Traveling to Mongolia is like entering a country where the horizon seems endless and nature continues to set the pace of life. It is a vast territory, with more horses than people, where the nomadic tradition is still alive. It is a country of extreme contrasts, with the arid Gobi Desert to the south, snow-capped mountains to the west, and the seemingly endless steppe.
It's not a massive destination, nor is it easy to explore independently, but perhaps that's the challenge. In this travel guide to Mongolia, I'll tell you what I learned while traveling around the country: how to navigate those endless roads, what to expect from Mongolians, and which places you shouldn't leave off your itinerary.
Table of Contents
What to know before traveling to Mongolia
| Language 🗣️ |
| The official language is Mongolian, written since the mid-20th century using the Cyrillic alphabet, although in some communities and in historical contexts the traditional Mongolian script, with vertical strokes, is used. English is still not widely spoken outside the capital, while Russian is more widely spoken, especially among older generations. |
| Currency 💵 |
| The official currency is the tögrög (MNT). Mongolia remains a cash-restricted destination, especially outside of Ulaanbaatar, as card payments are not always available. It's a good idea to carry enough local currency to travel around rural areas. |
| Religion |
| The predominant religion is Tibetan Buddhism, present in the architecture, festivities and customs. Shamanic beliefs are also cherished, especially in rural areas and among ethnic minorities, where rituals to nature, spirits, and sacred mountains are part of daily life. |
Location  |
| Mongolia is a landlocked country, nestled between two giants: Russia to the north and China to the south. Its location in the heart of Central Asia gives it a unique character, with landscapes ranging from endless steppes to snow-capped mountains and imposing deserts. |
| Capital 🏙️ |
| The capital is Ulaanbaatar, a city that concentrates almost half of the country's population and where Buddhist temples, Soviet buildings and modern skyscrapers coexist. |
| Visa 🛂 |
| In recent years, Mongolia has relaxed its entry policies, and several countries now waive visa requirements for short-stay visitors. However, rules may vary depending on nationality and length of stay, so it's important to check official information before traveling. |
My trip to Mongolia was part of a long journey along the ancient Silk Road. In this post, you can learn more about the countries I visited and how to do it all on your own.
📖 History of Mongolia
The history of Mongolia is short on clear dates but gigantic in impact. It begins on the steppes: nomadic peoples of shepherds and horsemen who shaped a culture based on mobility, the horse, and tribal loyalty. In the 12th and 13th centuries, Temüjin, the man we know as Genghis Khan, appeared, and in 1206 he unified the Mongolian tribes, giving birth to an empire that in a few decades would stretch from the China Sea to Eastern Europe. This expansion changed not only borders, but also trade routes, languages, and cultural connections between East and West.
Mongol Empire
During its imperial era, Mongolia experienced its most glorious period under the leadership of Genghis Khan and his descendants. Beginning in 1206, the Mongol armies, small in number but incredibly organized and mobile, began a series of campaigns that astonished the medieval world.
Within a few decades they conquered the Jin Empire in northern China, the Kara-Kitai Empire in Central Asia, and the mighty Khwarezmian Empire in Persia, traversing deserts and mountains with a speed no other force could match.
Under his sons and grandsons, the conquests continued: Batu Khan advanced into Eastern Europe, defeating Hungarian and Polish armies, while Kublai Khan completed the conquest of all of China in 1279 and founded the Yuan Dynasty, with its capital in what is now Beijing.
The Mongol Empire stretched from the Sea of Japan to the banks of the Danube, the largest continuous territory controlled by a single power in history. This wasn't just a military achievement: it established the so-called Pax Mongolica , a period of relative stability and security that allowed the Silk Road to flourish like never before. Merchants, diplomats and travelers, like Marco Polo, could cross continents protected by the empire's system of post offices and safe conducts. This vast domain moved not only goods but also ideas, religions, and technologies, connecting East and West in a sustainable way for the first time.
