Eastern Asia
Eastern AsiaMongoliaTravel guide
- Ulaanbaatar
- Choibalsan
- Erdenet
- Hovd
- Karakorum
- Mörön
Mongolia offers wide open landscapes, outdoor adventures and a living nomadic culture. Ulaanbaatar is the capital, and travel outside it can be slow and difficult.
Why go
Meet nomadic families and experience their hospitality.
Explore open grasslands, desert, mountains and wild rivers.
Visit Lake Khovsgol and the surrounding forests and mountains.
Enjoy hiking, horse riding, fishing and wildlife photography.
Experience the Naadam festival on July 11–13.
Best time to go: May to September is a good period to visit. July and August have favourable weather but more visitors, while September is quieter with chilly nights.
Getting there
By air
- Chinggis Khaan International Airport serves Ulaanbaatar.
- International connections include Seoul, Beijing, Tokyo, Istanbul and Frankfurt.
- Airlines serving Mongolia include MIAT Mongolian Airlines, Hunnu Air and Korean Air.
By land
- The Trans-Mongolian railway links Ulaanbaatar with Moscow and Beijing.
- Train staff and station staff may not speak English. Bring instant noodles and tea to use with the free hot water on board.
- Paved roads connect Ulaanbaatar with the Chinese and Russian borders.
Customs
- You need a special permit to take antiques out of Mongolia.
Getting around
Domestic flights
AeroMongolia and Hunnu Air offer domestic flights, mostly between Ulaanbaatar and provincial centres. Travel agents, guest houses and hotels can help you buy tickets. AeroMongolia charges foreigners more than local passengers. Hunnu Air uses one price structure.
Train
The rail network mainly follows the route between Russia, Ulaanbaatar and China. Trains are slow but usually leave and arrive close to their scheduled times. Buses on parallel paved roads are much faster.
Bus
Most routes connect Ulaanbaatar with provincial capitals. Direct services between provincial capitals can be hard to find. Ask someone to write your destination in Mongolian Cyrillic, then show it to the driver. A place may be listed under its province or county name instead of its town name. Buy large-bus tickets the day before. Small vans have less reliable departure times. Ulaanbaatar has bus stations near the Dragon Shopping Center and the Botanical Gardens, both on Peace Avenue.
Car
Road accidents are common, and many roads and vehicles are in poor condition. Some cars have no seat belts. Avoid driving at night because roads are often unlit and may have potholes or obstacles. Many destinations require driving away from paved roads. Carry supplies for a breakdown and use a guide who knows the area. Leave extra time in your plans. Breakdowns can cause delays of a day or longer.
What to see and do
Karakorum (Kharkhorin)
Visit the former capital of the Mongol Empire.
Lake Khovsgol
The lake is surrounded by green mountains, pine forests and meadows with grazing horses and yaks.
Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
See some of Mongolia's highest mountains, with snow-covered peaks and glaciers.
Spend time with a nomadic family
Share a meal or stay overnight to experience daily life and local hospitality.
Hike or climb mountains
Smaller mountains can be explored in an afternoon. The highest peaks are best climbed in July and August with special equipment and experienced guides.
Go horse riding
Explore the countryside and the Lake Khovsgol region on horseback.
Food and drink
Buuz
Steamed dumplings filled with meat, often described as Mongolia's national dish.
Khuushuur
Deep-fried flatbread stuffed with meat and onion.
Tsuivan
Fried noodles with meat and a small amount of vegetables.
Boiled mutton
A main food in the countryside, often flavoured with little more than salt.
Dairy foods
Try byaslag fresh cheese, öröm clotted cream and aaruul dried curds. Aaruul can be very hard and is eaten by slowly letting it soften in the mouth.
Khorkhog
Mutton and vegetables cooked with hot stones in a sealed kettle. A guide may be able to arrange it in summer.
Money
Mongolian tögrög (MNT), written ₮; also spelled tugrik or tugrug.
- It is very difficult to exchange tögrög outside Mongolia, so avoid changing more than you need.
- US dollars are widely accepted for larger tourist payments, such as hotels and guides. They are not usable in the countryside.
- High inflation means prices found online may be out of date.
- Some nicer restaurants and hotels in Ulaanbaatar add a service fee, especially for larger groups.
Tipping: Tips are rarely expected, except for tourism services such as guides. Waiters, taxi drivers and hotel attendants do not normally expect tips.
Typical costs
- Six buuz meat dumplings: 1,200–2,000 ₮ in the source.
- A serving of tsuivan noodles: about 2,000–4,000 ₮ in the source.
- Some Ulaanbaatar guest houses: less than US$10 per night in the source.
- A countryside tourist ger: about 5,000 ₮ per person per night, often with breakfast and dinner, in the source.
- A tour-company ger camp: about US$35 per person per night with three meals in the source.
