Last update: 12 Oct 2026
* We earn a commission from some links on this page.
Mongolia Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
Mongolia – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
220 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type E
Type C:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Mongolian Tögrög (MNT) £1 ≈ MNT 4,794.15 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 3/5
Cashless payments are becoming more common in Ulaanbaatar, the capital, but cash is still widely used. Credit cards are accepted in larger establishments, and mobile payments are increasingly available in urban areas.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is appreciated in Mongolia, but not obligatory. A tip of 5-10% in restaurants is customary. Taxi drivers may expect small tips, and hotel staff also appreciate small gratuities. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is not generally allowed in Mongolia, and it is advisable to consume alcohol in licensed establishments or private spaces. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is allowed in designated areas in public spaces. Many indoor venues, such as restaurants and bars, have non-smoking sections. |
| Naadam Festival (11–15 July) |
The biggest holiday in Mongolia, celebrating the nation’s cultural heritage with sports and parades |
|---|---|
| Tsagaan Sar (February/March) |
Celebrated in February or March with family gatherings and feasts |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Numbers: 102 (Police), 103 (Ambulance), 101 (Fire) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Bolt, Yandex Go |
| Other: | Mongolia offers a unique travel experience with vast landscapes, including deserts, steppes, and mountains. Travellers should take precautions against the harsh environment and be prepared for basic infrastructure, particularly outside major cities. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Mongolia, Mongolia
Most tourist ger camps and rural services operate only June to September, many close in October
Naadam Festival (wrestling, archery, horse racing) runs 11 to 13 July, book flights and hotels well ahead
Regions differ: Gobi is best May to September, northern lakes and Altai summer, Ulaanbaatar and winter festivals in the cold months
Don't miss
- 🐎 Ride a horse across the vast Mongolian steppe
- 🌌 Stay overnight in a traditional ger under starry skies
- 🛕 Visit the Gandan Monastery and observe morning prayers
- 🐫 Explore the dunes of the Gobi Desert by camel
- 🏹 Attend the Naadam Festival and watch ancient warrior games
- ⛰️ Hike through Terelj National Park’s surreal rock formations
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Mongolia?
Mongolia's appeal lies in its remarkable preservation of both pristine natural environments and traditional nomadic culture. The country offers a glimpse into a way of life that has largely disappeared elsewhere, with opportunities to stay in traditional ger camps, ride horses across endless steppes and witness ancient customs still practiced today. Nature lovers will be mesmerized by the country's diverse landscapes, from the Gobi Desert to the Altai Mountains and the forest steppes, alongside opportunities to encounter unique wildlife and experience some of the clearest night skies on earth. However, travelers should be prepared for certain challenges. The climate can be extremely harsh, with winter temperatures dropping to -40°C in some regions and summer temperatures exceeding 40°C in the Gobi. While major tourist areas have improved infrastructure in recent years, facilities in remote regions can be very basic. Transportation between destinations can be time-consuming due to limited roads and vast distances. Despite these considerations, Mongolia's natural beauty, cultural authenticity and relatively low cost make it a rewarding destination for adventurous travelers.
🏙️Cities & Regions
-
1
Ulaanbaatar
A vast steppe city where traditional nomadic culture meets modern development. The capital hosts historic monasteries, a vibrant arts scene and the Gandan Monastery’s golden stupa, while surrounding grasslands offer horseback riding and wildlife viewing. -
2
Gobi Desert
A vast expanse of sand and rocky plateaus stretches across northern China and southern Mongolia. The Gobi offers dramatic dunes, ancient petroglyphs and rare wildlife such as the Bactrian camel, all under a clear, unspoiled sky.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
🎈Events
-
Naadam Festival (July)
-
Tsagaan Sar (Lunar New Year)
-
Eagle Festival (October)
-
Camel Festival (March)
-
Ice Festival (February)
-
Yak Festival (July)
-
Mongolian Lunar New Year
-
Danshig Naadam
-
Ulaanbaatar Marathon
-
Thousand Camel Festival
Knowledge before you go
- Book tours well in advance for peak summer season.