Marco Polo and his connection with Mongolia
The famous Venetian traveler Marco Polo played a key role in introducing Mongolia and the Mongol Empire to Europe. In the late 13th century, Polo traveled with his father and uncle to the court of Kublai Khan, the grandson of Genghis Khan and ruler of the vast Mongol Empire, whose capital was Khanbalik (present-day Beijing). Although much of his stay was spent in China, Kublai's rule extended across Mongolia and much of Central Asia, so Polo witnessed firsthand the Mongol influence on politics, trade, and culture.
During his nearly two decades in the service of Kublai Khan, Marco Polo traveled through different regions of the empire, describing the customs, clothing, economy, and beliefs of the Mongols in his book Il Milione. His accounts, though laced with exaggerations and legends, became one of the first and most comprehensive sources on Mongolia and its people for medieval Europeans. Thanks to him, the Western world began to understand the magnitude of what the Mongol Empire had once been.
Yuan Dynasty and Chinese and Tibetan influence
After the era of the great khans came the era of the Yuan dynasty in China (13th century), political fragmentation, and centuries of Chinese and Tibetan influence. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Tibetan Buddhism took root, and later, the rule of the Qing dynasty (until the beginning of the 20th century) reshaped the political map of the region.
Independence and Soviet influence
Mongolia declared its independence in 1911, but its effective independence was consolidated with the 1921 revolution and the creation, in 1924, of the Mongolian People's Republic under strong Soviet influence: collectivization, radical changes in the social structure and planned modernization.
Since the fall of the Soviet bloc, Mongolia has undergone a democratic transition (1990) and a market economy (1992). Today, urban, industrial Ulaanbaatar coexists with rural, nomadic Mongolia: history is found in museums and monasteries, Erdene Zuu, Karakorum, the National Museum, and also in the daily life of the ger, the horse, and celebrations like Naadam.
Knowing that history helps you read the landscape: every steppe and every monument tells chapters of empires, beliefs, and survival.
What are the Mongols like?
I arrived in Mongolia from China as part of my Silk Road Journey, and just after crossing the border, the change is immediately noticeable, especially in their physical build: Mongolians are generally taller and more robust, both men and women, reflecting their lifestyle of endurance and outdoor activity.
As for their treatment, I found them to be a little less warm or expressive than in China, with a more reserved way of relating, perhaps due to their history and the harsh conditions of the environment. It's not that they aren't friendly, but you do notice an initial distance that gradually breaks down with time and contact.
I understand well how these people forged a great empire, conquering vast lands with discipline, organization, and resilience. That strength is reflected not only in their physique but also in their character, shaped by centuries of living in one of the most extreme environments on the planet.
The music of Mongolia
One of my biggest surprises in Mongolia was its music, which quickly became one of my favorites. Although you've probably heard the band The Hu, which has gained international fame with its fusion of rock and traditional sounds, what fascinated me most was the more epic and local music, the kind that comes straight from the steppes.
Traditional instruments such as the morin khuur (horse fiddle) and the tovshuur (traditional lute) create unique soundscapes, and the vocal technique of diphonic or “throat” singing (khöömei), where a singer produces two notes at once, is simply hypnotic. Listening to that deep, vibrant voice accompanied by ancient melodies transports you to another time and place, connecting with the essence of Mongolia in a very special way.
How to get around Mongolia
Getting around Mongolia on your own is limited. This is a vast country, with endless stretches of steppe, deserts, and mountains, but with a very small population and limited transportation infrastructure outside of the main routes. Distances are long, and roads are often unpaved, which means any journey can take longer than expected.
By Bus
The most practical way to cover long distances is to travel between provincial capitals by bus, connecting points such as Ulaanbaatar with Dalanzadgad (gateway to the Gobi Desert), Mörön (access to the Khövsgöl Lake area in the north) or Khovd (in the far west).
There is no public transport directly connecting areas such as the north and south with the west of the country. In most cases, it is necessary to return to Ulaanbaatar to take another bus from there to the next destination, which can make traveling from one region to another quite exhausting. The exception is organized trips or private tours, which do cross the interior of the country, connecting several regions without going through the capital.
