They are a very hospitable and proud people who are always eager to show off their amazing culture.

Mongolians are among the most generous people we’ve ever met. They are just as interested in you as you are in them. Despite the language barrier, individuals will go out of their way to assist you, make you feel welcome, feed you, and ensure your comfort for the night. We had nothing but hospitality from our host families around the country. One family even relocated their bedroom ger to make place for tourists for the night.

Enjoy the Hospitality of Mongolians

5. Acknowledge History of Mongolia

Most people know Genghis Khan , or Chinggis Khan to the locals, as a fierce warrior who established an empire that stretched from Asia to Eastern Europe. In Mongolia, though, he is revered as the nation’s father. Many enterprises in Ulaanbaatar bear his name. There’s also a 40-meter-tall silver statue of him riding his horse near the capitol. Visitors can climb all the way up the horse’s neck for panoramic views of the great Khan’s domain.

Mongolia is famed for its complicated and rich history, and Genghis Khan is mentioned everywhere. Everything in town is named after him, from the town plaza to the vodka to the airport. There are numerous sculptures of him strewn around Mongolia, and you can learn why while there. Do not miss the enormous Genghis Khan statue outside Ulaanbaatar, which is the world’s highest horse statue. It has to be seen to be believed. A visit to the Genghis Khan Statue Complex is a fantastic choice for a day excursion.

Acknowledge History of Mongolia

6. Special and Unique Cuisine

While there are international restaurants in Ulaanbaatar, rural nomads rely on their animals for meat and dairy products. This accounts for the majority of their nutrition and allows them to endure the hard winters. Learning to cook Mongolian dumplings with a nomad family is a fascinating way to spend an afternoon; vegetarians need not fear, as alternative options may be offered.

If you’re a fan of meat-heavy dishes, then you’re going to enjoy Mongolian food. Listed below are ten traditional dishes to try on your next Mongolia tour. Take a look at some traditional Mongolian dishes at Traditional Foods – 10 Must-try Dishes in Mongolia

Special and Unique Cuisine

7. The Excitement Of Being Alone Among The Great Landscape

With a population of just under three million people, half of whom live in Ulaanbaatar, it is rare that you will encounter other travelers (or even another human) when out in the woods. Still, tourism in Mongolia is growing, with more direct flights from Western nations, so make plans to visit soon if you want to have this empty and unspoilt area all to yourself.

Mongolia is the least populated country on the planet. The sensation of being alone in the vast expanse is one of the most distinctive experiences available only in Mongolia. Mongolia, a country roughly the size of Alaska, has a population density of less than two persons per square kilometer. Mongolia was named one of the best nature travel destinations by National Geographic for its natural richness in the least congested place on the planet.

The Excitement Of Being Alone Among The Great Landscape

8. Explore the Gobi dessert – One of The Must-See Place on Earth

Seeing the world’s fourth-largest desert up close and personal is motivation enough to travel to Mongolia. There’s a lot to take in, from wild wandering camels to the vistas from the top of the gigantic “singing sand dunes” of Khongoryn Els. Visit the Flaming Cliffs, where dinosaur fossils have been discovered, and schedule a camel ride for an amazing desert experience.

The Mongolian Gobi is regarded as one of the world’s top travel destinations. For many decades, this exotic desert has captivated explorers, paleontologists, travelers, and photographers. The Mongolian Gobi is famous for its iconic natural formations, dinosaur fossils, wildlife, birds, and camel herding nomads. Mongolian Gobi provides fantastic desert activities and tips that will make your Mongolian Gobi trip memorable and worthwhile.

Explore the Gobi dessert – One of The Must-See Place on Earth

9. Participate in Nadaam Festival

The enormously famous Naadam Festival honors vital and traditional qualities of Mongolian masculinity. In July, the festival is held throughout the country, with the greatest gathering in the capital. Men participate in three sports: horseback riding, wrestling, and archery. Even children participate in the horse racing across a 20-kilometer route.

Mongolian Naadam Festival – The Mongol identity in the globe following the conquest of Chinggis Khaan. According to the book “TRAVEL” by DK, the Mongolian Naadam Festival is the single must-see event for travellers in July. So, what makes this Festival so appealing to both locals and visitors? Naadam is the unique festival of its kind; it is a sophisticated and lyrical manifestation of nomadic culture, the recognized commemoration of a national freedom, and an amazing blend of arts and sports.

Participate in Nadaam Festival

10. Epic Mongolia’s Golden Eagle Festival and Eagle Hunters

The Kazakh people of western Mongolia, known locally as Berkutchi, educate the majestic Golden Eagle to hunt animals as huge as wolves by selecting chicks directly from the nest. Visit the Kazakh Eagle Festival in the far western Altai Mountains in September and October. It has been done for ages.

The Golden Eagle Festival is a cultural and adventurous magnet for both domestic and international visitors and photographers. It is not only a festival, but also a historic hunting custom and a distinctive cultural heritage of Mongolia’s Kazakh minority. If you want to know one compelling reason why you should visit Mongolia, the Golden Eagle Festival is the answer. It is one of the must-see events in Asia, particularly in Mongolia.

