COUNTRY GUIDE
Mongolia
Vast Nomadic Wilderness Where Ancient Traditions Meet Endless Steppes
Mongolia hits different. This is the world's last great nomadic kingdom, where herders still move with the seasons across steppes that stretch beyond the horizon. You'll sleep in felt gers under star-drunk skies, ride horses that know these grasslands better than GPS, and meet families who've lived this way for centuries. Sure, it's not easy travel. The roads are rough, the weather unpredictable, and comfort comes second to authenticity. But that's exactly why Mongolia rewards the curious. Here's how to navigate this vast, untamed country.
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Mongolia Itineraries
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7 Wild Days in Dalanzadgad and the Gobi
Week · $$$
3 Days on the Edge of the Gobi from Dalanzadgad
Weekend · $$$
Wind, Dunes & Wide Skies in the South Gobi
Day Trip · $$$
Desert Romance in Dalanzadgad & the Wild Gobi
Week · $$$
Desert Romance in Dalanzadgad & the Wild Gobi
Weekend · $$$
Romantic Desert Escape in Dalanzadgad’s Wild Gobi Landscapes
Day Trip · $$$
Ulaanbaatar is your gateway, but don't linger too long in the capital. The Blue Sky Hotel offers solid comfort on Peace Avenue, while backpackers gravitate toward UB Guesthouse near the State Department Store. But the real Mongolia begins outside the city. The Gobi Desert's Three Camel Lodge puts you in traditional gers with modern bathrooms—luxury nomad style. In the north, stay with herder families near Khövsgöl Lake. Expect basic amenities but incredible hospitality. Terelj National Park, just 90 minutes from UB, offers the perfect middle ground with ger camps like Mirage Tourist Camp. Book through local operators rather than international chains—you'll pay half the price and support Mongolian families directly.
Money-Saving Tips
- 1.ATMs are rare outside Ulaanbaatar—bring US dollars or euros to exchange at banks
- 2.Haggle for everything except food and accommodation—it's expected in markets
- 3.Local drivers cost half what tour companies charge—ask your guesthouse for recommendations
- 4.Buy a Mongolian SIM card for $5 rather than paying roaming charges
- 5.Ger camps run by families cost $20-30 per night vs $100+ at tourist lodges
- 6.Stock up on supplies in UB—everything costs double in remote areas
- 7.Shared marshrutkas cost $2-5 between towns vs $100+ for private transport
- 8.Eat at local guanzes (canteens) for $3 meals instead of hotel restaurants
Travel Tips
- •Pack layers—temperatures swing 40 degrees between day and night
- •Bring toilet paper and hand sanitizer—facilities are basic outside cities
- •Download offline maps—cell coverage disappears quickly outside Ulaanbaatar
- •Learn basic Mongolian greetings—English is limited outside tourist areas
- •Respect ger etiquette: enter from the left, don't touch the center posts
- •Carry small gifts for herder families—tea, candy, or postcards from home
- •Book domestic flights early—weather delays are common and seats limited
- •Pack a good sleeping bag even for summer—nights get surprisingly cold
Frequently Asked Questions
Mongolia is generally very safe with low crime rates and hospitable locals. The main risks are getting lost in remote areas and weather-related challenges. Stick to established routes, travel with reliable guides, and inform someone of your plans.