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Things you must know before travel to Mongolia Most important 20 ADVICE

Things you must know before Travel to Mongolia Most essential tips

As an explorer of the world, you’re no doubt drawn to untamed and undeveloped destinations – and traveling to Mongolia is certainly one of those.

With its vast steppes, rugged mountains and endless Gobi Desert, the country has a wild beauty that’s luring more and more visitors every year.

But before you travel to Mongolian wilderness, there are some things you need to know. Here are 20 essential tips to help make your trip smoother and more enjoyable. 

1. Is it safe to travel to Mongolia?

Mongolia is a relatively safe country for foreigners. However, both street crime and violent crime are on the rise, especially in larger towns and cities. Crime typically peaks during the Naadam summer festival in July and during the Tsagaan Sar (Lunar New Year) festival in January or February.

is Mongolia safe to travel alone? I don’t think so. Group traveling is safety and security.

If you are traveling to Mongolia, consider traveling in a group is often the safest option, and more fun, too! If you’re traveling solo, it’s best to stick to well-traveled routes.  I highly recommend you find a good travel Agency or call your Mongolian best friend.

Because a good travel agency can handle all of the logistics for you – from accommodation and transportation to tour guides and excursions. By the way, they have good drivers in their company.

Local drivers may be beneficial to you. On a long drive, you can use Google Maps or anything else. However, the local driver is the only knows the best.

2. Prepare Long Journey

You might be spending lot of time in the car. Most of the time you travel on unpaved roads, so it will be a bumpy ride. The average speed is 30-40 km/h.

If you are prone to car sickness, bring along some medication or patches. And make sure you have enough books, music and snacks to keep you entertained during long hours in the car. This will help you a long way of travel to Mongolia

3. What do Mongolian nomads eat?

Be prepared to eat a lot of meats. The nomadic people live with their animals, so they will slaughter them for food. We also eat a lot of dairy products , such as yogurt and cheese.

If you’re vegetarian or vegan, it might be tough to find food options. Here is I highly recommended you article ‘most popular foods in Mongolia’

4. Mongolian traditional yurt is waiting you

Every time you camp, Mongolian traditional yurt will be waiting for you. Of course, there are pros and cons when you have a camp in Ger.

Cons of the ger or yurt are:

• It is might be cold at night. So you could tell them to keep your yurt warm the whole night or prepare your blanket. Traditional Mongolian Yurt has an actually stove in the center of ‘Yurt’. So you can fire when you get cold at midnight.
• There is not might be electricity in the Yurt. So if you need to charge your camera or phone, try to do it in the daylight.

5. You might not have access to toilet

When you travel to Mongolia usually in the countryside, there are no toilets around. The locals just go behind a bush. If you’re not comfortable with that, make sure you think about this situation.

And you might be squat when you get a toilet. In the countryside, there are no Western toilets. You will have to squat over a hole in the ground. In that position, your legs will start a shake after a while.

I would recommend you know something ‘how to use the squat toilet’ before you go to the toilet.

6. No Laundry facility in the countryside

So you need moisture-wicking clothes is the best choice. Because it is not smelling weird. And consider quickly drying clothes is the most important for your travel especially when you get a long trip.

You have to wash your clothes by yourself or someone can take care of them. But the main point is clothes must be dry quickly as possible. Because you don’t have too much time.

I have privately suggested that you use hangers and pull ropes to dry clothes. This will really helps you when traveling around Mongolia.

7. The shower case

If you travel in the countryside, you will shower with a bucket of water. And there is no hot water usually. In the wintertime , it is extremely cold to shower with a bucket of water.

I would recommend you to take a quick shower in the morning or evening when the sun is out. Because the weather is not too cold to shower. Wet wipes or military shower you should consider.

If you travel in the cities , such as Ulaanbaatar, you will find a hotel and they have a real shower with hot water.

8. What is the best time to travel to Mongolia?

The best time to travel to Mongolia is from late spring to early autumn – from May/June to September/October.

During this time, the weather is milder and the days are longer, so you’ll have more daylight hours to explore.

However, if you’re interested in winter activities such as dog sledding or snowmobiling, then travel between December and February. Just be prepared for cold weather!

9. What climate is Mongolia?

Mongolia has located at an altitude of around 1,500 meters above sea level, so it can get quite windy, and dry.

Mongolian weather is very changeful. It can be windy and hot one day, and the next day it can be cold and rainy. After July 13th it will start Autumn in Mongolia. So the day can be very hot but it can be very cold at night.

Mongolian day temperature is 25-30 Celsius degrees but the night temperature is 10-15 Celsius degrees. Sometimes when you wake up in the morning there will be iced grasses over the whole land. The weather is more extreme than you think.

My advice is long sleeve T-shirt, quickly drying clothes, moisture-wicking wool, and rain gears are perfect.

10. Don’t expect too much

Don’t expect too much in terms of luxury while travel to Mongolia. Accommodation is often very basic, especially outside of the capital city of Ulaanbaatar . Only you can see is vast countryside with untouched nature. Kind and hospitality Mongolian people you can meet.

When you travel to Mongolia long way. You probably meet yurt camp all the way. Don’t expect too much service, a super clean house, and nice smells on your arrival.

Inside the Ger , there will be a bed, pillows, blanket, etc.

But hey maybe you can arrive at a Traditional Mongolian family. Things are a little bit different. Because most Mongolian people are very kind and hospitable to their guests. Here are some special advices to give you about Mongolian culture.

11. Prepare medicine

Travel to Mongolia, don’t forget bring any medications you might need with you. Maybe some of them is not available in Mongolia. Especially if you are sick, prepare your medications very well.

Because you will not be able to buy the stuff along the way.

12. Do they speak English in Mongolia?

The answer is NO. Not many people speak English in Mongolia, especially in the countryside. So it’s a good idea to learn some basic Mongolian phrases before you travel.

However, in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, more people speak English, so you’ll be able to get by without speaking Mongolian. But it’s still useful to know some basic phrases.

13. Bring plenty of cash with you

There are very few ATMs in rural areas and they often run out of money quickly. Credit cards are not accepted everywhere.

So it’s a good idea to bring plenty of cash with you, in US dollars or Mongolian tugriks. Buying snacks, souvenirs, water, or an extra payment needs cash. Especially in the countryside.

14. What is Mongolian currency?

Travel to Mongolia is interesting. In here the Mongolian currency is the tugrik (MNT). 1 USD is about 3,200 MNT in 2022.

15. Is Mongolia expensive to Travel

Of course, It all depends on your travel style and budget. For the most part, traveling in Mongolia is not very expensive. You can find plenty of backpacker hostels for around $30 USD per night and meals can be found for a few dollars.

If you want to stay in nicer hotels or eat at nicer restaurants, then you will of course spend more money. However, there are still ways to keep costs down.

Mongolia is a relatively affordable destination, especially when compared to other countries in Asia. So if you’re on a tight budget, don’t let the cost deter you from visiting this amazing country.

16. Be respectful of Mongolian culture

Take off your hats when eating food (traditional home), for example, and don’t touch anyone on the head. learn more about Mongolian culture here.

Nomadic people are very friendly and hospitable, so don’t be afraid to approach them and ask questions. Just be respectful of their culture and traditions.

17. The Gobi Desert can be challenging

The Gobi Desert can be particularly challenging to travel in, due to the lack of water and infrastructure. If you’re planning on visiting, make sure you’re well-prepared. 

My advice is prepare your Phone case or camera case. Because the sand is very fine and it can get into everything. Even if it was Samsung or Apple phone.

18. Packing list to travel to Mongolia

List of Clothes:

• Clothes that dry quickly
• Towel /medium size/ that dry quickly
• Hangers and pull ropes
• Wet wipes or military shower
• Long sleeve T-shirt
• Moisture-wicking wool
• Buy Deel from Mongolia
• Mongolian boots /ride horse/

To do list:

• Basic Mongolian phrases book
• Interesting books
• music, podcast
• playing cards can be fun with friends

Accessories:

• wallet /can be keep lot of cash/
• Change case for phone /camera etc/
• medications
• headlamp /use it at night/
• extra batteries /If you have a camera/
• car charger while you get in drive
• car accessories /car big pillow, blanket/

Traveler / Writer / Founder

Is Mongolia worth visiting?

Absolutely! Mongolia is a unique and fascinating country, with much to offer visitors. From the stunning landscapes of the Gobi Desert to the friendly people and rich culture, there’s something for everyone in Mongolia.

How should I dress in Mongolia?

Mongolian weather can be extreme, so it’s important to dress appropriately. In summer, temperatures can reach 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), while in winter it can drop to -40 degrees Celsius (-40 degrees Fahrenheit).

I highly recommend the deel. You can use it anywhere and everywhere in Mongolia. Especially Traveling around Mongolia. Deel is very comfortable using it. If you want to sleep in a cold place Deel can be blanketed easily. Or if you want to go toilet. The Deel can cover your naked body. In a hot day

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Mongolia Travel Tips: Everything You Need to Know

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“Serene lakes, abundant wildlife, high snow-capped Altai peaks, vast verdant landscapes, and hot dusty desert. You can expect all this in Mongolia. Travel here isn’t luxurious and it’s rarely easy. But it offers adventure that will likely change the way you view the world.” 

