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Mongolia Map | Mongolia Travel Guide

By Koryo Tours

Mongolia Map / Map of Mongolia

Worldwide Mongolia Map Asia Mongolia Map Surrounding Countries Mongolia Map Altitude Mongolia Map Tourist Mongolia Map Hiking Mongolia Map Flight Entry Mongolia Map Ulaanbaatar Mongolia Map Region Mongolia Map

Where is Mongolia?

Mongolia is a vast landlocked country. Covering around 1,564,116 square kilometres, it is roughly the same size as Alaska although home to only 3 million people. It is surrounded by two of the world's largest countries. 

But could you point this rugged, landlocked country out on a map? 

Just where exactly is Mongolia…? 

It has tourism, but due to its size, people rarely see very much of this beautiful country. Although it was once the world's largest land empire, few know where Mongolia is, and even fewer could pinpoint Mongolia on a map. 

Worldwide Mongolia Map

Mongolia is a vast landlocked country in East Asia. 

Asia Mongolia Map

Where is Mongolia in Asia? 

Mongolia lies sandwiched between the giants Russia and China.

Mongolia's remote southern border cuts through the Gobi desert into the mountainous Xinjiang region. Mongolia's Northern Russian border is even more remote running from Siberia into the Russian Altai region. 

Surrounding Countries Mongolia Map

Where is Mongolia in terms of its surrounding countries? 

Mongolia shares its undulating border with its closets neighbour Russia.

This 3485-kilometre boundary is Russia's third longest border. 

The vast expanse of China surrounds Mongolia from three sides; South, East, and West. The border length between these once foes is a massive 4,630 kilometres. The China Mongolia border joins with Russian on each side of the country. 

Other than these two direct neighbours Mongolia's closet other country is mighty Kazakhstan just 30 Kilometres to the west. 

Altitude Mongolia Map

Mongolia is mostly located on a plateau, with an average elevation about 1,580 metres above sea level. 

The highest peaks are in the Mongolian Altai Mountains region found in the far southwest, a branch of the Altai Mountains system. 

Mongolia's highest mountain is Khüiten Peak which rises to 4,374 Metres above sea level. Found within the Tavan Bogd Altai national park, it is possible to climb although equipment is required.

The lowest point in Mongolia is found 518 metres down at the bottom of Hoh Nuur (lake) in Mongolia's Far Eastern region. 

Tourist Mongolia Map 

When it comes to where is Mongolia's best tourist spot - it's difficult to pinpoint just one in this vast expanse. 

With its stunning natural scenery and untouched landscapes, Mongolia has a so much to offer in terms of tourism. 

How much you get to see and where you go primarily depends on how long you have to spend there and your budget. 

Most tourist routes will begin in or cover the Capital Ulaanbaatar. Many of the countries visitors will spend one or two days a few miles from the capital before heading south to the Gobi desert. 

Hiking Mongolia Map 

Mongolia has the world lowest population per square kilometre at 1.9 people the current population of Mongolia is around 3,200,000. 

Within Mongolia there exist some of the world's oldest national parks. And a people whose life revolves around outdoor living and nomadic lifestyle.

It is a country with very few boundaries and fences and vast swaths of land accessible for walking. 

Because of this, Mongolia is one of the most incredible places in the world for hiking, oft referred to as the outdoor capital of the world. 

Very Few people, fewer tourists, beautiful mountains, desert, forests and lakes make Mongolia a great country to escape the crowds and explore. 

You could ask for no more!

Flight Entry Mongolia Map 

Flights entering Mongolia are operated by several airlines and now serve many of the worlds major hubs.  

MIAT and Air China: Beijing/ China 1.57 hrs 

Asiana and Korean Air: Seoul/ Korea 2.59 hrs

MIAT and Aeroflot: Moscow/ Russia 6.17 hrs

Lufthansa: Frankfurt/ Germany 8.45 hrs

This year 2020 sees the potential opening of the new airport in Ulaanbaatar meaning an introduction of further routes. 

Apart from flying, there are also land borders you can enter from China and Russia, the most popular using the Trans Mongolian train in either direction. 

Ulaanbaatar Mongolia Map

The major city in Mongolia is the capital Ulaanbaatar. 

Within the capital, you can visit monasteries, museums, ageing soviet monument s, or join in on the cities Naadam festival in July. 

Where is Mongolia's capital city? 

Ulaanbaatar is the capital of Mongolia. It lies in the central area of the country. It's by far the largest city in Mongolia home to around half of the countries population. 

Before 1924 Ulaanbaatar was known as Urga, it was a mix of tents and semi-permanent structures. 

Region Mongolia Map

Mongolia is divided into 21 provinces known as aimags, in turn, these are subdivided into 329 districts known as sums. The capital Ulaanbaatar is administrated separately as a capital city (municipality) with a provincial status. 

The aimags are:

Bayan-Ölgii

Bayankhongor

Darkhan-Uul

Govisümber

Khövsgöl

Ömnögovi

Övörkhangai

Sükhbaatar

Now you know where Mongolia is and have a little more knowledge on the Mongolian map, as well as the various other Mongolian maps.

Find out more about this beautiful country, learn about its history, people and wildlife or just get away from it all. Why not come and visit yourself! 

Maps Credit: Wikipedia

Koryo tours mongolia travel guide.

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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

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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

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

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.

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.

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 .

Mongolia hasn’t been on my radar, but after reading your post I have changed my mind. Thanks for the inspiration.

This sounds like a tremendous cultural experience. A lot of good information and tips on visiting Mongolia.

My mate visited the Golden Eagle Festival last year and it looked like such an amazing experience! That’s insane that rental companies are charging 2k for a deposit?! I wouldn’t be able to decide went visit, autumn sounds like a great time for me (I think i will struggle in the summer heat). Such a thorough guide. Thanks!

Great timing for this post, thanks for the practical information for a trip.

8 Cultural Shows to See in Ulaanbaatar (Summer 2024)

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Mongolia Travel Map

To enhance your travel experience in Mongolia, here is a comprehensive list of travel maps, including the Trans-Mongolian Railway map and a time zone map: 

General Road and Travel Map of Mongolia : This map provides an overview of the main roads, highways, and travel routes across Mongolia, highlighting major cities, towns, and points of interest.

Regional Maps :

• Western Mongolia : Detailed map showing the Altai Mountain Range, Uvs Lake Basin, and other natural and cultural attractions.
• Southern Mongolia : Map focusing on the Gobi Desert, highlighting sites of dinosaur discoveries and key wildlife habitats.
• Northern Mongolia : Map featuring the taiga region, Khuvsgul Lake National Park, and key rivers and lakes.
• Eastern Mongolia : Map covering the birthplace of Genghis Khan, historical routes, and significant natural features.
• Central Mongolia : Map detailing the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape, including historical sites and natural attractions.

Ulaanbaatar City Map : A detailed map of the capital city, showing major streets, landmarks, tourist attractions, hotels, and public transportation routes.

