PROBYTRAVEL
Mongolia

Things to Do in Mongolia

Journey through the land of the eternal blue sky, vast steppes, and nomadic hospitality.

  • CapitalUlaanbaatar
  • CurrencyMongolian Tögrög (MNT)
  • LanguageMongolian
  • Time zoneUTC+8
  • Emergency102 (Police), 103 (Ambulance)

Why visit Mongolia?

Mongolia offers one of the world's last great wildernesses, where a deeply rooted nomadic culture endures alongside boundless landscapes of steppe, desert, and alpine peaks. Travelling here is an immersive lesson in self-reliance, hospitality, and raw nature. From the sprawling, contrast-heavy streets of Ulaanbaatar to the silent expanses of the Gobi Desert, the country demands flexibility and rewards visitors with unforgettable encounters with nomadic herders, eagle hunters, and ancient Buddhist monasteries.

Outside the capital city, infrastructure is minimal, meaning most journeys require sturdy 4WD vehicles and experienced local guides. Accommodation typically takes the form of gers (traditional felt yurts), allowing travelers to sleep under some of the darkest, clearest night skies on Earth. Whether you are riding horses through the lush Orkhon Valley, tracking wild Przewalski's horses in Khustain Nuruu National Park, or witnessing the vibrant Naadam Festival, Mongolia challenges traditional travel comforts and replaces them with genuine adventure.

The Gobi Desert

An immense arid region featuring the towering sand dunes of Khongoryn Els, the fossil-rich red sandstone cliffs of Bayanzag, and the sheer ice walls of Yolyn Am gorge.

Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape

A UNESCO World Heritage site representing the cradle of Mongolian nomadic life, home to the Ulaan Tsutgalan waterfall and the ancient ruins of Karakorum.

Lake Khuvsgul

Known as the Blue Pearl of Mongolia, this pristine alpine lake holds nearly 70% of the country's fresh water and is surrounded by dense larch forests and wildflower meadows.

Altai Tavan Bogd National Park

Located in the far west, this park showcases Mongolia's highest peaks, sweeping glaciers, and the rich cultural traditions of Kazakh eagle hunters.

The Naadam Festival

The country's premier national holiday held in July, where athletes compete across the country in traditional archery, horse racing, and Mongolian wrestling.

Khustain Nuruu National Park

A successful conservation reserve where travelers can spot the Takhi (Przewalski's horse), the world's last remaining subspecies of truly wild horse.

Popular regions

Central Mongolia

Central Mongolia

The green pastoral heartland defined by rolling hills, volcanic landscapes, ancient monasteries, and the Orkhon River. It is the easiest region to access from the capital and offers excellent horse trekking.

The Gobi Desert

The Gobi Desert

The vast southern belt of sand dunes, gravel plains, and rocky massifs. Temperatures are extreme, but it rewards travelers with unique wildlife, dinosaur fossil sites, and dramatic desert scenery.

Western Mongolia

Western Mongolia

A rugged alpine territory dominated by the Altai Mountains. Highly remote and diverse, it is home to Kazakh and Tuvan ethnic minorities, glacial lakes, and ancient petroglyphs.

Northern Mongolia

Northern Mongolia

A region of alpine lakes and Siberian taiga forest bordering Russia. It is the wettest and coldest part of the country, home to Lake Khuvsgul and the nomadic Tsaatan reindeer herders.

When to visit Mongolia

Based on average conditions in Mongolia.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Temperature-16°-12°-2°8°17°22°24°22°16°7°-4°-13°
Rain1d1d2d3d5d8d11d10d6d4d3d2d
CrowdsLowLowLowMedMedMedHighHighMedLowLowLow
  • Cold
  • Comfortable / dry / low crowds
  • Cool–hot / typical / moderate
  • Very hot / wetter / high crowds

Plan your trip to Mongolia

The Classic Central & Gobi Loop

10 - 14 Days

A comprehensive loop covering the sand dunes of the Gobi, the historical ruins of Karakorum, and the volcanic grasslands of the Orkhon Valley.

Western Altai Expedition

12 - 16 Days

Requires a domestic flight to Olgii. Spend your days trekking near glaciers and visiting traditional Kazakh eagle hunters in their summer camps.

Northern Lake Khuvsgul Escape

7 - 10 Days

Travel north to explore Mongolia's massive alpine lake. Perfect for horseback riding, hiking, and boat trips in the forested borderlands.