This guide is filled with Mongolia travel tips and contains *everything* you need to know to travel in Mongolia. How to stay in a real local Ger (what is a ger?), where/how to rent your own vehicle, reputable tours for those that want them, invaluable items you should definitely bring with you, and which ATMs will actually give you cash. Think of it as a “before you go” informative guide. It doesn’t matter how you plan to visit the country — this guide is good for everyone. 

I’ve written a slew of blog posts on travel in Mongolia following our heavily researched 3-week overlanding adventure in the country. 

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What to Expect in Mongolia 

Mongolia is a rugged adventure travel destination no matter which way you tackle it. Most of the roads are unpaved and pot-holed while the environment ping-pongs from scorching hot to freezing cold. 

You’ll most likely spend your nights camping in the remote wilderness or sleeping on a very thin “mattress” inside a Ger. Amenities like hot showers are not commonly available. You should be prepared to do your business in the outdoors if need be. 

Ger is a traditional Mongolian nomad house. It’s like a yert, but made from canvas or yak hide. It usually contains several beds, a table w/ sitting area, and a wood stove. 

You’ll also probably spend a lot of time driving or sitting in a vehicle because sights in Mongolia are very spread out. We often spent 10 hours a day in the car. On rough roads. If that sounds miserable to you this might not be your destination. 

Mongolia is also not a foodie haven. It’s mostly survival food like flavorless boiled lamb and packets of instant noodles. 

Towns outside the capital of UB are rarely more than a handful of homes, a Ger camp or hotel, one mini-market for groceries, a restaurant or two, and a basketball hoop. Mongolians love basketball. 

You can also expect stunning scenery, fuzzy yaks and Bactrian camels, rolling sand dunes, and reindeer herders. 

Mongolia doesn’t get a ton of tourists but those that do come are mostly South Korean and Chinese. They almost always travel in large group tours and you’ll see lots of these in the Gobi. 

Toilets in Mongolia 

I feel this deserved its own little section. Be sure to bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer. These are some of the toilets you should expect in Mongolia. 

Sometimes they are more enclosed! But outside of cities and fancy ger camps, you should expect this kind of natural squat toilet.

Planning Your Trip 

I’ve written some sample itineraries that I recommend for a 1-week , 2-week , or 3 to 4-week Mongolia trip.   

Keep in mind you will ALWAYS need more time than you think you do in the country. Especially if you are traveling independently— leave yourself time for misadventure. 

Best Time to Visit Mongolia 

Full Travel Season: Late May-September 

Peak: Late June-August 

This is not a year-round destination for most people. Ulaanbaatar is actually the coldest capital in the world with an average temp of -1 degrees C. Up north, temperatures drop to -45 C in winter. If you plan to travel around the country plan your visit for the travel season. Peak season if you can. 

Note: Many remote attractions, businesses, and museums close outside the tourist season. But the few open hotels are usually 1/2 or 1/4 of the price they sell for in July/August. Especially the more luxurious places.

Mongolia Travel Tips for Before You Go…

Things you should definitely pack (or purchase on arrival) for mongolia .

• Warm Layers. Lots of them. It gets cold at night even in the summer months. 
• A good pillow. For camping and Gers.
• A hat and sunglasses for the desert. 
• Lifestraw water bottle . 
• Sunscreen & Bug Spray. 

I wrote a huge post about what to pack in Mongolia if you plan on driving the country yourself. 

If you’ve forgotten anything essential UB can probably help. There are camping and outdoor stores literally all over the city. 

3 Apps to Download for Mongolia 

1. Google Translate 

English is not widely spoken and menus will rarely be in English. The offline version of this app will help you communicate in a pinch. 

2. Maps.Me 

For getting around the country without the internet. 

3. UBCab 

This is Ulaanbaatar’s version of Uber and without a doubt the best way to get around the city. 

Mongolia Maps & Guidebooks 

For most travel, I think blogs have replaced guidebooks. But Mongolia is a very complicated and difficult destination to travel independently. It’s good to have a   hard copy map or guidebook on hand. I thumbed through the LP Mongolia guide and found it rather helpful. 

Lonely Planet Guidebook

Wifi & Internet in Mongolia 

Wifi is a no-go pretty much anywhere outside of Ulaanbaatar. Even then it’s not the best. Many of the fancier Gers we stayed at had power and hot water but no wifi. This is why most travelers get a SIM card in the country. Or use this time to really disconnect. We almost NEVER get a SIM while we travel but we did here. 

Mongolia has a surprisingly good network of coverage…we had service in the Gobi desert! 

Getting a Mongolian SIM Card 

If you plan on traveling in Mongolia independently at all you’ll benefit from a SIM card.

The most popular brands with good coverage are Unitell & Mobiphone. 

Note: If you’re road tripping it’s best to have one of each among your group. Maximize your coverage. 

Unlike most countries where you get your SIM at the airport— this isn’t the case for Mongolia. You can get your SIM easily at State Department Store right in the city center instead. Or just head to any of your desired provider’s offices throughout the city.

Outside of UB, you’ll have to get a “local SIM”. This means you need a kind local with an ID card to purchase the plan for you. This is possible but more difficult and why you should get this sorted in UB right away. 

Cash or Card: Money in Mongolia 

Mongolia is a mostly cash economy. You’ll want a lot of it before you head out of Ulaanbaatar. ATMs in rural areas are not usable with a foreign card. 

• Mastercard is not accepted everywhere. Have a backup. 
• Gas stations *typically* take cards but don’t count on them. 
• Basically, everything in Ulaanbaatar accepts card but don’t expect that anywhere else. 
• You might have to try several ATMs in a city to find one with cash in it. 

Note: Most ATMs only allow you to take out 800,000 tugriks at one time. 

Getting Around Mongolia 

Travelers have essentially 4 options when visiting the country. 

1. Take a Tour. 

There is no shortage of tour companies operating in Mongolia. Every single hostel/hotel in Mongolia offers them. There are also hundreds online ready to book long before your trip. You can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500-$3,000 per person for a 7-day tour. This is the most popular and expensive option. 

Tips for Choosing a Tour 

• It will always be cheaper to book your tour in Ulaanbaatar from your hostel or other budget accommodation than online. 
• Tours in Mongolia are super structured and all visit basically the same places. 
• If you plan to visit the nomadic reindeer herders DO NOT book with a guide from Ulaanbaatar. There are lots of reasons for this that I outline in my full post about our visit with the Tsataan Tribe.   

Tour Companies I Recommend 

Get Your Guide Tours

This is my favorite search engine to find tours led by local guides.

Zaya (Gateway to the Reindeer Herders) 

Zaya is the only reindeer herder who speaks fluent English. She can organize your entire visit to the Tsaaganuur area. You can contact her on WhatsApp or via email to organize your visit. She doesn’t always have service because she lives in the Taiga but give her time and she will get back to you. This is important to arrange in advance if you can. 

Whatsapp: +976 9977 0480

Email: [email protected]

Note: It’s important you go through her because this is the only way your money actually makes it to the tribe you’re visiting. Read more about it here. 

2. Overland or Drive Yourself 

I may be biased but I’ll just come out and say it, this is the best way to experience the country. Mongolia’s sights are impressive but it’s the camping and vast nature in between them that make the country unique. This gives you the most control over your trip. You can expect to pay around $200 per day for a 4×4 vehicle with camping gear and rescue supplies through Drive Mongolia . Be sure to secure your car as far in advance as you can (6 months is recommended). 

Note: This is NOT the route for everyone. Before you commit to driving the country independently please read my blog post “Can You Drive Mongolia on Your Own?” 

Where to Rent Your Car 

While several major car rental companies operate in Mongolia, we chose to use Drive Mongolia for the customer service, the included gear, and the local knowledge. It was also cheaper. So really, there’s no better option. 

Mongolian Road Conditions 

This is something worth considering before you opt to rent your own car. Our group of four managed to navigate across the country on the rough (non-existent) roads but you should prepare for the worst. This is only for people looking to have a “roughing it” style adventure. Read all my blog posts on road-tripping the country to get a better idea of what it’s actually like out there.

3. Rely on Public Transportation

Despite the lack of paved (or sometimes even designated roads), Mongolia has public buses. Or more likely public Russian Vans. Utilizing these will get you to all major towns in Mongolia (even Tsagaannuur!). It won’t however, get you to all the sights and it will not be comfortable.

This is the super budget-friendly option for travelers to Mongolia. Expect a 12-hour ride to cost about $20. 

Mongolia Travel Tips for Super Budget Travelers 

• When you reach a major city like UB, Murun, or Tsagaannuur you can reach out to local guides via your homestay. This way you can see all the sights in the area. 
• Stick to cooking your own meals and small local restaurants for food. Plates at these kinds of places are usually $2.50. 

4. Hire a Driver 

If you don’t want to drive yourself in Mongolia THIS is the next best option. Rather than a structured group tour you can simply hire a driver to take you everywhere you want to go. Funnily enough, this is typically cheaper than hiring your own vehicle (due to Mongolian insurance purposes). Expect about $120 per day for driver and car. 