- Pack layers as nights are cold even in summer; weather changes rapidly across vast steppes.
- Respect nomadic customs: always ask before photographing people or entering a ger camp.
- Download what3words app for navigation, as Mongolia lacks named roads and addresses.
How to travel to Mongolia
Most international visitors arrive in Mongolia through Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar, with connections to major Asian hubs and some European cities. Land entry is possible from Russia and China via the Trans-Mongolian Railway, which is part of the famous Trans-Siberian route. As of March 2025, many nationalities can enter Mongolia visa-free for short stays, but it's advisable to check current requirements before traveling. When planning your trip, consider that the most pleasant weather for sightseeing is from June to September.
Access summary
- Ulaanbaatar: Fly to Chinggis Khaan (UBN) from Asian/European hubs.
- Gobi Desert: Domestic flights from UBN to Dalanzadgad, then tours/jeeps.
- Khuvsgul Lake: Fly or long-distance bus from UBN to Murun, then transfer.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Mongolia
Mongolia offers a range of accommodation options, from international hotels in Ulaanbaatar to traditional ger camps in the countryside. In the capital, you'll find luxury hotels costing around MNT 100 – 200 (£0.02 – 0.04) per night, while mid-range options are available for MNT 40 – 80 (£0.01 – 0.02). Budget accommodations start at around MNT 15 – 30 (£0.00 – 0.01) per night. For an authentic experience, ger camps throughout the countryside offer a glimpse into nomadic life, though facilities can be basic with shared bathrooms and limited electricity. During the peak summer season (July-August), accommodations in popular tourist areas should be booked well in advance.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get around Mongolia
Getting around Mongolia can be challenging due to limited infrastructure. In Ulaanbaatar, taxis and local buses are available for city transportation. For traveling between destinations, domestic flights connect major cities, though schedules can be limited. For more remote areas, hiring a driver with a 4WD vehicle is often necessary, as many roads are unpaved and can become impassable during rainy periods. Organized tours are a popular option for exploring the countryside, offering transportation, accommodation and guides in one package.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in Mongolia are around 64% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to MNT) is 15% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is considerably cheaper compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Mongolia is generally safe for tourists with low violent crime rates. Exercise normal precautions in Ulaanbaatar where pickpocketing can occur. The main safety concerns are related to extreme weather conditions and remote travel where emergency services may be limited.
Health & Medical
Medical facilities are limited outside Ulaanbaatar. Comprehensive travel insurance including evacuation coverage is essential. Altitude sickness can affect travelers in mountainous regions. Stomach issues are common, so be cautious with food and water hygiene.
Accessibility
Accessibility is challenging throughout Mongolia. Even in Ulaanbaatar, sidewalks and buildings often lack proper accessibility features. Rural areas and tourist attractions present significant difficulties for mobility-impaired travelers with rough terrain and limited facilities.
Tap water
Tap water is not safe for drinking throughout Mongolia. Rely on bottled water with sealed caps, which is widely available in cities but may be limited in remote areas. Consider bringing water purification methods for countryside travel.
Packing recommendations for Mongolia
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
🥾
Walking boots
📷
Camera
🌞
Sun cream
hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sun cream
🕶️
Sunglasses
hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sun cream
🪰
Insect repellent
🧥
Warm winter coat
for cooler evenings
🧼
Hand sanitiser
🔦
Torch
🔋
Power bank
🩹
Basic first aid kit
👒
Sun hat
hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sun cream
🌡️
Thermal base layers
for cooler evenings
📃
Travel insurance
🚰
Water bottle with filter
🪪
Copies of passport and important documents
🧻
Wet wipes
🧥
Fleece mid-layer
even in summer
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
🩺
Prescription medicines
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
🛂
Passport
Related articles & guides for Mongolia
Nearby recommended places
Looking for inspiration?
