Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Mongolia
Experience authentic local culture on a shoestring budget with hostels, street food, and public transport
Daily Budget: ₮48,000-123,000 ($14-35) per day
Complete breakdown of costs for budget/backpacker travel in Mongolia
Accommodation
₮25,000-60,000 ($7-17) per night
Grab a bunk in guesthouses near Peace Avenue, crash in budget hostels clustered around the university district, or sleep under felt in basic ger camps on the city outskirts.
Browse budget/backpacker accommodation →Food & Dining
₮15,000-35,000 ($4-10) per day
Snatch Buuz dumplings from street carts, wolf down khuushuur fried pancakes at local canteens, and rely on instant noodles from convenience stores when the night runs late.
Transportation
₮3,000-8,000 ($1-2) per day
Hop on Ulaanbaatar city buses, squeeze into shared microbuses the locals call 'micros', or simply walk within central districts.
Activities
₮5,000-20,000 ($1.50-6) per day
Join free walking tours of Sukhbaatar Square, lace up for hiking in the Bogd Khan mountain area, and lose yourself exploring Narantuul market.
Currency: ₮ Mongolian Tugrik
Money-Saving Tips
Eat at workers' canteens near government buildings instead of tourist restaurants, meals run 60-70% cheaper.
Ride the Ulaanbaatar city bus system instead of taxis, single rides cost ₮500 compared to ₮5,000-8,000 for taxis.
Book accommodation during weekdays rather than weekends, prices often drop 20-30% for city hotels.
Shop at Narantuul 'Black Market' for groceries and supplies instead of supermarkets, expect 40-50% savings.
Travel in shoulder seasons (October or April) for 25-40% discounts on accommodation and tours.
Join shared tours rather than private ones, group tours typically cost 60-70% less per person.
Common Budget Mistakes to Avoid
Taking taxis everywhere instead of using public transport, daily transport costs can increase 5-8 times.
Eating only in hotel restaurants or tourist areas, meals typically cost 150-200% more than local spots.
Booking tours through hotel concierges instead of local operators, expect 30-50% markup for convenience.