Mongolia Travel Guide

Overview

Capital:

Ulaanbaatar.

Geography:

Mongolia has a 3,485km (2,165-mile) border with the Russian Federation in the north and a 4,677km (2,906-mile) border with China in the south. Much of the country is a large plateau with an average elevation of 915m to 1,524m (3,000ft to 5,000ft). Then there are three mountain ranges - Altai Mountains dominate the northern and western areas, the Khangai Mountains is almost at the centre but more towards to the west, while Khentii Mountains in north-eastern Mongolia. The Gobi Desert, a rocky desert with a thin layer of shifting sand, covers the southern part of the country.

The Khülten Peak, within the Altai Mountains range, is the highest peak at 4,374m (14,350ft). Hoh Nuur, a lake, is the lowest point that lies at 560m (1,837ft) in the east. There are several hundred lakes in the country as well as numerous rivers, of which the Orkhon River is the longest at 1,124km (698 miles).

Getting There

Getting There By Air

Mongolia's national carrier is MIAT Mongolian Airlines (www.miat.com). Other airlines that fly to Ulaanbaatar include Aeroflot, Air China, Cathay Pacific, Korean Air and Turkish Airlines. Flights to Mongolia tend to increase in price during peak summer travel season. However, discounts are often made available in winter.

Departure Tax

Departure tax of US$12 is usually included in the price of the ticket.

Flight Times

From London to Ulaanbaatar - at least 12 hours (including stopover); New York to Ulaanbaatar - 17 hours (including stopovers).

Getting There By Road

You can cross the China-Mongolia border by taking a jeep taxi from Erlian (a border town in Inner Mongolia, part of China) to Zamyn-Üüd (Mongolia). You cannot walk across the border. Zamyn-Üüd is a desert outpost, from here you will need to get a train to Ulaanbaatar, which is 662km (411 miles) away.

From Russia, you can take a bus from Ulan-Ude (East Siberia, Russia) to Ulaanbaatar.

Getting Around

Getting Around By Air

Internal flights are operated by Aero Mongolia (www.aeromongolia.mn) and Hunnu Air (www.hunnuair.com).

Flying domestically can vastly decrease travel times; for example a trip from Ulaanbaatar to Ölgii, the capital of the Bayan-Ölgii Province, is 24 hours by car but one hour by airplane.

Flights are available to most provincial capitals but any flight between provincial capitals will be routed through Ulaanbaatar. Book well in advance for July and August flights as these are often full. Flights to Ölgii are also popular before, during and after the Golden Eagle Festival, which is held annually in October.

Car Hire

You can rent a car through Sixt or one of the local companies such as Drive Mongolia (www.drivemongolia.com).

 

Getting Around By Rail

The main rail line in Mongolia runs from north to south. From Sükhbaatar in northern Mongolia to Darkhan, Ulaanbaatar, Choir, Sainshand, and to Zamyn-Üüd, a border town near Inner Mongolia (China).

Getting Around By Road

A network of roads radiating out of Ulaanbaatar to provincial capitals.

Ulaanbaatar is prone to severe congestion, making driving difficult.

Road Quality

Major roads are paved and easy to navigate, however, small roads are gravel and can turn muddy after rain. There are also plenty of unmarked dirt roads. Make sure you have good spare tyres if you plan to drive.

Side Of Road

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Taxi

Taxis in Ulaanbaatar can be either official or non-official. When possible, use official taxis as they are more reliable. Fares are per kilometre; for the latest rates ask your hotel or guesthouse.

Urban Travel

There are bus and trolleybus services in Ulaanbaatar. However, buses tend to be crowded and routes are also difficult to understand. You must purchase a U Money card and pay for bus fare that way. Most foreigners use taxis to get around the city. Other cities have limited (or no) local transportation options.

Travel Advice

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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This information is for people travelling on a full 'British citizen' passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government's understanding of Mongolia's current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Mongolia set and enforce entry rules. If you're not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Mongolian Embassy in the UK.

Passport validity requirements   

To enter Mongolia, your passport must have an 'expiry date' at least 6 months after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You can visit Mongolia without a visa for up to 30 days within a 6-month period.

