Mongolia Destination Guide
This essential guide will help you prepare for an unforgettable journey through the vast landscapes of Mongolia.
Essential Travel Information for Mongolia
Everything you need to know before your Mongolia adventure
Visa & Entry Requirements
- Visa Requirements: Most travelers need a visa to enter Mongolia, though some nationalities are eligible for visa-free short stays. If required, visas can be obtained on arrival at Ulaanbaatar’s airport.
- Passport Validity: Must be valid for at least six months beyond your departure date.
- Entry Form: Visitors must complete an entry form upon arrival.
- Health Requirements: Check current vaccination and entry requirements before departure.
Mobile & Internet
- SIM Cards: Mobicom, Unitel, and Skytel offer affordable data. Purchase at the airport.
- Coverage: Coverage is good in cities and most towns, but limited in remote areas. Purchasing a local SIM card is recommended.
- WiFi: Available in hotels and cafes in Ulaanbaatar, but limited in the countryside, where only some tourist camps offer access.
- Power: Mongolia uses 220V, 50Hz with European-style outlets (Types C and E).
- Charging: Devices can be charged via USB in vehicles using a car cigarette lighter. Electricity is available in tourist camps after dinner, while nomadic homes typically do not have access to electricity.
Currency & Payments
- Mongolian Tugrik (MNT) is the official currency. 1 USD ≈ 3,400 MNT.
- Cash is King: Credit cards are accepted in hotels and some restaurants in Ulaanbaatar, but outside the city—and in taxis—cash is generally required.
- ATMs: Available in Ulaanbaatar and larger towns, but rare in rural areas.
Time Zone
- Mongolia follows Ulaanbaatar Time (ULAT) – UTC +8.
- Mongolia is 13-14 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Time, depending on daylight saving time.
Climate & Weather
- Continental Climate: Extreme temperatures with short summers and long, cold winters.
- Summer (Jun-Aug): Warm days (15-30°C/59-86°F) and cool nights.
- Winter (Nov-Mar): Very cold (-40 to -10°C/-40 to 14°F).
- Best Time to Visit: June to September for the warmest weather and cultural festivals.
Emergency Contacts
- Mongolia Emergency: 📞 102 (Police), 103 (Ambulance)
- U.S. Embassy: 📞 +976 7007-6001
- UK Embassy: 📞 +976 1145-8133
- Tourist Police (Ulaanbaatar): 📞 +976 7010-1102
Water & Food Safety
- Tap Water Safety: Avoid tap water, even in the capital. Drink only treated, filtered, or boiled water.
- Bottled Water: Widely available in cities and tourist camps.
- Snacks & Drinks: Tourist camps sell snacks and drinks, but they may be overpriced. Consider buying supplies from supermarkets in cities.
- Food Safety: Stick to well-cooked food and be cautious with street food.
Transportation
- Ulaanbaatar: Good bus network available for city travel.
- Taxis: Widely available in Ulaanbaatar, with official taxis costing about 1,000 MNT (≈$0.50) per kilometer. For added convenience, the UB Cab app offers an easy-to-use, English-language ride-hailing option.
- Ride-Sharing: No ride-share apps (Uber, Lyft) are available in Mongolia as they are not permitted.
Accommodation & Activities
- Night Lighting: Torches/flashlights are needed at night.
- Tour Guide: One guide will accompany your group for the entire trip.
- Activity Alternatives: If you're uncomfortable with activities like camel riding, alternatives are available (e.g., hiking on cliff ridges instead).
- Laundry: Most tourist camps offer laundry services, typically costing between $5–20 USD depending on the type and amount of clothing. Plan for at least two nights if using the service.
- Heating: Tourist camp yurts are often heated with wood and coal, and the camp staff takes care of maintaining the fire.
- Pillows: Tourist camps provide pillows, but some are firm and may be filled with rice. If you prefer a softer pillow, it’s best to bring your own.