Where to Hire a Driver? 

• Drive Mongolia . He can also hook you up with a driver, not just a car.
• Facebook Group. This is a great option for solo travelers looking for Mongolia Travel Tips or couples because you can link up with fellow travelers and split the costs.  

Note: Mongolians are insane drivers. Hiring a driver does not mean your car won’t break down, crash, or be extraordinarily bumpy— it just means you’ll have a local there to help you solve the problem. 

Accommodation in Mongolia 

When in Mongolia you’ll likely be utilizing 3 types of accommodation. 

1. Tent Camping (if independently traveling) 

This is totally free. In Mongolia, you can essentially set up your tent anywhere in nature and wild camp 100% for free. You should do this at least once on your trip. 

The Central and Southern areas of the country centered around the Gobi are difficult to camp in because of the lack of grass and rocky soil. Keep this in mind when planning to camp. 

Note: I scoured the Internet for epic campsites recommended by other overlanders but truthfully, it’s all beautiful. Don’t bother looking online and just judge the landscape for yourself.

2. Gers 

This is one of the big attractions in Mongolia. Sleeping in a local Ger camp. These yerts are scattered all over the country and are still the main housing for farmers and nomads today. 

Camps range from small family-run single Ger to sprawling tourist camps with 30+ Gers and extra facilities like showers and toilet blocks. They are priced per person and obviously the basic ones run by families are cheaper. Expect to pay from $8 per person to $20 per person. 

Amenities varied wildly with the Gobi desert camps being most expensive. Occasionally, a basic breakfast would be included in this price. 

Eating at the Gers 

I read a lot about Ger camps offering meals and having restaurants— and while some did, it was not super common in my experience. About 50/50. This is probably because we turned up unannounced and didn’t speak Mongolian. Plan on cooking for yourself UNLESS you are on a tour in which case the Gers always prepared them food. 

Some areas had super luxurious gers that cost up to $200 per night. Obviously, these are not the real nomad Gers. We tried to stick to small ger camps and were always very happy with the experience. Here are some of our favorites. 

Do you need a reservation? 

Typically, no. The one exception was in Terelj where many owners actually live in UB so a heads-up would be nice. Just give them a call at the phone number listed on Google. 

We did run into a few instances where camps were full because of arriving tours (high season) but there was always another one just down the road. 

You will always find Ger camps near any attraction or any place you might visit in Mongolia. 

3. Guesthouse/Hostel/Hotel 

You will most likely only use these in major cities like UB. 

If you’re traveling in peak season (you should) you will want to book your accommodation in Ulaanbaatar as far in advance as you can. The cheap city center hostels and hotels book quickly. I recommend a week in advance if possible. 

Ulaanbaatar Accommodation Recs 

The budget-friendly option is in the best neighborhood BUT with a full buffet, excellent wifi, and an incredible shower that can hose off all the dirt after all your cross-country exploring the Ibis is worth an end-of-trip splurge for some.

Budget: Mongolia Vision Tours 

Luxury: Ibis Polaris

Food in Mongolia 

Boiled lamb. It’s what’s for dinner. 

And lunch and sometimes even breakfast. This is the staple of Mongolian cuisine. You’ll get so tired of boiled lamb you’ll never want to even look at it again. 

The most popular dishes are fried meat pockets called Huushuur, Tsuivan; a fried noodle dish, and Lavsha; a wheat noodle soup. There are also delicious dumplings. 

Food in UB was alright, but overall unimpressive. This is not a country to come to for the food alone. Instead, all my foodies should go to Vietnam (specifically, Ho Chi Minh City ).

Vegans or Vegetarians in Mongolia? 

Expect to cook your own meals. Often small local restaurants had no veg options. 

Mongolia (especially the rural area) is still sustenance farming and eating whatever is available to survive. Vegetarian and veganism is not prominent here.  

As it’s seen as incredibly rude to refuse a cup of tea (which is made with local milk) I would strongly reevaluate why you want to visit this country if you’re strictly vegan. 

For a full list of Mongolian etiquette & superstitions check out this blog post. *coming soon*

General Mongolia Travel Tips 

Here are the odds and ends to wrap up what you need to know for Mongolia travel. 

• Medical care is pretty good in the cities and very good in UB. But outside major cities, you’ll likely be days away from any hospital. 
• Days are long in Mongolia’s peak season! The sun doesn’t set until 8 or 9 PM in August. But obviously, the opposite can be said about traveling in the off-season.

I’m thoroughly impressed if you’re still with me. Mongolia is an incredible destination and one that requires quite a bit of pre-planning but it is so worth it. I hope this guide helps you feel more prepared to land in the country and excited to explore all the natural wonders it has to offer! 

Save Mongolia Travel Tips for Later! 

Further Reading...

EPIC Self-Drive Mongolia Itinerary: Gobi Desert, Altai Mountains, & Reindeer Tribes

Hustai National Park: How to Visit Mongolia’s Wild Horses

Visiting Mongolia’s White Stupa: A Stunning Technicolor Desert

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Mongolia's Flaming Cliffs: What You Need to Know

How to visit the tsaatan: mongolia's nomadic reindeer tribe, beyond_the_bucketlist.

Mongolia Travel Guide

Your ultimate mongolia travel guide, with tips, and things to see and things to do in mongolia. great for first-time and returning travelers..

The reminders of the once great leader Genghis Khan (or Chinggis Khaan as he is referred to in Mongolia) are everywhere.

From the centre of Ulaan Baatar to the remains of his great wall to the east.

His spirit, along with the spirit of many other warriors still lingers here, probably trapped within the bodies of the golden eagles still used by Western Mongolian men to hunt for prey.

The scenery itself is breathtaking, often dotted with Gers (also known as Yurts) and overshadowed by odd cloud formations that add a different dimension to the beauty of its landscape. Mongolia, an unforgettable  travel destination.  

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Fast Facts about Mongolia

• Mongolian power voltage is 220-240 V 50 Hz; Power sockets C & E
• The local currency is the Mongolian Tugrik (MNT) and is around 2,000 MNT to 1 USD
• Adopt MST (Mongolian Standard Time) – Mongolians are less aware of time and locals have a very relaxed attitude about it. So sit back and make sure to go with the flow.
• Leave some room in your suitcase for souvenirs: Monoglia is known for its cashmere blankets and sweaters
• According to  World Nomads : Mongolia is one of the least crime-ridden countries to visit. With one of the lowest crime rates in Asia, you won’t have to worry too much about getting into trouble while visiting, so long as you play it safe and use common sense.
• Be forewarned : it is almost impossible to use your credit cards in the countryside, however you can withdraw cash from any ATM or use Visa, MasterCard, American Express and JCB cards in all major towns. 

Things to See and Do in Mongolia

• Drive in the Mongol Rally – enter in the greatest motoring adventure on the planet. Start off in Europe and  drive to  Mongolia , 10,000 miles across the mountains,  rivers , desert and steppe. There’s no  backup , no support and no set route; just you, your fellow adventurists and a  tiny car  you bought from a scrapyard. 
• Sleep in a Ger  – also known as Yurts outside of Mongolia, these tents keep you cozy and warm for a night spent underneath the stars. 
• Visit Gobi Desert  – the region is known as the location of the first nest of dinosaur eggs and other fossils found here in the 1920s. So go dino hunting or why not learn about the Gobi nomads and hop on a camel to ride into the desert sands.
• Camel ride  – Take a camel ride out in the desert to experience a traditional way of traveling.
• Horseback ride  – This is another great way to get around and experience the culture.
• Altai Mountains  – This part of Mongolia has an impressive array of mountain ranges.
• Khovsgol Lake  – This is the biggest freshwater lake in the country.

Accommodation

Budget  – Mongolia has budget hostels for as low as $7 per night. These hostels do not offer any luxuries, but you can pay more and ask them to provide you with upgraded services such as private rooms and a TV.

Mid Range  – Mid-range hotels cost around $50 per night in Mongolia. They are located in a central area that is close to markets and restaurants. They may provide free transport to the airport.

High End  – Luxury hotels cost around $250 per night. They provide a fitness center with a gym, pool, internet access, and a bar/lounge.

Check out our favorite booking platforms  Booking.com ,  Tripadvisor  and VRBO  for the best deals on accommodation in Mongolia.

• Buzz  – This is the national food of Mongolia. It’s a steamed dumpling filled with mutton.
• Boodog  – This is one of the most popular dishes. It’s a traditional barbeque dish that is made with a goat or marmot. The meat is stuffed along with vegetables and hot stones into the animal carcass.
• Airag  – This tasty beverage is found at the Naadam Festivals over the summers. It is prepared from fermented mare milk.
• Reindeer Milk, Yogurt, and Cheese  – These products are famous in the country because of Mongolia’s authenticity in dairy items. 
• Suutei Tsai  – This is translated to the name “tea with milk”. It is served as a welcome drink to guests.
• Khorkhog  – This consists of chopped goat or lamb, potatoes, and onions steamed in a metal container.
• Khuushuur  – This is also popular in the Naadam Festival during summers. It’s a deep-fried mutton parcel.