Applying for a visa

To stay longer, to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons you must meet the Mongolian government's entry requirements. For more details, contact the Mongolian Embassy in the UK.

Make sure the border control officer puts a stamp in your passport or you could face issues when leaving the country.

Travelling with children 

Adults accompanying children other than their own should have a notarised letter from the parents or legal guardian to confirm the arrangement. 

Vaccine requirements 

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro's Mongolia guide.

Registering with the authorities

Your hotel or landlord will register you using an app. If you are travelling independently or staying with friends, you must register yourself with the Mongolian Immigration Agency. You do not need to go in person.

The agency will issue you with a digital residence permit that shows your passport number, address, photograph and fingerprints. Always carry it when you are in Mongolia.

Borders with Mongolia

Mongolia takes border security very seriously and foreign nationals are not routinely allowed access to border areas. The authorities can regard zones of up to 100km inside the border as a border area. If you wish to travel in these areas, you must get permission from the State Frontier Guard Authority. Only a few specified land border crossings are open to foreigners.

Border points open to British citizens

There are normally 8 border points open to British passport holders:

• Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar
• Zamin Uud – road and train crossing to China
• Bulgan – road crossing to China in the west
• Bichigt – road crossing to China in the south-east
• Tsagaannuur – road crossing to Russia in the far west
• Sukhbaatar – train crossing to Russia
• Altanbulag – road crossing to Russia
• Ereen-Tsav – road crossing to Russia

You may not cross into China or Russia at other border points, as they are only open to Mongolians, Chinese or Russians.

If you travel by train across the China-Mongolia border, expect a delay of a few hours as the railways use different gauges.

It is difficult to get visas for China or Russia in Mongolia. Ask the Chinese and Russian embassies in London about their visa requirements before travelling to Mongolia.

Mongolia-Russia border

You can only enter Mongolia from Russia on public buses, trains, taxis or private vehicles. All international flights are suspended.

Russian border officials will carefully examine your travel documents.

If you have arrived in Mongolia from Russia and need assistance, call +976 (11) 458 133 and select the option 'consular services for British nationals'.   

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Mongolia. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

If you become involved in a commercial dispute or a criminal investigation about a customs matter, you may be held in Mongolia until it is resolved. Ask to speak to the British Embassy, especially if the authorities say you must accept a travel ban.

Bringing your vehicle to Mongolia  

If you plan to enter Mongolia at a land border crossing in your own vehicle, inform the tax authorities and border troops in advance. Contact Mongolian Customs (in Mongolian). You must complete a customs declaration form. You can do this at the border or at Ulaanbaatar City Customs Office, next to the train station. Make sure you have your driving licence and all the vehicle documents, including ownership records and insurance.

If you do not leave Mongolia in the vehicle you used to enter the country, you must pay customs tax. The amount of tax depends on the vehicle's engine size and value. For information, see Mongolian Customs (in Mongolian).

If your vehicle breaks down and cannot be fixed, you must pay for it to be transported out of Mongolia or sell it to a local mechanic.

If you sell your broken-down vehicle to a mechanic, you must still pay customs tax when you leave. You must show the customs office evidence you sold the vehicle (proof of sale document, photos, a letter from the mechanic and a police report).

You must not leave your vehicle unattended or abandon it. If you do, Mongolian Customs will contact the British Embassy and send you a fine. If you leave your vehicle in Mongolia, you must pay to store it with a mechanic or at an official customs warehouse. When you leave the country, you must submit a customs declaration form and show your driving licence, car ownership records and proof of valid insurance.

Taking money into Mongolia 

You can take in up to 15 million in Mongolian tugriks. 

Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 US dollars or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.  

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Mongolia

Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Mongolia, attacks cannot be ruled out.    

Political situation

There have been occasional instances of civil and political unrest resulting in protests and violence. Avoid large gatherings and demonstrations for your personal safety.

Crime

Pickpockets may operate in markets and crowded public places. The risk increases during the festivals of Tsagaan Sar (New Year, celebrated from December to February) and Naadam (July). Take extra precautions during these periods.