Epic Mongolia's Golden Eagle Festival and Eagle Hunters

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why travel to mongolia

Discovering the Magic: Why Visit Mongolia

why travel to mongolia

Mongolia, a charming country nestled between Russia and China, is a destination that often slips under the radar for many travelers. However, those who venture into this remote and enchanting land are rewarded with an experience like no other. Mongolia offers a unique blend of culture, adventure and natural beauty. Here, we’ll delve into why you should consider adding Mongolia to your travel list and explore some of the coolest things to do and experience in this extraordinary country.

Untamed Wilderness and Nomadic Culture

why travel to mongolia

One of the primary reasons to visit Mongolia is its breathtaking landscapes and the nomadic way of life. Vast plains, rugged mountains and pristine lakes dominate the scenery. Travelers can immerse themselves in the nomadic culture by staying in traditional ger camps, meeting herders and experiencing the simplicity and resilience of the Mongolian people.

Adventure in the Gobi Desert

why travel to mongolia

The Gobi Desert, one of the world’s largest deserts, covers a significant part of southern Mongolia. Adventure seekers can explore the stunning sand dunes, visit the flaming cliffs of Bayanzag and even ride camels through the vast, arid landscapes. The Gobi Desert provides a unique and surreal experience that few other places can match.

Discovering History in Ulaanbaatar

why travel to mongolia

Ulaanbaatar, the capital city, is a blend of modernity and tradition. Visit the National Museum of Mongolia to delve into the country’s rich history, including the era of Genghis Khan and the Mongol Empire. The Gandantegchinlen Monastery offers a glimpse into Mongolian Buddhism, with its impressive architecture and serene atmosphere.

Mongolian Cuisine: A Culinary Adventure

why travel to mongolia

Mongolian cuisine, while simple, is hearty and flavorful. Traditional dishes often include mutton, beef and dairy products. Khorkhog, a barbecue-style dish cooked with hot stones, is a must-try, as is Buuz (steamed dumplings) and Airag (fermented mare’s milk). Embrace the local flavors and savor the unique tastes of Mongolian cuisine.

Naadam Festival: A Cultural Extravaganza

why travel to mongolia

Timing your visit to coincide with the Naadam Festival is a bonus. Held annually in July, this traditional event showcases the “Three Manly Games” of wrestling, horse racing and archery. It provides an unparalleled opportunity to witness Mongolia’s rich cultural heritage and the prowess of its athletes.

Horseback Riding Across the Steppes

why travel to mongolia

Horses are an integral part of Mongolian culture and horseback riding is a fantastic way to explore the vast landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or a novice rider, guided horse treks allow you to traverse the plains and mountains, providing a unique perspective of Mongolia’s beauty.

Starry Nights and Nomadic Hospitality

why travel to mongolia

Mongolia boasts some of the darkest skies on Earth, making it an ideal destination for stargazing. Spend nights in a ger camp, away from city lights and marvel at the Milky Way stretching across the horizon. The nomads’ warmth and invitations to stay in their houses give the event a more intimate feel.

Mongolia is a land of contrasts, where modernity meets tradition and vast landscapes captivate the adventurous spirit. From the untamed wilderness to the warmth of nomadic hospitality, this country offers an array of experiences that will leave a lasting impression. So, if you’re seeking a destination off the beaten path, where culture and nature intertwine, Mongolia should undoubtedly be on your travel list. Discover the fascinating and undiscovered gem of Central Asia, the home of Genghis Khan, where every step you take unveils a new side.

Published on January 8, 2024

why travel to mongolia

True Mongolia travel

Mongolia is not only well known for the history of the great Chinggis Khan, but it is also widely known for its wonderful cultural diversity and stunning natural allure. Spectacular countryside with vast open steppe, rugged mountains and abundant wildlife make Mongolia truly one of the untouched travel destinations on earth. There are seas of empty silent steppes where you can catch only the shadows of clouds roll over the land for miles and miles. Centuries of nomadic living made Mongolians tremendous hospitable and we are pleased to share what we have, welcome whoever comes, and invite them to be fully immersed in our culture.

The followings are the main reasons why you have to travel to mongolia..

Turkic monument tour in Mongolia

Chinggis khan – A founder of the largest empire on earth and greatest legendary figure the world has ever known.

Turkic monument tour in Mongolia

Horseback riding – Mongolia is known as the mother land of horses and now it is home to over three hundred wild horses and three million domesticated horses.

Naadam festival tour Mongolia, horse race

Naadam festival – Honored celebration of a national independence and a sophisticated and eloquent expression of nomadic culture. The festival is an outstanding combination of arts and sports that embraces many artistic elements such as dancing, singing and performing.

why travel to mongolia

Gobi desert – We are widely known for the great Gobi desert and dinosaur fossils. In 1923 an American Museum of Natural History crew discovered the first scientifically recognized dinosaur egg fossils from Mongolia and introduced them to the world.

orkhon valley central mongolia

Spectacular wildlife and nature – You will be amazed by the spectacular, diverse landscape, amazing hospitable culture and magnificent natural and historical wonders of the country. Beautiful landscape, spectacular scenery and magical legends about the places you visit don’t give you a second to get bored.

nomadic family stay

Genuine nomadism – Mongolians are quite proud of the genuine nomadism which is unchanged from the time of Chinggis Khan and astonishing natural beauty of the country. Please let us share our rich culture and amazing experience with you.