The Best Ways to Get Around Mongolia

Getting to mongolia:.

Flights:  Many direct flights are available from Japan and South Korea to Mongolia. Chinggis Khaan International Airport is the largest airport in Mongolia, also referred to as Ulaanbaatar Airport. 

You can check for the best flights to Mongolia on  Skyscanner .

Transportation:

Buses : Buses are available all day. Private buses are scheduled and cruise non-stop until they reach a destination.

Taxis / Uber : There is no Uber service available in Mongolia yet, but you can travel via taxis by holding your hand high to book it for 50 cents per kilometer.

Car Rental:  You can rent a car at an average of $297 per week and $42 per day in Ulaanbaatar. You can also compare  prices for car rentals here .

When to go To Mongolia

• The best time to go to Mongolia is during summer, from the mid of June to the last week of August. Weather is also good for travelers spending time outside or at the Naadam Festival.

Where to Stay in Mongolia

• Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel  – This hotel is centrally located in the city. Rooms are air-conditioned, have a minibar, flat TV screen, a refrigerator, and a bath/shower. The hotel also provides facilities such as free breakfast, spa, conference facilities, business center with internet access, and much more.
• Kempinski Hotel Khan Palace  – This best-awarded hotel consists of a large number of rooms and suites and is located in the city’s metropolis district. Its buffet breakfast is most popular among the guests.
• Shangri-La Hotel, Ulaanbaatar   – This is a modern styled hotel and makes an ideal base for leisure travelers and businessmen.

Check out our favorite booking platforms Booking.com , Tripadvisor and VRBO for the best deals on accommodation.

What to Pack for Mongolia

Mongolia is known as the  Land of the Blue Skies  as it is cloudless for more than two-thirds of the year. It is also one of the highest countries in the world and thus subjected to extreme continental weather from short, sweltering summers to long, frigid winters. 

The average temperature in most of the country is below zero from November to March and close to it in April and October. During the summertime temperatures can reach as high at 40°C in the Gobi Desert and around mid 30° in the capital. 

• Layers   (Winter) – Temperatures can go down to -30°C in the wintertime. The general rule of thumb is to pack at least four layers: a base layer,  long sleeve shirts, a fleece (mid-layer) and a top layer such as a windbreaker (waterproof!). Base layers should be made of wool or synthetic fabrics – these fabrics offer superior moisture-wicking and temperature control protection than cotton. And don’t forget your head, fingers and toes!
• Layers (Summer)  – Temperatures can fluctuate during the summer time, largely depending on the time of day. During the nighttime it can be quite chilly, especially if you are camping. Pack a base layer, long sleeve shirt and a fleece/top layer – don’t forget a hat, scarf and gloves.
• Headlamp  – if you plan on going camping, there is nothing worse than stumbling in the dark as you try to go to the bathroom, which brings us to our next point…
• Toiletries  – outside of major citie s,it’s just you and the open road – expect to wash in rivers and frequent outhouses. As a result bring a good stash of toiletries from wet naps, bio-degradable travel soap, facial cleansing pads and dry shampoo.
• Hiking Boots  – pack a good pair of boots with good grip that are waterproof and insulated for spring/winter travel.
• Insect Repellent  – Along with natural beauty and hot weather, Mongolia is known for its pretty vicious mosquitos. Travellers are advised to bring a mosquito net, insect spray or a mosquito headnet.

See our packing tips:  packing tips

Mongolia Travel Guide: Best Booking Resources

Whenever we travel to we make sure to start with these companies. We have tried a lot of different ones over the years and all of these have consistently proven to be the best when it comes to offering great prices.

We have used every one of these personally and continue to do so.

• Booking.com : This is our go site to when comparing prices for accommodation. It usually has the cheapest prices, especially in Europe and we love their interface. Not to mention you get free cancellation and you are guaranteed the best price.
• Trip Advisor :  What we like about Trip Advisor is that we can look at all the reviews and then book our accommodation. TripAdvisor is where we go when we want to compare prices with multiple accommodation providers.
• VRBO : is the main search engine we use when we are looking for a home or apartment rental. It can sometimes be cheaper than hotels and it is the best way to stay in areas that offer a more local feel.
• Hostelworld :  With one of the largest databases of hostels in the world, Hostelworld is the go-to site when you are looking for budget accommodation.
• Skyscanner : This is the first place we check for flights. It consistently comes back with the cheapest and best options. It allows us to compare a lot of airlines to get the best price.
• Rome 2 Rio :  If you want to see how to get somewhere by plane, train, bus, ferry or car Rome2Rio lays it all out for you as well as related costs.I love how they show it all to you on a Google Map and it works offline.
• Get Your Guide:  For all your day trip and city guide needs, we use Get Your Guide. It has the world’s largest collection of things to do with more than 30,000 activities in 7500 destinations.
• World Nomads Insurance:  When traveling to Italy you should always have travel insurance. We have found the best bang for your buck is by far World Nomads.

Mongolia Travel Guide: Related Articles

To browse all our articles and guides about Mongolia  click here .

Gear for the Mongol Rally, What you Really Need

Mongolia Pictures from the Russian Border to the Gobi Desert

Mongol Rally Rules – Car Size and Limitations

18 Best Places To Visit In Mongolia

This post contains affiliate links to trusted partners. If you purchase through these links, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

By Jessie Festa. This guide to planning a trip to Mongolia contains affiliate links to trusted partners.

Looking for the best places to visit in Mongolia ?

This guide can help!

Located in Asia between Russia and China, Mongolia is one of the world’s most unique places to visit.

Unlike many destinations, Mongolia remains largely untouched by mass tourism. Because of this, you’ll typically get a more authentic experience when it comes to discovering its history, culture, and scenery.

And there certainly is a lot to discover.

Along with breathtaking landscapes that range from steppe grasslands to rugged mountains to dramatic deserts, you can immerse yourself in local culture by doing a ger homestay, visit historic sites to get a glimpse into the country’s fascinating past, spot diverse wildlife that includes rare and endangered species, and visit true bucket list destinations like the famed Gobi Desert.

But, where can you have these experiences? And what are the most important places and landmarks in Mongolia to see?

Keep reading to learn some of the most unforgettable destinations you should consider adding to your Mongolia itinerary !

⏳ My top Mongolia travel recommendations include: ✈️ Airport Transfer: Book that here 🏨 Hotel: Puma Imperial Hotel  (in Ulaanbaatar) 🗺️ Tours: Viator 🎒 Multi-Day Tour Operator: WHOA – use code JESSIEONAJOURNEY for $100 off! 📍 Recommended Excursions: 🐎 Genghis Khan Statue with Terelj National Park & Aryabal Temple 🇲🇳 4-Day Essencence on Mongolia Tour 🛍️ Full-Day Tour of Ulaanbaatar with Museum & Black Market 🥾 Bogd Khan National Park Hiking Day Trip 🥘 Cooking Class: Cooking Class in a Traditional Ger Home in Ulaanbaatar Suburbs 🏥 Travel Insurance: SafetyWing 📞 Staying Connected: Airalo eSIM

Table of Contents

Free Mongolia Travel Planning Resources

But first, before we go over some incredible Mongolia tourist attractions , I invite you to grab access to my free  Ultimate Travel Planning Kit  — which includes 40+ travel resources — from printables to quizzes to itineraries — all meant to help you explore the world beyond the guidebook!

Some highlights of the kit include:

• Free “Where Should You Travel Next?” personality quiz
• Pre-plotted Google Maps for 45+ destinations
• Printable travel journal with writing prompts
• Packing lists for different types of trips

Once you’ve grabbed your copy , keep reading to discover some of the top Mongolia things to do.

Mongolia Travel Map

To help give you a lay of the land, here is a map for visiting Mongolia in Asia . It includes the recommended places to visit in Mongolia mentioned below pre-plotted:

Click here for an interactive version of the Mongolia map .

Best Places To Visit In Mongolia

On that note, let’s dive into some of the top places you should add to your Mongolia itinerary. As you’ll soon see, a few main draws to visiting Mongolia include its astounding natural beauty, rich culture, and fascinating history, all of which you can explore through the below spots.

1. Ulaanbaatar

No trip to Mongolia would be complete without spending time in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar. This is the country’s cultural hub where you can explore Mongolian heritage while also enjoying modern amenities. Museums, art galleries, performances, restaurants, and cultural events can all be enjoyed here.

While there are many fun things to add to an Ulaanbaatar itinerary, a few not to miss Mongolia attractions in the city include:

Zaisan Hill Memorial was built between 1971 and 1974 to show gratitude to the Soviet Union (USSR) for its assistance during Mongolia’s fight against Japanese forces. It features a memorial complex honoring the Soviet soldiers who lost their lives during WWII.

Additionally, you can enjoy sweeping views over Ulaanbaatar as you take in the city skyline, the Tuul River, and the surrounding hills and mountains.

Just note that to reach the top you’ll need to walk up 600 steps, though you can cheat a bit by going inside the mall at the base of the hill. Here there is an elevator that can get you about halfway up.