- These figures are examples from the source. Inflation can make older prices unreliable.
Language
- Mongolian is the official language and is written mainly in the Cyrillic alphabet.
- Kazakh is spoken in the westernmost province and by some residents of Ulaanbaatar.
- Many older Mongolians speak Russian, but it is less widely spoken outside Ulaanbaatar.
- English is popular among younger people, but little is spoken outside the capital.
Staying safe
- Keep money and belongings secure in crowds. Pickpocketing and bag slashing occur at the Black Market, railway station and busy bus stops.
- Take extra care at night, especially in Ulaanbaatar and Darkhan. Avoid dark or deserted streets and alleys.
- Avoid approaching people who are drunk. Assaults and aggression have been reported in bars and clubs.
- Lone travellers and women should stay alert to harassment and unwanted touching.
Local customs
Do
- Receive items with your right hand, with your palm facing up.
- Use your right hand, palm up, when drinking.
- Accept gifts and try at least a small bite when offered food.
- Accept an invitation into a ger. Small mistakes in local customs are usually forgiven.
- Keep your tent away from existing nomadic camps.
Don't
- Do not point at people with your index finger.
- Avoid discussing China or wearing items associated with China, as the subject can cause offence.
- Do not touch people's hats.
- Do not assume close dancing will be understood in the same way as at home.
Staying healthy
- Do not drink tap water. Drinking straight from rivers is also not recommended.
- Nomads' dogs may carry rabies. Consider a rabies vaccination before travelling.
- Marmots can carry bubonic plague. The source links fatal cases particularly with eating raw marmot organs.
- Hepatitis and tuberculosis are common throughout Mongolia.
Phone and internet
- Mobicom and Unitel have stores in Ulaanbaatar. Bring your passport when arranging mobile service.
- Mobicom is generally considered to have the best coverage, but Unitel is simpler to set up.
- Mobicom has a shop at Chinggis Khaan International Airport during normal business hours. Its automated kiosk rarely works.
- The source lists a 2026 Mobicom offer of 30 gigabytes of data for 30 days at 30,000 ₮.
Where to stay
- Ulaanbaatar has western-style hotels and cheaper guest houses. Guest houses can be crowded and difficult to get into during the tourist season.
- Countryside hotels are often old and rundown. Locally run tourist gers, traditional nomadic dwellings, are another option and often include breakfast and dinner.
- Tour-company ger camps sometimes accept independent travellers. They tend to be expensive and far from towns.
- Outside cities and larger towns, you can generally pitch a tent on public land. Camp away from nomadic families' existing camps and keep clear of roads.
Outdoor adventures in Mongolia
Mongolia offers open grasslands, desert landscapes, mountain climbs and trips on horseback. Visitors can watch wild horses, explore Lake Khövsgöl or hike near Ulaanbaatar. Travel between places can be an adventure, with few roads outside the capital and smaller towns.
Altai Tavan Bogd mountain climbing
ClimbingWestern Mongolia
July–August for the highest peaksClimb the high peaks with experienced guides and special equipment.
- The highest mountains have snow and glaciers.
- Special equipment and experienced guides are needed.
Lake Khövsgöl outdoor trips
More to doNorthern Mongolianear Khatgal
Bonda Lake Camp in Khatgal offers hiking, fishing, horseback riding, winter trips and visits to nomadic families.
Khustain Nuruu wild horse watching
Wildlife
Khongor Sand Dunes
More to doGobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park, Gobi
Yol Canyon
More to doGobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park, Gobi
Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs
More to doGobinear Dalanzadgad
Visit the cliffs near Dalanzadgad.
Khermen Tsav
More to doGobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park, Gobi
Tsaatan reindeer herder horse trek
TrekHigh mountains west of Lake Khövsgöl
HardJoin a tour to the reindeer herders. Ride horses from Tsagaannuur or Rinchinlhumbe.
- Permit: A border permit, meaning official permission to enter the border area, is required. Get it in Ulaanbaatar or Mörön before the trip. Most licensed tour companies can arrange it if you send your travel details in advance.
- The horse trek can be long and hard.
Darhad Valley trips
More to doNorthern Mongolia
Bonda Lake Camp in Khatgal offers visits to the Darhad Valley.
Gorkhi-Terelj National Park
More to doCentral Mongolianear Ulaanbaatar
The park is 70 km east of Ulaanbaatar.
Uvs Nuur Lake
More to doUvs province, Western Mongolia
Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve
More to do
Khogno Khan National Park
More to do
Sky Resort skiing and snowboarding
SkiingUlaanbaatar areanear Ulaanbaatar
WinterThe resort is 13 km from the city centre. A free bus leaves from the Drama Center beside the Grand Khan Irish Pub. Check departure times; service is less frequent during the week.