Eagle-hunting-family-western-mongolia

Eagle hunting – A group of true nomadic people in western area of Mongolia. They preserve an old tradition, training eagles to hunt smaller animals like foxes, rabbit and marmot for centuries.

mongolian nomadism

Mongolian cashmere – Mongolia is the second biggest cashmere producer in the world. There are a plethora of must-buy locally produced garment if you are from colder par of the hemisphere.

True Mongolia Travel

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A wide, open field of golden flowers extends unbroken toward low green mountains under a mostly blue sky.

Why Are So Many Millennials Going to Mongolia?

In an era of Instagram tourism, some young people are searching for less curated travel experiences. So they’re flocking to the open spaces of this East Asian nation.

A view from the paved road winding west out of Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, into the steppe. Credit... Lauren Jackson/The New York Times

Supported by

Lauren Jackson

Photographs and Text by Lauren Jackson

Lauren Jackson drove for 45 hours across Mongolia, meeting fellow millennials along the way.

  • Sept. 13, 2023

It was near midnight, in a storm, on a dirt road in the middle of Mongolia. Still, the river seemed manageable.

My cousin Cole Paullin and I were searching for a place to camp, and I was exhausted from a long day of fording streams in our rented four-by-four truck.

“Seems fine,” I said. “Go for it.”

Cole accelerated and the front tires plunged off an unseen embankment, slamming onto the rocks below. We were perched at a precarious angle, and the front half of the truck was submerged. Water intruded through a crack in the door, lapping onto my feet. I imagined our rental deposit draining downstream.

Drawn by the noise, two young men came over from a nearby tent camp. One waded toward the car into the waist-deep water with a message typed on Google Translate: “This is dangerous.” I was too embarrassed to be scared.

I lent him my rain jacket as he made some calls. Thankfully, there was cellular service. Within an hour, a man with a truck and a tow strap arrived. We reversed at full speed while he accelerated, extricating us from the river.

“That was Disneyland, dude,” said Cole, 27, channeling the slang of his native Los Angeles. “What a ride.”

Cole and I live on different continents — he’s in Philadelphia and I’m in London — but once a year, we convene somewhere new for an outdoors trip. This year, we decided to take a weeklong drive across Mongolia.

Over the past decade, millennials like me — those born between roughly 1981 and 1996 — have been seeking out remote places like Mongolia, while other tourists crowd Santorini, the Eiffel Tower and the Colosseum. It may be a reaction to a world that’s increasingly condensed into our phones, where the same few destinations pop up again and again on Instagram grids and travel blogs. What we have gained in accessibility, we have lost in serendipity.

why travel to mongolia

The Mongolian government has been trying to capitalize on this desire for less curated travel. It has invested in a digital marketing campaign targeting people ages 23 to 40. It has also invited social media influencers to come to Mongolia and post videos of the country’s verdant valleys, Caribbean-blue lakes and orange sand dunes. According to a 2019 survey cited by Mongolia’s tourism ministry, 49 percent of visitors to the country were under 40.

Tour operators are catering to this growing interest, helping young people see the Golden Eagle Festival, an annual gathering of nomadic hunters — male and female — and their eagles; join the Mongol Rally , a driving odyssey across Europe and Asia; or ride in the Mongol Derby , a roughly 600-mile horse race.

“The world is getting smaller, and everyone’s looking for the new frontier,” said Sangjay Choegyal, a 36-year-old living in Bali who has visited Mongolia eight times. “The next place is Mongolia.”

A white four-door pickup truck with a flat, black platform mounted on the cab is parked on road strewn with rocks near low hills whose tops are tinted with reddish light.

A magnet for adventure seekers

When Cole and I arrived in Ulaanbaatar, the capital, in late July, the line for foreign arrivals crowded the new immigration hall at the airport.

Olivia Hankel, a 25-year-old woman from Oregon, had come to train for the Mongol Derby. Willie Freimuth, a 28-year-old paleontology student from North Carolina, had returned for a second year to study fossils. And Mr. Choegyal had flown in with friends for a road trip to the Orkhon Valley , a lush expanse of central Mongolia.

“When you talk about a trip to Mongolia, it always fills up pretty quick,” Mr. Choegyal said.

Last year, Mongolia had nearly 250,000 visitors, more than six times as many as the year before, when the country was emerging from pandemic isolation. The majority of those visitors were from nearby countries, including Russia, South Korea and Kazakhstan. But the number of visitors from Europe and the United States rose more than 500 percent between 2021 and 2022.

“I think you can have a much more interesting, transformative and engaging experience in a Mongolian outhouse than you can at the Taj Mahal,” said Tom Morgan, the founder of the Adventurists , a company that hosts extreme trips in the country. And, he advised, “It’s better not to plan.”

A tent with four tires

Cole and I hadn’t planned much. We arrived with only our backpacks and a rental car booking from Sixt — one we weren’t sure was real. Sixt’s Mongolian offices operate by bank transfer, and before we arrived, we had sent more than $2,000 to their account. I worried it could be a scam.

