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Mongolia Travel Guide: Vast Horizons & Nomadic Soul

Intro to Mongolia Travel Guide

Where silence stretches beyond the horizon and the sky feels within reach — Mongolia is a place that lives in the soul. From the golden sands of the Gobi Desert to the glacial peaks of the Altai Mountains, Mongolia is a land of extremes. It’s not a country you visit casually — it’s a destination for the adventurous, the curious, and those seeking reconnection with wild nature and ancient traditions.

Whether you’re galloping across the steppe on horseback, sleeping in a ger under starlit skies, or witnessing the age-old spectacle of Naadam, this is a country that challenges and transforms.

Start planning with our complete Mongolia Travel Guide — covering regional breakdowns, top places, nomadic experiences, costs, transport tips, and cultural insight to help you journey responsibly through one of Asia’s last true frontiers.

💡Quick Facts:
Continent: Asia
Country: Mongolia
Area: 1,564,116 km² (603,909 mi²)
Population: ~3.4 million
Density: ~2/km² (one of the lowest in the world)
Capital: Ulaanbaatar
Regions/Subregions: Central Mongolia, Gobi Desert, Khangai Mountains, Altai Mountains, Eastern Steppe
Language(s): Mongolian (official); Russian and English spoken in cities
Currency: Mongolian Tögrög (MNT)
Time Zone(s): UTC+7 to UTC+8 (depending on region); no DST
Airports: Chinggis Khaan Intl. (UBN), domestic airports in Dalanzadgad, Khovd, Murun
Climate: Continental – long, cold winters and short, hot summers
Known For: Nomadic culture, vast steppes, yurt stays, Naadam Festival, Gobi Desert

🛂Arrival Info:
Mongolia offers a mix of visa-free and visa-required access depending on nationality. Policies have become more tourist-friendly in recent years.
Visa-free for citizens of over 60 countries, including the EU, UK, Canada, and Japan, for stays of 30–90 days.
U.S. citizens: Visa-free for up to 90 days.
E-visa available for most other nationalities through Mongolia’s official portal.
Maximum stay: Usually 30 or 90 days depending on country of origin.
Official application: E-Visa Mongolia

💉Health Info:
Routine vaccines: MMR, DTP, Hepatitis A, Influenza.
Recommended: Hepatitis B, Rabies (especially for rural travel), Typhoid.
Altitude: Ulaanbaatar sits at ~1,300m; western Mongolia can reach >3,000m.
Medical care: Limited outside Ulaanbaatar. Major hospitals exist in the capital.
Insurance: Strongly advised, including evacuation coverage.
Travel health updates — get coverage here
Stay Informed with Official Updates: World Health Organization – International Travel and Health | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Global Travel Health

🚨Travel Advisory:
Safety Level: Generally safe; low crime
Risks: Traffic accidents, altitude effects, extreme weather, food/water hygiene
Border Zones: Restricted areas near China/Russia require permits
Emergency Number: 102 (police), 103 (ambulance), 101 (fire)
Stay Informed with Official Updates: US Travel Advisory | UK Foreign Travel Advice

📅Holidays:
Naadam Festival: July 11–13 (Mongolia’s biggest national celebration)
Lunar New Year (Tsagaan Sar): Jan/Feb – dates vary
Independence Day: December 29
International Women’s Day: March 8
Many services close during Tsagaan Sar and Naadam – plan in advance.

💰Money Matters:
Currency: Tögrög (MNT)
Cards: Accepted in Ulaanbaatar; mostly cash-only outside
ATMs: Available in major towns; carry cash for rural travel
Tipping: Not expected, but appreciated (10% in restaurants/tours)
Duty-Free Allowances:
– 2L alcohol, 200 cigarettes
– Electronics and souvenirs must be declared if exceeding USD $5,000 in value

✈️Airports:
Mongolia has one major international airport and a handful of domestic airports.
Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN) – Located ~50 km south of Ulaanbaatar, this is the main international gateway (replacing the old ULN).
Carriers: MIAT Mongolian Airlines, Korean Air, Air China, Turkish Airlines.
Access: Airport shuttle and taxis available.

Domestic Airports:
Dalanzadgad (DLZ) – Gobi Desert access
Murun (MXV) – Khuvsgul Lake
Khovd (HVD) – Altai region

🚍Transport:
Domestic Flights: Useful for remote areas (MIAT and Aero Mongolia)
Long-Distance Buses: Available between major cities; rough roads and long travel times
Minibuses (Micro): Shared vans – flexible but less safe
Car Rentals: Self-drive or 4×4 with driver/guide is common for remote travel
Rail: Trans-Mongolian Railway connects Ulaanbaatar with Russia and China

📶Connectivity:
SIM Cards: Mobicom, Unitel, G-Mobile – affordable with good urban coverage
Wi-Fi: Available in hotels and cafés in Ulaanbaatar
Rural Coverage: Weak to nonexistent outside towns – carry satellite phone for expedition travel
VPN: Recommended for secure browsing

