Mongolia
Mongolia is the most sparsely populated sovereign state on earth: a land of open steppe, Gobi dunes, forested lakes and snow-capped Altai peaks, where herding families still move with the seasons. Most visitors cover the vast distances in a 4x4 with a driver, sleeping in ger camps or with nomadic families during the short, glorious summer.
Overview
Mongolia is almost three times the size of France yet home to only around 3.5 million people, and most of its road network is unpaved track. Trips are built around a few routes out of Ulaanbaatar: south to the Gobi's dunes and dinosaur cliffs, west to Kharkhorin and the Orkhon Valley, north to Lake Khövsgöl, or a long haul to the Altai and the Kazakh eagle hunters of Bayan-Ölgii. Many travellers combine the Gobi and central Mongolia in a two-week loop, adding a domestic flight to reach the far west.
Travel is slow, sociable and dusty. Expect long days bouncing in a Russian UAZ van, nights in tourist ger camps or with herding families, mutton at most meals and few showers away from the main camps. Costs rise with distance, and sharing a driver and guide makes tours far more affordable. The summer window is short, and July, with Naadam, is the busiest month. It suits adaptable travellers who love space, horses and big skies; people are often surprised by the hospitality of strangers and by how cold nights get even in August.
Map of Mongolia
Top 5 highlights
- 1Nature
Khongoryn Els dunes
The Gobi's largest dunes rise up to 300 m and stretch for around 100 km beneath the Gobi Altai mountains. Climb them at sunset, ride Bactrian camels and stay in nearby ger camps.
- 2Sacred site
Erdene Zuu and Kharkhorin
Mongolia's first Buddhist monastery, founded in 1585 beside the ruins of Karakorum, the thirteenth-century Mongol imperial capital, and enclosed by a wall of 108 stupas. It anchors the UNESCO-listed Orkhon Valley.
- 3Nature
Lake Khövsgöl
A deep, clear lake in the northern taiga holding most of Mongolia's fresh water, ringed by larch forest and mountains. Hike, ride or kayak from Khatgal, and meet reindeer-herding communities in the wider region.
- 4Culture
Bayan-Ölgii's eagle hunters
Mongolia's far west is Kazakh country, where eagle hunters train golden eagles for winter hunting. Ölgii is the base for the glaciers of Altai Tavan Bogd National Park and for the October Golden Eagle Festival.
- 5Wildlife
Hustai National Park
About two hours west of Ulaanbaatar, this steppe reserve is where the takhi, or Przewalski's horse, was reintroduced to the wild from 1992. Dusk is the best time to see the herds grazing.
Biggest cities
Ulaanbaatar
Home to almost half of all Mongolians, the capital is sprawling and traffic-choked, but Gandan Monastery, the Chinggis Khaan National Museum and the Bogd Khan Palace merit a couple of days.
Erdenet
A Soviet-planned copper-mining city in the north, built around one of Asia's largest open-pit mines; a convenient overnight stop on the way to Lake Khövsgöl rather than a destination.
Darkhan
An industrial city on the railway and highway north to Russia, of interest mainly as a stop en route to Amarbayasgalant Monastery, one of Mongolia's finest, a few hours' drive west.
Ranked by urban-area population where available. Figures are rounded estimates, and sources define city limits differently, so rankings of similar-sized cities can vary.
When to go to Mongolia
Best time: Jun–Sep.
Average climate in Ulaanbaatar
Festivals & events
- Jan–FebTsagaan Sar
The Lunar New Year, or 'White Month', is a family festival of visiting elders, exchanging greetings and eating mountains of buuz; much of the country closes for several days.
- JulNaadam
The national festival of wrestling, horse racing and archery, held 11–15 July; Ulaanbaatar stages the grandest opening ceremony, while smaller local naadams feel more intimate.
- OctGolden Eagle Festival
Held in early October near Ölgii, where Kazakh eagle hunters in fox-fur hats compete in speed and agility contests with their golden eagles, alongside horseback games.
How much does Mongolia cost?
Estimates per person per day, excluding flights. Prices vary by season and city.
Food to try
Buuz
Steamed dumplings stuffed with minced mutton or beef and onion, eaten by the hundred at Tsagaan Sar and sold at roadside canteens year-round.
Khorkhog
Mutton cooked in a sealed churn or pot with hot stones and vegetables, a countryside feast; diners pass the greasy stones between their hands, said to be good for health.
Airag
Fermented mare's milk, mildly alcoholic and slightly fizzy, made in summer and offered to guests in a bowl; sip at least a little out of politeness.