Protecting yourself and your belongings

Occasionally large groups of people, including children and teenagers, harass pedestrians for money as they get into vehicles or walk into pubs or restaurants. Keep your mobile phone, passport and money in a secured bag on your person, and leave valuables in a hotel safe if possible.

Violent incidents are rare, but foreigners have been assaulted and robbed in Ulaanbaatar. Avoid being out alone at night, and ask hotels, restaurants or clubs to order a car for you. If hailing a ride, use only licensed taxis such as VIP Taxis. Alternatively use the taxi app UBCab, which is trackable.

Reporting crime

The Mongolian government has asked foreigners to report crimes so they can investigate and keep records. You do not need to have any further involvement and will be free to leave once you've made your report.

In an emergency call the police on 102 or +976 102 from an international mobile phone. There should be someone available on this number who can speak to you in English.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

Always carry your passport. If the police ask you for ID they will not accept a copy and you could be fined. Keep copies of the photo page and the page with your Mongolian entry stamp in a separate place.

If you are a resident, carry your registration card.

Respecting religious customs

Show respect in Buddhist monasteries. Always ask for permission to take photographs and do not touch sacred images or objects.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences   

It is illegal to possess or use any type of drugs, including cannabis. If you are found guilty of drug trafficking, you could face a life sentence. Mongolian prisons have very basic facilities.

Using cameras

It is illegal to photograph or video police, police escorts or military personnel. You could be arrested and fined. The court decides the fine based on the degree of social danger of the crime and the income of the defendant.

LGBT+ travellers

Although not illegal, same-sex relationships are not generally accepted socially.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Wildlife, animal products and souvenirs   

It is illegal to buy, sell, kill or capture any protected species of wild animal or trade its parts without a licence. You could get a fine and a prison sentence.

Phone and wifi coverage

Most UK phone networks operate in the cities and wifi is widely available in hotels, restaurants and bars, especially in Ulaanbaatar. You can buy local SIM cards and mobile phones. In rural Mongolia there are large areas that do not have network coverage.

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Mongolia, see information on driving abroad. You need a 1968 international driving permit (IDP) and a UK driving licence. The 1949 IDP is not accepted any more. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.

Driving standards and road conditions

There are a high number of road accidents, due to:

• low driving standards
• speeding
• poorly maintained vehicles
• difficult terrain
• dangerous road conditions

Driving in Ulaanbaatar is hazardous as roads are heavily congested. Outside the capital, only about 10% of the country's roads are tarmacked and signposting is minimal. If you are planning to drive in rural Mongolia, prepare by:

• researching your route
• asking local guides or drivers about the road conditions ahead
• checking World Meteorological Organization weather forecasts for Mongolia
• taking back-up communication devices such as a satellite phone
• packing plenty of water and provisions
• sharing details of your route and expected arrival and departure times

Mongolia does not have an extensive road network and driving can be dangerous due to the terrain.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Mongolia is a huge country with varying weather conditions from +35°C in summer to -40°C in winter and during the nights. Weather conditions often change without warning.

There are frequent weather warnings all year round for flooding, dust storms, heavy snow and blizzards, strong winds and heatwaves.

The most extreme weather conditions occur in and around the Gobi Desert and the Steppes. Check the World Meteorological Organization weather forecasts for Mongolia.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 103 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you're referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Mongolia
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you'll face in Mongolia.

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Mongolia. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.

The high levels of air pollution in Ulaanbaatar, especially in winter, may aggravate bronchial, sinus or asthma conditions. Children, the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions may be especially affected. You can check the levels for Ulaanbaatar on the Real-time Air Quality Index.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

It is best to bring prescription medication and a first aid kit with you. Medical products in pharmacies are mainly from China and Russia, so you may not easily recognise what you need.

Healthcare in Mongolia

There are no reciprocal healthcare agreements between the UK and Mongolia, so you cannot get free healthcare in Mongolia.

If you are injured or become ill in a remote part of the country, it may be a long journey to the nearest medical facility. Outside Ulaanbaatar, the standard of healthcare is limited, and doctors may not speak English.

