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: Book domestic flights early as seats fill quickly during summer. For overland travel, hire experienced drivers with 4WD vehicles through reputable tour operators—roads outside Ulaanbaatar are often unmarked dirt tracks requiring local navigation knowledge.

Money: Carry Mongolian Tugrik in cash for rural areas where cards aren't accepted. ATMs are abundant in Ulaanbaatar but scarce elsewhere. Budget travelers should exchange money in the capital before venturing into the countryside.

Cultural Respect: Never point feet toward the fire or altar in gers, and always walk clockwise inside. Accept offered food and drink—refusing hospitality offends. Remove hats when entering gers and greet elders first with both hands.

Food Safety: Avoid raw dairy products unless from trusted sources. Bottled water is essential outside cities. Traditional meat dishes are generally safe when freshly cooked and served hot. Carry probiotics to adjust to dairy-heavy nomadic diet.

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.