Discover Mongolia: Land of the Eternal Blue Sky
This ultimate Mongolia Travel Guide introduces you to one of the world’s most breathtaking and authentic destinations. A land of endless steppes, dramatic mountains, and nomadic spirit, Mongolia offers a rare journey into untouched wilderness and ancient traditions. From the golden sand dunes of the Gobi Desert and the crystal-clear waters of Khövsgöl Lake to the snow-capped peaks of the Altai Mountains and the vast rolling grasslands where wild Takhi horses roam free. Experience the warmth of nomadic families living in traditional gers, witness thrilling Naadam festivals, explore ancient monasteries like Erdene Zuu, and ride across landscapes that have barely changed since the time of Genghis Khan. With its pristine nature, rich cultural heritage, and boundless skies, Mongolia delivers one of the most soul-stirring travel experiences on Earth.
Top Highlights in Mongolia
Travel Budget Guide
Realistic costs for your 30-day trip to Mongolia
Accommodation
Hostel / Guesthouse: 25,000 – 60,000 MNT / night
3★ Hotel: 90,000 – 180,000 MNT / night
Ger Camp / 4★ Hotel: 200,000 – 450,000 MNT / night
Food & Drinks
Street food / Buuz / Khuushuur: 4,000 – 10,000 MNT
Local Restaurant Dinner: 18,000 – 40,000 MNT
Beer / Airag: 5,000 – 12,000 MNT
Coffee / Tea: 3,000 – 8,000 MNT
Transportation
City Bus / Taxi: 2,000 – 8,000 MNT
Intercity Bus: 30,000 – 120,000 MNT
Domestic Flight (Ulaanbaatar–Khövsgöl): 180,000 – 350,000 MNT
Private Driver / 4×4 (per day): 150,000 – 280,000 MNT
Attractions & Activities
National Park Entry: 10,000 – 50,000 MNT
Horse Riding (half day): 60,000 – 120,000 MNT
Monastery / Museum: 5,000 – 25,000 MNT
Guided Tour / Camel Ride: 80,000 – 250,000 MNT
Best Mongolia Itineraries
Transport
How to Get to & Around Mongolia
Best ways to arrive and travel within this vast country
International Arrival
Ulaanbaatar (UBN)
Limited international flights
Europe: €650 – 1,200
Asia: €350 – 850
Domestic Flights
MIAT, Aero Mongolia
Ulaanbaatar → Khövsgöl / Gobi: 180,000 – 380,000 MNT
Fastest way to cover long distances
Buses & Shared Jeeps
Long-distance buses from Dragon Bus Station
Shared jeeps common in countryside
Ulaanbaatar → Khövsgöl: 50,000 – 90,000 MNT
4×4 Rental & Drivers
Essential for countryside
Private driver + 4×4: 150,000 – 300,000 MNT/day
Self-drive possible but challenging
⚠️ Important: Mongolia’s Harsh Environment
Mongolia has one of the most extreme climates on Earth. Temperatures can drop to -40°C in winter and exceed +40°C in summer. Sudden storms, strong winds, and vast remote areas with limited infrastructure are common. Travelers must prepare well: bring quality warm layers, reliable navigation (offline maps), first-aid kit, power banks, and consider hiring experienced local guides or drivers when venturing outside Ulaanbaatar. Always check weather forecasts and respect nomadic hospitality customs.
Things to Do in Mongolia: Top Attractions & Travel Guide
Food & Drink
Hearty, rustic, and deeply flavorful Mongolian cuisine
Must-Try Dishes
• Buuz – Steamed mutton dumplings
• Khuushuur – Fried meat pastries
• Khorkhog – Mongolian barbecue with hot stones
• Tsuivan – Stir-fried noodles with meat & vegetables
• Boodog – Whole roasted goat (special occasions)
Drinks to Try
• Airag – Fermented mare’s milk
• Suutei Tsai – Salty milk tea
• Kumis – Fermented horse milk
• Mongolian Vodka (Arkhi)
• Fresh Yak Milk & Herbal Teas
Where to Eat
• Nomadic family gers (best experience)
• Local markets & food stalls in Ulaanbaatar
• Ger camps & tourist restaurants
• Roadside “guanz” eateries
Budget Tip: Hearty meals often under 15,000 MNT
Food Experiences
• Stay with a nomadic family & eat traditional meals
• Mongolian BBQ & Khorkhog cooking experience
• Airag tasting in the countryside
• Visit a local market in Ulaanbaatar
• Horse milk fermentation workshop
Essential Mongolia Travel Tips
Essential Travel Information for Mongolia
Everything you need to know before your trip
Need To Know
Currency: Mongolian Tugrik (MNT)
Language: Mongolian (English limited outside UB)
Visa: Visa-free for 30 days for most nationalities
Tap Water: Not safe — drink bottled water only
Daily Budget: 80,000–150,000 MNT (budget) / 200,000–350,000 MNT (comfortable)
Practical Tips
• Always carry cash (ATMs scarce outside cities)
• Download offline maps (Maps.me or OsmAnd)
• Respect nomadic culture — ask before entering a ger
• Bring power bank & warm layers even in summer
• Use international roaming or buy local SIM (MobiCom / Unitel)
When To Go
Best Time: June – August (warm & green)
Summer: +15°C to +35°C (ideal for travel)
Winter: Extremely cold (-20°C to -40°C)
Top Events:
• Naadam Festival (July 11–13)
• Golden Eagle Festival (October)
• Tsagaan Sar (Lunar New Year)
Getting There & Around
• Fly into Ulaanbaatar (UBN)
• Domestic flights to remote areas
• 4×4 with driver recommended for countryside
• Shared jeeps & long-distance buses available