Gandantegchinlen Monastery (Gandan Monastery) was founded in 1838 and is one of Mongolia’s only Buddhist monasteries to survive Soviet rule when many of these sacred places were destroyed. Today, it’s the country’s largest active monastery. Inside, you can also view a golden 26.5-meter-tall Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of Compassion.

The National Museum of Mongolia is one of the most important museums in the country. Here you can peruse a huge collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the country’s history, from prehistoric times to the present. A few highlights of the museum include viewing traditional costumes, archaeological discoveries, and religious artifacts.

2. Gorkhi-Terelj National Park (Töv Province)

If you’re looking for Mongolia places to visit near Ulaanbaatar, Gorkhi-Terelj National Park is a top pick. Known for its stunning landscapes that range from vast valleys to lush forests to towering rock formations, it’s a great place for hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, and camping.

Additionally, you can interact with nomadic families and can even stay overnight in a ger — a must-have experience during a visit to Mongolia. A ger is a portable and round traditional dwelling that is similar to a yurt, though there are some regional and cultural variations in the terminology and design.

Two popular attractions in this park include Turtle Rock , a giant rock you can hike up that looks like a turtle, and Ariyabal Meditation Temple , a spiritual retreat where you can meditate and relax in a serene setting.

3. Hustai National Park (Töv Province)

Home to beautiful landscapes and diverse wildlife, the main reason this is one of the best places to see in Mongolia is its wild horses.

In fact, Hustai National Park is famous for reintroducing the endangered Przewalski’s horse, also known as the Takhi or Mongolian wild horse.

Today, the park acts as a protected area and reserve for these horses which, according to my guide when I visited, is the only true wild horse in the world.

You can drive around on your own or with a biologist to try to spot these beautiful creatures. Additionally, keep your eyes peeled for marmots (you’ll see a ton of them), red deer, Mongolian gazelles, and a variety of bird species.

To further your education, the Hustai Visitor Center has a small but informative museum, video viewing room, and gift shop.

4. Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve (Töv Province)

This protected area in Mongolia showcases diverse landscapes — including wetlands, mountains, rivers, and grasslands.

If you enjoy outdoor adventure , it’s one of the top places in Mongolia for hiking, horseback riding, and cycling. Birdwatching is also popular, particularly around beautiful Lake Khökh .

Additionally, the nearby Kherlen River provides opportunities for kayaking, rafting, and fishing.

If you enjoy wildlife spotting, Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve is home to animals like the endangered Saker falcon, Mongolian gazelle, argali sheep, and wild boar.

Want to immerse yourself in Mongolian culture? Opt to stay overnight in a ger!

5. Lake Khovsgol National Park (Khövsgöl Province)

Lake Khovsgol National Park, also known as Khövsgöl Nuur National Park, features 8,865 square kilometers (3,423 square miles) of natural beauty.

Along with typical outdoor adventures like hiking, horseback riding, and camping, it’s one of the best places in Mongolia for wildlife spotting. This is because it’s home to several endangered and rare species, such as the Siberian ibex, argali sheep, Eurasian lynx, and the gray wolf.

The main attraction within the park is the namesake Lake Khövsgöl — one of Central Asia’s largest and deepest freshwater lakes and one of the best places to visit in Mongolia.

Showcasing crystal clear waters surrounded by mountains, meadows, and forest, its nickname is the “Blue Pearl of Mongolia.”

6. Amarbayasgalant Monastery (Selenge Province)

The main reasons to visit this Buddhist monastery include its cultural significance and stunning traditional architecture with intricate artwork, detailed carvings, and vibrant murals.

In terms of design, the Amarbayasgalant Monastery complex features several temples, prayer halls, dormitories for monks, and administrative buildings — with the most impressive structure being the Zuu Temple , which houses a large statue of Buddha Amitayus.

Amarbayasgalant Monastery was originally constructed in the 18th century to honor Zanabazar, a spiritual leader and an influential figure in Mongolian Buddhism.

7. Gobi Desert (Several Provinces)

No list of the best places to visit in Mongolia would be complete without mentioning the Gobi Desert. Personally, this was a main highlight for me when I visited Mongolia thanks to its magnificent scenery, diverse landscapes, and outdoor adventure opportunities.

As the Gobi Desert is vast, it actually spans several provinces, including:

• Ömnögovi Province
• Dundgovi Province
• Bayankhongor Province
• Dornogovi Province

This also means you’ll encounter a wide variety of landscapes: open spaces, rolling sand dunes, rocky cliffs, canyons, and steppe grasslands that seem to stretch on forever.

In terms of other worthwhile activities in Mongolia, keep your eyes peeled for snow leopards, Bactrian camels, Gobi bears, Gobi gazelles, and numerous bird species.

Speaking of camels, did you know Mongolia is one of the few places in the world where you can see two-humped camels? During my three days in the Gobi, I saw these rare camels multiple times, so your odds of spotting them are pretty good.

Something really neat about the Mongolian Gobi Desert is that it’s the largest dinosaur fossil reservoir in the world, according to UNESCO . I’ll share more about how to explore this when we discuss Bayanzag!

8. Baga Gazriin Chuluu Nature Reserve (Dundgovi Province)

I’ll never forget driving through the Gobi Desert and approaching Baga Gazriin Chuluu Nature Reserve. Suddenly, vast open space turned to giant rock formations and granite outcroppings begging to be climbed and photographed.

Interestingly, only 5% of the Gobi Desert is covered in sand , and this reserve in particular showcases a landscape so different from what you might typically picture when thinking of a desert.

It’s recommended to camp overnight so that you can be perfectly situated for evening stargazing and a morning sunrise hike. Also be on the lookout for snow leopards, argali sheep, ibex, and various bird species.

9. Tsagaan Suvarga (Dundgovi Province)

Also known as White Stupa, this unique geological formation showcases giant limestone cliffs that look like a row of stacked stupas due to erosion and weathering over millions of years.

Not only does the shape of the cliffs make them striking, but also the colors, as they range from white to orange and red. Definitely bring your camera to take photos from a variety of angles as you walk the designated paths.

Another highlight of Tsagaan Suvarga: the panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape and Mongolian countryside!

10. Ongi Monastery Ruins (Dundgovi Province)

During the late 1930s, a series of political repressions and purges known as the Mongolian Purges took place. They were the result of Soviet leader Joseph Stalin and his policies that aimed to eliminate perceived threats to his regime and establish tighter control over Mongolia.

This included replacing religious beliefs with communist ideology. It is estimated that thousands of Buddhist lamas were killed or imprisoned during the purges and over 700 monasteries were destroyed.

The Ongi Monastery was sadly one of these, though it is still one of the top places to visit in Mongolia due to its cultural significance as well as its architectural beauty. The latter can still be seen despite the tragedy, especially as work is being done to restore the monastery.

Established in the 18th century, Ongi Monastery was one of the largest monastic complexes in Mongolia until its destruction. At its peak, it housed over 1,000 monks and consisted of two main sections, the Barlim Monastery and the Khutagt Monastery.

Pilgrims would come from all over Mongolia and beyond to visit the sacred site, see the ornate temples, and view huge collections of religious artifacts.

Today, the ruins of the temples, stupas, and other monastery structures offer a glimpse into the rich history and spiritual significance of Buddhism in Mongolia while allowing you to take in the beauty of the vast Mongolian steppe.

11. Bayanzag (Ömnögovi Province)

Also known as the Flaming Cliffs, Bayanzag is a famous paleontological site within the Gobi Desert. Everything from dinosaur eggs to the remains of various dinosaur species has been found here.

You’ll be able to explore the site, learn about the region’s prehistoric past at a small nearby museum and, if you’re lucky, you might even spot ongoing excavations.

Another highlight of Bayanzag is hiking around the striking red sandstone “Flaming Cliffs.” Sunrise and sunset are particularly amazing here.

12. Orkhon Valley (Arkhangai Province)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site , the Orkhon Valley is one of the top Mongolia tourist spots thanks to its historical, cultural, and natural significance.

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First of all, it’s breathtaking with expansive grasslands, rolling hills, winding rivers, and picturesque waterfalls.

In fact, it’s home to Mongolia’s largest waterfall, Ulaan Tsutgalan (Orkhon Waterfall), which measures about 10 meters (33 feet) wide and 20 meters (66 feet) tall. It’s truly one of the most beautiful places in Mongolia!

Hiking, fishing, camping, and other outdoor adventure activities are popular here — as is staying in a Mongolian ger to learn more about traditional nomadic life.

The Orkhon Valley is also one of the more important historical places in Mongolia, as it once sat at the center of the ancient Mongol Empire. Today, you can explore various archaeological sites — including the ruins of ancient cities, burial mounds, and stone monuments.

13. Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park (Arkhangai Province)

The thing that makes this protected area one of the top tourist spots in Mongolia is its incredible natural beauty, with its two main features being Khorgo , a dormant volcano, and Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur (White Lake), a pristine alpine lake.

If you love adventure, one of the best things to do in Mongolia is to hike to the top of Khorgo and take in panoramic views of the surrounding volcanic landscapes. Follow this with some camping along the shore of the lake, which is also a great spot for boating and fishing.