We were relieved when we arrived at Sixt and found it had our booking. Then we got the bad news: A previous group had wrecked the S.U.V. we had requested. A 3,000-mile trip on the country’s many dirt tracks had destroyed the bottom of the car. The agent offered us a Russian-made UAZ pickup truck equipped with a rooftop tent. It didn’t have a stereo and the air-conditioning was a faint stream of hot air, but it was sturdy.

We were lucky to get it. Sixt was almost fully booked — as were other providers in the city.

“We sold out three times this season. So we added more dates,” Max Muench, 31, a co-founder of the travel company Follow the Tracks , said. His company, which started running tours last year, helps clients book cars and gives them tablets loaded with maps they can use to navigate while offline. “Especially now after Covid, people want to feel a sense of freedom again,” he said. “And they’re looking for it in the vast emptiness of Mongolia.”

Nomads guided by Google Maps

We soon discovered what that emptiness looked like.

Roughly half of the country’s more than 3.2 million people live in the overcrowded capital, a tangle of roads and new high-rises fraying in every direction. But around a quarter of Mongolia remains nomadic, living on the edgeless steppe in gers, round tents made of wood, tarp, and animal skins or fabric. They move with their herds as many as four times a year.

As we drove out of the city, guided by Google Maps, the sky stretched so wide the horizon seemed to curve. A herd of horses gnawed at the grass, swishing their tails at flies. We were seeking out the herd’s distant relatives as we aimed the truck toward Hustai National Park , a refuge for what the Smithsonian calls the last truly wild horses left in the world.

After nearly an hour on a dirt road, we pulled up to a small, dusty entrance gate. I asked the national park manager, Batzaya Batchuluun, if visitors ever had a hard time finding the place. “Most people come with a guide. But young people like you are starting to show up on their own,” he said. “They have phones. They get here eventually.”

Mongolia is surprisingly connected. Despite the long stretches between villages, we got cellular internet service on much of our drive (using a Mongolian SIM card). One day as I was watching camels in the desert, I was even able to do something absurd: Try my luck with Ticketmaster for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour tickets. (Like so many others, I was disappointed.)

The Mongolian government has been working to expand online access to citizens and tourists. An estimated 84 percent of the country has access to the internet, and gers often have solar panels, keeping each family’s cellphones charged. The government has also been working to pave the roads from Ulaanbaatar to popular destinations.

All that development has allowed young travelers to roam the country more freely, bringing a different kind of nomad to the steppe. The day after our visit to the wild horses, as we explored Genghis Khan’s ancient capital, Karakorum , we met a group of European women, friends from college on a two-week road trip. They, too, chose to eschew a guide and navigate with their phones.

“We didn’t want a trip where everything is organized for you,” Maria Galí Reniu, a 31-year-old from Spain, said. Hanna Winkler, a 30-year-old from Austria, chimed in: “On our own, we can just pull off anywhere we decide is a nice camp spot.”

A horse race and a hailstorm

Cole and I also pulled off where we liked. At night, we camped under the Milky Way, arching bright above our rooftop tent. During the day, we made lunch in golden canola fields or next to winding rivers. In Elsen Tasarkhai, a long stretch of sand known as the mini-Gobi Desert, we rode two-humped Bactrian camels.

Halfway through our trip, I persuaded Cole to detour to Tsenkher hot springs, a popular destination for Mongolians. Nearly an hour down a dirt road, we came across a crowd of children, bobbing on horses. Drawing closer, we saw they had numbers pinned to their shirts.

One girl and 41 boys, ages 8 and up, gathered for a race. The families used their cars and motorcycles to herd the horses to the starting line. Parents smiled and motioned for us to follow as they lined up their cars next to the horses. When the horses took off, we did too, speeding across the grass alongside the racers at nearly 50 miles per hour.

Just as the first horse crossed the finish line, it began to hail. What would have been a celebration turned into an exodus. Some of the riders crossed the finish line and then headed straight into the hills, braving pellets of ice.

As we drove on toward the hot springs, torrential rain overpowered the windshield wipers, and we began to slide. We passed Priuses, a favorite car in Mongolia, mired on the roadsides. Each time we forded a swollen river, the water rose closer to the cab, until we got stuck and it finally leaked in.

The storm had also flooded the hot springs. As we shivered in a tepid pool, one English-speaking boy commiserated: “Sorry you missed the hot water.”

Along came a spider

After days of slow, off-road driving, we finally arrived at sparkling blue Khuvsgul Lake — our final destination . We wanted to spend the night in a ger, so we called Erdenesukh Tserendash, a 43-year-old horse herder who goes by the nickname Umbaa. His number was on Facebook.

Umbaa, his wife and two sons welcomed us into one of his family’s tents, lit by bulbs hooked to car batteries. For dinner, the family served boiled sheep and horse meat on a communal tray with carrots and potatoes. After dinner, they cracked open the bones and sucked out the marrow, and before bed, we sipped tea with yak milk. As I lay there scrolling, in the light of my phone, I noticed something on my face and swatted. It was a spider the size of a quarter.

The next day, Umbaa took us on a full-day horse ride. We cantered across meadows of wildflowers, saw reindeer and climbed a mountain overlooking the lake, lazing in the sun for lunch, an idyllic finale to our journey.

why travel to mongolia

Back in Ulaanbaatar, the wildflowers seemed far away as I stood with the Sixt agent and worried about the truck. Was there any damage from getting stuck in the river? The truck was so covered in mud and dust, it was hard to tell.

