Mongolia Travel Guide: Essential Tips

Explore Mongolia: From the vast Gobi Desert to the vibrant Naadam Festival

National Flag of Mongolia

The 15 Most Searched Questions About Mongolia

The capital of Mongolia is Ulaanbaatar, a bustling city blending modernity with nomadic traditions.

Many nationalities, including the US, EU, and Canada, can enter visa-free for up to 30 days. More details in our Documents tab.

Mongolia uses the Mongolian Tugrik (MNT). More details in our Currency tab.

Mongolia is generally safe, though petty theft can occur in Ulaanbaatar. More details in our Safety tab.

Mongolian is the official language, with Russian and English spoken in tourist areas.

Mongolia is known for the Gobi Desert, its nomadic culture, and the Naadam Festival. More details in our Top Attractions tab.

Summer (June-August) is ideal for the Naadam Festival and milder weather, with temperatures between 15-25°C.

Mongolia can be budget-friendly—expect to spend $30-$60 per day. A local meal costs $4-$8, and a ger camp stay is $20-$40 per night.

Tap water is not recommended—use bottled water, which costs $0.50-$1 per liter.

Must-visits include the Gobi Desert, Khövsgöl Lake, and Terelj National Park. More details in our Top Attractions tab.

Mongolia has a harsh continental climate: warm summers (15-25°C), freezing winters (-30 to -10°C), and mild spring and autumn (0-15°C).

Yes, the Naadam Festival (July 11-13) celebrates traditional sports, while the Tsagaan Sar (February) marks the Lunar New Year.

Popular souvenirs include cashmere products, felt slippers, and traditional deel clothing.

Taxis in Ulaanbaatar cost $2-$5 for short trips. Minibuses to rural areas cost $10-$20. 4x4 rentals for remote areas are $60-$100 per day.

Try buuz, khorkhog, and airag. More details in our Local Cuisine tab.

About Mongolia

Mongolia, located in East Asia, spans 1.56 million square kilometers, making it one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. Ulaanbaatar, the capital, is home to about 1.5 million people, roughly half of Mongolia’s total population of 3.3 million (2023 estimate), predominantly ethnic Mongols with Kazakh minorities. Mongolian is the official language, with Russian and English spoken in tourist areas. Many nationalities, including the US, EU, and Canada, can enter visa-free for up to 30 days, while others can apply for an e-Visa online for $51.50, valid for 30 days. In 2023, Mongolia welcomed around 500,000 tourists, drawn by its vast steppes, nomadic culture, and unique events like the Naadam Festival. The economy relies on mining (coal, copper, gold), agriculture, and tourism, with cashmere and livestock as key sectors. Mongolia’s climate is harsh and continental: warm summers (15-25°C), freezing winters (-30 to -10°C), and mild spring and autumn (0-15°C). Budget travelers can expect to spend $30-$60 per day, with a local meal costing $4-$8 and a coffee $1-$3. Public transport like taxis in Ulaanbaatar costs $2-$5, while minibuses to rural areas cost $10-$20. Cultural events include the Naadam Festival (July 11-13), showcasing traditional sports like wrestling and horse racing, and Tsagaan Sar (February), the Lunar New Year. Mongolia’s history spans the Mongol Empire under Genghis Khan, Chinese rule, and independence in 1921, reflected in sites like the Erdene Zuu Monastery and the Genghis Khan Statue Complex. Natural wonders include the Gobi Desert and Khövsgöl Lake. With its endless landscapes, rich traditions, and adventurous spirit, Mongolia offers an unforgettable experience for intrepid travelers.

Visa & Passport for Mongolia: Entry Requirements for Travelers

  • Passport Requirements: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Mongolia and have at least one blank page for stamps. Children need their own passports—they cannot travel on a parent’s passport.
  • Visa Requirements: Many nationalities, including the US, EU, Canada, Australia, and Japan, can enter visa-free for up to 30 days as of 2023. Others can apply for an e-Visa online at the official Mongolia e-Visa portal for $51.50, valid for 30 days with a single entry. Overstaying incurs fines starting at 100,000 MNT ($30) and potential entry bans. Extensions can be requested at the Immigration Agency in Ulaanbaatar for $30, up to 60 days total stay.
  • Other Requirements: Proof of onward travel and accommodation may be requested at the border. No specific vaccinations are required, though a COVID-19 vaccination certificate might be needed depending on current regulations.