Hiking and Trekking Maps : Maps specifically designed for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring popular hiking trails, trekking routes, and natural landmarks.

Wildlife and Nature Reserves Map : A map highlighting national parks, nature reserves, and key wildlife observation areas across Mongolia.

Cultural and Historical Sites Map : A map focusing on Mongolia's rich cultural and historical heritage, including monasteries, ancient ruins, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Trans-Mongolian Railway Map : A detailed map showing the route of the Trans-Mongolian Railway, which runs from Ulaanbaatar to Beijing in the south and connects to the Trans-Siberian Railway in the north, passing through key cities and scenic landscapes in Mongolia. This railway map is essential for travelers planning to explore Mongolia by train, offering insights into station locations, travel times, and major landmarks along the route.

Mongolia on a Time Zone Map : A map showing Mongolia's position within its time zone (UTC+8), which helps travelers plan their itineraries and coordinate travel schedules effectively. This map provides a visual representation of how Mongolia fits within the broader context of global time zones.

These maps can be found online, at bookstores, or through travel agencies specializing in Mongolian tours. They will help you navigate and discover the diverse and breathtaking landscapes, cultural treasures, and unique experiences that Mongolia has to offer.

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Mongolia, an untamed land of beauty and traditions, yet fused into a tapestry of unmatched adventure on the face of this Earth. Here, you'll find yourself travelling across the vast, open steppes, sharing under a blanket of stars with the nomadic herders, and discovering a very vibrant cultural heritage that has survived and thrived against all odds in this harsh landscape . From the capital city of Ulaanbaatar to the Gobi Desert, Mongolia is an interesting mix of traditional and modern influences in a country that dishes out all sorts of experiences for the adventurous traveller at heart. 

The timeless beauty of Mongolia

Things to do in mongolia, what is the best time to visit mongolia, travel ideas for mongolia, created by local experts.

Horses and camels: Small Gobi & Arkhangay

An epic adventure through Mongolia, blending ancient traditions with stunning scenery. Start in Ulaanbaatar, where you'll dive into local culture with traditional performances. Explore Khustaïn Nuruu National Park for wild horses and yurt camping, followed by camel rides in Khögnö Khan "Small Gobi".

Danshig Naadam & Gobi Tour

Small group tour - starting August 2, 2024. Immerse yourself in the vibrant Danshig Naadam festival, celebrating tradition and athleticism. Explore the stunning landscapes of Arkhangay, where lush meadows meet snow-capped mountains. Journey further to the vast Gobi desert.

If you are up for an adventure and an off the beat experience, Mongolia is your next destination. Travelling here will, undoubtedly, exceed all your expectations. 

Mongolia's rich tapestry is woven with threads from ancient traditions, from the sonorous sounds of the Morin Khuur to the spectacle of the Golden Eagle Festival. Across this land, follow in the footsteps of a world where the past lives concurrently with the present; it's not just a normal travel experience. 

Whether you are galloping across the steppes, just out exploring ruins of the Mongol Empire , or flushing out from the warm hospitality of local herders, Mongolia's adventure will find their way into your heart.

Typical Mongolian ©Shutterstock

Mongolia is unique in every sense of the way. This is not your typical holiday destination. Positively. You won't find white sand beaches, cosy streets with outdoor bars or bustling cities. Instead, you will find a fairytale landscape, age-old traditions and genuinely interested people. And above all: hardly any tourists .

An overview of the many things you can do in Mongolia.

Exploring Ulaanbaatar

Start your adventure in Mongolia from the pulsing heart of the country that unites ancient culture with modern life—Ulaanbaatar. Drop by Gandantegchinlen Monastery to find your peace and the National Museum of Mongolia to dig the history of this great nation out. The city will be your door to the greatness of Mongolia.

Wandering through the Gobi Desert

One will go through the Gobi Desert with its weird hugeness and some kinds of weird landscapes to Khongoryn Els with its desert of sands. Enjoy the magic of the desert, travelling through its boundless space on a camel and know its ancient secrets.

Gobi desert ©Shutterstock

Celebrating the Naadam Festival

Dive into the cultural spirit of Mongolia at a Naadam festival with the "Three Manly Games" of wrestling, horse racing, and archery —they provide that unique window deep into the tradition and community of Mongolia.

Discover the Blue Pearl of Mongolia

Mongolia's lake Khövsgöl , called "the Blue Pearl," is a mirror from the sky for the area. A trip for hikers, kayakers, and souls washed in admiration for the beauty of untouched nature and limpid water.

Visit Altai Tavan Bogd National Park

Go to the Altai Tavanbogd National Park for a chance to witness eagle hunting —a tradition more ancient than much of what one will see here—that combined with some of the greatest and most beautiful natural landscapes of Mongolia. It's culture and call to the wild all rolled into one adventure.

Sleep under the stars

Sleep in a traditional ger for a night and experience the pure nature of Mongolia with a rich cultural connection to nomadic life.

Sleepin in a ger, is a must-do in Mongolia ©Shutterstock

Step back in time in Karakorum

Step back in time in Karakorum , the ancient Mongol capital. The Erdene Zuu Monastery represents here to reflect back on the spiritual heritage Mongolia once had, so it is bringing both the importance of spirituality and history to a visitor's trip to the site.

Explore Hustai National Park

Face to face with the wild beauty of Hustai National Park, home to the Przewalski horse . An avenue of a riot of color opens here, exposing the rich diversity of Mongolian nature and attempts to preserve it.

Climbing the Altai Mountains

If you are up for a challenges, the Altai Mountains will be the ultimate adventure in Mongolia. The mounts are ascended by muscles and by an exposure into the bosom of this land of big skies, mountains, and vast landscapes.

Ride along with the Trans Mongolian Express

Join one of the world's most iconic and legendary trips: Trans Mongolian Express. It provides a unique chance to cross the country: from the steppe view through the desert, right up to the forested mountains – all from your carriage. Not only a way to get from A to B, it is an experience itself. Horse trekking all along, getting to know more about the history and the Mongol culture in some of the remotest but beautiful parts of Mongolia.

Trans Mongolian Express ©Shutterstock

The best time to visit Mongolia is during the summer months, from June to August . This period offers the most favourable weather conditions for exploring the vast landscapes and participating in outdoor activities. 

The temperatures are warm, making it ideal for traveling through the steppes, the Gobi Desert, and attending the Naadam Festival, which is held in July and showcases Mongolian wrestling, horse racing, and archery. Additionally, the summer months allow for easier travel across the country's remote areas, which can be more challenging during other times of the year due to extreme weather conditions. 

If you're interested in experiencing Mongolia's winter landscapes and culture, including the Thousand Camel Festival in the Gobi Desert, visiting between November and February could also be appealing, keeping in mind that temperatures can be very cold.

Find even more inspiration here

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updated 08.04.2024

Ties is a true world explorer - whether it be for work or leisure! As Content Manager at RoughGuides, and the owner of Dutch travel platform Reis-Expert.nl , Ties is constantly on the move, always looking for new destinations to discover.

