Things to Do in Mongolia

About Mongolia

Mongolia sits between Russia and China with some of the emptiest land on Earth—roughly 3 million people spread across plains where wild horses still run free. Nomadic herders live in gers the way their ancestors did. They'll offer you fermented mare's milk and a spot by the fire. The landscape changes fast. The Altai Mountains rise snow-capped in the west, while the Gobi Desert spreads its sand dunes to the south. Between them, grasslands roll for days. You can see the Milky Way here—no light pollution to dull it. Mongolians grew up on horseback. That tradition shows in everything from their posture to their hospitality. Time doesn't move by the clock here. It moves with the sun. The wildflower season turns the hills into carpets of color, though you'll need to time it right. Horses outnumber cars in many areas. That won't change anytime soon. This place gives you space—the kind most people never experience. The quiet takes getting used to. But that quiet is the point.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Ulaanbaatar buses cost 500 MNT ($0.18) per ride. Taxis charge 1,000-2,000 MNT ($0.36-0.71) per kilometer. For countryside, rent a UAZ van with driver for 150,000-250,000 MNT ($54-89) per day. Domestic flights with Hunnu Air or Eznis Airways run 200,000-600,000 MNT ($71-214) to regional airports.

Accommodation: Ger camps charge 80,000-180,000 MNT ($29-64) per night including meals. Guesthouses in Ulaanbaatar cost 50,000-120,000 MNT ($18-43). The Mongolia Steppe Wind ger camp near Khustai offers comfortable stays with traditional meals for 140,000 MNT ($50) nightly.

Food: Mutton dishes at Mongolian Barbecue cost 15,000-25,000 MNT ($5.35-8.95). Airag (fermented mare's milk) costs 2,000-4,000 MNT ($0.71-1.43) per bowl. Traditional buuz dumplings run 1,500-3,000 MNT ($0.54-1.07) each. Dairy products from nomad families are often free with hospitality.

Cultural Experience: Naadam Festival tickets cost 25,000-100,000 MNT ($8.95-35.70) depending on seating. Horse trekking with guides charges 80,000-150,000 MNT ($29-54) per day. Cashmere shopping at State Department Store offers scarves from 180,000-400,000 MNT ($64-143). Throat singing performances cost 15,000 MNT ($5.35).

When to Visit

Mongolia's extreme continental climate creates distinct travel seasons with dramatic temperature swings. Summer (June-August) offers warmest weather with daytime temperatures reaching 25-30°C, though nights can drop to 10°C. This peak season sees 40-50% higher accommodation prices and crowded attractions, but brings lush green steppes and accessible roads. The Naadam Festival (July 11-13) showcases traditional wrestling, archery, and horse racing. Spring (May) and autumn (September) provide excellent shoulder seasons with 20-30% lower costs, mild temperatures (15-20°C), and fewer crowds—ideal for budget travelers and photographers seeking golden grasslands. September offers particularly impressive landscapes with autumn colors. Winter (November-March) brings extreme cold (-20 to -40°C) but 50% lower prices and unique experiences like ice festivals and winter nomad visits—perfect for hardy adventurers seeking authentic cultural immersion. The Golden Eagle Festival occurs in early October in western Mongolia. Rainfall peaks in July-August (80-100mm monthly) but rarely disrupts travel plans. Adventure travelers should target June-September for accessible remote regions, while cultural ensoiasts can visit year-round with proper clothing preparation.