Is Mongolia a safe country to travel to?
Yes. Mongolia is one of the safest countries in Asia. However, taking normal precautions is never redundant. Thefts may target busy marketplaces and stations, so stay alert, keep your items in front of you, and refrain from carrying large amounts of cash. Additionally, there's a possibility of encountering drunks on the street at night, and it’s advisable to stay away from them and return to your hotel early when you're touring alone. It's also worth noting that grasslands and deserts have sparse populations and limited signal coverage, so always travel in groups when venturing out.
Horse Racing in Mongolia
Naadam Festival
What to see in Mongolia for first-time travelers?
Plan your Mongolia tour according to your planned visit time.
7-10 Days: For first-time travelers, visit Ulaanbaatar and its neighboring national parks, the stunning Altai Mountains, Khovsgol Lake, a camel ride through the Gobi sand dunes, and the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire, Karakorum.
11 Days or More: Dig deeper and admire the bizarre rock formations in the Gobi Desert, Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, and primal dormant volcanoes. Or combine your tour with Russia and China by the legendary Siberian Railway.
Our private Mongolia tours can be customized according to your duration.
When is the best time to visit Mongolia?
May to October is the best time to schedule your Mongolia tours. In July, the steppes are not only at their greenest, but also welcome the grandest traditional festival, the Naadam Fair, held from July 11th to 13th, featuring events like wrestling, horse racing, and archery. But it's also the peak season, so please plan your trip as early as possible. September and October are ideal months to explore the Gobi Desert because the temperatures are mild and the autumn colors are spectacular for photography. During the period, dress in layers since the temperature will drop at night, even though it is warm during the day.
Temperatures can dip as low as -30°C (-22°F) from November to April, which may lead to the closure of some attractions and accommodations. It is generally not suitable for first-timers to visit. However, if you want some special experiences like the Ice Festival at Khovsgol Lake, we can make the most suitable route for you. All you have to do is pack enough thick, warm clothing.
Do I need a visa to visit Mongolia?
Passport holders of 61 countries or regions, including the US, UK, Canada, and Italy, can enjoy a 14- to 90-day visa-free policy. Tourists who are coming from European countries with no Mongolian diplomatic presence are eligible to obtain an on-arrival visa, holding pre-arrangement visa approval letters. Other visitors can apply for an e-visa online 1-2 weeks before departure.
Gandan Monastery, Ulaanbaatar
Choijin Lama Temple Musuem, Ulaanbaatar
How to get to and travel around Mongolia?
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's commercial and transportation hub, is a popular destination for first-timers, with the majority of foreign flights landing at Genghis Khan International Airport. Domestic flights are also available to connect big cities or regions, such as Dalanzadgad Airport in the south and Moron Airport in the north. In addition to international flights, travelers can also take the train to Ulaanbaatar from Beijing in China or Moscow in Russia.
When traveling around Ulaanbaatar, use car-hailing apps like UB Cab, or hail private cars on the street. Nevertheless, the traffic in Ulaanbaatar is usually congested, so plan your outings beforehand. Once outside the city, traveling on the vast grasslands and deserts requires off-road vehicles to navigate over unpaved dirt roads and gravel paths.
What's it like staying in a Mongolian ger camp?
Ger camps are usually located within or near the scenic spots and offer the most authentic grassland experience. However, the amenities in standard-level ger camps are not as luxurious as those in city hotels. Very few ger camps have Wi-Fi, but you can buy a SIM card with data to access the internet. Meals typically include traditional Mongolian dishes like buns and grilled meat, and Western buffets are also available during peak seasons. Standard gers usually provide communal toilets and bathrooms. If you would like to upgrade to a premium camp with a private bathroom, which typically costs about twice, please feel free to tell our travel consultant.
Read more on Mongolia Travel Guide.