Once in the destination city, it's common to negotiate with local drivers, whether in jeeps, vans, or even motorcycles, to reach more remote areas.
App for traveling through Mongolia
To book bus tickets, I used the Tapa Trip app, which proved to be very useful. You can search for schedules and prices, and even purchase tickets online with international credit cards.
Traveling on the Trans-Mongolian Train
Mongolia is connected by the famous Trans-Mongolian Railway, a historic rail route linking China, Mongolia, and Russia. From Beijing, via Ulaanbaatar, you can travel to Moscow, or take branch lines that reach a few key cities within Mongolia, such as the ancient capital Karakorum.
This option is ideal for those who prefer a more leisurely and comfortable journey, enjoying the scenery from the train and connecting with major urban centers.
To book the Trans-Mongolian Train, the most common way to buy tickets is at the Ulaanbaatar train station or at major stations in China or Russia, depending on your departure point. There are also specialized online agencies that offer advance bookings, although it's advisable to book ahead of time, especially during peak season.
Platforms like Trans-Siberian Express make booking easy and provide information in English. Keep in mind that trains can vary in category, from basic seats to sleeper compartments, so choosing the right ticket type will make a difference in comfort for a trip that may last several days.
Hitchhiking in Mongolia
Mongolia is a vast country, with endless expanses and a very low population density. This makes hitchhiking not as easy as in other parts of Central Asia: vehicles are scarce and the distances are vast. However, it can be useful for short trips, such as from Mörön to Khatgal, or from a small village in the south to Dalanzadgad.
In my experience, I had two very different situations: once, from Mörön to Khatgal, a family picked me up and, even though they didn't speak English, they were super friendly throughout the ride, even inviting me to lunch. But when it was time to say goodbye, they asked me to pay for the ride and the food... even though they'd never mentioned it before. And another time, it was the opposite: the driver, who also didn't speak English, refused to charge me anything. Therefore, my advice is clear: always agree on the terms before getting on the vehicle to avoid misunderstandings.
Fun facts about Mongolia
More horses than people
In Mongolia there are about 4 horses for every inhabitant. These animals are not only a national symbol, but also an essential part of nomadic life.
Naadam, a unique festival
Every July, the Naadam festival is celebrated, where the protagonists are the “three manly disciplines”: Mongolian wrestling, horse racing, and archery.
The land of Genghis Khan
Although his empire was one of the largest in history, the mausoleum of the legendary leader has never been found. His image remains in statues, on banknotes, and even at the international airport.
Infinite skies
Mongolia is known as the “land of blue skies” because it enjoys more than 250 sunny days a year, even in the depths of winter.
Nomadic life in the 20th century
Despite modernity, around 30% of the population still lives in gers (yurts), moving with the seasons to seek out the best pastures.
The Gobi Desert is not all sand
In addition to giant dunes, it has mountains, icy canyons, and dinosaur fossils that have been discovered on its land.
A very cold and polluted capital
Ulaanbaatar is the coldest capital city in the world, with winters that can drop to -30°C. It also tends to have high levels of pollution during this time due to the widespread use of boilers for heating.
A flag full of symbolism
The Mongolian flag has three vertical stripes (red, blue, red). The blue represents the eternal sky, the red stripes symbolize courage and progress, and on the left stripe is the Soyombo, a traditional symbol that encloses fire, sun, moon, earth, water and yin-yang.
Map of the tour through Mongolia
What to see and do in Mongolia
Mongolia offers such diverse landscapes and experiences that each region feels like traveling through several countries in one.
The capital, Ulaanbaatar
It's the entry point for most travelers and combines modernity with tradition, with museums that tell the country's history, Buddhist monasteries, and chaotic markets where all kinds of aromas and colors mingle.
The Gobi Desert
In the south, the Gobi Desert is not just sand: it is a mosaic of landscapes ranging from gigantic dunes like Khongoryn Els, to surreal rock formations and canyons like Yolyn Am, where ice is preserved even in the middle of summer. It's also a site of great paleontological value: dinosaur fossils and nests with intact eggs have been found in the Bayanzag cliffs. The experience is rounded off by unforgettable starry nights and the hospitality of nomadic families living in gers in the middle of nowhere.
