TRAVEL TO MONGOLIA
When you want to feel small - in the best possible way
Explore a world of nomadic traditions, endless steppes, wild horses and desert adventures.
Landscapes that seem to stretch forever
If you want to get lost in that unforgettable traveller kind of way, Mongolia is the place to go. This is a country of vast grasslands, snow-capped mountains, dramatic desert and some of the darkest night skies you'll ever see. With one of the world's lowest population densities, it's remarkably easy to leave civilisation behind and immerse yourself in nature. Ride horseback across the steppe, spend the night in a traditional ger and discover a culture shaped by centuries of nomadic life. If you're looking for adventure and a true sense of remoteness, Mongolia is hard to beat.
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Discover the Mongolian life on the move
While much of the world settled down long ago, many Mongolians - around 40 % - still follow the rhythms of a nomadic lifestyle. Families move with the seasons, taking their livestock to fresh grazing land and rebuilding their tents called "gers" several times a year. Staying with a local family offers a rare window into this way of life. Expect warm hospitality, hearty home-cooked food, stories shared over tea and, if your hosts are feeling generous, a taste of the country's famously acquired favourite: fermented mare's milk called "airag".
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What to do in Mongolia?
Visit the Gobi Desert
The Gobi isn't just sand. It's a landscape of towering dunes, rocky canyons, dramatic, colourful cliffs and wide-open plains where it's possible to drive for hours without seeing another vehicle. One moment you're climbing golden dunes, the next you're exploring ancient dinosaur fossil sites or watching wild camels roam one of the world's most remote deserts which covers 1/3 of the country.
Ride across the steppe
You simply can't visit Mongolia without spending time on horseback. Horses are woven into the country's identity, and riding across the endless grasslands gives you a completely different perspective on the landscape than if you're travelling by car. This way, you don't just see the landscape but feel it, smell it and become a part of it. Multi-day horse treks take you deep into remote regions that are inaccessible by road and therefore rarely visited by travellers.
Sleep beneath Mongolia's biggest roof
Sleeping in a traditional ger isn't just accommodation – it's part of the experience. Wake to the sound of grazing animals outside, help your hosts with everyday life, enjoy simple meals cooked over the stove and end the day beneath a sky so clear that the Milky Way feels close enough to touch.
Spend time in Ulaanbaatar
Most journeys begin or end in the capital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, and it's worth lingering. Visit Gandan Monastery, browse museums filled with everything from Buddhist treasures to dinosaur fossils discovered in the Gobi, then settle into one of the city's cafés. Home to around half of Mongolia's population, the capital offers a fascinating contrast to the country's vast open spaces.
Venture into Mongolia's national parks
Hike among the giant granite formations, forests and rivers of Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, just a short drive from Ulaanbaatar. Look for the rare Przewalski's horse in Khustain National Park or venture to the rugged landscapes of Ikh Nart Nature Reserve, where Argali sheep with their spectacular curling horns roam the rocky hills. If time allows, head west to the Altai Mountains, where glaciers, high peaks and eagle hunters create a side of Mongolia few travellers experience.
Experience Mongolia's biggest celebrations
If you're travelling in July, don't miss Naadam. Across the country, communities gather to celebrate wrestling, horse racing and archery in a festival that's recognised by UNESCO as part of humanity's cultural heritage. Visit in September instead, and you could witness the remarkable Altai Eagle Festival, where Kazakh eagle hunters demonstrate skills passed down through generations.
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When is the best time to visit Mongolia?
Most travellers visit between June and September, when the weather is mild and much of the country is accessible. Temperatures are typically around 17–23 degrees, although they can be significantly higher in the Gobi Desert and much colder in the mountains. July is the busiest month thanks to the Naadam Festival, while June and September are ideal if you'd rather avoid the biggest crowds. Spring brings wildflowers across the steppe, but temperatures can vary dramatically, while autumn paints the northern forests in rich shades of gold.
Winter transforms Mongolia into a frozen wilderness, with temperatures that regularly drop to -50. It's spectacular, but definitely not for the faint-hearted and big parts of the country are inaccessible.
In general, Mongolia's weather is unpredictable and can change quickly, especially in the desert and the mountains. If you're heading into the Gobi Desert, be prepared for anything. Temperatures can vary dramatically between day and night, and while one day may be warm and sunny, the next could bring snow.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Mongolia is generally a very safe destination for travellers. In the capital, Ulaanbaatar, it's sensible to keep an eye on your belongings and take the usual travel precautions. If you're heading into the countryside, remember that adventure travel comes with its own challenges and requires careful preparation. Weather can change quickly, roads are often rough, and you may drive for hours through remote wilderness without seeing another person. Make sure you're well prepared by carrying a first-aid kit, extra food and water, warm layers and other essentials, so you're ready if plans change or you run into unexpected delays.
At least a couple of weeks. Distances are huge, and travelling slowly is part of the experience.
Mongolia is generally a mid-range destination. Accommodation, food and day-to-day expenses are usually affordable, but transport can drive up your budget. Outside Ulaanbaatar, public transport is limited, so many travellers join organised tours or hire a driver to reach remote areas. International flights can also be relatively expensive, as there are fewer flight connections than to many other destinations in Asia. Travelling independently is possible, but it often isn't much cheaper once you factor in transport costs.
Joining a guided overland tour is the easiest way to reach Mongolia's remote regions and make the most of your time. Independent travel is possible, but it requires careful planning, especially if you're venturing beyond Ulaanbaatar. Distances are vast, public transport is limited and road conditions can be unpredictable, so getting around often takes longer than you might expect.
Yes. Many tours include overnight stays in traditional gers, giving you the chance to experience everyday life with local hosts.
June to September offers the best conditions for horse riding, hiking and exploring the countryside. The winter is harsh and temperatures can drop to -50.
Mongolia is known for its vast steppe, the Gobi Desert, nomadic culture, horse riding, Genghis Khan and the Naadam Festival.
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