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Mongolia Travel Guide

By Jessie Festa. This guide to Mongolia travel contains affiliate links to trusted partners.

Looking for an in-depth Mongolia travel guide ?

Then you’re in the right place!

This vast and enchanting country, nestled between Russia and China, offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, nomadic traditions, and hospitable people, Mongolia beckons adventurous souls seeking an escape from the ordinary.

Geographically diverse, Mongolia boasts a landscape that ranges from sprawling grasslands and vast deserts to majestic mountains and crystal-clear lakes.

The Gobi Desert , a mesmerizing expanse of endless sand dunes and rugged cliffs, offers a surreal experience like no other.

On the hand, the Altai Mountains in western Mongolia captivate visitors with their snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and abundant wildlife.

Then there is Lake Khuvsgul – aka the “Blue Pearl of Mongolia” – which draws travelers with its pristine waters and surrounding forests.

One of the most striking aspects of Mongolia is its nomadic heritage, a way of life that has endured for centuries. The nomadic people, known as herders, live in traditional felt-covered gers (similar to yurts) and graze their livestock on the vast grasslands.

Immersing yourself in this unique culture offers a chance to witness their timeless traditions, such as horseback riding, eagle hunting, and the art of making dairy products like airag (fermented mare’s milk) and aaruul (dried curd).

The capital city, Ulaanbaatar , serves as a gateway to the wonders of Mongolia. Bustling with energy, it blends modernity with a hint of the country’s ancient past. Explore the National Museum of Mongolia to delve into the rich history and culture of the region, or visit Gandan Monastery to witness the beauty of Buddhist architecture and observe the rituals of the monks.

Venturing beyond the city, you’ll discover a wealth of natural and historical treasures. The Orkhon Valley , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to ancient ruins, including the legendary Karakorum , once the capital of the Mongol Empire.

For nature enthusiasts, Mongolia presents a playground of adventure. Embark on a multi-day trek through the Khentii Mountains , exploring hidden valleys and encountering rare wildlife such as the elusive snow leopard.

You can also hike to the top of the majestic Khorgo Volcano in the Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park for panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, or indulge in a horse trek across the vast steppes, forging a deep connection with the land and its nomadic inhabitants.

Mongolia’s festivals provide a colorful window into its vibrant culture. The Naadam Festiva l, held annually in July, showcases the “Three Manly Games” of wrestling, horse racing, and archery. It is a celebration of athleticism, skill, and national pride that dates back centuries.

The Eagle Festival , held in the western part of the country, allows you to witness the ancient art of eagle hunting and experience the bond between hunters and their magnificent golden eagles.

Mongolia’s charm lies in its untouched landscapes, its rugged beauty, and the warmth of its people. Traveling through this land of open spaces and vast skies, you’ll be enchanted by the genuine hospitality and generosity of the Mongolian people, whose nomadic spirit is deeply rooted in their DNA.

Whether you seek adventure, cultural immersion, or a spiritual connection with nature, Mongolia has it all. So pack your bags, embrace the unknown, and let the Land of the Blue Sky captivate your heart and soul. Get ready for an unforgettable journey through a land where time seems to stand still and the spirit of the nomad roams freely!

Keep reading to dive into resources that will help you with planning a trip to Mongolia in Asia .

Note: This guide to Mongolia travel contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Mongolia Map

Use this Mongolia travel map to begin planning your trip!

Click here for an interactive version of the above map.

Mongolia Travel Tips

Get advice on planning the perfect trip to Mongolia.

18 Best Places To Visit In Mongolia

Altai Mountains Mongolia: How To Have An Unforgettable Trip

The Perfect 2 Week Mongolia Itinerary

10 Festivals In Mongolia Worth The Trip

Best Time To Visit Mongolia

Asia Travel Tips

This Asia travel advice can help you plan the perfect trip.

24 Best Places For Solo Travel In Asia

Top Mongolia Tours

Book a Mongolia tour and get to know the culture through a local. A few top-rated Mongolia tours, each departing from Ulaanbaatar, include:

• Genghis Khan Statue with Terelj National Park & Aryabal Temple
• Cooking Class in a Traditional Ger Home in Ulaanbaatar Suburbs
• 4-Day Essencence on Mongolia Tour
• Full-Day Tour of Ulaanbaatar with Museum & Black Market
• Bogd Khan National Park Hiking Day Trip

Click here for a full list of Mongolia tours .

Mongolia Hotels

Click here to browse hotels in Mongolia!

Prefer self-contained stays? 

Click here to check out unique local rentals!

You can also use this map to search for local stays. It’s currently set to Ulaanbaatar, but you can easily change it to your preferred Mongolian destination:

Mongolia Travel Insurance

It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo or with a group on a Mongolia tour. When visiting Mongolia — or any other country in the world — make sure to get travel insurance to protect your health and safety.

In my opinion, the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

With coverage, you’ll have peace of mind as you embark on your Mongolia itinerary.

Click my referral link here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

Mongolia Travel Guide FAQ

Below, find answers to frequently asked questions about traveling Mongolia .

Q) What is Mongolia best known for?

Mongolia is known for its diverse landscapes, nomadic culture, rich history – including Genghis Khan and the Mongol Empire – and world-renowned tourist attractions like the Gobi Desert.

Q) Is Mongolia safe?

According to Travel-Safe Abroad , the risk of being the victim of a violent crime in Mongolia is low. That being said, you should be careful of pickpockets and other scams in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar.

Q) Is Mongolia an expensive country?

While someone’s opinion on a country being cheap or expensive is relative, in general, Mongolia is considered a very budget-friendly country to travel through. Budget travelers can expect to spend around $30 to $50 per day, while mid-range travelers may spend approximately $70 to $100 per day.

Q) What is the best time to visit Mongolia?

While you can visit Mongolia any time of year, summer (mid-June to late August) is typically considered the best time to visit. This is when you’ll experience warm temperatures and pleasant weather and can attend the famous Naadam Festival in July.

Q: Do I need a visa to visit Mongolia?

It’s recommended to view your country’s Mongolia International Travel Information page for the most up-to-date information on entry and exit requirements. You can also contact the Embassy of Mongolia.

Q: How do you get to Mongolia?

International airlines fly into Buyant-Ukhaa International Airport in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia. From there, it is about an hour drive to the heart of the city, depending on traffic.

Q: Are credit cards accepted in Mongolia?

Credit and debit cards are often accepted in big cities, like Ulaanbaatar; however, you’ll definitely want to bring cash when visiting the countryside.

Q: What is the local currency in Mongolia?

The tugrik (MNT) is the national currency of Mongolia.

What would you add to this Mongolia travel guide?

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10 Best Places to Visit in Mongolia

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on October 3, 2023

Renowned around the world for its endless steppe, nomadic culture, and of course, Genghis Khan, Mongolia is a breathtakingly beautiful place to explore that will delight nature lovers and outdoor aficionados alike.