- Cost: Under US$20.
Bogd Khan ridge walk
HikeSouth of Ulaanbaatarnear Ulaanbaatar
Easy About 2–3 hours for the ridge sectionTake bus 7, 33 or 43 from outside the Bayangol Hotel to the southern end of the line. Walk south about 100 m to a checkpoint. Bear left at the road fork and continue to a ger camp. The trail starts east of the stream. At the ridge, turn west into the woods.
Bogd Khan Mountain longer route
HikeSouth of Ulaanbaatarnear Ulaanbaatar
Follow the Bogd Khan ridge walk. At the end of the ridge section, continue straight and slightly east towards Bogd Khan Mountain. Follow orange paint marks on the trees.
- This section is long and more challenging, with repeated changes in height.
Karakorum countryside horse riding
More to doKarakorum areanear Kharkhorin
Take a horse trip through the countryside near Kharkhorin, also called Karakorum.
Orkhon Waterfall
More to doSouthwest of Kharkhorinnear Kharkhorin
Travel southwest from Kharkhorin along the west side of the Orkhon River. Cross the bridge at N46 48.503 E102 1.668 to the south side, then continue west to the falls.
Tsenkheriin Agui cave paintings
CaveMankhan district, Khovd provincenear Khovd
Allow two days for the trip from Khovd.Travel to Mankhan district, a little under 100 km southeast of Khovd, to visit the cave paintings.
Baatar Khairhan Mountain
More to doKhovd areanear Khovd
Visit the mountain 6 km south of Khovd and 1 km south of Khovd Airport.
Buyant River swimming
More to doKhovdnear Khovd
SummerThe Buyant River runs through Khovd, where many people swim.
Delgermurun River fishing, swimming and boat trips
More to doMörön areanear Mörön
Head to the river southeast of Mörön for fishing, swimming or a boat tour.
Drop Spring
More to doKhovd areanear Khovd
The spring is on the mountain directly behind Khovd, about 5 km from the centre.
Erdenet northern countryside walk
HikeErdenet areanear Erdenet
20–40 minutes walking north to reach the countrysideWalk north from Erdenet. Countryside is about 20 minutes away; walking farther increases the chance of seeing herders and livestock.
Airports, metros and trains in Mongolia
Airports with scheduled flights
- UBNUlaanbaatar Chinggis Khaan International AirportUlaanbaatar (Sergelen)Main international airport
Trains
- Rail network
- 1,810 km
People and safety in Mongolia
Religion
Most people are Buddhist. Mixed.
- Buddhist52%
- No religion41%
- Muslim3%
- Folk religions3%
- Christian1%
- Other<1%
LGBT+ travellers
Legal
- Same-sex marriage is not recognised.
- Legal gender change is recognised.
- Laws protect against discrimination.
Women travellers
Ranked #44 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.
46% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Who can visit without a visa
Travellers from 69 of 198 countries can visit Mongolia easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Visa not required66
- Visa on arrival3
- eVisa91
- Visa required38
Who can visit easily, by part of the world
For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Europe35 of 46 countries
- Asia20 of 49 countries
- Americas12 of 35 countries
- Oceania2 of 14 countries
- Africa0 of 54 countries
Questions
When is a good time for my first visit?
May to September is a good period. July and August have favourable weather and more visitors; September is quieter, with chilly nights.
Can someone help me buy domestic travel tickets?
Travel agents, hotels and guest houses can help arrange domestic flights. For large buses, buy tickets the day before and ask someone to write your destination in Mongolian Cyrillic.
Will I manage with English?
English is popular among younger Mongolians, but little is spoken outside Ulaanbaatar. Do not expect English-speaking staff on trains or at stations.
Can I pay with US dollars?
US dollars are widely accepted for larger tourist payments, including hotels and guides. They are not usable in the countryside, where you need tögrög.
What food should I expect?
Meals often centre on mutton, meat dumplings, fried noodles and dairy products. Vegetables and spices can be very limited in the countryside.
Can I drink the tap water?
No, tap water is unsafe to drink. Drinking directly from rivers is also not recommended.
Where can I sleep outside Ulaanbaatar?
Options include countryside hotels, locally run tourist gers and tour-company ger camps. You can also generally camp on public land outside cities and larger towns, away from roads and existing nomadic camps.
Will my phone have a signal in the countryside?
Larger population centres have mobile coverage, but you should not expect a signal across the open grasslands. Mobicom is generally considered to have the best coverage.
What should I do when a nomadic family offers food?
Try at least a small bite and receive items with your right hand, palm facing up. Refusing a gift is considered very rude.
Is driving around Mongolia easy?
Many roads are poor, and some destinations require driving away from paved roads. Avoid night driving, use a guide who knows the area and allow extra time for breakdowns.
Reviewed by @snuck