Other fun activities in Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park that make it worth the trip include hiking other scenic trails, horseback riding, and trying to spot wildlife like ibex, argali sheep, and various bird species.

14. Tsenkher Hot Springs (Arkhangai Province)

Looking to enjoy wellness travel in Mongolia? The Tsenkher Hot Springs are renowned for their therapeutic benefits and are one of the best places to visit in Mongolia.

The temperature of the water can reach up to 86°C (187°F), but it is usually cooled down for bathing.

You’ll be able to soak in several pools with water containing minerals that are believed to have healing properties for certain skin conditions, joint pain, and other ailments.

The hot springs offer the perfect way to unwind after a day hiking around the local forests and meadows or kayaking and fishing on the nearby Tsenkher River.

And for a dose of local culture, consider staying overnight in a ger camp!

15. Kharkhorin (Övörkhangai Province)

Established by Genghis Khan in 1220, Kharkhorin was once the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire, then known as Karakorum.

Strategically located along the Silk Road, it was a place of trade and cultural exchanges between East and West. Interestingly, even famed explorer Marco Polo visited !

While much of the city was destroyed and abandoned in the 14th century following the collapse of the Mongol Empire and subsequent invasions, today it remains a fascinating place to explore Mongolian history.

Here you can visit archaeological remains — including the remnants of the palace of Ogedei Khan — and visit the Kharakhorum Museum .

Another highlight is visiting the Erdene Zuu Monastery , which sits just outside the ruins. Built in the 16th century, it’s considered one of the oldest and most important monastic complexes in Mongolia.

16. Khögnö Khan Strictly Protected Area (Bulgan Province)

The Khögnö Khan Strictly Protected Area — sometimes also called Khögnö Khan Nature Reserve or Khögnö Khan National Park — is one of the top places of interest in Mongolia as it’s an important conservation area showcasing a variety of ecosystems and attractions.

Named after the park’s Khögnö Khan Mountain, you can explore mountain ranges, steppe grasslands, sand dunes, and rocky outcrops.

In terms of Mongolia sightseeing in the park, you’ll definitely want to visit the Elsen Tasarkhai Sand Dunes . These dunes stretch for 80 kilometers (50 miles) and are often referred to as the “Mini Gobi.”

It’s the perfect place for some sandboarding — one of the more unique things to do in Mongolia — and taking in a gorgeous sunset.

Other fun things to do in Mongolia in this park include hiking, horseback riding, camping, and trying to spot wildlife like argali sheep, Siberian ibex, and numerous bird species.

17. Altai Mountains (Bayan-Ölgii Province)

In my opinion, Mongolia’s Altai Mountains offer some of the most jaw-dropping scenery I’ve ever seen. Prepare to be wowed by the snowcapped peaks and colorful mountains that stretch dramatically toward the puffy clouds above. Crystal rivers cut through a landscape dotted with gers, livestock, and colorful wildflowers.

When visiting, you’ll fly into Ulgii (Ölgii) — the capital city of the Bayan-Ölgii Province in western Mongolia — to begin your exploration. Within this mountain-hugged city, you can enjoy hotels, restaurants, markets, and museums, though I highly recommend also driving out into the countryside.

One thing to realize is this area is predominantly inhabited by the nomadic Kazakh ethnic group. You’ll be able to immerse yourself in local Kazakh culture and partake in cultural activities by staying in a ger with a Kazakh family, witnessing eagle hunting demonstrations, experiencing Kazakh music, viewing local handicraft displays, and eating traditional Kazakh cuisine.

For example, when I stayed with a couple named Asker and Ahgul and their family, they hosted a big welcome feast. This included Beshbarmak, a Kazakh dish of boiled meat and noodles meant to be eaten with the hands.

The family also took me hiking to explore towering mountains, glacial lakes, and other gorgeous landscapes. In my opinion, the Altai Mountains are home to some of the most amazing hiking trails in the world !

Love festivals? Attend during the annual Golden Eagle Festival, of the top Mongolian festivals !

18. Altai Tavan Bogd National Park (Bayan-Ölgii Province)

Building on things to see in Mongolia specifically in the Altai Mountains, Altai Tavan Bogd National Park is highly recommended.

Here you’ll find Mongolia’s highest peak, Khuiten Peak , as well as beautiful lakes, glaciers, and diverse wildlife. Actually, the park is home to the five highest peaks in Mongolia, which form a stunning natural backdrop for activities like hiking, rock climbing, fishing, and horseback riding.

Another attraction not to miss is Potanin Glacier , the largest glacier in Mongolia. This alongside other glaciers helps to contribute to the park’s stunning topography.

Love wildlife? Have your camera ready as you try to spot ibex, argali sheep, and snow leopards. The park is also a top location for bird-watching in Mongolia.

And for a bit of history, Altai Tavan Bogd National Park features ancient rock art, including petroglyphs (rock carvings) that depict scenes from ancient times.

Basically, this park has it all and is a must see in Mongolia, and it’s worth spending at least three nights here — more if you have the time!

Top Mongolia Tours

Along with the above-mentioned Mongolia tourist places, it’s recommended to book a few tours with a knowledgeable local guide. This can help you truly learn about the place you’re visiting and immerse yourself in the culture without having to worry about transportation.

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 Travel Tips

As you explore the best places to visit in Mongolia, make sure to keep the following advice in mind:

Work with a local tour operator. Many of the experiences mentioned above, such as staying with a local family in a ger, can be tricky to book on your own — not to mention navigating Mongolia’s roads is very challenging. Then once you’re there you’ll need someone to translate.

When I visited Mongolia, my experiences were booked through a local company called Eternal Landscapes . They were excellent!

Additionally, if you’re a woman who loves adventure, I highly recommend WHOA Travel ‘s Mongolia itinerary.

Visit Mongolia with a go-with-the-flow attitude. Things will not always go according to plan; but, remember that is all part of the adventure. Instead of getting frustrated, be grateful that you’re experiencing a place many don’t get the chance to.

Carry a lot of protein-rich snacks if you’re a vegetarian. Mongolians eat a very meat-heavy diet. As a vegetarian myself, it would have been nearly impossible to avoid meat had it not been for my local guides who helped prepare special meals for me.

If you don’t have a guide who can help, create a plan for how you’ll stay nourished, particularly outside of Ulaanbaatar where you’ll have a wide range of restaurants.

Adding on this, dairy is also a huge part of the Mongolian diet, so if you’re vegan you’ll need to plan for this as well.

Prep for long drives on bumpy roads. During my trip to Mongolia, there were many days where I spent over four hours in a car — and this typically isn’t on pavement.

Along with downloading audiobooks and podcasts to pass the time, consider how you might make the drive more comfortable, such as with cozy socks or a travel pillow. And if you get carsick you’ll absolutely want to have medication to help combat this.

Always drink the milk or milk tea offered by hosts. When doing a ger homestay, you’ll always be offered some type of warm milk or milk tea drink. This is a gesture meant to welcome and show respect to visitors, and it reflects their nomadic way of life where dairy products are essential and also symbolize abundance. It is rude to refuse it, so drink up.

Pack essential hygiene products. When doing a ger homestay, there isn’t typically a formal bathroom. Instead, you’ll be cleaning yourself up in your ger and going to the bathroom in a small shed with a hole in the ground. While I often found there was soap and water readily available outside, you’ll definitely want to bring toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and biodegradable baby wipes. I also suggest bringing self-care products that don’t require water, like biodegradable face wipes.

Best Places To Visit In Mongolia FAQ

Here are answers to frequently asked questions about planning a trip to 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 worth visiting?

Mongolia is absolutely worth visiting, particularly if you want to experience authentic culture and gorgeous landscapes. Because Mongolia is largely untouched by mass tourism, it can be both challenging and rewarding to travel through.

Q) Is Mongolia pretty?

Mongolia is home to an array of diverse landscapes that are striking and vast. It is truly stunning and you’ll definitely want to bring your camera. If you have a telephoto lens, you’ll also be able to capture epic shots of the local wildlife.

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.

Mongolia Travel Insurance

When visiting Mongolia — or anywhere else in the world — it’s wise to get travel insurance.

One of 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.

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

Final Thoughts On Visiting Mongolia

Mongolia is an incredible travel destination for those wanting to explore astounding natural beauty, rich history, and authentic culture.

And because the country hasn’t seen mass tourism, you’ll be able to enjoy your trip without crowds and in a very genuine way.

Adding the above-mentioned places to visit in Mongolia to your itinerary can also help ensure you see the best of the destination. Visiting just a few of these places will undoubtedly lead to an unforgettable trip!

What places to visit in Mongolia would you add to this list?

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About Jessie Festa

Jessie Festa is a New York-based travel content creator who is passionate about empowering her audience to experience new places and live a life of adventure. She is the founder of the solo female travel blog, Jessie on a Journey, and is editor-in-chief of Epicure & Culture , an online conscious tourism magazine. Along with writing, Jessie is a professional photographer and is the owner of NYC Photo Journeys , which offers New York photo tours, photo shoots, and wedding photography. Her work has appeared in publications like USA Today, CNN, Business Insider, Thrillist, and WestJet Magazine.