While it is precisely for its wild and rugged landscapes and endless nothingness that people visit Mongolia, the landlocked nation also has a number of gorgeous alpine lakes for you to enjoy, as well as towering mountains and the desolate Gobi Desert.

Map of Mongolia

Hidden away among the vastness of the scenery are remote yurt camps for you to experience the time-honored traditions of Mongolian nomads and their famed generosity and hospitality. Plan your trip to this undiscovered Asian travel destination with our list of the best places to visit in Mongolia.

10. Karakorum and Erdene Zuu Monastery

Once the capital of the Mongol Empire, Karakorum is a fascinating place that is certainly worth a visit if you’re interested in learning more about the history and culture of the Mongols. Known to locals as Har Horin, the ancient city was visited by Marco Polo all the way back in the 13th century. Nowadays, however, the once-great city is but ruins, with endless sky and steppe in every direction.

The main sight is the majestic Erdene Zuu Monastery, which was built out of the remnants of the ruined city in 1585; the plethora of stupas lining its long wall certainly do look incredible. One of the earliest surviving Buddhist monasteries in the country, Erdene Zuu has three beautiful temples, with lots of lovely statues and carvings.

Besides this impressive sight, Karakorum has some smaller ruined stupas, buildings, and archaeological sites for you to wander around, although these are decidedly less spectacular.

9. Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur

Meaning ‘Great White Lake’ in English, Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur is aptly named, as its reflective waters beautifully mirror the skies and clouds above. Stretching into the distance, the lake’s tranquil waters are surrounded by gently rolling hills, and the idyllic scenery is perfectly complemented by the white yurts and scatterings of horses that line its shores.

Due to its remote nature, Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur is a very peaceful place to camp for a couple of nights. There are several great hikes you can do in the surrounding area, with Khorgo Volcano particularly worth a visit.

In addition, many people go horseback riding around the freshwater lake or climb to the top of one of the nearby hills for an even better look out over the gorgeous scenery.

8. Orkhon Valley

Lying almost slap bang in the middle of Mongolia, it’s in the scenic Orkhon Valley where the sacred mountain-forest of Otuken was believed to be. Ruling over the place where the ancestor spirits resided granted the ruler the divine right to rule on Earth. This meant that its possession was considered to be absolutely crucial to each Turkic state that rose, ruled, and declined amongst the steppe.

Consequently, a wealth of interesting historic sights and cultural landmarks litter its mountainous terrain. The eighth-century Orkhon monuments and the Tuvkhun Hermitage are the most impressive of the lot, alongside the ruins of Karakorum and Erdene Zuu Monastery.

There is something quite spiritual about traveling through the endless empty landscapes surrounding the valley; you barely see another soul for days other than the flocks of livestock and the herds of horses that meander across the steppe in between the occasional yurt.

7. Genghis Khan Statue Complex

Simply breathtaking, the gigantic statue of Genghis Khan atop his horse glimmers in the light as he imperiously looks out over all the steppe and mountains surrounding the complex. Towering to a height of 40 meters, the statue was built in 2008 to honor the 800th anniversary of the founding of the Mongol Empire. Its sheer size and scale are certainly fitting of the man who rose to rule such a huge swathe of territory and is a national hero in the country.

The Genghis Khan Statue Complex lies around 50 kilometers outside of Ulaanbaatar. Once you arrive, you’ll find souvenir shops, a restaurant, and an archaeological museum for you to check out. From the top of the horse’s head, you can enjoy some awesome views out over the surrounding countryside, and a close-up view of Genghis Khan gazing out towards the horizon.

6. Ulaanbaatar

Home to almost half of the country’s population, the sprawling city of Ulaanbaatar is Mongolia’s capital, as well as its cultural, administrative, and commercial heart. Located in the delightfully named Valley of the Golden Cradle, at the point where the Selbe and Tuul Rivers meet, the city is a strange yet intoxicating mix of urban and nomadic lifestyles.

While its downtown is a bit of an eyesore, with Soviet-era buildings lying alongside modern monstrosities, there are some enchanting old monasteries scattered about here and there: Choijin Lama and Gandantegchinlen are the best of the bunch and tucked away in the endless sprawl, you can still find a yurt or two.

When it comes to its museums and art galleries, Ulaanbaatar is truly blessed. It is well worth spending a couple of days trawling its extensive collections and artifacts: the Bogd Khan Winter Palace and Mongolia National Modert Art Gallery are particularly delightful to peruse.

5. Altai Tavan Bogd National Park

Covering a vast expanse of territory that includes everything from the Tavan Bogd massif to the glittering lakes of Dayan, Khoton, and Khurgan, Altai Tavan Bogd National Park will delight nature lovers and outdoor aficionados alike.

Located in the western corner of the country, the national park is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in Mongolia. The towering Tavan Bogd Mountains loom over the three large freshwater lakes that lie among them.

Due to its remote location, there is a very untouched and unspoiled feel about the place, with lots of wonderful fauna and flora to discover. You may be lucky enough to see ibex, brown bears, and grey wolves, with majestic golden eagles swooping overhead.

Besides the many stunning landscapes that lend themselves perfectly to hiking, rock climbing, river rafting, and skiing, the park is also a fantastic place to head if you want to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for nomad life: there are many Kazakh and Tuvan families that you can either visit or stay with.

4. Khovsgol Lake

One of the largest lakes in the whole of Mongolia, Khövsgöl is often nicknamed ‘the younger sister,’ due to its proximity to the famous Lake Baikal that lies around 200 kilometers to its northeast in Russia. Surrounded by a glorious national park of the same name that is home to lots of towering mountains and sweeping valleys, Khövsgöl Lake is set in a stunning location.

While its waters are relatively poor in terms of fish and marine life, Khövsgöl Lake remarkably contains almost 70 percent of the country’s freshwater and was formed over two million years ago.

In stark contrast to the glimmering lake, the national park boasts a wealth of wildlife. While hiking along its scenic trails, you can sometimes spot ibex, elk, and the occasional brown bear, with incredible views of the lake and its many dramatic landscapes also on display.

3. Hustai National Park

Lying just a short distance away from the capital of Ulaanbaatar, Hustai National Park is a fantastic place to head if you want to visit the renowned Mongolian steppe, while the beautiful Khentii Mountains add some variety to the scenery.

Traveling through the national park is an absolute delight as you pass small herds of wild horses making their way across the steppe with nothing else in sight other than faint mountains off in the distance.

The sheer expanse of nothingness is mind-boggling. While drinking in the magnificent scenery to your heart’s content is delightful, there’s always a slight feeling of relief when you finally come across a small cluster of yurts.

2. Gorkhi-Terelj National Park

One of the most popular places to visit in Mongolia, Gorkhi-Terelj National Park’s alpine scenery is impressive. Its glorious mountain peaks are home to picturesque valleys, roaring rivers, and craggy rock formations, with charming yurt camps found here and there. As such, there are a plethora of great outdoor activities for you to try out, with hiking, rock climbing, and river rafting all being popular pastimes.

