Where to Stay in Mongolia
A regional guide to accommodation across the country
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Regions of Mongolia
Each region offers a distinct character and accommodation scene. Find the one that matches your travel plans.
The capital region offers Mongolia's most diverse accommodation options, from international luxury hotels to budget hostels. This area serves as the gateway for most visitors and provides the country's highest concentration of modern amenities. The nearby Terelj National Park area features numerous tourist ger camps within easy reach of the capital.
The vast Gobi features seasonal tourist ger camps clustered near major attractions like the Flaming Cliffs, Khongoryn Els sand dunes, and Yolyn Am canyon. Accommodation is rustic but atmospheric, with most camps operating June-September only. Aimag centers like Dalanzadgad offer basic year-round hotels for budget-conscious travelers.
This pristine lake region offers some of Mongolia's most scenic ger camp locations along the shoreline, ranging from backpacker-friendly to upscale eco-lodges. The area is popular for hiking, horseback riding, and winter ice festivals. Mörön serves as the regional hub with basic hotels and guesthouses.
This UNESCO World Heritage region combines historical sites with beautiful landscapes, offering ger camps near Orkhon Waterfall and the ancient capital of Karakorum. Kharkhorin town has modest guesthouses and small hotels. The area provides an accessible introduction to countryside travel with good infrastructure by Mongolian standards.
Mongolia's least-visited region offers authentic nomadic experiences with fewer tourist facilities. Accommodation is primarily in local guesthouses in aimag centers or homestays with herder families. This area suits adventurous travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences and wildlife viewing in vast, empty landscapes.
This remote mountainous region features dramatic scenery and Kazakh eagle hunter culture. Accommodation is extremely limited, consisting mainly of basic guesthouses in Ölgii and Bayan-Ölgii, plus a few tourist ger camps near Tsambagarav Mountain. Infrastructure is minimal and travel here requires careful planning.
The birthplace of Chinggis Khan offers forested mountains and rivers with developing tourism infrastructure. Ger camps cater to fishing enthusiasts and those exploring Chinggis Khan historical sites. The region provides a greener, more wooded landscape than typical Mongolian steppes.
Just 80km from Ulaanbaatar, this park has the highest concentration of tourist ger camps in Mongolia, ranging from budget to luxury. It's the most accessible countryside experience, making it popular for short trips and first-time ger stays. Some camps operate year-round due to proximity to the capital.
This transitional zone between the Gobi Desert and Altai Mountains sees few tourists but offers dramatic scenery and authentic experiences. Accommodation is limited to basic aimag center hotels and occasional community-run ger camps. The region suits independent travelers with flexible itineraries.
Famous for wild Przewalski's horses, this park offers several well-managed ger camps with good facilities and guided wildlife viewing. Located between Ulaanbaatar and Kharkhorin, it makes an excellent stopover point. Accommodation standards here are generally higher than average for countryside camps.
Accommodation Landscape
What to expect from accommodation options across Mongolia
International hotel chains in Mongolia are limited almost exclusively to Ulaanbaatar, with properties from Shangri-La, Kempinski, Ramada, Best Western, and Novotel serving business travelers and upscale tourists. These hotels offer familiar Western standards, reliable English-speaking staff, and modern amenities. Outside the capital, domestic hotel chains are virtually non-existent, with accommodation being independently owned and operated. The gap between international hotel standards and local options is significant.
Local accommodation ranges from Soviet-era concrete hotels in aimag centers to family-run guesthouses and small boutique hotels in Ulaanbaatar. Provincial hotels typically offer basic, clean rooms with shared or private bathrooms, minimal English, and simple breakfast options. In Ulaanbaatar, a growing number of locally-owned boutique hotels and modern guesthouses cater to independent travelers with more personality than chain hotels but less infrastructure than international properties. Many are family-run with genuine hospitality but varying professionalism.
The ger (yurt) is Mongolia's signature accommodation experience and shouldn't be missed. Tourist ger camps range from basic setups with shared pit toilets and no showers to luxury camps with en-suite bathrooms, wood-stove heating, restaurant facilities, and organized activities. Traditional gers are circular felt tents with wooden frames, featuring a central stove and colorful interior decorations. Some camps offer 'glamping' experiences with electricity, proper beds, and modern bathrooms while maintaining traditional aesthetics. Homestays with nomadic herder families provide the most authentic experience, though facilities are extremely basic. A few high-end camps now offer heated gers with attached bathroom facilities, blending tradition with comfort.
Booking Tips for Mongolia
Country-specific advice for finding the best accommodation
Accommodation around July 11-13 for Naadam Festival sells out rapidly and prices increase dramatically. Book as early as possible for Ulaanbaatar and popular countryside destinations. Consider staying outside the capital and commuting in, or adjust travel dates to before/after the festival if flexibility allows.
Most countryside ger camps operate only from June through September, with some opening in May or extending to October. Always confirm operational dates before booking, as websites may not reflect current seasons. Winter travelers should expect very limited options outside Ulaanbaatar and aimag centers.
Many ger camps don't have online booking systems or English-speaking staff. Booking through reputable Ulaanbaatar-based tour operators ensures confirmed reservations, transportation coordination, and English-language support. This is especially important for multi-destination itineraries across remote areas.
Ger camp pricing varies widely in what's included—some offer full board with activities, others just accommodation. Clarify whether meals, transfers, guides, and activities are included in quoted prices. Remote camps may be all-inclusive by necessity, while those near roads may charge separately for services.
Credit cards are rarely accepted outside Ulaanbaatar hotels, and even aimag center hotels may be cash-only. ATMs exist in provincial capitals but can be unreliable. Withdraw sufficient Mongolian tögrög in Ulaanbaatar to cover countryside accommodation and expenses, plus emergency backup.
Standards vary enormously in aimag center hotels, and online photos can be misleading. Check recent reviews on multiple platforms for realistic expectations regarding hot water, cleanliness, heating, and noise levels. What's acceptable varies greatly depending on traveler expectations and experience.
When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability across Mongolia
For June-August travel, book Ulaanbaatar hotels 2-4 weeks ahead and popular ger camps (Gobi, Khövsgöl, Terelj) 4-8 weeks ahead. Naadam Festival period requires 3-6 months advance booking. Last-minute availability exists but limits choices significantly.
May and September offer more flexibility with 1-2 weeks advance booking usually sufficient for most locations. Some ger camps may not yet be open in early May or may close in late September, so confirm operational dates when booking.
October-April sees minimal tourism outside Ulaanbaatar, and countryside ger camps are largely closed. City hotels can be booked with just a few days notice, though selection is best with 1-2 weeks advance booking. Ice festival season (late February-March) at Khövsgöl Lake requires advance planning.
Book Ulaanbaatar accommodation 2-3 weeks ahead year-round for best selection. For countryside ger camps in summer, book 4-6 weeks ahead, or 3-6 months for Naadam period. Consider booking entire itineraries through tour operators for seamless countryside travel coordination.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information for Mongolia