Discover
Top craft destinations and artisan workshops
Craft travel has developed a dedicated following built around the world's great making traditions, artisan communities and the places where specific skills, materials and cultural…
Read more
Discover
Top adventure destinations and outdoor activities
Adventure travel covers an enormous range of activities and risk tolerances, from multi-day wilderness trekking and white water rafting to technical climbing, polar expeditions and…
Read more
Discover
Top camping destinations and outdoor escapes
Camping travel spans an enormous range of experiences from wild backcountry camping in remote wilderness to well-serviced campsite networks with full amenity infrastructure that…
Read more
Discover
Best craft destinations in Asia
Asia contains the world's most diverse and technically sophisticated craft traditions, with ceramics, textiles, lacquerwork, metalsmithing, woodcarving and papermaking traditions…
Read more
Discover
Top volunteering destinations and ethical travel programmes
The best volunteer travel destinations are the ones where the programme actually meets a need the community has identified, rather than one built mainly around the experience for…
Read more
Discover
Top hiking destinations and famous trails
Hiking at its best is one of the most direct ways to engage with a landscape. The pace forces a relationship with terrain, weather and distance that faster forms of travel rarely…
Read more
Discover
Top traditional destinations and cultural heritage sites
Traditional destinations are those where cultural practices, craftsmanship, ceremony and ways of life that predate industrialisation and mass tourism remain visible and active…
Read more
Discover
Top fishing destinations and angling hotspots
Fishing travel has developed a dedicated circuit built around the world's most significant game fishing destinations, fly fishing rivers and deep sea charter operations that draw…
Read more
Discover
Top hidden gem destinations and off-the-beaten-path travel
Hidden gem destinations are those where the gap between quality of experience and level of visitor awareness is widest, producing places that deliver comparable depth to celebrated…
Read more
Discover
Best destinations to visit in October
October settles into full autumn across the Northern Hemisphere, with cooler air, changing leaves and a noticeably quieter travel calendar. Autumn foliage draws travellers to…
Read more
Discover
Top historical destinations and historic sites
The most compelling history destinations are places where the past is still physically present and legible in the landscape, the architecture and the daily life of the people who…
Read more
Discover
Best value travel destinations
The best value destinations aren't necessarily the cheapest: they're the ones where money goes furthest relative to what's actually on offer, whether that's food, accommodation or…
Read more
Discover
Best destinations to visit in June
June marks the real start of summer across most of the Northern Hemisphere, right as the Southern Hemisphere settles into winter. School summer holidays begin in many countries…
Read more
Discover
Top rural retreat destinations and countryside getaways
Rural retreat travel is defined by the deliberate removal from urban pace and density, with landscape immersion, slower rhythms and direct engagement with food, nature and local…
Read more
Discover
Best destinations to visit in July in Asia
July keeps much of Asia deep in its wet season, though a handful of regions actually reach their best conditions of the year this month. India's monsoon peaks in July, while a…
Read more
What other users say about travelfilters
“travelfilters made it easy for me to find ski areas and compare what else they offer, so that I could find the best place for my personal travel style.”
Chris
Snowboarding & Onsen trip to Japan
“I love how transparent the data feels. There is no pushy upsell, just honest information and settings I can tune to my own travel style.”
Maria
After booking her 2027 winter escape
“The level of detail for each destination and how well those are displayed, make planning feel confident instead of overwhelming.”
Mina
Planned a week in New York City
“We used travelfilters for our planning from start to end. The trip turned out even better than expected, thanks to all their tools and customisation options.”
Allan & Etienne
Trip to Japan to see autumn foliage
“Thanks to travelfilters, I found some hidden gems to see. Being able to filter for exactly your interests is a game changer for my travel planning.”
Michael
Tour through the old cities of Northern Italy
“The customizable filters helped me find a quiet beach town with good wifi and low season crowds in under five minutes.”
Diego
Weekend Escape to Llanes, Spain
“The airport connection map saved me hours by showing good flight options from my home airport to lesser-known cities.”
Nguyen
Planning a 2027 trip to France
“The website is clean, fast and focused on the search itself, which makes travelfilters feel more like a professional tool than an ad-heavy booking site.”
Hassan
Christmas Market trip, Germany