I thought back to the wrecked S.U.V. we were originally supposed to rent and braced myself to lose our deposit, more than $1,400. The agent waved away my fears. Everything was fine, he said. Getting stuck was just standard driving in Mongolia.

His shift was over, so he offered us a ride to the airport. We thought we had plenty of time to make it, but the grinding traffic in Ulaanbaatar almost made us miss our flight. It was one last reminder that in Mongolia, little goes as planned.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2023 .

Lauren Jackson is a writer for The Morning newsletter, based in London. More about Lauren Jackson

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

Italy :  Spend 36 hours in Florence , seeking out its lesser-known pockets.

Southern California :  Skip the freeways to explore the back roads between Los Angeles and Los Olivos , a 100-mile route that meanders through mountains, canyons and star-studded enclaves.

Mongolia : Some young people, searching for less curated travel experiences, are flocking to the open spaces of this East Asian nation .

Romania :  Timisoara  may be the most noteworthy city you’ve probably never heard of , offering just enough for visitors to fill two or three days.

India: A writer fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting Darjeeling, in the Himalayan foothills , taking in the tea gardens and riding a train through the hills.

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

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The best times to visit Mongolia

Aug 27, 2023 • 5 min read

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Whether you're visiting for eagle festivals or to explore the Gobi Desert, we can help you choose when to go to Mongolia © isarescheewin / Shutterstock

Famed for endless steppe vistas, fascinating nomadic culture, its thriving modern capital and stunningly diverse landscapes, Mongolia is a lot to take in. Before you decide on where to go, you’ll need to decide when to go – as the time of the year you visit will largely shape your trip. 

When you weigh up those all-important variables of weather, big calendar events and peak season crowds versus low season savings, picking the optimum time to come is by no means an easy task – that’s why we’re here to help!

Ultimately, the best time to visit Mongolia is an answer that lies with you, the traveler, and what your interests are. Are you here to tick off bucket-list cultural events such as the world-renowned Naadam festival or the country’s fascinating golden eagle hunting festivals? Maybe you’re an outdoor enthusiast, here to trek on horseback or bike Mongolia’s wide-open lands in sublime weather? Or perhaps you’re more into snow sports and Mongolia’s unique winter festivals ?

Given the temperature extremes in Mongolia – peaking at 45°C (113°F) and plummeting to -40°C (-40°F) – the weather is obviously a big factor in deciding the best months for a visit. But truth be told, anytime is a good time to visit Mongolia, with each season bringing unique, memorable experiences. But if you’re looking for ideas, here are some of our favorite times to visit.

A woman in traditional Mongolian dress takes aim with a bow and arrow during an archery contest

June to August brings glorious weather and the Naadam Festival

The summer is the peak season, and rightly so. This is when the weather really turns it on, making it adundantly clear why they call Mongolia “the Land of Blue Skies.” June, July and August are Mongolia’s warmest months, so this is the optimal time to hit the countryside. Under clear skies, you can experience nomadic hospitality as you traverse the grassy steppe by horse, foot, bike or 4WD before spending nights in ger (yurt) camps.

June is a particularly good time to visit, right before the main tourist season ramps up, meaning you’ll get to enjoy the landscapes with smaller crowds, and get a taster for Naadam with several smaller mini festivals. But the main event happens in mid-July, when travelers flock here en masse from around the world for the Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage–listed  Nadaam Festival – a colorful three-day spectacle of traditional Mongolian games. 

These include distinctively local versions of horseracing, wrestling and archery – all traditions that date back centuries in Mongolia – set against a backdrop of much merrymaking. But this is also the time when things get really busy, so be sure to book accommodations and transport months in advance. 

Also held in July is the Altai Nomad Festival in  Altai Tavan Bogd National Park , featuring traditional Kazakh horse games such as kokbar , involving a tug of war with the carcass of a goat. August sees more wonderful weather, but things quieten down as the tail end of the high season approaches. At this time you can attend the low-key Danshig Naadam festival, which combines all the expected traditional sports with religious ceremonies and cultural events.

Three round tents in a field of wildflowers at first light

Come from April to May or September to October for eagle hunting, budget travel and fewer crowds

We’re big fans of traveling in the shoulder season, not just for the chance to experience Mongolia through a less touristy lens, but also for a more relaxed pace and lower prices. Sure, the weather can be a mixed bag (come prepared for four seasons in one hour) but in a land famed for 250 sunny days a year, you’ll still get plenty of clear weather.

Around April and May, Mongolia begins to thaw out from its winter deep freeze, as spring wildflowers bloom to color landscapes that turn progressively greener as time progresses. Many ger camps open up for the season, allowing you to enjoy Mongolia’s far-flung, empty wildernesses before tourists sweep in for Nadaam. 

Late May is a good time to visit the  Gobi Desert , when the storms and vicious airborne sand have subsided. You’ll also avoid the desert’s notorious freezing nighttime temperatures and scorching daytime heat. September sneaks in some warmer weather, but by October, winter is very much on the march.

