Travel Information

Travel Information for Mongolia

Mongolia offers something rare in today’s world: vast horizons, living nomadic culture, and true wilderness. With just 1.7 people per square kilometer—the lowest population density of any independent country—it is a land where space, silence, and sky dominate the experience.

Here’s what you need to know before you go.

Best Times to Visit

🌞 May–September (Peak Travel Season)

The main travel season begins in May and peaks in July and August.

  • July: Experience the iconic Naadam festival—Mongolia’s grand celebration of wrestling, horse racing, and archery.
  • August: Ideal weather for exploring the steppe, mountains, and the Gobi Desert.

This period offers the best access to roads and rural areas, though it is also the busiest time with increased tourism.

🍂 September–October (Quiet & Scenic)

September is one of the best-kept secrets for travel:

  • Warm days, cool nights
  • Fewer tourists
  • Excellent opportunities to experience nomadic life

You may also encounter airag (fermented mare’s milk), a traditional and culturally significant drink.

❄ Winter (November–February)

Winter in Mongolia is not for the faint-hearted. Temperatures can drop to –40°C in some regions.

However, winter offers unforgettable cultural immersion:

  • Tsagaan Sar (Lunar New Year) – Mongolia’s most important family celebration.
  • Ice Festival on Lake Khövsgöl.
  • Golden Eagle Festival in western Mongolia, showcasing Kazakh eagle hunters.

Winter tourism is growing, and while conditions are harsh, the rewards are profound—especially for visitors seeking authentic nomadic hospitality.

Climate: The Land of Blue Skies

Mongolia is often called the “Land of Blue Skies,” boasting around 250 sunny days per year.

What to Prepare For:

  • Strong UV exposure year-round
  • Bitter cold winters
  • Hot summers, especially in desert regions
  • Heavy summer rains outside the Gobi
  • Cool nights even in warm seasons

Layering is essential, regardless of when you travel.

What to Bring Back

Mongolia is known for high-quality craftsmanship and natural materials.

🧣 Cashmere

Mongolian cashmere—made from goat, yak, and camel—is among the finest in the world. Sweaters, blankets, socks, and slippers make exceptional souvenirs.

🐎 Leather Goods

Handcrafted leather boots, belts, and accessories are widely available.

🎨 Art & Cultural Items

  • Buddhist artifacts
  • Copper products (Mongolia is rich in copper resources)
  • Paintings by local artists with distinctive Asian styles

⚠️ Note: It is illegal to export antiques or fossils without a permit.

Shopping Tips

The famous Narantuul Market (known as the “Black Market”) in Ulaanbaatar offers the lowest prices on almost everything, including riding boots and traditional clothing.

However:

  • Beware of pickpockets.
  • Some brand-name goods may be counterfeit.
  • Bargaining is common and expected.
  • “Foreigner pricing” exists—negotiation is normal.

Mongolians appreciate generosity and fairness. While bargaining is acceptable, avoid appearing excessively stingy.

Health & Safety

Before traveling:

  • Visit your doctor or travel clinic.
  • Update vaccinations if recommended.
  • Complete medical and dental checkups.

Bring:

  • Prescription medications (in sufficient supply)
  • Anti-diarrheal medicine
  • Pain relievers (ibuprofen or acetaminophen)
  • Stomach relief medication
  • Bug repellent (especially in summer)

Medical facilities outside major cities may be limited.

Staying in Touch

In Ulaanbaatar and provincial centers, internet cafés and mobile networks are available.

  • Prepaid SIM cards are inexpensive.
  • Ensure your phone is unlocked.
  • Rural signal coverage can be unreliable.
  • Postal services are slow; many locals rely on PO boxes.

When traveling in the countryside, expect limited connectivity—and consider it part of the experience.

The True Appeal: Unlimited Wilderness

What draws travelers to Mongolia is not luxury—it is space.

  • Endless grasslands.
  • Nomadic families living in gers.
  • Horses roaming freely.
  • Silence broken only by wind.

In Mongolia, you don’t just visit a destination—you step into a rhythm of life shaped by sky, land, and tradition.

Quick Facts About Mongolia

Mongolia, a landlocked country bordered by China and Russia, is famous for its sweeping steppes, rugged mountains, vast deserts, and enduring nomadic culture. It does not include Inner Mongolia, which is an autonomous region of China, though many ethnic Mongols still reside there.

Basic Information

  • Capital: Ulaanbaatar
  • Area: 604,200 sq miles (1,564,116 km²)
  • Population: Approximately 3 million
  • Time Zone: UTC +7 to +8
  • Country Code: +976
  • Internet TLD: .mn

Government and Politics

  • Government: Parliamentary Democracy
  • Official Language: Khalkha Mongol (≈90%)
    • Other languages: Turkic languages, Russian (common until 1999)
  • Religion: Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana) 97.5%, Islam (primarily southwest), Shamanism, Christian 1.5% (2010 census)

Currency and Economy

  • Currency: Togrog/Tugrik (MNT)
  • Exchange Rate: Roughly 1 USD ≈ 2,000 MNT
  • Notes: Only bills are used; coins are uncommon.
  • Tipping: Not customary in restaurants, but tipping tour guides is appreciated.

Flag and Symbols

  • Flag: Three vertical bands—red, blue, red.
    • Blue: Sky
    • Red: Progress and prosperity
  • Soyombo Symbol: Columnar geometric emblem representing fire, sun, moon, earth, water, and yin-yang.
  • Tug Banner (Sulde): Traditional pole topped with horse or yak tail hairs.
    • White-haired: Peacetime
    • Black-haired: Wartime
    • Symbolizes the centrality of horses in Mongolian life.

Capital Highlights

  • Ulaanbaatar centers around Chinggis Khaan (Genghis Khan) Square, named for the founder of the 13th-century Mongol Empire.
  • A blend of Soviet-era buildings, modern skyscrapers, and traditional ger neighborhoods.

Transportation and Driving

  • Driving: Right-hand side of the road. Creative maneuvering often required off paved roads.
  • Vehicles: Steering wheel usually on the left, though many Japanese imports have right-hand drive.
  • Roads: Increasingly paved, but many remote areas require off-road vehicles.

Electricity and Technology

  • Voltage: 220V
  • Plugs: European, US, and Japanese types may be found, but bringing your own adapter is safest.

Language and Writing

  • Classical Mongolian Script (Hudum Mongol Bichig): The first script created specifically for the Mongolian language.
  • Cyrillic Alphabet: Adopted in 1946; still officially used today.

This country combines vast landscapes, rich traditions, and a unique cultural heritage that continues to thrive amidst modern influences.