FAQs for Mongolia Travel

Is Mongolia a safe destination?

Mongolia has one of the lowest crime rates in the world and compared to the US and Europe, is considered a very safe destination. Mongolian people are known for their nomadic hospitality and they will make you feel very welcome.

How to get to Mongolia ?

The principal ways to Mongolia are by train and by air. Flights are run all year around by National carrier MIAT Mongolian Airlines to Europe: Berlin via Moscow, as well as to Beijing, Seoul, Tokyo and Irkutsk (Russia). Some additional flights are scheduled to Osaka and Nagoya during the summer time. Foreign Airlines such as Aeroflot, Air China, Korean Air are operating flights connecting Ulaanbaatar with Moscow, Beijing and Seoul.
The Trans-Mongolian railway which connects Moscow and Beijing passes through Ulaanbaatar. Mongolian railway runs to Ulaan- Ude, Irkutsk, and Beijing. Read more.

Mongolia Weather

Mongolia is not coldest and remotest part of the world as often portrayed in the Western media. Though winter last from November to March, - 30 Celsius real cold lasts only one month, from mid-December to January. The rest of winter temperature fluctuates around -10 -14 Celsius. Winds are a regular feature of Mongolia, with rarely a day without a slow breeze of 4-9 meters per second. In summer cool winds come mostly from north- west and west bringing in some relief from summer heat. However, sudden collision of warm and cool air masses results in sudden heavy rains.One specific of the weather, visitors to Mongolia should be aware of, is the drastic drop of temperature from day to night. It is strongly advisable to carry a sweater or even light jacket towards the evening. It can become especially chilly at night in South Gobi.One specific of the weather, visitors to Mongolia should be aware of, is the drastic drop of temperature from day to night. It is strongly advisable to carry a sweater or even light jacket towards the evening. It can become especially chilly at night in South Gobi. Read more about When to Visit Mongolia.

How many people will be with me on the tour?

Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travelers (depending on the trip and the booking status), and the guide will lead the group. Whether you are traveling alone or with friends its good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. Trips will appeal to travelers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as seeing new places.

Road condition?

Driving in Mongolia is mostly off road driving on dirt road unless you are in UB. Main travel destinations are connected with paved roads. But some of the remotest corners of Mongolia, such us Taiga Mountains in North Mongolia, far west region, eastern steppes and some of the remote Gobi attractions allow us still off - road driving.

Money and currencies

The exchange rate has been comparatively stable during last two years ranging between 2300-2600 Mongolian tugriks against 1USD. Euro rate averages 1.4-1.5 of USD rate. Make sure to change money at banks or exchange offices in Ulaanbaatar as it is not always possible in the countryside, especially euros and other currencies. Make a note that damaged notes and older notes before 1995 may not be accepted. Credit cards are accepted in large shops and supermarkets in the city. We advice to have mongolian tugricks in your wallet for smaller shops and bazaars as well as for necessary supplies in the countryside.

What kind of plugs are used in Mongolia for electrical gadgets?

The standard voltage in Mongolia is 220 V. Mostly sockets that accept round twin forks are used. If your gadget plug has flat forks you need fork adapter/converter.

Internet and Postal service of Mongolia?

Internet cafes have hit Ulaanbaatar and there are numerous internet cafes along the street in the city. Hotels usually have a business and internet rooms. There is a central post office in Ulaanbaatar where you can buy nice stamps, postcards and envelopes. The post is reasonably reliable although it may take some time to reach its destination.

Mobile Services in Mongolia

Mobile services are getting widely connected throughout the country with central towns and villages. By 2016 all towns and villages are connected by mobile services completely. GSM and CDMA both used. Pre-paid International call cards are widely used.

Will I able to speak people in English ?

The official and spoken language of the country is Mongolian. Many people have Russian as their second language as they were taught this at school. An increasing number of people are now also speaking English.
It is appreciated by locals if travellers learn some basic Mongolian before their trip. A few words are surprisingly easy to master and will help tremendously in communicating with local people. Spend a few dollars and minutes before you go and purchase a copy of the Lonely Planet Mongolian phrase book.