Lake Khövsgöl
In the north, Lake Khövsgöl, nicknamed the “little sister” of the great Baikal in Russia, is one of the largest and purest freshwater lakes in the world. Its deep blue waters are surrounded by mountains and forests that change color with the seasons. It is the gateway to the Tsaatan culture, an ethnic group that lives in the taiga and maintains reindeer herding as a central part of their lives.
The Altai Mountains
In the west, the Altai mountain range offers snow-capped peaks, glaciers and high-altitude lakes. Kazakh communities live here, known for their ancient golden eagle hunting, a tradition passed down from generation to generation. During the Eagle Festival in Ölgii, you can see displays of skill and a display of traditional dress. It is also one of the most ethnically diverse areas in Mongolia, offering opportunities for trekking and pristine landscape photography.
Eastern Plains
In the less-visited east, you can explore vast plains, ancient historical sites linked to the Mongol Empire, nature reserves such as Dornod Mongol, and a purer contact with the silence of the steppe.
Organized activities in Mongolia
🌍 How to cross from Mongolia to China and Russia?
Mongolia shares a border with China to the south and Russia to the north, and international crossings available for travelers are limited. Most crossings require passing through official border posts and, in some cases, are only open to motorized vehicles, so crossing on foot is not always possible.
Towards China
The most commonly used crossing into China is the Zamyn-Üüd – Erenhot (Erlian) crossing, which connects the Trans-Mongolian railway line to the Chinese railway network and is served by regular train and bus services. Another less frequent crossing is the Bulgan – Takashiken, in the west, more used by those traveling by private vehicle.
Towards Russia
The most popular crossing into Russia is Sükhbaatar – Kyakhta, accessible by train and road from Ulaanbaatar. There is also the western crossing of Tsagaannuur – Tashanta, which connects the Bayan-Ölgii province with the Altai Republic, which is widely used by travelers traveling through Central Asia by car or on organized tours.
Special route: from Mongolia to Kazakhstan via Russia
In the city of Ölgii, in the far west of the country, there are buses that follow a little-known route: they cross into Russia via Tsagaannuur – Tashanta and, after travelling through part of the Altai Republic, enter Kazakhstan. This option is convenient for those who want to avoid flights and continue their journey overland to Central Asia, although the entire journey can take around 3 or 4 days, and you'll need a transit visa to travel through Russia.
🍽 Typical Mongolian food
Mongolian cuisine is deeply influenced by the country's nomadic lifestyle and extreme climate. Dishes are often high in calories and fat, designed to withstand long, cold winters. The basis of the diet is meat, primarily from lamb, goat, beef, and, in specific areas, camel or horse, along with dairy products such as milk, cheese, and fermented yogurt (airag, made from mare's milk).
Popular dishes include buuz (steamed dumplings filled with meat), khuushuur (similar to a fried dumpling), and tsuivan (stir-fried noodles with meat and vegetables).
In addition to meat, we must also mention airag, which is fermented mare's milk. It has a sour and slightly alcoholic flavor and is a very popular drink among nomads, especially during the summer. Airag is not only refreshing, but also has great cultural and social value in Mongolia, being a feature of many celebrations and rituals.
If you're a vegetarian, you'll have a tough time: fresh vegetables aren't abundant outside of Ulaanbaatar, and most dishes include meat or animal fat. However, in the capital and some tourist spots, it's possible to find vegetarian or vegan options, although they're almost always at a higher price and with less variety than in other countries.
Best time to travel to Mongolia
Mongolia has an extreme continental climate, with harsh winters and short but intense summers. During winter, temperatures can drop below -30°C, especially in the steppe and mountainous areas, making travel during this time a challenge reserved for well-prepared adventurers.
The best time to visit the country is from late May to September, when the weather is milder and nature is at its most beautiful. During these months, the days are long, the temperatures are pleasant, and the trails are more accessible.