But this is the time to visit if you’re here for one of Mongolia’s spectacular eagle festivals. Held in the first weekend of October, the Eagle Festival in Bayan-Ölgii is the big-ticket attraction, and you’ll be treated to dazzling displays of falconry by master Kazak eagle hunters, putting their prized birds of prey to the test in a number of competitions, from fashion parades to catching wild prey.

In late September there’s the more low-key Altai Kazakh Eagle Festival, an equally exciting event held over two days, combining eagle hunting demonstrations with horse and camel racing.

A team of husky dogs pull a sled through a snowy landscape

November to March brings winter festivals, snow sports and extreme cold

November is when things start to get really cold! But don’t let that stop you; instead our advice is to wrap up warm and dive in. There are plenty of highlights to take in, including cultural festivals and snow sports, and winter can bring price reductions for flights and accommodation, but not massive savings.

February is particularly good for traditional winter events, with both the Khatgal Ice Festival and Ulaanbaatar Winter Festival showcasing unique sports such as ice ankle-bone shooting (a fascinating game of skill played with animal bones), ice archery, and horse sledding competitions, alongside more familiar winter activities such as ice skating, ice fishing and dog sledding.

Tsagaan Sar, the Lunar New Year, is also in February, when you may be lucky enough to celebrate the festivities with local families. There’s also the Bulgan Camel Festival, the Gobi’s biggest event, when crowds flock to Ömnögovi for camel polo, camel races, camel shearing and other activities involving these prized beasts of burden. 

November to March is also the time to get involved in snow sports, including downhill skiing at Ulaanbaatar’s  Sky Resort . Dog sledding  tours can easily be arranged, along with  long-distance skating on Khövsgöl Nuur lake.

One word of warning, however. December and January can bring not only bitterly cold temperatures to  Ulaanbaatar , but also horrendous pollution. If there are any months to avoid, we would single out January, unless you’re particularly hardy.

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EXPEREINCE &   EXCELLENT SINCE 1998 :   

From day one, we have been tested, and time after time we have stood up to the challenge! We have grown from a small start to a major player in Mongolian tourism. Since 1998, we have grown from a small start up to a major player in the Mongolian tourism that is known globally for their Mongolia tourism service excellence, responsible travel practices, and involvement in developing human resources of Mongolian tourism, nature conservation activities , well-trained professional staff, and continuous philanthropy. Each year, the number of clients that put their trust in us and travel with us increases and during times of global economic turbulence, we have not only survived, but we have thrived. We are firmly committed to the spirit of learning and improvement that has guided us for more than a decade.

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Our customers expect and we give the personalized service to surpass their Mongolia travel expectations! From the day you contact us you will be amazed by our effervescent staff, and easy online booking facilities.

We listen to our customers and take care of their travel wishes and needs at our best to make sure that they have a great time in Mongolia while travelling with us. A lion share of our business consists of repeat customers who appreciate our attention to details, and our ability to recognize and meet their unique travel needs and desires. We are here to exceed your expectations and fulfill your Mongolia travel dreams . All you have to do is to be a little open with us and guide us to your travel habits and interests – we will do the rest. We are here to serve you!

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Selena Travel is run by 100% Mongolian travel experts who are passionate about travel and what they do, and we at Selena Travel walk the talk!

Top to bottom, at Selena Travel Mongolia we are can–do–pioneers, travel enthusiasts, explorers, map browsers, book readers and dreamers.  And no one knows Mongolia better than us and no one cares about making others’ Mongolia tours more exciting than us! It is all because, we know well how to travel in amazing Mongolia and how to design breathtaking tours and organize it smoothly.   

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We are pioneers in developing responsible tourism in Mongolia, and are dedicated to a healthy Mongolian environment and the traditional culture!

Working in tourism industry we truly believe that we are the ambassadors of Mongolian culture and Mongolian nature to the world, sharing what is unique and wonderful in Mongolia with seasoned travelers in a responsible way – without impacting the local culture and environment in a negative way. Moreover, we train our staff, we invest in human resource of Mongolian tourism industry, we help local communities to improve their livelihoods by getting involved in responsible tourism and do our utmost to help the less fortunate with providing education and creating awareness. After all, we are all visitors here on this earth and have to pass it to our future generations in a better way. 

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1st domestic tour operator to open the door to Mongolia on the internet, and have constantly worked to unlock new retreats for our clients to make their Mongolia travel easier! In 1998, we started offering our Mongolia travel and tourism services on our website, making travel in Mongolia easily accessible to the global travelers. Now we proudly accept online booking secured by VISA and MasterCard. We are also the first Mongolian company to receive online credit card payment, and many more to enumerate including opening the first online travel agency in Mongolia, our own tourist camp being the first tourist camp to have own website and online reservation system etc. 

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We at Selena Travel Mongolia believe that one shouldn’t pay a lot for excellent service and great travels when travelling with a reputable locally owned tour operator like us.

All our Mongolia tours and travel are well planned by our numerous international MSc in tourism, with carefully selected attractions & activities, accommodation & restaurants, and our staff is trained to serve from their hearts and our vehicles are in good condition – ready to take you to the best of Mongolia’s natural and cultural highlights. We constantly check our services on feedback to secure service excellence. We offer the best services at the most reasonable prices to both favor our customers and for the sustainable growth of our own and our partners’ business growth including hundreds of local communities across Mongolia.