Horseback riding through the epic scenery is an unforgettable feeling and really is a must if you want to have the quintessential Mongolian experience. Although parts of the park can get busy due to its popularity and proximity to Ulaanbaatar, most of its dramatic landscapes remain pristine and untouched.

With glacial lakes, hot springs, and a Buddhist monastery also on offer, Gorkhi-Terelj National Park really is a natural paradise just waiting to be explored.

1. Gobi Desert

The harsh, unforgiving climes of the endless Gobi Desert certainly aren’t for the faint-hearted; that’s what makes them so exhilarating to explore. With infinite dunes, ancient rock formations, and desolate desert stretching out before you, venturing into the Gobi Desert is the adventure of a lifetime.

Tucked away among this bleak yet strangely alluring landscape are a wealth of amazing natural sights, with rugged cliffs, plunging canyons, and cavernous caves all on show alongside picturesque desert oases and saltwater rivers.

While the main attractions are the incredible singing sand dunes of Khongor and the marvelous scenery of Yolyn Am and Dungeneegyn, you really can’t go wrong in the Gobi Desert (providing you stick to the path) as everything is just so majestic.

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17 things to know before traveling to Mongolia

Aug 20, 2023 • 7 min read

Use these tips on health, safety and etiquette to plan your trip to Mongolia © Henn Photography / Getty Images

A land defined by boundless steppes, blue skies and roving nomads, Mongolia is perfectly set up for adventure and cultural immersion. Memorable experiences are a given, but travel in the world’s least-densely-populated country comes with its own challenges, so it pays to level-up on your Mongolia knowledge before you come.

On my own Mongolia adventures, I’ve wild-camped in a lightning storm; got queasy on fermented horse milk; broken down multiple times on epic drives ; had my pocket picked; crashed a Kazakh wedding; been thrown from two horses; and – perhaps my biggest faux pas – tried to cross part of the Gobi desert in a Toyota Prius. (Spoiler: I got stuck!)

Experience is the mother of wisdom, so here are some tips to help you make fewer mistakes on your own trip. However you choose to explore this fascinating country, remember that Mongolians are famously hospitable and predisposed to help strangers in need – even if things do go wrong, someone will eventually put you back on the right track.

1. Organize your tour well before you travel

Mongolia’s travel season is fleeting, stretching from late May to late August, so the best drivers, guides and vehicles are soon snaffled up. In the past, it was possible to rock up to Ulaanbaatar in summer and ask around at guesthouses to find space on a tour, but with the suspension of the Trans-Mongolian Railway, fewer travelers are passing through. Booking tours ahead is the way to go. 

2. Don’t be too ambitious with your Mongolia itinerary

A common mistake is to try to see too much of Mongolia in one go, which can turn your trip into a wearisome, bone-rattling driving safari. It’s better to focus on just one area of the country, or schedule a stop of at least two nights in each destination so you can slow down and enjoy the majesty and serenity of the Mongolian landscape.

3. Book domestic travel tickets through local Mongolian agencies

Schedules for domestic flights and rail travel often change at the last minute. If you book through a local travel agent in Mongolia, they’ll be able to sort you out if your flight is canceled or delayed. If you miss a connection or are running late, a good tour operator might even be able to hold the plane for you for an hour or so.

4. If you plan to drive yourself, avoid July and August

The summer travel season from July to August coincides with the time when the grassy tracks of the steppe become waterlogged and the risk of getting stuck rises exponentially. If you intend to drive yourself, it’s better to come in the shoulder season in June or September for firmer ground. If you come at the height of summer, stick to the paved roads that fan outwards from the capital, or hire a car and a local driver who knows the local driving conditions.

5. Download podcasts and audiobooks for those long road trips

Mongolia is three times the size of France , and most roads are bumpy tracks, which translates to low average speeds even in a modern 4WD. Expect to spend hours bouncing along through vast, unchanging landscapes – beautiful but somewhat repetitive. This terrain is crying out for a good soundtrack; preload your audio player with good tunes or a selection of audiobooks or podcasts to help the miles pass. 

6. Bring sanitary supplies and medication

While you can pick up most health essentials in the capital, once you’re out on the steppe you’ll find that personal sanitary supplies and medication are much harder to find. Make space in your pack and come prepared with everything you need.

7. Spice up your mutton with condiments

Ulaanbaatar has a buzzing dining scene, but out in the wilds, you’ll subsist mostly on mutton dumplings (buuz) , fried mutton pancakes (khuushuur) , mutton with pasta chunks (tsuivan) , or just plain boiled mutton (makh) . On a long expedition this can get boring, so remember to pack a bottle of sriracha, horseradish, gochujang, piri-piri sauce, or any other condiment that you like to use to zhush up your food.

8. Boil or purify water from streams and lakes

Rural Mongolia may look pristine, but even crystal clear water can contain microbes, contaminants or impurities. Boiling water for at least one minute can kill most harmful microorganisms, or you can use water purification tablets or a portable filtration system to cut down on energy use.

9. Pack camping gear to save money (and if heading out west)

In Mongolia’s most popular destinations, you can stay overnight in fixed ger (yurt) camps set up for tourists, but in remote western areas such as Bayan-Ölgii province, it’s a good idea to carry your own tent and camping gear, as ger camps are few and far between. Ulaanbaatar is full of shops selling outdoor equipment, in case you didn’t bring your own gear from home. 

10. Bring gifts when visiting nomad families

It’s customary to bring something for your hosts when staying with local people in Mongolia. Popular gifts include food, candies, cigarettes and bottles of alcohol. 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. If you’re in the countryside and don’t have a signal, usually all you need to do is climb the nearest hill and you’ll be back online.

12. Think twice about riding that horse

Falling off a horse is one of the most common accidents to befall foreigners in Mongolia. If you are keen to get in the saddle, make sure your travel insurance covers it, and consider getting some practice before you leave home. Be extra careful in remote areas such as the Gobi , as horses tend to be more skittish, often a result of mixing different herds to make up the numbers for the tourist season.

13. Observe ger (yurt) etiquette

There are special rules for staying in Mongolia’s most famous form of accommodation. Inside a ger , it’s polite to wait until you’re seated and have been served tea before engaging in conversation with your hosts. It’s also disrespectful to throw trash into the central stove; instead, place it in front and your host will dispose of it. 

14. Be vigilant when walking around central Ulaanbaatar

While Mongolia is generally a safe place to travel, tourists have been known to get robbed in Ulaanbaatar. Back in 2012, I had my wallet picked from my back pocket outside the Ulaanbaatar Department Store – a rookie mistake! Also take extra care when crossing the street – Ulaanbaatar is choked with cars and pedestrians get no special treatment from motorists.

15. Use official taxis after dark

In Ulaanbaatar there are two types of taxis – official taxis and the unofficial kind, essentially regular cars prowling the streets for fares. While unlicensed cabs are generally safe by day, you should stick to official taxis at night. Two useful taxi apps are UBCab and ABA taxi Mongolia , each with their own registered drivers.