Where to stay in Mongolia? Tell about Accommodation in Mongolia

Day-by-Day accommodation types are indicated in each tour program. In Ulaanbaatar we provide 3/4 star hotels on comfortable double room base with breakfast, whilst we arrange tourist camp, tented camp, or herder- family stay in the countryside. Tourist camps offer hotel-styled mongolian gers for sharing 3-4 persons per a ger. Read more about accommadtion during your trip in Mongolia.

I would like to stay in nomadic family- Is it possible ?

Yes, It is possible. The number one reason to visit Mongolia is that the most of travelers love to spend their time with local family, learning different culture while you are staying with them. Depending of what regions you are going, you will explore different cultural experiences of nomadic lifetsyle such as Kazakh nomad family in western Mongolia, reindeer herders in Taiga of northern Mongolia, Gobi desert and Khangai regions families in central Mongolia.

I am on special diet, Is it hard for me to travel Mongolia?

Are you worrying about your diet and thinking and keeping it in Mongolia is difficult? But it is not that difficult. Once you plan to do Mongolian tour, your chances are going to be doing it on some kind of organized trip. One must do a thing is that make sure to let your Mongolia tour operator know in advance what you do and don’t eat so they have a chance to prepare.As veganism grows in popularity, vegan and vegetarian restaurants are popping up around Ulaanbaatar and many places that you may have thought wouldn’t be vegan-friendly might just surprise you. You may find plenty of selection of restaurants and also other many no-vegan restaurants can serve you what you request. Even local Ger camps arrange your meals as you request to your tour operator, experienced guides will take special care for your vegan& vegetarian travel in Mongolia. If interested in Mongolian traditional cuisine, read more.

What transportation options are avaliable ?

4 x 4 Japanese & Russian vehicles are arranged for touring outside the city. Approximate distance for daily coverage is 100-330 km. Domestic flights are as indicated in the program. Horses and camels will serve you as a transport during trekking tours when the area is not accessible by vehicles. Transfer between the city and the airport is made by mini buses and vans. if you are going with big group, bus is available but keep in mind some destinations such as Taiga in northern Mongolia, Altai mountain regions in western Mongolia and Gobi desert regions have unpaved roads, we will offer you good quality of 4 x 4 off road russian van or 4 x 4 jeep and spilt by 2-4 people per vehicle.

Is there any restriction on domestic flight?

On the internal /domestic/ flights there is a weight restriction of 10 kilograms (22 lbs.) for checked baggage and 5 kilograms (11 lbs.) for hand carried luggage. Overage charges will be about $2.5per pound. Make sure to know your luggage weights and prepare it before your domestic flight in Mongolia.

How much do I tip and tell about tipping etiquitte ?

Though by definition a tip is never legally required, it is recommended when you are on tour. This is not spoiling the market or running hospitality, it is simply being fair. Tips will vary depending on the length and complexity of the trip, the number of staff on the trip and the number of clients on the trip. Generally groups like to meet together before the end of the trek to discuss how much they would like to tip each staff member based on their individual trek experience. Tipping in hotels and restaurants is up to the individual, 10% never goes wrong here.

Please give me packing suggestion ?

Although it will vary according to the trip style you have chosen and when you are traveling, you should pack as lightly as possible. Baggage should be of the round squashy type rather than hard expensive suitcases that are difficult to fit into jeeps and on the backs of camels or horses. Try to use something that is both lockable and water proof. Most travelers carry their luggage in a backpack and bags/suitcases with wheels. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day walks. It is a good idea to bring another smaller bag so that unwanted clothes can be kept in it at the hotel or camp when you go on trek. This also helps to keep city clothes clean and free from dust. Read and download Mongolia Packing List.

Mongolia Trip Planning

Thinking about planning a trip to Mongolia? We help to go through everything you’ll want to consider for planning a Mongolia trip, including advice for making the most of your stay in Mongolia and quirky facts that make Mongolia such a unique place to travel.