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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.

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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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Travel Guides, Trip Itineraries, + More

Sain baina uu! I’m Breanna, an American travel writer and adventurer based in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. I launched Meanwhile in Mongolia because I’m passionate about sharing information about traveling in Mongolia. From the perfect trip itineraries to tour recommendations , hotel reviews , safety tips and more, I’m covering it all.

Use the search bar below to find what you’re looking for or feel free to reach out to me directly, I love talking all things Mongolia.

Ask me your Mongolia travel questions! Not sure where to start when it comes to booking the perfect Mongolia tour? I offer 30-minute travel consultations.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visit the Least Densely Populated Country in the World

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

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

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

Wild horses in the vast Mongolian landscape

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

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

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

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

The Overlanding vehicle used to travel to Mongolia and around.

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

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

Is it Safe to Travel to Mongolia Safe?

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

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

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

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

Mongolia Tours

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do you need a Visa for Mongolia?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visa-free entry for 21 days: Philippines.

Visa-free entry for 14 days: Hong Kong.

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

Where to Go in Mongolia – Itinerary

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

Overlanding in Mongolia for Three Weeks:

Kilometres travelled:  2492

Number of significant times the truck got stuck:  2

Number of minor times the truck got stuck:  12

Number of incredible driving days:  15

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

Gandan Monastery in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

The golden feet outside the Gandan Monastery Ulaanbaatar

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

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

Layers of Baga Gazryn Chuluu rock formations in Mongolia

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

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

Watching the wrestling at the Nadaam Festival in Mongolia

Mongolian locals enjoy the Nadaam Festival.

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

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

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

Market time in the town of Dalanzagad, Mongolia

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

Hike or horseback in the Yolin Am Valley in Mongolia

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

The glorious Gobi Desert Khongoryn Els Sand Dunes

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

The blazing ochre colours of Mongolia’s Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs

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

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

The site of the Ongii Monastery in Mongolia

The scattered stone ruins of Ongii Monastery in Mongolia

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

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

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

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

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

A rest stop in the scenic Orkhon Valley landscape

Hiking the forest trails of Mongolia’s Orkhon Valley

The rocky plateau that surrounds the Tövkhön Monastery in Mongolia

The colourful entrance to the Tövkhön Monastery

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

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

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

Visiting a local nomadic family in their ger in Mongolia

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

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

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

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

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

The exterior walls of the Erdene Zuu Monastery, Mongolia

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

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

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

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

Our camping set-up beside Ugii Lake in Mongolia

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

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

Meeting Damog, the Best Mongolian Folk Band in Mongolia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Outside

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

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

Travel in Mongolia was mostly about camping.

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

Inside the Overlanding truck on the journey travelling Mongolia

Along the Way

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

Overlanding in Mongolia was a real adventure.

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

The Realities of Rural Travel in Mongolia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Becki

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

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Do you crave a one-off kind adventure? Do you want to escape the tourist trail and truly get off the beaten track? Do you want a dynamic mix of culture, nature and history? Then Mongolia is the destination for you.

Whether you want to explore the capital of Ulaanbaatar, trek across the Gobi Desert on camels, ride on horseback through grassland or experience a homestay with a nomadic family, this country is an adventure lover’s dream. If you want an unplugged vacation and to explore a fascinating country, begin planning your trip to Mongolia today with Discover Mongolia.

We are dedicated to providing unforgettable experiences. We understand that joining small groups and receiving personal attention is very important to your enjoyment. All our tours are designed with the utmost consideration given to what travelers like you want most out of their trip. Book a trip to Mongolia today!

Enjoy 3 ways to Discover Mongolia

Looking for a trip that meets your interest and schedule?

• Choose your own dates
• Get exclusive use of a private guide, driver and vehicle
• Personalised care, dedicated to you and your group
• Flexibility towards time, allowing you to dictate when to stop and how long for
• You select the level of your service
• Great for families with children and groups of friends

• Select and customize one of our existing tour. Or create your own itinerary
• Get PAX based price. More people join? You will save more money.
• Promote your tour together to find you buddy! We will promote your trip for people who is looking for similar tours.
• Enjoy your dream tour with your new friends

• Discover the best that Mongolia has to offer.
• Have fun and save money too.
• It’s made easier and safer in a group
• No stress of planning itineraries
• Make friends from all over the world
• Perfect for individual travelers and friends
• Small group size with maximum 16 pax.
• Departure is guaranteed even with a group of only two people.

Take a look at our most popular tours

• Enter the former capital city of Mongolia
• Visit the historic Erdene Zuu monastery
• Ride to the Elsen Tasarkhai Oasis
• See the fabulous Great Gobi Desert 
• Visit historic Kharkhorin and Erdene Zuu
• Understand the nomadic lifestyle 
• Mongolian top attractions 
• Enjoy Bactrian camel ride 
• The nomadic lifestyle, culture, and tradition 
• More cultural and more historical
• Orkhon Valley - UNESCO World Natural Heritage
• Visits to 2 Beautiful National Parks
• Amazing 130-foot Chinggis Khaan Statue.
• Gracious and flowing natural scenery.
• Hike the famous Turtle Rock and Aryabal Monastery.
• Naadam - UNESCO World Cultural Heritage
• Visit Great Gobi Desert & Terelj NP
• Best time to experience Mongolia
• See the fabulous Khongor Sand Dunes
• Visit the amazing Vulture (Eagle) Gorge
• Stop at Bayanzag, the home of dinosaurs  
• Come and pet the Golden Eagles
• Watch them hunt their prey
• Visit the amazing Altai Mountain Landscape 
• Visit the highest Mongolian mountain range
• Trek across the Potanin glacier
• Mingle with the local Kazakh and Tuvan people
• Mongolian top attractions
• Local Naadam Festival
• Explore nomadic lifestyle, culture, and tradition

Why travel with us

Here are reasons you should plan with Discover Mongolia.

Our highly professional team provide exceptional service and strive to make our home your ‘home from home’, with tasty food, comfortable accommodation and hygienic facilities.

Your tour will be a truly immersive experience of Mongolian culture, heritage and history, providing a fascinating insight into our world-renowned nomadic way of life. 

With fun, exciting activities set against the backdrop of our breathtaking scenery, your trip will be truly unforgettable!

We pride ourselves on making your tour an amazing adventure and an opportunity to try new experiences, all delivered with your safety as a priority.

We're passionate about ensuring you enjoy your tour, and hope you leave Mongolia feeling like we're more than just a travel company, that we're your friends.

Established in 2004, we have 15 years’ experience and are highly skilled at helping people enjoy adventures in our homeland.

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Your Mongolia Travel Guide

Articles & Tips: Explore some of the best tips about Mongolia

Since 2004, we have been helping people the world over to enjoy unforgettable adventures to our homeland, and we do it all with expertise and passion.

• Best seller tours
• Tailor made tour
• A day tours
• Join in tours
• Private tours
• Best Time to Travel
• Mongolian Visa Information
• Hotel booking
• Flight ticket booking
• Train ticket booking

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• Winter short stay of Mongolia
• Thousand Camel & Eagle Festivals
• Along the Exotic Route of Mongolia with Golden Eagle Festival
• Making the Ultimate Loop in Mongolia
• Central Mongolian Adventure
• Travelling through the Immeasurable Beauties of Mongolia
• Imagine your Mongolian adventure
• Beyond Your Expectation
• Travelling through Mongolian Nomadic Trails
• Travel on the Trans Mongolian short stay
• Travelling through the endless steppe
• Travel through historical path
• Along the Exotic Route of Mongolia with National Naadam Festival
• Along the Exotic of Route Mongolia with National Naadam Festival 02
• Along the Exotic Route of Mongolia with Danshig Naadam-Khuree Tsam
• A Luxury Adventure to Central Mongolia
• A Luxury Escape to Three Camel Lodge
• A Luxury Discovery to Blue Pearl of Mongolia
• Undiscovered Mongolia by horse trial / Eight Lakes in Orkhon Valley
• Horseback & Homestay adventures through Mongolian Steppe
• Mongolia & Lake Baikal tour
• Ulaanbaatar
• Western Mongolia
• Central Mongolia
• North Mongolia
• Eastern Mongolia
• Southern Mongolia
• How to book your tour
• Booking terms
• Ice Festival
• Mongolia Lunar New Year Festival
• Camel Festival
• Winter Golden Eagle Festival
• Reindeer Festival
• National Naadam Festival
• Golden Eagle Festival
• Steppe’s Ten Thousand Horses Festival

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Trusted local travel experts

Excellent service provided by knowledgeable experts

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While on your journey, help is never out of reach

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Customisable tour options

Our packages are customisable to your needs

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We plan your whole trip and 24-hour help is on hand

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Your payments are protected with financial safety as standard

CHOOSE YOUR WAY TO EXPLORE MONGOLIA

Whatever you want to see and experience in Mongolia, we have a package to satisfy your needs.

Enjoy endless steppe, wild nature, and nomadic hospitality on a all trip to Mongolia. Book with Travel On, a top Mongolia travel agency, and you’ll have a personal expert to arrange your itinerary on your behalf. Accommodation, guiding, local transport and 24/7 support is included.