16. Use what3words to find places and points of interest

Mongolia has adopted the popular what3words navigation system, where locations are mapped using unique combinations of three words. This makes it easier to locate sites and attractions in a country with few named roads and landmarks. The current edition of the Lonely Planet Mongolia guidebook lists what3words locations next to every point of interest.

17. Get a GPS tracker device

The vehicle version of the hikers’ GPS device, a GPS tracker will provide an extra level of safety when adventuring into the great Mongolian emptiness. If you drive with a tracker, any tour company or support office in Ulaanbaatar can locate your whereabouts if you get lost or your vehicle runs into difficulties. 

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The Ultimate Mongolia Travel Itinerary

Planning an independent trip to Mongolia is a challenging task. The tourist trail is not well developed and lack of information makes it hard to figure out a great Mongolia travel itinerary for first-time visitors.

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Unlike a lot of other places in Asia, you can’t just rock up in the country, pop into a travel agency and hop on a tour.

Our attempts to get information from our guest house resulted in an invitation to join their prepackaged tour. The set up didn’t sound like our cup of tea so we continued our search.

We wanted to pick our own route, set our own schedule, and explore the country on our own.

Traveling Soon?  Here is a list of our favourite travel providers and accessories to help get you ready for your upcoming trip! Book Your Accommodation HERE Search for Great Tours HERE Get a Car Rental HERE Buy Travel Insurance HERE See our Favourite Camera Bag HERE Grab a Reusable Water Bottle HERE or a Filtration Straw HERE Order an eSim HERE

It took us 3 days and many calls, messages and meetings to find a car and a driver (renting your own car in Mongolia is HIGHLY INADVISABLE) and with the help of an ex-guide and all-around wonderful local (who has now started her own company, Explore Mongolia), we finally managed to work out our own Mongolia itinerary that allowed us to see the most of the country .

To spare others the time and effort it took to pull together our Mongolia travel itinerary, we are sharing it below for others to enjoy!

3-Week Mongolia Itinerary

Ulaanbaatar: 2 days.

Start your Mongolia travel adventure by flying into Ulaanbaatar. Mongolia’s capital is an enormous fume-filled city that will excite you and shock you all at once.

UB (as the locals refer to it), is a mixed bag of old and new, of traditional and modern, of hope and despair. It’s busy, it’s chaotic, and it’s not tourist-friendly , but it’s the first stop of anyone traveling to Mongolia .

Despite the obvious lack of appeal, UB is a great place to start your Mongolia travel. It’s where you’ll want to stock up on anything you might have forgotten back home, sort out your trip arrangement, find travel buddies, and have a few last delicious meals (there won’t be too many of those once you get out into the countryside).

Don’t Miss: A visit to Chinggis Khaan Square and a meal at Namaste (UB’s best vegan restaurant).

Gorkhi-Terelj National Park: 2 days

It’s hard to believe that you can find unspoiled nature with great opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and horseback riding just an hour outside of UB, but that’s exactly what you’ll find in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park.

The park is a favourite weekend getaway for many locals from UB and thus get very busy on weekends and during the holidays.

But plan your visit outside of the busy days and enjoy plenty of trails, side valleys and your first peek at the beauty of the Mongolian countryside. Ger camps are plentiful, so you can plan to spend a night or two inside the park or enjoy it on a day trip from UB .

Don’t Miss: The park’s biggest attraction, Turtle Rock , and a visit to the Aryapala Initiation and Meditation Centre set on a hill overlooking the park.

Baga Gazriin Chuluu: lunch stop

The road from UB to South Gobi is long and bumpy and Baga Gazriin Chuluu , a giant rock formation that seems to appear out of nowhere makes for a perfect stopover. There is a handy picnic site and plenty of space to explore this unique geological wonder.

Admire the prayer flags and views from the top of the rock formations and take a break from a bumpy ride at a convenient spot just a few hours south of UB.

Don’t Miss: Usan Bolortiin Agui Cave and a tiny fresh water spring , hidden beneath a rock. There is a ladle inside the rock to help you scoop up some water to splash on your face.

Tsagaan Suvraga (White Stupas): Sunset Spot

Located some 300 km south of Baga Gazriin Chuluu, along the highway to Dalanzadgad, Tsagaan Suvraga is another great unknown natural wonder found in the Gobi and well worth a stop on your Mongolia itinerary.

The site, also known as White Stupas , is a unique sand pinnacle formation and is another popular stop in Middle Gobi. There isn’t much to see other than the stupas themselves, but you could easily spend a few hours exploring the area.

Don’t Miss: Sunset at the White Stupas is especially beautiful. If you are traveling in your own vehicle and aren’t on someone else’s schedule, hang back and wait for the tour companies to leave (which they do shortly before sunset) so you can have the place all to yourself.

Yolin Am Valley (Ice Field): 2-3 days

Yolin Am Valley was probably one of our favourite destinations on our Mongolia travel itinerary, which is why we suggest spending a few extra days in the area. This spot is famous for its dramatic rocky cliffs and shade clad canyons that prevent ice from melting well into the summer.

The valley remains lush and green despite being located in the heart of the Gobi Desert.  Hikers and outdoor lovers from all over the world travel to Mongolia for this unique destination.

It’s possible to explore the gorge in a few hours but to walk the full length of the gorge (some 8-10kms), you’ll need to start at one end and get your driver to pick you up on the other side.

Don’t Miss: Keep your eyes peeled for ibexes that roam the gorge in the warmer months. They are tricky to spot and even harder to photograph!

Khongoryn Els Sand Dunes: 1-2 days

When you think of the Gobi Desert , you probably thinking of spectacular sand dunes and as you travel from UB to the Gobi, you’ll find yourself surprised to discover that the majority of the Gobi looks nothing like a sandy desert you have pictured.

Khongoryn Els, the largest and most well-known sand dunes in Mongolia, is the exception. At 300m high, 12 km wide and about 100km long, the sand dunes of Khongoryn Els are a force not to be reckoned with.

Climbing to the top of the dunes is possible, but the walk is not easy. The climb takes 45 minutes to 1 hour of an exhausting uphill battle.

Don’t Miss : Spectacular views of the desert from the sandy summit. Plan to start climbing the dunes 1.5-2 hours before sunset to give yourself plenty of time to reach the top before the sun kisses the horizon.

Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs): Stopover

After a night in the Khongoryn Els, the most logical route will take you through Bayangzag, an area of flaming orange sand dunes famous for dinosaur bones and eggs. It’s worth adding a stop to your Mongolia itinerary even if you are not a dinosaur fan.

There is not much to do here other than explore the sand dunes on foot or hire a camel to take you around. A few souvenir shops and drink stands are set up on the edges of the cliff, but that’s about the extent of civilization in this part of the Gobi.

Don’t Miss: A chance to help out the local community by purchasing a few handmade souvenirs.