Getting around
Distances are vast and most roads are dirt, so visitors usually hire a 4x4 or Russian UAZ van with driver and guide through a tour company or guesthouse. Aero Mongolia and Hunnu Air fly to provincial centres such as Ölgii, Mörön and Dalanzadgad. Long-distance buses leave Ulaanbaatar for most aimag capitals, and the Trans-Mongolian Railway runs north to Russia and south to China.
Practical information
- Plugs & voltage
- CEF220V — bring a UK-to-C/E/F adapter
- Emergency numbers
Source: FCDO “Getting help”
- Dialling code
- +976
- Time zones
- UTC+8, UTC+7 (standard time)
- Tap water
- Not safe — drink bottled or treated water
- Driving
- On the right
- Tipping
- Not traditional, but drivers, guides and ger-camp staff on tours expect a tip at the end; restaurants in Ulaanbaatar welcome around 10%.
- Etiquette
- In a ger, step over the threshold rather than on it, move clockwise, never point your feet at the stove or altar, and accept food or drink with your right hand, supporting the elbow with your left.
- Main airports
- Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN), Ulaanbaatar
Visas & entry for Mongolia
Shown for a British passport.
No visa needed
You can visit Mongolia for tourism purposes for up to 30 days without a visa until 31 December 2026.
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Hepatitis ATetanusTyphoid
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- Hepatitis BMeaslesRabiesTick-borne encephalitisTuberculosis
- Yellow fever certificate
- No yellow fever certificate is required to enter.
- Malaria
- No malaria risk
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in Mongolia
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Tue 10 Nov 2026 | Genghis Khan's Birthday |
| Thu 26 Nov 2026 | Republic Day |
| Tue 29 Dec 2026 | National Freedom and Independence Day |
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
| Sun 7 Feb 2027 | Lunar New Year |
| Mon 8 Feb 2027 | Lunar New Year |
| Tue 9 Feb 2027 | Lunar New Year |
| Mon 8 Mar 2027 | International Women's Day |
| Thu 20 May 2027 | The Buddha's Birthday |
| Tue 1 Jun 2027 | Children's Day |
| Sat 10 Jul 2027 | National Festival and People's Revolution Anniversary |
| Sun 11 Jul 2027 | National Festival and People's Revolution Anniversary |
| Mon 12 Jul 2027 | National Festival and People's Revolution Anniversary |
| Tue 13 Jul 2027 | National Festival and People's Revolution Anniversary |
| Wed 14 Jul 2027 | National Festival and People's Revolution Anniversary |
| Thu 15 Jul 2027 | National Festival and People's Revolution Anniversary |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Useful phrases in Mongolian
| English | Mongolian | Say it |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Сайн байна уу | sain BAI-na-oo |
| Thank you | Баярлалаа | BAI-yar-la-laa |
| Please | Гуйя | GOO-ee-yaa |
| Excuse me | Уучлаарай | OOCH-laa-rai |
| How much is this? | Энэ хэд вэ? | EN khed veh |
Know before you go
- Book Naadam-week tours, flights and accommodation well ahead; July is the peak month and Ulaanbaatar's hotels fill up fast.
- Pack layers and a warm sleeping bag even in summer: nights in the Gobi and the north can drop close to freezing, and countryside toilets are usually basic long-drops.
- Withdraw tögrög in Ulaanbaatar or provincial centres; there are few ATMs in the countryside, and herding families and small shops deal only in cash.
Mongolia travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Mongolia?
The best time to visit Mongolia is generally Jun–Sep. Peak months are June, July, August and September. Average highs in Ulaanbaatar range from -16°C to 23°C across the year.
How much does a trip to Mongolia cost per day?
Roughly £35 a day on a tight budget, £90 mid-range and £220+ for comfortable travel, per person including accommodation, food and local transport. Flights are extra.
What currency is used in Mongolia?
Mongolian tögrög (MNT).
What plug type does Mongolia use?
Type C, E and F sockets at 220V. UK visitors need a travel adapter — UK Type G plugs will not fit.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Mongolia?
Traffic drives on the right in Mongolia, unlike the UK.
Is tap water safe to drink in Mongolia?
Not safe — drink bottled or treated water.
Do I need a visa for Mongolia?
For British passport holders, the FCDO says: You can visit Mongolia for tourism purposes for up to 30 days without a visa until 31 December 2026. Entry rules change, so check the official FCDO entry requirements for Mongolia before you travel: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mongolia/entry-requirements
What vaccinations do I need for Mongolia?
TravelHealthPro recommends Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Typhoid for most travellers, with Hepatitis B, Measles, Rabies, Tick-borne encephalitis and Tuberculosis sometimes advised depending on your trip. Make sure routine UK vaccinations are up to date and see a travel health professional 6–8 weeks before you go.