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North Korea's Vice Foreign Minister in Mongolia on Rare Visit

North Korea's Vice Foreign Minister in Mongolia on Rare Visit

Reuters

FILE PHOTO: North Korean diplomat Pak Myong Ho attends a news conference in Beijing, China, March 16, 2017. REUTERS/Jason Lee/File Photo

SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea's Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Pak Myong Ho held talks in Mongolia with his counterpart Amartuvshin Gombosuren on Monday, Mongolia's foreign ministry said, marking a rare foreign trip by a diplomatic delegation from the isolated state.

The trip comes as Pyongyang appears to be starting to expand diplomatic engagement after keeping its borders tightly shut during the pandemic. The last such visit by North Korean officials to Mongolia was in 2019 when members of the General Federation of Trade Unions of Korea made the journey.

The vice ministers discussed the "steady development of the friendly relationship" between the countries as well as international and regional cooperation, a press release posted on the Mongolian foreign ministry's website said.

Pak, who was due to stay in Mongolia until Wednesday, also met with Mongolia's foreign minister Battsetseg Batmunkh on Sunday.

North Korea was invited to send representatives to the 9th International Conference on Northeast Asian Security "Ulaanbaatar Dialogue" as well as the World Women's Forum later this year, the ministry's website said.

The two sides agreed to take "practical action measures" to resume collaboration in various sectors, including education and culture, it said.

North Korean state media KCNA reported on Sunday that a delegation led by Pak left North Korea on Saturday to visit Mongolia without giving further details.

Pak emphasized the importance of Pyongyang's relations with Mongolia, the foreign ministry statement said.

(Reporting by Hyunsu Yim; Editing by Ed Davies and Ros Russell)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

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IMAGES

  1. What to Do and See in Mongolia

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  2. Mongolia Travel Guide (updated 2021)

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  3. Mongolia Travel: 19x Why You Must Visit Mongolia RIGHT NOW!

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  4. What to Do and See in Mongolia

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  5. Top 5 Reasons to Travel to Mongolia in 2023: A Guide from a Mongolian

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  6. How easy it is to travel in Mongolia

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COMMENTS

  1. Why 2023 is the year to visit Mongolia

    A growing visa-free list. With the government of Mongolia declaring 2023 through 2025 the "Years to Visit Mongolia," citizens from an additional 34 countries can now visit the country visa ...

  2. 20 Reasons Why You Need to Visit Mongolia

    Top Reasons Why You Should Visit Mongolia. 1. Nomadic Culture and People. Mongolia is among the friendliest countries, with the most welcoming and warmhearted people in the world. This is one of the top reasons why people love visiting Mongolia.

  3. Is Mongolia Worth Visiting? Reasons You Have to Visit

    Of course, Mongolia is worth visiting for the welcoming people! The people of Mongolia are among the most kind-hearted people we have ever come across. They are just as much intrigued about you, as you are about them. Despite a language barrier, the people will go out of their way to help you, make you feel welcome, feed you, and make sure you ...

  4. 17 things to know before traveling to Mongolia

    Taking along souvenirs or photographs from your own country is another great way to foster cultural exchange. 11. Climb a hill to get a mobile phone signal. In recent years, cell phone coverage in Mongolia has become much more widespread, with fewer dead zones, though there are still some off-grid spots.

  5. 12 best places to visit in Mongolia

    Zanabazar, who was the first leader of Buddhism in Mongolia, founded the monastery and lived and meditated here, calling it the "Land of Happy Solitude.". There are several nearby temples and a meditation cave to explore. 7. Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park.

  6. Mongolia travel

    Best in Travel. Mongolia: Behind the scenes of our Best in Travel Video. Oct 30, 2023 • 3 min read. Mongolia has so much to offer travelers looking for wide open spaces, adventure and culture. Here's what it is like to travel there. Road Trips. The 3 best road trips in Mongolia.

  7. This is How to Travel to Mongolia

    Where to Go in Mongolia - Itinerary. Day 1: Visiting Ulaanbaatar. Day 2: Getting from Ulaanbaatar to the Gobi desert. Day 3: Visit the Baga Gazryn Chuluu Rock Formations. Day 4: Sleep at a Ger Camp in the Gobi Desert. Day 5: Dalanzagad to Gobi Discovery Ger Camp. Day 6: Hiking in Yolin Am - Mongolia's Ice Valley.

  8. A Local's Mongolia Itinerary for First Timers (and Why it Needs to Be

    Why Mongolia Should Be at the Top of Your Bucket List. ... Summer is the absolute best time to visit Mongolia (unless you really enjoy -40 C/F weather). In May you still face the risk of getting stuck in a snowstorm, but by June temperatures are warm. Rain is common, but it won't ruin your trip. ...

  9. Visit Mongolia

    The following are the top 10 reasons why you need to travel to Mongolia right now! 1. See the The Gobi Desert. Dinosaurs' native land where numerous dinosaurs remain including the first complete dinosaur egg was found. 2. Mongolia is one of the last remaining authentic Nomadic culture and has unrivaled hospitality.\. 3.