Ongiin Khiid Buddhist Monastery: Stopover

A few centuries ago, Ongiin Khiid was one of the largest monasteries in Mongolia , but the complex was destroyed back in 1937, leaving behind a set of ruins that can be seen in the area today.

The ruins aren’t very impressive, but the area around the monastery is nice and has a number of ger camps which makes it for a nice stopover en route from the Gobi to Central Mongolia.

Don’t Miss: A chance to stay in a nice tourist ger camp! Since there aren’t too many of them in the Gobi, make sure to enjoy a hot shower (you don’t know when you might get your next one).

CENTRAL MONGOLIA

Kharkhorin: 2-3 days.

Once the capital of the Chinggis Khaan empire , Kharkhorin was completely destroyed in 1388 and rebuilt a few centuries later into what now is known Erdene Zuu Khiid (Monastery). Today, the town itself is nothing exciting, but the monastery itself is impressive and definitely worth a visit.

Don’t Miss: Kharkhorin also has a great selection of ger camps and a big supermarket which is an ideal place to restock for the next leg. If you are lucky, your ger camp might also have wifi.

Tsenkher Hot Springs: 2-3 days

Located less than 30 kms from the town of Tsetseleg, Tesnkher Hot Springs is an up and coming Mongolia travel destination for both local and international tourists.

These natural hot springs are set between rolling hills clad with pine forests and green pastures, creating a beautiful natural setting for a few relaxing days.

And while the natural springs aren’t really set up for public enjoyment, there are four tourist ger camps surrounding the springs that pump water into their own hot spring pools allowing you to enjoy the health benefits of the springs just steps away from your ger.

Don’t Miss: The forested hills of the surrounding area offer lots of opportunities for hikes and nature walks, so make sure you warm up your muscles with a hike before jumping in those hot springs.

Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake (White Lake): 2 days

This freshwater lake spans 16 km and offers beautiful views from the numerous ger camps dotted along its shores.

There isn’t much to do at the lake other than exploring on foot, enjoying the peaceful beauty of the lake and sharing some yak milk with the families running the ger camps, but that’s part of the appeal.

Don’t Miss: A chance to climb to the top of Khorgo Uul , a 200m tall extinct volcano located just outside the town of Tariat en route to the lake.

Shine-Ider: 1 day

This tiny town has no reason to be a Mongolia travel highlight, but for us, the unmissable destination was a tourist ger camp , located some 5-10km outside of town.

Set in a small valley, the camp had the nicest gers and facilities we had come across on our Mongolia itinerary and the hospitality of the local family running the camp was unlike any other.

Don’t Miss: An opportunity to join the nomad family herding nearby for some early morning yak milking.

NORTHERN MONGOLIA

Khovsgol nuur (lake): 2-3 days.

Khovsgol Lake will be the most Northern stop on the Mongolian itinerary. This beautiful area is known for thick forests, rivers, mountains and a beautiful lake with crystal clear waters. While the lake never really gets warm enough for Khovsgol to become a beach destination, the area is perfect for hiking and horseback riding .

Most gers are located on the Western side of the lake, where hiking trails are limited and the only way to get around the beautiful forests is by horse, but travelers also report opportunities for a more off the beaten path hiking/horseback riding experience in the East.

Don’t Miss: A chance to explore the forest by horse , as the opportunities to hike on foot are limited.

Have More Time to Spare?

Adventurous travelers and those with lots of time on their hands may wish to continue their Mongolia travel by venturing further north, where pockets of remote ethnic communities still exist to this day.

The reindeer herders (the Tsaantan people) are gaining particular interest among those traveling to Mongolia , but an authentic low-impact trip to their region requires both time (at least 10 days), money ($1,000+/pp), and many days on horseback (there are simply no roads to get up there).

The rest may choose to end their trip in Khovsgol, returning to UB via Bulgan or Erdenet in the North. These towns have no sights or attractions and serve as mere stopping points on your Mongolia itinerary to break up the long drive back to UB, although they do offer an insight into the life of smaller towns outside of the capital.

Short on Time?

It is possible to check out all the destinations on this Mongolia itinerary in just 2 weeks , by cutting out additional days and moving to a new destination every 1-2 days.

Unfortunately, this will make for a VERY exhausting trip as roads in the Mongolian countryside are bad (and in many cases, nonexistent) and distances are much longer than they appear to be on the map.

Essential Mongolia Travel Info 

Traveling to mongolia.

Fly into Ulanbataar to start your trip and organize transport and provisions for the rest of your time in Mongolia. Direct flights to UB are available from Beijing, Seoul and Moscow and start at $150-200 each way.

Alternatively, you may consider taking a train from Beijing, which runs as a part of the Trans Mongolian Railway system. Tickets are $270USD per person and the journey from Beijing takes 36 hours.

Getting Around Mongolia

Assuming that you are looking to experience the above itinerary independently, we recommend hiring a driver to take you around the country and get you safely to all the stops on your Mongolia travel itinerary. Driving in Mongolia is tough. Very tough. The roads are bad and drives are exhausting, and even experienced drivers (like ours) can easily get lost in the vast steppe of Mongolian countryside.

A comfortable car and a driver that’s familiar with the route will make a huge difference in your Mongolia travel experience. Expect to pay anywhere between $50-75 per car, plus drivers allowance for meals/accommodation,and gas. Less experienced drivers or those that don’t speak any English will be willing to accept a lower rate and will save their accommodation allowance by sleeping in their cars.

Where to Stay

Unless you book your trip with a tour company (prepare to pay a LOT more for the convenience), you won’t be able to pre-book accommodation along the way. Most of the ger camps do not have websites or emails, and they don’t take reservations. It’s another reason why a local driver (who also speaks a bit of English) is essential for this type of trip. They’ll need to know where the ger camps are and be able to call ahead to reserve you a bed/ger on the day of your arrival.

What to Pack/Bring for your Mongolia Travel

Aside from the usual clothing, camera equipment and other travel accessories, it is advised to bring a sleeping bag (as some gers do not provide any bedding or blankets), a gas stove (which you can buy at a supermarket in UB along with propane canisters),  a solar charger (electricity isn’t always available), and to always carry a supply of food to last you a few days (canned food, bread, peanut butter/jam, muesli and fruits/veggies work great and can be easily restocked in any small town along the way). Food will be available for sale at ger camps, but if you plan on staying at any family gers, it’s best not to rely on their provisions for meals .

Ready for 3 weeks in Mongolia? Let us know your thoughts on traveling to Mongolia in the comment section below!

About the author.

Oksana & Max St John

16 thoughts on “the ultimate mongolia travel itinerary”.

Thank you for your blog on Mongolia. I need your help since I am planning a 2 weeks in Mongolia in July this year. Since your iternary was for 3 weeks can you help me with places I can avoid and reduce it to 2 weeks. Please also let me know how did you make the booking for car and driver. Please provide me contact number if you have and also help provide me cost. Since I am backpacking and cost is major concern for me.

