Vast, untamed, and deeply spiritual, Mongolia offers some of the most unique travel experiences in Asia. From exploring the Gobi Desert to spotting wildlife in pristine national parks, every journey reveals the country’s rugged beauty and ancient soul. Experience authentic nomadic life, witness cultural festivals, and uncover offbeat places to visit in Mongolia that few travelers ever reach. Whether you seek adventure, nature, or meaning, Mongolia invites you to travel deeper — and discover the world in its purest form.
Top Things to Do in Mongolia
The Gobi Desert Expedition
In the 1920s, an American explorer named Roy Chapman Andrews led an expedition deep into Mongolia’s Gobi Desert — a place so vast and silent it seemed untouched by time. Amid the fiery red cliffs of Bayanzag, his team uncovered the world’s first dinosaur eggs, rewriting the history of life on Earth. What was once an empty wilderness became a living museum of fossils and secrets buried for millennia.
Today, travelers retrace those footsteps across shifting dunes and golden steppes. A Gobi Desert expedition isn’t just a journey through Mongolia’s wilderness — it’s a passage through prehistory, where every gust of wind whispers stories from a forgotten world. Are you ready to cross its sands and uncover its ancient secrets?
Horseback Safari Across the Steppe
Across the endless Mongolian steppe, every hoofbeat once carried the lifeblood of an empire. Genghis Khan’s riders — feared as “Hell’s Horsemen” — could cover up to 80 miles a day, crossing deserts and mountains once deemed impassable, racing along a network of waystations where horses were swapped and messages delivered. The empire thrived on this rhythm, unstoppable and precise, enabling them to conquer the Chinese empire. When Kublai Khan lost control of the breeding grounds, the mounted army’s pulse faltered, and the empire’s might waned.
Even today, horses remain central to Mongol life; beyond Ulaanbaatar, they are still used for travel and hunting. Riding these legendary steeds, you feel the steppe’s ancient heartbeat. Today, as you ride these legendary horses, you feel the steppe’s ancient heartbeat. Are you ready to follow it?
Live with Nomads in the Heartland
Centuries ago, Mongol herders moved with the pulse of the steppe, following their herds across windswept plains. They needed homes that could be assembled and dismantled quickly, yet withstand relentless winds across treeless lands. Square or rectangular structures would not survive, so they adopted the yurt — circular, portable, and resilient, easily packed onto oxen to move with the family. Even Genghis Khan traveled and planned from his grand khibitkha, hauled by 20 oxen as he rode with his army into battle.
Today, stepping into a nomad’s ger, you share dawn milking, ride with the herd, and gather around fires that have warmed generations. Life here moves in rhythm with the land itself. Are you ready to step into history?
Experience Mongolia’s Naadam Festival
Centuries ago, on the vast Mongolian steppe, warriors tested their strength, skill, and endurance through wrestling, archery, and long-distance horse racing — the foundations of what would become Naadam, the “Three Games of Men.” Among the legends is Yesunge, a master archer who shot a target from over 500 meters, a remarkable feat inscribed on a 13th-century stone stele, now housed in the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg since 1832. Over time, these competitions evolved into a festival celebrating Mongolia’s independence, nomadic heritage, and warrior spirit.
Today, dust rises from galloping horses, crowds cheer wrestlers in ceremonial costumes, and arrows fly with centuries of history behind them. Are you ready to step into a story written on the steppe itself?
Visit the Reindeer Herders of the North
In the remote northern taiga, the Tsaatan live in profound harmony with their reindeer, seeing them not merely as animals but as the spirits of their ancestors, guiding and protecting them. Their diet reflects this sacred bond — reindeer milk, cheese, and yogurt sustain them, supplemented by hunted game, dried mutton, and foraged berries. Rarely do they consume reindeer meat. Children grow up toughened to the cold, and families often split when school attendance is required for those over six.
Today, the Tsaatan strive to preserve their traditions amid a changing world and the pressures of climate. Are you ready to witness this extraordinary bond and live alongside them in the harsh northern wilderness?
Discover Karakorum and the Erdene Zuu Monastery
In the 13th century, Karakorum was the pulsing heart of the Mongol Empire, where traders, envoys, and artisans converged from every corner of the known world. At the center of the city stood the legendary Silver Tree, a towering sculpture crowned by an angelic automaton. Its roots poured mare’s milk while branches delivered grape wine, rice wine, and honey mead — a feat of engineering as ingenious as it was extravagant. William of Rubruck, a Flemish friar, marveled at the fountain, witnessing an empire’s wealth, creativity, and audacity in one dazzling display. There is no record of what became of this marvel after the fall of the Mongol Empire in 1368; today, the only remnant in the region is the Erdene Zuu Monastery.
Walking through the remnants of Karakorum and Erdene Zuu, you feel the echo of a capital that once shaped the world, where every street, market, and monument tells a story of power and ingenuity. Are you ready to step into a city where history flowed like wine?
Mongolia Travel by Season
Mongolia unfolds across vast steppes, deserts, and mountains, with a climate shaped by altitude and latitude—from the frozen northern taiga to the sun-baked Gobi Desert. The country moves through four distinct moods every season.
Khavar / Spring Season
March to May
Wildflowers bloom and foals are born. Perfect for horse treks and early Gobi explorations.
Recommended Destinations:
Gobi Desert, Karakorum, Orkhon Valley
Zun / Summer Season
June to August
Long sunny days bring the Naadam Festival alive. Horse rides, mountain treks, and vibrant nomadic life await.