Packing Checklist for Mongolia
Use this checklist to ensure you pack everything you need for your Mongolia adventure
Travel Documents & Essentials
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Visa for Mongolia
- Flight itinerary & proof of onward travel
- Travel insurance details (essential for remote travel)
- Credit/debit cards
- Cash in USD (to exchange for Mongolian Tugrik)
- Copies of important documents (separate from originals)
- Emergency contact information
- Travel adapter (European Type C/E plugs)
- Vaccination records
Clothing & Accessories
- Layered clothing (even summer nights can be cold)
- Thermal underwear (for cooler nights)
- Light, moisture-wicking shirts
- Long pants/convertible pants
- Warm fleece or sweater
- Windproof/waterproof jacket
- Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots
- Sandals for ger camps
- Sun hat with wide brim
- Bandana or buff (for dust protection)
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Swimsuit
Health & Safety
- First-aid kit with basics
- Prescription medications (in original packaging)
- Pain relievers and anti-inflammatories
- Altitude sickness medication (if visiting mountains)
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Broad-spectrum antibiotics (prescription required)
- Rehydration salts
- Strong sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Lip balm with SPF
- Insect repellent
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
- Water purification tablets or filter
- Spare pair of glasses/contacts
Equipment & Miscellaneous
- Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
- Power bank/portable charger (essential for remote areas)
- Camera with extra batteries/memory cards
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing
- Day pack for excursions
- Reusable water bottle (1L minimum)
- Sleeping bag liner (for ger stays)
- Quick-dry travel towel
- Earplugs and eye mask
- Toilet paper (for outdoor excursions)
- Small sewing kit
- Basic Mongolian phrasebook or language app
- Hiking poles
- Items for Nomadic families
Mongolia-Specific Packing Tips
- Prepare for extreme temperature changes, even in summer. Days can be hot, while nights drop to near-freezing.
- Bring comfortable slip-on shoes for entering gers (traditional Mongolian homes).
- Bring small gifts for - quality pens, photos of your home country, or small tools are appreciated.
- Pack a buff or bandana to protect against dust, especially when traveling by road.
Top Destinations & Experiences
Discover the incredible places you'll visit during your Mongolia adventure
Ulaanbaatar
Mongolia's capital combines Soviet-era architecture with modern development and traditional culture.
Must-See Attractions:
- Gandantegchinlen Monastery – Mongolia's largest functioning Buddhist monastery.
- National Museum of Mongolia – Explore the country's rich history from prehistoric times to the present.
- Sukhbaatar Square – The central square named after Mongolia's revolutionary hero.
- Zaisan Memorial – Soviet monument with panoramic city views.
Gobi Desert
Experience the otherworldly landscapes of the world's northernmost desert.
Desert Highlights:
- Khongoryn Els – "Singing Dunes" that can reach 300m in height.
- Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag) – Famous for dinosaur fossil discoveries, with stunning sunset colors.
- Yolyn Am – "Eagle Valley" with dramatic gorges and unique wildlife.
- Camel riding – Trek across the dunes on Bactrian camels with local guides.
Central Mongolia & Orkhon Valley
The cultural heartland of Mongolia, with ancient monasteries and endless steppe.
Highlights:
- Kharkhorin – Site of Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire.
- Erdene Zuu Monastery – Mongolia's oldest Buddhist monastery, built in 1586.
- Orkhon Valley – UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning landscapes and nomadic herders.
- Tsenkher Hot Springs – Natural hot springs providing relaxation after days of adventure.
Must-Try Foods
Mongolian cuisine is hearty, meat-based, and designed to provide energy in the harsh climate. Here are some traditional dishes you should try:
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Khorkhog
Traditional Mongolian barbecue cooked with hot stones and lamb.
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Buuz
Steamed dumplings filled with mutton and onions.
🥛
Airag
Fermented mare's milk is a traditional and ceremonial drink.
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Tsuivan
Hand-made noodles stir-fried with meat and vegetables.
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Aaruul
Dried curds that can be stored for months are a nomadic staple.