Driving in Mongolia: Road Rules & Tips for Tourists

  • Driver’s License: Foreigners can drive with a valid national license for up to 30 days, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended. Without an IDP, you risk a fine of 50,000 MNT ($15).
  • Road Rules: Drive on the right side of the road. Speed limits are 60 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 100 km/h on highways. Seat belts are mandatory, and the legal blood alcohol limit is 0.0%—fines for violations start at 200,000 MNT ($60).
  • Road Conditions: Roads in Ulaanbaatar are paved but congested; rural roads are often unpaved and rough—use a 4x4 for safety.
  • Car Rental: Available in Ulaanbaatar for $60-$100 per day, especially for 4x4s needed for rural travel. Ensure the car has a GPS.
  • Parking: Parking in Ulaanbaatar costs 1,000-3,000 MNT ($0.30-$1) per hour in central areas; ger camps often offer free parking.
  • Emergency Number: Dial 105 for police or medical emergencies.

Currency in Mongolia: Using the Tugrik for Your Trip

  • Mongolian Tugrik (MNT): The official currency. Banknotes come in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, and 20,000 MNT; coins are 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 MNT.
  • Currency Exchange: Exchange money at banks or licensed exchange offices in Ulaanbaatar for the best rates—avoid black market exchanges, as they’re illegal. ATMs are available in cities but may have withdrawal limits of around 800,000 MNT ($240).
  • Payment Methods: Cash is widely used, especially in rural areas—carry small denominations (1,000-10,000 MNT). Cards are accepted in Ulaanbaatar at some hotels and restaurants; mobile payments like LendMN are growing but not widespread.
  • Costs: A local meal costs $4-$8, a coffee $1-$3, and a ger camp stay $20-$40 per night.

Legal Guide for Mongolia: Laws Travelers Should Know

  • Local Laws: Public drinking is frowned upon and can lead to fines of 50,000 MNT ($15). Drug laws are strict—possession can result in up to 8 years in prison.
  • Cultural Sensitivities: Respect sacred sites like the Erdene Zuu Monastery—avoid pointing your feet at altars. More details in the Culture & Etiquette tab.
  • Photography Restrictions: Photography at military sites or government buildings is prohibited—fines can reach 100,000 MNT ($30). Drones require permits from the Civil Aviation Authority.
  • Public Behavior: Smoking in public places like restaurants is banned—fines start at 50,000 MNT ($15). Littering can result in a fine of 30,000 MNT ($10).
  • Customs Rules: You can bring up to 1 liter of alcohol and 200 cigarettes duty-free. Declare cash over $15,000 or its equivalent in MNT.
  • Emergency Contact: Dial 105 for police or medical emergencies.

Travel Safety in Mongolia: Staying Safe During Your Trip

  • Crime: Mongolia has low crime rates, but petty theft can occur in crowded areas like the Naran Tuul Market in Ulaanbaatar.
  • Road Safety: Rural roads are unpaved and can be dangerous—exercise caution. Avoid driving at night outside cities due to poor visibility.
  • Health Risks: Tap water is not safe to drink—use bottled water. Routine vaccinations are recommended, and consider typhoid and hepatitis A vaccines for rural travel.
  • Natural Hazards: Harsh winters can lead to extreme cold—prepare for temperatures as low as -30°C. Sandstorms are common in the Gobi Desert during spring.
  • Border Areas: Borders with Russia and China are generally safe but remote—check travel advisories before planning trips.
  • Medical Facilities: Hospitals in Ulaanbaatar, like the First Central Hospital, can handle minor issues. Pharmacies are common in cities—look for the “Аптек” (Aptek) sign.
  • Emergency Contacts: Dial 105 for emergencies. The US Embassy in Ulaanbaatar can be reached at +976 7007 6001.