Recommended Destinations:
Hokkaido, Okinawa, & Kamikochi
Namar/ Autumn Season
September to October
Golden grasslands and clear skies make it ideal for photography and cultural immersion.
Recommended Destinations:
Gobi Desert, Khustain Nuruu, Orkhon Valley
Övöl / Winter Season
November to February
Snowy steppes and frozen lakes create a serene landscape. Ideal for visiting reindeer herders and exploring northern taiga.
Recommended Destinations:
Hovsgol Lake, Tsaatan Villages, Ulaanbaatar
Mongolia Travel: FAQs
What is the best time to visit Mongolia for travellers?
The best time to visit Mongolia is during the summer months from June to September when the weather is warm and the steppes are lush and green. Spring (Khavar) and Autumn (Namar) are also appealing for travellers who enjoy mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Winter (Övöl) offers a unique experience of snow-covered landscapes, frozen rivers, and nomadic life, though temperatures can drop below -30°C. Summer is ideal for exploring the Gobi Desert, attending the Naadam Festival, and taking horse treks across the Mongolian steppe.
How many days are enough for Mongolia?
A 10 to 14-day itinerary provides a balanced experience of Mongolia, covering Ulaanbaatar, the Gobi Desert, the Altai Mountains, and northern taiga regions. For shorter trips, 7 days can offer highlights like Karakorum, Erdene Zuu Monastery, and a taste of nomadic life. Longer trips of 3 weeks allow in-depth exploration of Mongolia’s national parks, eagle festivals, and remote herding communities.
What kind of traveller is Mongolia ideal for?
Mongolia is perfect for adventure travellers, cultural enthusiasts, and nature lovers seeking offbeat experiences. From horse treks on the steppe and desert expeditions in the Gobi to staying with nomadic herders and exploring ancient monasteries, Mongolia offers a combination of cultural immersion and rugged outdoor adventure.
What is Mongolia famous for?
Mongolia is renowned for its vast, untouched landscapes, the nomadic lifestyle, and historical empires led by Genghis Khan. Visitors are drawn to the Gobi Desert, the Great Mongolian Steppe, eagle hunting in the Altai Mountains, Naadam Festival, and the rich heritage of Karakorum and Erdene Zuu Monastery. Mongolia is also famous for horse riding, reindeer herding in the north, and its deep connection between people and nature.
Is Mongolia part of Asia?
Yes, Mongolia is located in East and Central Asia, bordered by Russia to the north and China to the south. Its diverse landscapes, from mountains and steppes to deserts, make it a unique Asian destination distinct from its neighboring countries.
Do Indian travellers need a visa to visit Mongolia?
Yes, Indian travellers require a visa to visit Mongolia. E-visas are available for short-term tourism stays, making the application process straightforward. Standard tourist visas can also be obtained from the Mongolian embassy in India.
What currency is used in Mongolia, and can travellers use credit cards?
The official currency of Mongolia is the Mongolian Tugrik (MNT). While Ulaanbaatar has ATMs and establishments that accept credit cards, smaller towns, rural areas, and nomadic camps operate primarily on cash. Carrying a combination of local currency and USD is recommended for convenience.
What language is spoken in Mongolia?
Mongolian is the official language. In Ulaanbaatar and tourist-focused areas, English is commonly spoken, but in remote regions, communication may require a guide or translator.
What local etiquette should travellers follow in Mongolia?
Mongolia has deep-rooted traditions, including respect for elders, hospitality customs, and spiritual practices at monasteries and sacred sites. When visiting gers (yurts), remove shoes, offer a small gift, and follow the host’s guidance. Avoid pointing at sacred mountains and always ask before photographing locals.
What should travellers know about Mongolian food and dietary options?
Mongolian cuisine is hearty, featuring meat (mostly mutton and beef), dairy products, and simple grains. Signature dishes include buuz (steamed dumplings), khuushuur (fried meat pastries), and airag (fermented mare’s milk). Vegetarians may need to plan ahead, as plant-based options are limited outside major cities.
Is Mongolia budget-friendly, and how much should travellers budget per day?
Mongolia can cater to both mid-range and luxury travellers. Budget travellers can expect to spend around ₹4,400–₹7,100 per day, covering guesthouses, local transport, and meals. For those seeking luxury or guided expeditions with private vehicles, premium ger camps, and curated experiences, daily costs typically range from ₹26,600–₹44,400 or more.
What are the main airports in Mongolia for international travellers?
The primary international airport is Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN) in Ulaanbaatar. Domestic flights connect to regional hubs such as Dalanzadgad (for the Gobi Desert) and Khovd (for western Mongolia).
How easy is it to travel around Mongolia?
Travel across Mongolia can be challenging due to vast distances and limited infrastructure. Options include domestic flights, private 4×4 vehicles, and guided tours. In rural areas, horse trekking and camel rides provide authentic mobility.
Is it safe and legal for foreigners to drive or rent cars in Mongolia?
Foreigners can drive in Mongolia with an international driving permit, though local driving conditions require caution. Roads outside Ulaanbaatar can be rough or unpaved. We strongly recommend hiring drivers or joining guided tours for convenience and safety.
What is the connectivity like between major cities in Mongolia?
Connectivity is limited outside Ulaanbaatar. While there are domestic flights, buses, and trains linking major cities, remote destinations are best accessed through private vehicles or guided expeditions. Planning and local guidance are essential for smooth travel.
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