Experience the charm of Mongolia in winter by visiting between October and April.

Travel to Mongolia between May and September for more daylight hours and mild weather.

Escorted Small Group Tours

With 16 travellers at most, less is much more on a guided small group tour.

Privately Guided

Within two weeks, the ultimate loop would take you through the vast expenses of the Gobi desert, the great green steppes ...

Within one week you will explore Central Mongolia in most exotic ways from pure nature to rich culture.

Luxury Packages

Central Mongolia has been the center of the country’ history and culture for centuries and famous ...

Adventure Packages

In open country you are free to enjoy endless canters with the wind in your hair.

Lake Baikal Combo

The combined Mongolia&Lake Baikal tour will provide you the chance to explore these two countries ...

Best Sellers

Create an amazing memory and many more adventures….

Enjoy the being a nomad at your own pace on home stay tour. Or if you'd prefer to be escorted by an expert local guide, choose from our small group and private tours. Or choose from our luxury tours for unique and private Mongolia experiences.

YOUR MONGOLIA TRAVEL AGENCY

Mongolia quick facts.

3.3 million

Livestock population

Over 70 million

Territory size

1,564,100 km² (603,863 sq. mi)

Mongolian (English and Russian are popular)

Mongolian tugrik

THE MOST POPULAR TOURS

WHY CHOOSE US

Trusted travel experts.

Trave On team has been creating unforgettable travel experiences in all over the Mongolia. All our packages are thoroughly tested, so you can travel in the confidence that every accommodation, route and attraction has been carefully chosen. Your trip is created with our in-depth local expertise so that you see the best of Mongolia and take life time and amazing memories.

CUSTOMISABLE TOUR OPTIONS

We created all Mongolia packages to give guests the adventure of their dreams. But we understand that you have a unique travel wish list. Our travel experts can tailor tours to suit your needs, whether you would like to spend extra time in a location, visit a special attraction or attend unique festival.

HASSLE-FREE EXPERIENCE

We have everything in hand and book all aspects of your dream vacation in Mongolia before you arrive, from your accommodation to activities. What distinguishes us from other tour companies is that we create a personalized itinerary and hand-marked map for you, highlighting the best attractions of your Mongolia tour.

Go Mongolia – Ger Exhibition

Why you should see The Mongol Khan

Lonely Planet has named Mongolia as the top country to visit in 2024.

Testimonials.

11 ways to travel through Mongolia on a budget

Aug 25, 2023 • 6 min read

Some things are expensive in Mongolia, but there are still ways to experience this fascinating country on a budget. Here’s how © Kriangkrai Thitimakorn / Getty Images

Mongolia is the dramatic stage for wild, off-the-beaten track adventures, and the nomadic culture of the steppes has hardly changed since the days of Chinggis (Ghengis) Khan. Travel in this epic land can be inspiring, mesmerizing, even life-affirming, but one thing a trip to Mongolia is unlikely to be is cheap.

For steppe sightseeing you’ll probably need to hire a 4WD vehicle , a driver and a guide (since drivers rarely speak English). Fuel costs are a major expense because of the big distances between sights, and gasoline, which is imported from Russia, has increased in price by over 60% since the start of the conflict in Ukraine, along with inflation and labor costs.

Other costs to cover include accommodation – usually at ger (yurt) camps, in homestays or in township hotels – plus food for your whole party, driver and guide included. Throw in extras such as horse and camel treks, cultural activities and homestays and the costs will quickly mount up.

The phrase "you get what you pay for" is particularly apt for Mongolia travel. Rather than trying to keep costs as low as possible, instead aim to spend your money wisely. Using established operators, you’ll get more bang for your buck, and have an adventure you’ll never forget. Try these tips to get more from your trip for less.

A guide to daily costs in Mongolia

Dorm bed in Ulaanbaatar: US$10–20 Basic room for two in Ulaanbaatar: US$60–150 A homestay night in a ger : from US$40 A Ulaanbaatar–Kharkhorin bus ticket: US$7 one-way Cup of coffee: US$2–3 Khuushuur (fried mutton pancakes) at a local restaurant: US$1 A sit-down dinner for two: US$20–60 Beer/pint at a pub in Ulaanbaatar: US$3

Average daily cost per person (including meals, accommodation and car and driver hire): US$60–200

1. Be aware that there is no cheaper "off season"

Travel costs in Mongolia tend to be similar whenever you visit, and there isn’t really a "cheap" season. Travel here is more about times when it’s easier to travel, such as the summer when there are more services and tours, and times when it’s harder, such as in winter when the supply of guides dwindles and ger camps go into hibernation.

2. See if your country has a visa waiver

The Mongolian government has declared 2023, 2024 and 2025 as "the years to visit Mongolia", with new visa conditions for many nationalities (on top of the existing rules allowing visa-free entry for American and Canadian citizens). Citizens of the UK, Australia, New Zealand, most of Europe and a number of other countries get 30 days of visa-free travel so there’s no need to fork out for a visa unless you’re planning a longer stay.

3. Team up with other travelers

Generally, the more people you can squeeze into a 4WD vehicle, the lower the cost of the tour per person. Most 4WD can only carry two or three passengers once the driver and guide are accounted for, but rugged 4WD vans can carry up to six passengers and are typically used by more budget-oriented tour operators.

In the past, backpackers could easily hook up with other travelers in Ulaanbaatar ’s hostels to split the cost of tours, but following the pandemic and the suspension of the Trans-Mongolian Railway, the supply of budget-minded backpackers passing through from China and Russia has all but dried up.

Your best chances of finding other travelers are during the peak season, from the very end of June to about three weeks after the Naadam Festival in early August. You can also try contacting tour operators in advance to ask if they can add you to a group with others. Alternatively, consider putting the word out via social media and forming your own crew.

4. Book through a guesthouse for no-frills tours

The cheapest tours are generally run by hostels and guesthouses in Ulaanbaatar rather than by established tour companies. These tours tend to follow the same standard highlights itinerary, taking in the Gobi , Kharkhorin, Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur and Khövsgöl.

Be aware that budget guesthouses economize on everything, including guides, so you’ll likely be led around by an English-speaking Mongolian student on a summer break rather than a travel specialist. These operators tend to be less sustainably-minded, too.

5. Do less driving and more experiencing

Mongolia is three times the size of France , but the top speed you can hope to achieve on the grasslands is 40 to 50km/h (25 to 31mph). If you try to see too much of the country, you’ll spend all day every day on the move and blow a fortune on fuel. It’s much better to focus on one region and keep driving to a minimum.

Alternatively, eschew the 4WD tour altogether and put your money towards a three- or four-day stay at a ger camp in a truly special location such as Jalman Meadows, a three-hour drive east of Ulaanbaatar. Try to stay put long enough to savor the serenity of the Mongolian landscape; it might save you money too.

6. Consider hiring just a driver without a guide

If you don’t mind making regular use of translation apps to communicate, you could consider forgoing the expense of a guide, hiring just a driver and vehicle. Although this might bring down the cost of the trip, be aware that some drivers will ask for more money because they will have to take on more logistical work, such as arranging accommodations and activities.

Note that it generally costs far more to hire a car and drive yourself than it does to hire a car with a driver. In Mongolia the going is tough, and so insurance and liability come at a hefty premium.

7. Bring your own tent to cut down accommodation costs in remote areas

Bringing your own tent is a good way to save money on ger camps and homestays when out in the Mongolian wilderness. For this to work, your driver should also have their own tent, or be willing to sleep in their vehicle. Wild camping is permitted just about anywhere – just remember the "leave no trace" philosophy. Tents can be easily purchased in Ulaanbaatar before you head for the wilds.

8. Check if your Ulaanbaatar accommodation offers free airport pick-ups

Opened in 2021, Chinggis Khaan International Airport is 52km (32 miles) south of Ulaanbaatar, and some hotels will pick you up from the airport for free if you are staying with them for a few days. If not, the cheapest way to reach the city is by shuttle bus, about a sixth of the price of taking a taxi.

9. Take the bus to sights close to Ulaanbaatar

Public transport connects Mongolia’s provincial capitals but it isn’t much use for steppe sightseeing – to see most of the country, you’ll still need to hire a 4WD and driver. However, using Ulaanbaatar as a base, you can take advantage of several public bus routes out to popular tourist destinations such as Terelj, Khövsgöl and Kharkhorin. It’s a good way to experience some independent travel and meet the locals.

10. Travel like a Mongolian tourist

Although tourism from overseas dried up during the pandemic, city-dwelling Mongolians embarked en masse on their own road trips into the countryside. This has led to a boom in cheaper, fixed-location ger camps catering for locals on popular (but often crowded) routes where there are paved roads, such as the steppe areas west of Ulaanbaatar. Go with the local flow and you’ll likely save money on the ger experience.

11. Eat meals in local canteens to save

Basic Mongolian restaurants called guanz serve up local specialties such as buuz (steamed mutton dumplings) and tsuivan (fried noodles) along with soups and various meat-based creations. Meals are easy on the wallet, but don’t expect gourmet fare.

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