July is especially popular because it coincides with the Naadam festival, a must-see cultural experience. However, if you plan to visit the Gobi Desert, keep in mind that temperatures can vary greatly between day and night, and sandstorms are common in spring and autumn.
Traveling in the summer will allow you to fully enjoy outdoor activities, trekking, and contact with nomadic communities, while winter offers magical landscapes, albeit with many logistical limitations.
Is it safe to travel through Mongolia? 🛡️
Overall, Mongolia is a very safe country for travelers. The crime rate is low, and the people are generally friendly, honest, and helpful. Traveling through the steppe, spending time with nomadic families, or exploring small villages doesn't usually present major risks, as long as you take basic precautions, as you would in any destination.
In Ulaanbaatar, the capital and largest city, it's worth being a little more vigilant. As a growing city with nearly half the country's population, petty theft can occur, especially in crowded areas or on public transportation. It's advisable not to display valuables, guard your belongings, and avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit neighborhoods or far from the city center. However, overall, by maintaining these precautions, the experience in the city is generally peaceful and positive.
Is it expensive to travel through Mongolia? 💵
Compared to other Central Asian countries or China, traveling through Mongolia seemed a bit more expensive, and it's not just a matter of price but also logistics. Being such a vast and sparsely populated country, getting around on your own is complicated and often impractical. This means that if you want to explore in detail and without wasting time, you end up relying on organized tours or private transportation, which quickly add up.
Accommodation and food costs in cities like Ulaanbaatar are reasonable, but in remote areas, prices rise due to limited availability and the need for specialized resources to reach them. Peak season also influences prices, especially during events like Naadam. Whether you're a backpacker or an independent traveler, adventure is guaranteed, but so is the challenge of managing time and resources.
Which eSIM should I use in Mongolia?
If you don't want to go through the hassle of finding a traditional SIM card as soon as you arrive in Mongolia, an excellent alternative is to use an eSIM. With this system, you can activate mobile data from your phone before traveling, without having to go to a store or change your physical card.
For those planning to travel around the country, I recommend using Airalo, as it offers cheaper plans than other companies and has coverage throughout Mongolia, although I'm not sure if it works well in remote areas or areas away from cities.
Additionally, if you buy the Mongolia eSIM through my link you can access a 15% discount if it's your first purchase (Code: NEWTOAIRALO15), or 10% if you've used the platform before (Code: AIRALOESIM10).
If you want to better understand how eSIMs work, their advantages, how to check if your phone is compatible and how to use the codes, I invite you to read the full post I wrote on the topic.
Which SIM card to use in Mongolia?
Connectivity in Mongolia has improved significantly in recent years, but it remains a challenge outside of major cities. In Ulaanbaatar and some provincial capitals, 3G and 4G coverage is good, but in rural and remote areas it can be intermittent or nonexistent.
The main operators are Mobicom and Unitel, both of which offer SIM cards for tourists with prepaid data plans. Mobicom tends to have better coverage in rural areas and main routes, while Unitel stands out for its speed in the capital and additional services.
To buy a SIM card, you only need your passport, and vendors will usually help you activate your plan. It's recommended to purchase a SIM card upon arrival at the airport or at official stores in Ulaanbaatar to avoid any issues. Also, keep in mind that most plans don't offer international roaming, so it's best to buy locally if you're planning to be there for several days.
📆 How many days do I recommend staying in Mongolia?
For me, two weeks is a good amount of time to explore Mongolia calmly and thoroughly, as long as you plan to visit not only Ulaanbaatar, but also the south (the Gobi) and the north (Lake Khövsgöl). This allows you to experience the country's diversity without being overly rushed and to enjoy the landscapes, culture, and routes with some time to spare.
If you want to include the west, with the Altai Mountains and the Kazakh communities, I would recommend at least three weeks or more. The west is the most remote area and the distances are long, so you'll need more time for transfers and to fully enjoy the experience.
Ultimately, Mongolia isn't a destination for express travel; it's for those who enjoy a slower pace, adventures, and cultural immersion.
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