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Boortsog
Deep-fried dough is often served with tea or as a snack.
Local Culture & Responsible Travel
Tips for respectful travel and cultural awareness during your adventure
Mongolian Etiquette
- Ger (Yurt) Etiquette: Enter clockwise, never step on the threshold, accept offered food/drink, and sit with feet pointed away from the altar.
- Greetings: The traditional greeting is "Sain baina uu" with a slight bow. Handshakes are common in cities. Learning basic Mongolian phrases is especially useful in rural areas, where English may be limited.
- Gift Exchange: Small gifts are appreciated when visiting homes. Receive gifts with both hands as a sign of respect.
- Touching: Never touch a Mongolian person's head, as it's considered sacred, or belt.
- Nature Respect: Don't pollute water sources, and respect ovoos (sacred stone cairns).
- Hands: Always accept food or drink with your right hand, using the left only for support.
Responsible Tourism
- Environmental Impact: Mongolia's fragile ecosystems are vulnerable to climate change. Pack out all trash and minimize your footprint.
- Supporting Locals: Buy handmade crafts directly from artisans and stay with nomadic families when possible.
- Photography: Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural areas; many Mongolians prefer posed photos. Photography is often restricted inside monasteries and temples, though exterior photos are usually allowed.
- Wildlife: Maintain distance from wild animals and never feed them.
- Cultural Preservation: Respect religious sites and traditional customs to help preserve Mongolia's unique heritage.
⚠️ Important Safety Note
Mongolia's vast wilderness can be dangerous for unprepared travelers. Never venture into remote areas without a guide, always carry extra water and food, and ensure someone knows your itinerary. Weather can change rapidly, so be prepared for extreme conditions even in summer.
Additional Travel Tips
- Cash is Essential: ATMs are unavailable outside major cities.
- Communication: Learn basic Mongolian phrases – locals appreciate the effort.
- Transportation: Expect long, bumpy rides on unpaved roads between distant attractions. With limited public transport, private or shared vehicles are usually required, and travel may be affected by seasonal conditions.
- Dietary Restrictions: Special meals are available for gluten-free or vegetarian diets, but options are limited. Gluten-free meals typically include rice with vegetables, fruit, yogurt, and meat. Vegetarian meals usually feature rice, cooked or fried vegetables, pasta, and some beans. Bringing your own snacks or supplements is recommended. Travelers should communicate and prep accordingly, as Mongolian cuisine is heavily meat- and dairy-based.
- Bites & Stings: Mongolia has a few venomous snakes (rarely encountered), and bee or wasp stings are usually painful but not dangerous; travelers should wear closed shoes and long trousers, avoid putting hands into holes or crevices, carry allergy medication if needed, and note that sting-relief products are more readily available in cities than rural areas.
- Exports: Avoid purchasing authentic antiques, fossils, religious artifacts, or animal products, as exporting these items is illegal.
- Nomadic Family Visit Etiquette: It’s customary to leave a small, thoughtful gift for nomadic hosts as a thank-you—items like postcards from your country, instant photos, or sweets are appreciated, while cash is discouraged. Practical gifts like headlamps, batteries, notepads, etc., are also appreciated. Always ask permission before taking photos; many people prefer to be asked first and are often happy to pose, especially if you can share a copy afterward.
- Water Safety: Tap water—especially in Ulaanbaatar—is not recommended due to possible contaminants. Bottled water is widely available and recommended throughout your travels. Drink only bottled, filtered, or boiled water.
- Business Hours: Hours vary by location and season—Ulaanbaatar businesses generally operate Monday–Friday with later hours than the countryside, where shops and facilities often close earlier, may shut on weekends, and museums may operate only on select days.
- Fresh Produce: Limited fresh fruits and vegetables are available during travel. You may find items like apples or oranges in towns, but fresh produce is generally scarce.
- Altitude: Some regions are at high elevation – acclimatize slowly.
- Patience: Embrace the nomadic concept of flexible time.
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Luggage Restrictions
