Live Your Best Lives
In Mongolia, you can explore the vast steppes and deserts, visit the ancient monasteries like Erdene Zuu, trek to the stunning Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, experience the Naadam Festival, and go horseback riding with the nomadic people. Don't miss the beautiful Lake Khovsgol and the impressive Kharkhorin, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire.
Mongolia is a landlocked country located between the People's Republic of China and Russia, bordered by both. Its western, northern, and central regions are mostly mountainous, while its eastern region is hilly and plain, and its southern region is bordered by the Gobi Desert. The mountainous terrain is interspersed with rivers and lakes, the main rivers being the Selenga River and its tributary, the Orkhon River.
The Mongolians are a nomadic people, skilled in horseback riding, earning them the nickname "the horseback people." The yurt, a mobile home accustomed to generations of Mongolians, serves as a home for nomads as they move from place to place on the grasslands. Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, was once known as the "City of Yurts," and even today, yurts can be seen amidst the towering skyscrapers of this modern city.
Because of the vast land and sparse population, Mongolia's large population of gazelles and steppe wolves destroys pastures and harms livestock. Therefore, in Mongolia, a country primarily based on animal husbandry and mining, there are legal hunting grounds and activities. Here, you can experience the thrill of hunting with live ammunition, driving an off-road vehicle, and chasing galloping gazelles, steppe wolves, and numerous hares across the vast grasslands and forests. With abundant prey resources, you can fully enjoy the excitement and thrill of the hunt.
July and August are the best time to visit, as Mongolia's grandest Naadam Festival takes place. The Naadam Festival features thrilling horse racing and wrestling, admirable archery, competitive chess, and captivating song and dance.
Recommended number of days for a visit: 2-3 days
Mongolia has a rich history, most notably as the homeland of Genghis Khan, who established the largest contiguous empire in history. The city of Ulaanbaatar is the capital and cultural hub. Mongolia is known for its nomadic traditions, stunning natural landscapes, and historical sites like the ancient capital of Kharkhorin and Buddhist monasteries.
Mongolia is located in Central Asia, bordered by Russia to the north and China to the south. The main international airport is Chinggis Khaan International Airport, located in Ulaanbaatar, which is accessible via taxi, bus, or private car. Inside the city, taxis, buses, and walking are the main modes of transportation.
The best time to visit Mongolia is during the summer months (June-August) when the weather is warm and many festivals occur. The winter months (December-February) are extremely cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing. Most tourist attractions are open year-round, though some may be less accessible in winter due to snow.
Entry fees for attractions in Mongolia vary. For example, entrance to the Erdene Zuu Monastery is around ¥5,000 (approximately $1.5 USD). Tickets can be bought on-site at the entrance of most attractions. For some tours, booking in advance online is possible.
Booking in advance is recommended for popular attractions or tours, especially during the peak travel season (June-August). For major sites like Erdene Zuu or Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, you can often buy tickets on-site, but guided tours should be booked at least a few days in advance.
To fully explore Mongolia, including the capital city Ulaanbaatar and its surroundings, you'll need at least 7-10 days. For remote areas like the Gobi Desert or Lake Khovsgol, more time (up to two weeks) may be required, depending on the depth of your exploration.
Must-see highlights in Mongolia include the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, the Erdene Zuu Monastery, the Gobi Desert, Lake Khovsgol, and the ancient capital of Kharkhorin. The Naadam Festival, held every July, is also a major cultural event worth experiencing.
Guided tours are available for many of Mongolia’s top attractions, such as the Gobi Desert and Erdene Zuu. Most tours are offered in English, and some may also be available in other languages such as Russian or German. Audio guides are limited but available at certain sites like monasteries and museums.
Some of the best photography spots in Mongolia include the vast open steppes, the towering sand dunes of the Gobi Desert, the clear waters of Lake Khovsgol, and the panoramic views of the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. Erdene Zuu Monastery also offers beautiful views of the surrounding valley.
A recommended itinerary for first-time visitors to Mongolia is to start in Ulaanbaatar, visit Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, then head to the ancient capital of Kharkhorin and the Erdene Zuu Monastery. From there, venture to the Gobi Desert and explore its dunes and fossils. For nature lovers, a trip to Lake Khovsgol is highly recommended.
While Mongolia is not known for light shows or night visits to most attractions, some cultural performances and festivals, like the Naadam Festival, offer special events and entertainment. Night-time photography of the vast landscapes or stars is a popular activity for stargazers.
Mongolia can get crowded during the summer months (June-August), particularly in Ulaanbaatar and popular tourist destinations like the Gobi Desert. The least crowded times are in the spring (April-May) and fall (September-October), though some attractions may be harder to reach in the winter months.
Most major attractions have basic facilities like toilets, food stalls, and water. In Ulaanbaatar, there are numerous restaurants, shops, and modern conveniences. In more remote areas like the Gobi Desert or Lake Khovsgol, facilities are more limited, so it's important to bring supplies with you when traveling.
While Ulaanbaatar is relatively accessible, more remote areas of Mongolia, such as the Gobi Desert, may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors due to uneven terrain and limited infrastructure. Most attractions, however, are suitable for children and families.
Cash is widely used in Mongolia, and ATMs are available in Ulaanbaatar. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in Ulaanbaatar, but it’s recommended to carry cash, especially in rural areas where card payments may not be accepted.
Ulaanbaatar has a wide range of restaurants offering both local Mongolian cuisine and international options. For traditional Mongolian food, try The Blue Wolf or Modern Nomads. For international cuisine, there are many cafes and eateries offering dishes from around the world, such as The Khaan Restaurant and Millie's Cafe.
Vegetarian and vegan food options are becoming more available in Ulaanbaatar, though traditional Mongolian cuisine is meat-heavy. Some international restaurants, like Millie's Cafe and The Blue Wolf, offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes. Halal food options are also available in Ulaanbaatar.
Popular hotels in Ulaanbaatar include the Shangri-La Hotel, Kempinski Hotel, and the Novotel Ulaanbaatar. For more budget-friendly options, you can find guesthouses and boutique hotels in the city center, such as the UB City Hotel and the Bayangol Hotel.
Souvenir shops in Ulaanbaatar offer a variety of traditional items, including Mongolian cashmere, felt goods like carpets and bags, hand-carved wooden items, and Shamanic symbols. You can also find traditional Mongolian jewelry and souvenirs at the State Department Store in Ulaanbaatar.
After visiting Ulaanbaatar, you can continue your trip by taking a bus, private car, or even a domestic flight to other parts of Mongolia. The Trans-Siberian Railway also passes through Mongolia, offering a scenic route for travelers continuing to Russia or China.
