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Accommodation in Mongolia
Where you stay in Mongolia is often as memorable as the places you visit.
Accommodation in Mongolia ranges from modern hotels in Ulaanbaatar to traditional ger camps on the steppe, simple guesthouses in remote towns, family stays with nomadic households, and expedition camps in some of the country's most isolated wilderness areas.
Unlike many destinations where accommodation follows predictable international standards, lodging in Mongolia is often an important part of the travel experience itself. Understanding what to expect will help you prepare for a comfortable and rewarding journey.
Hotels in Mongolia
Hotels are widely available in Ulaanbaatar and most provincial centers throughout the country.
In the capital city, visitors can choose from international hotel brands, boutique properties, and business hotels offering standards comparable to those found in many other countries. Well-known options include Shangri-La, Kempinski, Best Western Premier Tuushin, and Blue Sky Hotel.
Outside Ulaanbaatar, accommodation becomes more varied. Provincial centers generally provide a selection of hotels and guesthouses suitable for regional travel, although facilities and service levels may differ from those found in larger cities.
Ger Camps in Mongolia
Ger camps are the most common form of accommodation for travelers exploring rural Mongolia.
Inspired by the traditional homes of Mongolia's nomadic families, tourist ger camps typically offer private sleeping gers combined with shared dining facilities and communal services.
Facilities vary considerably between camps. Standard camps usually provide shared bathrooms and showers, while deluxe and premium camps may offer private bathrooms, ensuite gers, improved heating systems, upgraded furnishings, and more reliable electricity.
Most ger camps also feature a central restaurant or dining hall where meals are served and travelers gather in the evenings.
For many visitors, spending a night in a traditional ger beneath Mongolia's vast skies becomes one of the highlights of the journey.
Guesthouses and Family Stays
In regions where tourism infrastructure is limited, travelers may stay in guesthouses or family homes.
These accommodations are generally simpler than hotels or established ger camps but often provide a more personal experience and a closer connection with local communities.
Guesthouses and family stays are particularly common in western Mongolia and remote rural areas where tourism remains small-scale.
Many travelers arrive believing nomadic life is very different from their own. After sharing tea, conversation, and daily activities, they often discover that families in Mongolia value many of the same things they do—family, children, work, hospitality, and community.
Camping in Mongolia
Camping remains an important part of travel in some regions of Mongolia.
Remote expeditions, wildlife journeys, photography tours, and adventure routes may include nights spent in tents supported by a travel crew and field equipment.
While facilities are naturally more limited than in hotels or ger camps, camping provides access to landscapes that cannot be reached through conventional accommodation networks.
For many travelers, sleeping beneath Mongolia's open skies becomes one of the most memorable experiences of their trip.
What to Expect
Bathrooms and Showers
Facilities vary considerably depending on accommodation type and location.
Hotels generally provide private bathrooms, while many ger camps use shared shower and toilet facilities. Higher-end camps may offer private or ensuite bathrooms.
In remote regions, guesthouses and family stays may provide simpler facilities than visitors are accustomed to at home.
Electricity
Most hotels and ger camps provide electricity, although availability may be limited during certain hours in remote locations.
Travelers visiting isolated regions should consider carrying a power bank for charging electronic devices.
Heating
Accommodation is generally comfortable during Mongolia's main travel season.
During colder months and in high-altitude regions, heating systems are commonly used in hotels, gers, guesthouses, and expedition camps.
Traditional gers are insulated with layers of felt and are typically heated using a central stove when temperatures drop.
Internet and WiFi
WiFi is common in hotels and many ger camps, particularly near major tourism destinations.
However, internet access may be limited, slow, or unavailable in remote regions. Travelers visiting the countryside should be prepared for occasional periods without reliable connectivity.
Hot Water
Hot water is generally available in hotels and established ger camps.
In some rural locations, hot water may be available only during specific hours, particularly in camps that rely on solar systems or locally generated power.
Accommodation by Region
Central Mongolia
Travelers typically stay in a combination of hotels and ger camps.
Gobi Desert
Most accommodation consists of ger camps ranging from simple tourist camps to more comfortable properties with upgraded facilities.
Khuvsgul Lake
Accommodation includes lakeside ger camps, guesthouses, lodges, and seasonal camps operating during the summer months.
Altai and Western Mongolia
Visitors should expect a mixture of hotels, guesthouses, family stays, and smaller ger camps. Accommodation standards are often simpler than those found in central Mongolia or the Gobi.
Tips Before You Travel
- Accommodation standards vary significantly between regions.
- Rural Mongolia should not be compared with large international cities.
- Bring a flashlight or headlamp when staying in remote areas.
- Carry a power bank for longer journeys.
- Pack lightweight indoor footwear, as it is customary to remove outdoor shoes when entering a ger.
- Expect limited internet access in some regions.
- Confirm accommodation standards before departure.
- Bring a small gift when visiting a nomadic family. Notebooks, colored pencils, children's books, or practical household items are often appreciated.
- Some of Mongolia's most memorable stays are often the simplest.