  10. Mongolia Travel: 19x Why You Must Visit Mongolia

    Mongolia travel is amazing, and we are going to tell you why you must visit Mongolia. Mongolia is one of the world's most sparsely populated countries and has one of the last surviving nomadic cultures in the world. More pure, authentic experiences are hard to find in a world where, nowadays, no place seems unexplored.

  11. Why you should travel to Mongolia (or, why my solo trip to Mongolia was

    If travel to Mongolia isn't already on your radar it should be. Here's why, plus my recommendations for things to do and see in Mongolia on a short trip. Travelling Mongolia isn't really on the average tourist's radar, but since I was living in Hong Kong (which isn't super close by but is at least in the same hemisphere)

  12. The Ultimate Mongolia Travel Guide 2024

    This is when most tourists visit Mongolia, so you can expect peak rates, sometimes crowded natural landmarks and museums, and full flights. The average summer temperature in Mongolia is between 25° and 32° C, with cold nights. You can comfortably wear t-shirts during the day and a light jacket when it gets dark.

  13. Ultimate 9-Day Mongolia Travel Itinerary & What To Expect

    Budget: The cost of travel in Mongolia can vary widely depending on your travel style and itinerary. Budget accommodation and food can be found for around $20-30 per day, while mid-range hotels and restaurants can cost around $50-80 per day. Tours and activities can range from $50-100 per day and up.

  14. 9 Reasons to Visit Mongolia in 2023

    Naadam Festival. Naadam Festival is reason enough to visit Mongolia. The festival is a tradition and essential that celebrates the 'manly' aspects of Mongolia. The Festival is held in the month of July and is celebrated countrywide, with the largest gathering and climax happening at the capital of Mongolia.

  15. 61 Useful Tips for Travelling to Mongolia (Backpacker's Guide)

    Female Travel in Mongolia. 61 - Mongolia is a great destination for female travellers: Mongolia is a safe destination for female travellers, and you'll definitely find plenty of others there. You'll need to be careful to dress somewhat conservatively and follow the female safety practices that you would anywhere else.

  16. Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Mongolia To ...

    Why The Kazakhs In Mongolia Preserve The Tradition Of Eagle Hunting . Most of the population of Mongolia are ethnic Mongolians, but there are also minorities. These include the reindeer-herding Tuvans in the north (most live in the Republic of Tuva in Russia) and the Kazakhs in the west (most live in the independent country of Kazakhstan).

  17. 10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Mongolia

    These two key elements may be the primary motivations for explorers, photographers, and culture travelers to visit Mongolia. Contents hide. 1 1. Discover the Peacfulness and Breath Taking Landscapes in Mongolia. 2 2. Indulge in Wildlife of Mongolia. 3 3. Experience Nomadic Culture and Horse Riding Tours. 4 4.

  18. Discovering the Magic: Why Visit Mongolia

    The Gobi Desert, one of the world's largest deserts, covers a significant part of southern Mongolia. Adventure seekers can explore the stunning sand dunes, visit the flaming cliffs of Bayanzag and even ride camels through the vast, arid landscapes. The Gobi Desert provides a unique and surreal experience that few other places can match.

  19. Why visit mongolia

    The followings are the main reasons why you have to travel to Mongolia. Chinggis khan - A founder of the largest empire on earth and greatest legendary figure the world has ever known. Horseback riding - Mongolia is known as the mother land of horses and now it is home to over three hundred wild horses and three million domesticated horses.

  20. Why Are So Many Millennials Going to Mongolia?

    Lauren Jackson drove for 45 hours across Mongolia, meeting fellow millennials along the way. Sept. 13, 2023. It was near midnight, in a storm, on a dirt road in the middle of Mongolia. Still, the ...

  21. Why Travel to Mongolia?

    The fascinating Mongolian culture includes influences from both of its super power neighbours, but retains a uniqueness all of its very own. The capital of Ulan Bator is well developed and replete with modern amenities - those traveling to Mongolia can enjoy an espresso and a shiatsu massage at a 5 star hotel, drink a beer in a trendy student ...

  22. The best time to visit Mongolia

    June to August brings glorious weather and the Naadam Festival. The summer is the peak season, and rightly so. This is when the weather really turns it on, making it adundantly clear why they call Mongolia "the Land of Blue Skies.". June, July and August are Mongolia's warmest months, so this is the optimal time to hit the countryside.

  23. Why travel to Mongolia

    We at Selena Travel Mongolia believe that one shouldn't pay a lot for excellent service and great travels when travelling with a reputable locally owned tour operator like us. All our Mongolia tours and travel are well planned by our numerous international MSc in tourism, with carefully selected attractions & activities, accommodation ...

  24. Why Did North Korea's Deputy Foreign Minister Visit Ulaanbaatar?

    Now, for the first time in five years, North Korea has sent an official to visit Mongolia. On March 10 and 11, Foreign Deputy Foreign Minister Pak Myung Ho of North Korea was in Ulaanbaatar, ...

  25. North Korea's Vice Foreign Minister in Mongolia on Rare Visit

    SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea's Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Pak Myong Ho held talks in Mongolia with his counterpart Amartuvshin Gombosuren on Monday, Mongolia's foreign ministry said ...