Short Steppe Highlights

4 - 5 Days

Ideal for tight schedules. Stay near Ulaanbaatar to visit Terelj National Park, the giant Genghis Khan Statue Complex, and Khustain Nuruu National Park.

Getting around Mongolia

Chauffeured 4WD Vehicles

Renting a 4WD vehicle (typically a sturdy Russian Furgon van or a Toyota Land Cruiser) with a professional local driver is the standard and safest way to explore the roadless interior.

Domestic Flights

Local carriers operate scheduled flights from Ulaanbaatar to regional hubs like Olgii (for the West) and Murun (for Lake Khuvsgul), saving days of bumpy overland driving.

Intercity Buses

Large, modern buses connect Ulaanbaatar to provincial capital cities (aimag centers) via paved highways. They are highly affordable but do not venture into national parks or scenic sights.

Costs, food & practical info

Costs

  • Budget

    $40 - $70 USD per day

    Includes utilizing public buses between major provincial towns, staying in basic family-run gers, and eating local mutton-based dishes at canteens.

  • Mid-range

    $120 - $250 USD per day

    Covers hiring a shared Russian UAZ van with a local driver, staying in comfortable tourist ger camps, and hiring an English-speaking guide.

  • Luxury

    $350 - $600+ USD per day

    Includes private travel in modern 4WD Toyota Land Cruisers, staying at high-end eco-lodges like Three Camel Lodge, and customized private itineraries.

Cash is absolutely essential outside Ulaanbaatar. Credit cards are accepted in the capital, but you will need Mongolian Tögrög for transactions in rural aimags (provinces).

Food & drinks

  • Khuushuur (deep-fried meat pastries)$1 - $2 per portion
  • Buuz (steamed mutton dumplings)$2 - $4 per plate
  • Tsuivan (stir-fried noodles with mutton)$3 - $5 per plate
  • Airag (fermented mare's milk)$1 - $2 per liter
  • Khorkhog (traditional barbecue cooked with hot stones)$10 - $15 per portion

Practical

  • Visa Policy

    Mongolia offers visa-free entry for up to 30 days for citizens of many countries, including the EU, US, Canada, and Australia. Check current requirements before departing.

  • Ger Etiquette

    Never step on the threshold of a ger doorway, as it is considered bad luck. Always walk around the central support pillars rather than between them.

  • Mobile Connectivity

    Purchase a local SIM card (Mobicom or Unitel) in Ulaanbaatar. You will get reliable 4G in major towns, but coverage disappears entirely in remote valleys and deserts.

  • Packing Essentials

    Pack thermal layers, a windproof jacket, sturdy hiking boots, and a dust mask for long off-road drives. A high-quality headlamp is vital for dark nights in ger camps.

Insight in one click

Frequently asked questions about visiting Mongolia

How many days do I need for Mongolia? +

You should plan for at least 10 to 14 days. Overland travel times are long due to unpaved roads and vast distances, meaning a shorter trip limits you strictly to areas close to Ulaanbaatar.

When is the best time to visit Mongolia? +

The ideal travel window is from mid-June to early September, when temperatures are warm and ger camps are fully operational. July is the busiest month due to the national Naadam Festival.

What is the ideal route for a first-timer? +

A classic loop combining Central Mongolia (Orkhon Valley, Karakorum) and the Gobi Desert offers the best mix of nomadic culture, history, and dramatic landscapes.

Is Mongolia expensive to visit? +

Budget travel is possible if using public buses to regional hubs and staying in basic homestays. However, renting a private 4WD vehicle with a driver and guide—essential for accessing remote areas—makes it a mid-to-high budget destination.

How do you get around the country? +

Most travelers hire a 4WD vehicle (typically a Russian UAZ van or a Toyota Land Cruiser) with a professional local driver. Independent car rental without a driver is highly discouraged due to the lack of road signs and GPS reliability.

What should I expect from a ger stay? +

Traditional gers are simple but cozy. They feature central wood or dung-burning stoves, single beds with wool blankets, and lack running water. Toilets are usually outhouses.

What are the local dietary staples? +

Mongolian cuisine is heavily meat- and dairy-based, relying on mutton, beef, flour, and milk products. Vegetarians can be accommodated in tourist ger camps, but options are highly limited in remote family homestays.