📜Laws & Etiquette:
Drinking Age: 21
Cannabis & Drugs: Strictly illegal – severe penalties
Cultural Etiquette:
– Ask permission before photographing people or gers (yurts)
– Don’t step over someone’s legs or threshold of a ger
– Always accept food/drinks with your right hand
Dress Code: Modest in rural and religious areas
LGBTQ+: Legal but low public visibility – discretion advised outside cities

🛡️Emergency Info:
Emergency Numbers:
– Police: 102
– Ambulance: 103
– Fire: 101
Tourist Police: In Ulaanbaatar
Hospitals: Intermed Hospital, SOS Medica in Ulaanbaatar
Insurance: Required for rural travel, off-roading, and adventure tourism

🌦️Weather:
Climate: Continental
Winter (Nov–Mar): Harsh, −15 to −40°C (5 to −40°F) – extreme cold
Summer (Jun–Aug): Warm, 20–30°C (68–86°F); occasional storms
Spring/Fall: Dust storms and rapidly changing temps
Best Time to Visit: June–September for mild weather and festivals
Weather Forecast

Mongolia by Region – Where to Go

Though sparsely populated, Mongolia’s regions are diverse and powerful in presence. Travel here is about vastness, experience, and immersion in the land.

Central Mongolia

Ulaanbaatar – The capital blends Soviet-era buildings with modern shopping malls and traditional monasteries. Gandan Monastery and the National Museum offer cultural grounding.
Kharkhorin (Karakorum) – The former capital of the Mongol Empire with the iconic Erdene Zuu Monastery nearby.
Orkhon Valley – A UNESCO World Heritage site of spiritual, natural, and historical importance, filled with waterfalls, ancient burial sites, and nomadic families.

Gobi Desert (South)

Dalanzadgad – Base for Gobi adventures including the flaming cliffs of Bayanzag and camel rides in Khongoryn Els dunes.
Yolyn Am (Vulture Valley) – A narrow gorge often home to year-round ice and wild ibex.
Khongoryn Els – Towering sand dunes with singing sands and nomadic camel herders.

Northern Mongolia

Lake Khövsgöl (Khövsgöl Nuur) – Mongolia’s “Blue Pearl,” this alpine lake is perfect for kayaking, reindeer herder visits, and wilderness hiking.
Murun – The regional hub, with access to Tsaatan (Dukha) communities and deep Siberian taiga.

Western Mongolia

Altai Mountains – Towering snowcapped peaks and Kazakhstan-influenced culture.
Bayan-Ölgii – Home of the Kazakh eagle hunters and dramatic mountain landscapes.
Tsambagarav National Park – Known for glaciers, rock art, and remote trekking.

Eastern Mongolia

Choibalsan – Gateway to wide open steppe, wild horses, and Genghis Khan’s early homelands.
Khentii Mountains – Thought to hold the secret burial site of Genghis Khan.

Top Places to Visit in Mongolia

Cultural Capitals

Ulaanbaatar – Museums, monasteries, cashmere shops, and international dining in a city undergoing rapid change.
Kharkhorin – The spiritual and historic seat of the Mongol Empire.

Nature Escapes

Lake Khövsgöl – Pristine alpine beauty, sacred to locals, and ideal for eco-travelers.
Orkhon Valley – Steppe views, waterfalls, and nomadic traditions in one valley.

Adventure Destinations

Gobi Desert – Sand dunes, dinosaur fossils, camel caravans.
Altai Mountains – Trekking, mountaineering, and eagle festivals.

Spiritual Sites

Erdene Zuu Monastery – The first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia, built from the ruins of Genghis Khan’s capital.
Gandan Monastery – One of the few active monasteries in Ulaanbaatar.

How to Choose Where to Go in Mongolia

For nomadic culture: Visit Orkhon Valley, Khövsgöl, or the Altai for immersive ger stays and family visits.
For landscapes: Head to the Gobi Desert or the Altai Mountains for sweeping sand dunes or snowcapped peaks.
For history buffs: Explore Kharkhorin, the National Museum, and Khentii, Genghis Khan’s birthplace.
For wildlife and nature: Seek out Khövsgöl Lake or Yolyn Am for rare birds, reindeer tribes, and remote nature trails.

Mix city access with wild exploration for a transformative journey.

How to Get Around Mongolia

Transport in Mongolia is challenging but rewarding:

Domestic Flights – MIAT and Aero Mongolia offer flights to Murun, Ölgii, and Dalanzadgad. Essential for saving time.
Shared vans & minibuses (mikrik) – Cheapest option, but require flexibility.
Private drivers/tour packages – Most reliable for visiting remote regions; often arranged with local operators.
Trains – Ulaanbaatar is on the Trans-Mongolian Railway linking to China and Russia.
Horse, camel, or yak treks – Traditional and unforgettable ways to reach off-grid valleys.
Apps & Maps – Use Maps.me and local SIMs for offline navigation.