Mongolia is a vast and captivating country in East Asia. It’s known for its rugged landscapes, nomadic culture, and rich history. Mongolia’s diverse terrain includes expansive steppes, towering mountains, and the arid Gobi Desert. You can travel cheap to Mongolia as the prices in the country are more affordable than in Western countries.
Ulaanbaatar
In Ulaanbaatar, the capital city, visitors can explore cultural attractions like the Gandan Monastery, which is home to impressive Buddhist statues, and the National Museum of Mongolia, which showcases the country’s history and heritage. The city also offers a mix of modern and traditional experiences, with bustling markets and lively street scenes.
In Ulaanbaatar, visitors can witness a unique blend of Soviet-influenced communist statues and architecture that reflects the country’s historical ties with the Soviet Union. The city’s central square is home to a massive statue of Genghis Khan, a symbol of Mongolia’s pride in its historical heritage and a nod to the socialist era when the iconic leader was celebrated as a national hero. Additionally, remnants of the communist era can be found in the city’s architecture, with imposing buildings showcasing the grandeur and uniformity typical of socialist design. These structures stand alongside more modern developments, creating a fascinating juxtaposition between the city’s past and its present, offering visitors a glimpse into Mongolia’s evolving identity and complex history.
Nature
For nature enthusiasts, Terelj National Park is a must-visit destination. Located close to Ulaanbaatar, it features rock formations, lush valleys, and rivers. Hiking, horse riding, and visiting iconic spots like Turtle Rock and Aryabal Meditation Temple are popular activities here. Khustai National Park is famous for its successful reintroduction of the Przewalski’s horse to the wild. Visitors can spot these rare wild horses and enjoy the park’s vast grasslands and rocky terrain.
The Gobi Desert in Mongolia is a captivating and otherworldly landscape that stretches across vast expanses of the country. Known as one of the largest and most extreme deserts on Earth, the Gobi mesmerizes with its stunning sand dunes, rugged cliffs, and peculiar rock formations. Travelers exploring the Gobi can witness the dramatic “Flaming Cliffs” (Bayanzag), famous for its rich deposits of dinosaur fossils, offering a glimpse into prehistoric times. The desert is also home to unique wildlife, such as the elusive snow leopard, Bactrian camels, and various bird species, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike. Adventurers can experience camel treks across the desert, immersing themselves in the tranquil and vast surroundings while connecting with the nomadic culture that has thrived in this challenging landscape for centuries.
Other Activities
Historical enthusiasts can travel to Kharkhorin, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire. Here, they can explore the Erdene Zuu Monastery, the oldest Buddhist monastery in Mongolia, and the ruins of the ancient city. There are many other places you can visit in Mongolia depending on your interests.
In Mongolia, visitors can enjoy various activities like horseback riding across the vast steppes, trekking through stunning mountains, and witnessing eagle hunting with Kazakh nomads. The country’s nomadic culture offers unique opportunities to experience traditional hospitality, stay in traditional gers (yurts), and participate in local festivals.
What sets Mongolia apart from other countries is its vast and untouched landscapes, allowing visitors to experience the raw beauty of nature and explore remote areas. The nomadic way of life is a central part of Mongolia’s identity, making it a distinctive cultural experience for travelers. With its rich history and unique wildlife, Mongolia offers a sense of adventure and a chance to connect with the natural world like no other place on Earth.
Conclusion
Mongolia is a captivating country with rugged landscapes, nomadic culture, and rich history. Ulaanbaatar offers a mix of modern and traditional experiences. Nature enthusiasts can explore Terelj and Khustai National Parks, while the Gobi Desert mesmerizes with sand dunes and fossils. Historical sites in Kharkhorin showcase Mongolia’s past. The nomadic lifestyle offers unique adventures, like horseback riding and eagle hunting. Mongolia’s vast, untouched landscapes and distinctive culture make it a truly one-of-a-kind destination. You can travel cheap to Mongolia as food, accommodation, but for example also traveling by horses is more affordable than in Western countries.
Transportation
Tourists can explore Mongolia’s vast and diverse landscapes through various travel options. You can travel by public buses, which are a cheap option running between major cities. Overnight train journeys are another comfortable option for covering longer distances while enjoying the changing panoramas outside. You can rent a car and drive, but Mongolia’s road infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, may not be well-maintained, and some roads can be rough and unpaved, making driving more difficult. Mongolia’s domestic flights offer a quicker way to access more remote regions, such as the Gobi Desert and the far west, where travelers can witness stunning landscapes and unique wildlife.
For those seeking a more immersive experience, horse trekking provides an authentic way to traverse the countryside, following ancient paths and connecting with the traditional way of life. This way of travel is usual in Mongolia and it is a cheap option.
Seasons info
The peak tourist season is during summer. Jul-Aug. You can travel during spring and fall, but the road conditions can be challenging at the beginning of spring and end of fall. Winter is cold in Mongolia with snow, and it is not an ideal time to visit Mongolia as the road conditions are bad and accommodation may be closed.
You can find weather by month in a table in Data tables.
Prices info
Mongolia generally offers lower prices compared to Western countries. Accommodation, transportation, food, and activities are more affordable, making it a budget-friendly destination.
Customs, laws, safety
Customs and laws in Mongolia can be different than in EU and US so do your research before your stay.
Mongolia is generally considered a safe destination for tourists.
Some remote locations may only be for experienced tourists as it is possible you will not meet anyone for days. In remote locations, you should also be prepared to eat meat or carry your own food as there may not be many options available. Horse meat is traditional food in Mongolia. Mobile signal may not cover remote areas. You should also ask for permission before taking photographs of people or their property. There may be a language barrier so be prepared with an offline way to translate.
We have marked this as difficult destination only for experienced tourists mainly because of the remote locations (without mobile phone signal), road and weather conditions, and language barrier. If you only plan to go to main towns and use public transportation you will be fine. But if you plan to go to remote areas it is possible there will not be anywhere to for example buy food or fuel for days so you need to be prepared.
– Mongolia is not LGBTQIA+ friendly, homosexuality is not illegal in the country.
Food and water safety
It is generally recommended to avoid drinking tap water in Mongolia. When dining at local establishments, choose cooked and hot meals, and pay attention to the hygiene and cleanliness of the place. Street food can be tempting, but it’s crucial to be cautious about where and what you eat. Avoid consuming raw or undercooked meats, seafood, and unpasteurized dairy products
Digital nomads
While internet connectivity may be reliable in urban areas, it’s essential to be prepared for occasional connectivity challenges in more remote regions.
The country is more affordable than some Western countries.
Other info
– Safety – US Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
– EU, UK, and US citizens do not need visa to visit Mongolia
– Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid vaccinations are recommended (consult with your doctor)
– Read our Cheap travel tips
– You can find weather by month, difficulty level, and LGBT friendliness in our Data tables.
– You can join Couchsurfing for free accommodation
– Follow us on social media for every day suggestions:
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