Thanks in advance

If you only have 2 weeks, we would suggest cutting out the North (Khovsgol Lake), as it takes a long time to get to the lake and back to the city. In terms of hiring a driver, we have yet to write a post about the process as it was a bit complicated, but in short, we suggest reaching out to our friend Shine ( https://www.facebook.com/ExploreMongolians/ ) who helped us organize the trip. We paid $35/person, which included a car with a driver and ger accommodation along the way. However, there was 4 of us in the car, so the cost will likely be higher if you are traveling on your own.

Thank you for this great post. Can you clarify the cost of $35 / person for 4 people was for how many days? Thank you in advance for your help!

It was $35/person per day for 4 people and a 2-week itinerary. You might find prices per car per day or if you are organizing a tour similar to ours, the price will be per person per day.

Thank you so much. Very helpful. Happy new year!

Hi, Great content! I was wondering if you can share more about the car rental and why it took so long (3 days)? Also, please share about the accommodations, you say it is impossible to book in advance? So does this mean your itinerary is somewhat a private tour? Also, if possible, the cost? Thank you so much Monch

The reason the planning took so long was because we wanted a very custom and budget-friendly tour. We met with a couple of drivers to discuss potential routes and prices. Some had unreliable cars, some asked for too much money, some didn’t want to take on the route. We eventually ended up with a private tour for 4 people (us another couple) and we paid $35/pp/day each. The budget included transport and accommodation. The gers were impossible to book in advance because we stayed in very local, small family run gers. They had no websites and often no phone number that could be used to reserve a stay. We simply drove up to the camp and stayed if they had room. If they didn’t have room, we would drive to the next camp and try there.

Hi Oksana and Max.

Thanks so much for your time and effort. You really have given me some great steps and things to think about.

I am researching for myself and 2 mates for next June to August -max 3 weeks. I’ve been talking to a few people with advise on when Nadaam is and yo decide whether that is a priorirty of if another less busy time of year woud be better. Ive been adbised Aug is a great time as well. What are yiur thoughts? I defo had plans to do alot of what is in your itinerary but a driver for the entire journey sounds like a plan – esp if between 3 of us. We were gonna get a driver for the Gobi but it makes more sense for the long term. Tganjs for your time and hope to speak soon.

Regards -Jeff

Traveling to Mongolia during Nadaam is meant to be a great experience. We missed it, unfortunately, so we can’t comment on how that would impact the trip, but do keep in mind that it is the busiest time in Mongolia and will bring its own challenges with accommodation. If you do end up going for Nadaam, we would strongly recommend booking your accommodation in advance.

Why is it ‘highly unrecommended’ to rent your own car in Mongolia?

Well, first of all, we didn’t come across an option to rent a car. And after seeing how much our local driver struggled with driving off road without any signs or directions, we wouldn’t even dare to try that ourselves.

Hello, thank you for your reply. I thought you’d write that your car would be broken into or stolen, or roadside criminals / robbers could hit on you. Have you heard any of such incidents? I looked on Priceline and there are many options to rent cars from Ulanbataar airport but that’s only how far I’ve gotten so far in looking into rentals. Prices are way better than renting in the US for sure so that didn’t scare me but if a guide would be recommended otherwise to be protected from criminal incidents that’s a different story… do you have any insights on that please?

Hi Bela, No, we have not heard of any incidents involving robberies or criminals. Mongolia is a very safe and friendly country and we did not experience locals treating visitors with anything but incredible hospitality and kindness. The reason why it is not a good idea to drive yourself in Mongolia is because navigating the Mongolian countryside is VERY VERY challenging. In the Gobi desert, there are literally no roads and even our local driver had a tough time navigating from one attraction to another. You would also want a local on board to help arrange your stays in ger camps along the way, as there is no way to book these online and no way for you to successfully communicate with local hosts in English. If you need help with arranging a tour or driver/car while in Mongolia, we recommend that you reach out to Shinechimeg from Explore Mongolia ( https://www.facebook.com/ExploreMongolians/ ). She helped us arrange our trip and will be able to help you with yours.

Hi Guys, Do you know the correct contact details for Explore Mongolia? There are two website operating with this name, so I am not sure which is the one you have referenced in the post above. Thankyou 🙂

Yes, you can contact Shinshemeg through https://www.facebook.com/ExploreMongolians/

yes, you did a great adventure travelling in Mongolia. I organize budget tours around Mongolia too.

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Western mongolia.

Key destinations: Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, Mongolia’s largest lake and UNESCO world heritage site Uvs Lake basin, snow capped mountains of Tsambagarav and Sutai, Khoid Tsenkher caves with ancient rock paintings Read more

Northern Mongolia

Key destinations: pristine Lake Huvsgul, Khoridol Saridal Mountains national park, legendary Amarbaysgalant Monastery, Mr. Uran Togoo, the Darkhad Valley and the lakes, ancient Uushig Deer Stones to name a few. Read more

Central Mongolia

Key destinations: Khangai Mountains, Lake Ogii, UNESCO world heritage site “the Orkhon river valley”, the celebrated Tuvkhun monastery, Genghis Khan’s ancient capital at Karakorum and the famous Erdene Zuu monastery, beautiful Khogno Khan Mountains, Hustai National Park, And the beautiful sand dunes at Elsen Tasarkhai. Read more

Southern Mongolia

Key destinations: The Gobi National Park, Bayanzag Flaming cliffs – world’s richest dinosaur site, glacial canyon of Yoliin Am, the 180 km extensive Khongor sand dunes, legendary Ongi monastery ruins, natural petro glyph gallery & white earth cliffs at Tsagaan Suvarga, stunning granite mountains of Ikh & Baga Gazariin Chuluu, sand dunes of Moltsog to name a few. Read more

Eastern Mongolia

Key destinations: Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, Mongolia’s largest lake and UNESCO world heritage site Uvs Lake basin, snow capped mountains of Tsambagarav and Sutai, Khoid Tsenkher caves with ancient rock paintings, Khar & Telmen Lakes to name a few. Read more

Ulaanbaatar Mongolia

Key destinations: What to see in and around Ulaanbaatar. National Museum of Mongolia, National History Museum, Bogd Khan’s winter palace, Gandan monastery, Mongolian Art Gallery, Zaisan memorial, traditional folk concert by Tumen Ekh ensemble, Fine Art Museum of Zanabazar. Terelj National Park, and Bogd Khan National Park are the key destinations around Ulaanbaatar. Read more

Key destinations: Lake Baikal: The open air Wooden Architecture Museum, Circum-Baikal Railroad. Listvyanka. Irkutsk-Eastern Siberia. Trans-Siberian Railroad. Read more

Key destinations: Beijing: Forbidden city Temple of heaven, Summer palace, The Ming tomb, Tian'anmen square. Tibet: Potala palace, Jokhang temple, Drepung monastery, Namtso lake, Mt.Everest. Xi'an: Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Shanghai: The Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Yuyuan Garden. Chengdu: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Read more

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