Culture & Etiquette in Mongolia: What to Know

  • Greetings: A handshake is common—say “Sain baina uu” (Hello). Mongolians are hospitable and may offer you tea or airag; it’s polite to accept.
  • Dining Customs: Don’t step over food or utensils—it’s considered disrespectful. When visiting a ger, enter with your right foot first.
  • Community Respect: Dress modestly in rural areas and at religious sites—cover shoulders and knees. Avoid touching someone’s head, as it’s considered sacred.
  • Festivals: The Naadam Festival (July 11-13) celebrates traditional sports like wrestling and horse racing. Tsagaan Sar (February) marks the Lunar New Year with family gatherings.
  • Language Tips: In tourist areas, you might hear “Bayarlalaa” (Thank you). Learning basics like “Sain baina uu” (Hello) shows respect.
  • Social Practices: Tipping 5-10% is appreciated in Ulaanbaatar restaurants. Public displays of affection are generally discreet.

Local Cuisine in Mongolia: Dishes & Drinks to Try

  • Buuz: Steamed dumplings filled with mutton or beef, popular during Tsagaan Sar—$3-$6 per portion.
  • Khorkhog: A traditional barbecue of meat cooked with hot stones—$6-$10 per serving.
  • Airag: Fermented mare’s milk, a mildly alcoholic drink—$1-$2 per cup.
  • Tsuivan: Stir-fried noodles with meat and vegetables—$4-$7 per portion.
  • Bansh: Small boiled dumplings often served in soup—$3-$5 per portion.
  • Where to Eat: In Ulaanbaatar, try buuz at Modern Nomads in the city center. In the Gobi, many ger camps serve authentic khorkhog. Both are highlighted in our Top Attractions tab.

Top Attractions in Mongolia: Must-Visit Places

  • Gobi Desert: A vast desert with sand dunes, dinosaur fossils, and the Flaming Cliffs. Search for tours on Tiqets.
  • Khövsgöl Lake: A pristine alpine lake known as the “Blue Pearl of Mongolia.” Search for tours on Tiqets.
  • Terelj National Park: Scenic landscapes with rock formations and the Turtle Rock. Search for tours on Tiqets.
  • Erdene Zuu Monastery (Kharkhorin): A 16th-century Buddhist monastery near the ancient capital of Karakorum. Search for tours on Tiqets.
  • Genghis Khan Statue Complex (Tsonjin Boldog): A 40-meter tall statue of Genghis Khan on horseback. Search for tours on Tiqets.
  • Orkhon Valley: A UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient ruins and waterfalls. Search for tours on Tiqets.
  • Where to Eat: In Ulaanbaatar, Modern Nomads in the city center serves authentic buuz. In the Gobi, many ger camps offer traditional khorkhog.

Flights to Mongolia: Travel Options

Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN) in Ulaanbaatar is the main entry point, with flights from cities like Seoul, Beijing, and Istanbul. A taxi from UBN to central Ulaanbaatar costs $10-$15 and takes 30 minutes; buses cost 1,000 MNT ($0.30) and take 45 minutes.

Create Your Packing List for Mongolia

Travel Tips for Mongolia

  • Connectivity: SIM cards from Mobicom or Unitel offer 5-10 GB for $5-$10, available at the airport. Pocket Wi-Fi devices cost $8-$15 per day.
  • Health Prep: No specific vaccinations are required, but typhoid and hepatitis A vaccines are recommended for rural travel. Travel insurance covering medical expenses is advised.
  • Weather Prep: Pack for extreme weather—light clothing for summer, heavy layers for winter (especially in the Gobi). Good hiking boots are essential for rural treks.
  • City Navigation: Use taxis or public buses in Ulaanbaatar. For rural areas, consider hiring a 4x4 with a driver ($60-$100 per day).
  • Peak Season: Summer (June-August) is busy due to the Naadam Festival—book ger camps or hotels early, especially in Ulaanbaatar.