At hospitals, you will have to pay 80% of the treatment cost in advance. Make sure you have access to funds and that your insurance covers:

• full medical expenses
• an air ambulance, in case you need to be flown home
• bringing a body home in the event of a death
• bringing your family home, if one of you is seriously ill or injured

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Mongolia where some staff will speak English.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Mongolia

Ambulance: 103

Fire: 101

Police: 102 (includes traffic police)

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Mongolia
• dealing with a death in Mongolia
• being arrested or imprisoned in Mongolia
• getting help if you're a victim of crime
• what to do if you're in hospital
• if you're affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow and contact FCDO: 

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Mongolia on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Vaccinations

Title	Special Precautions
Typhoid	Sometimes
Yellow Fever	No
Tetanus	Yes
Malaria	No
Rabies	Sometimes
Hepatitis A	Yes
Hepatitis B	Sometimes

Overview:

Travel insurance is a must. Health care facilities are improving in Ulaanbaatar and provincial capitals but in serious medical emergencies, you may require evacuation to Beijing or Seoul. The number to call for an ambulance is 103.

The NHS site recommends visitors to have seasonal flu vaccine, MMR (measles, mumps & rubella), as well as vaccines required for occupational risk of exposure, lifestyle risks and underlying medical conditions. The CDC site recommends visitors to have MMR (measles, mumps & rubella), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.

Food Drink:

Tap water is not recommended for drinking, so bring a water bottle and some water purification tablets with you. You can also buy bottled water. Dairy products are usually unpasteurised so consume with care if you have a sensitive stomach.

Other Risks:

Vaccinations against Hepatitis A and Tetanus are advised. Take care around dogs as rabies is prevalent. Any bite from a dog should be immediately treated at a hospital. Hypothermia is a risk in winter; visitors should dress warmly and in layers. Injuries caused by a fall from a horse are common among foreign tourists in summer.

Currency Information:

The official currency of Mongolia is the Tögrög or Tugrik (MNT; symbol ₮). Notes are in denominations of ₮20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of ₮500, 200, 100, 50 and 20.

Credit Cards:

Credit cards are accepted by hotels and tourist shops.

ATMs:

ATMs are available in Ulaanbaatar and other cities.

Travellers Cheques:

Traveller's cheques are no longer relevant.

Banking Hours:

Mon-Fri 0900-1700.

Currency Restrictions:

There are no restrictions on the import of local and foreign currencies, provided they are declared on arrival. Local and foreign currencies can be exported up to the amount imported and declared.

Currency Exchange:

Official organisations authorised to exchange foreign currency include commercial banks in Ulaanbaatar and bureaux de change found along the streets and in hotels. Rates vary slightly and are likely to be lower in hotels. The easiest currency to exchange is the US Dollar, followed by the Euro and the Russian Rouble.

Currencies

Code	Symbol
MNT	₮

Exchange Rates

2595.33

3074.46

2482.00

Language

Khalkha Mongolian is the official language. There are also two dialects - Oirat and Buryat.

Overview:

Public holidays are listed here.

.

List Of Public Holidays

Title	Start Date	To Be Confirmed
New Year's Day	2024-01-01 00:00:00	0
Tsagaan Sar (Lunar New Year)	2024-02-10 00:00:00	0
International Women's Day	2024-03-08 00:00:00	0
Mother's and Children's Day	2024-06-01 00:00:00	0
Naadam	2024-07-11 00:00:00	0
Independence Day	2024-11-26 00:00:00	0

Overview:

The following goods may be imported into Mongolia by travellers over the age of 18 without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes and 50 cigars and 250g of tobacco.
• 1L of spirits and 2L of wine and 3L of beer.

.

Banned Imports:

Pornography, hazardous chemicals, explosives, and firearms, ammunition, as well as substances containing narcotics and other psychoactive ingredients. You may also need to declare if you have archaeological artefacts, ancient books and manuscripts, as well as electronic goods.

Telephone:

The country code is +976. As Mongolia is vast, the area codes can be up to four digits. In general:
Ulaanbaatar: 1 or 1X
Suburban of Ulaanbaatar: 2X, 2XX or 2XXX
Central and Northern region: 3X or 3XX or 3XXX
Western region: 4X or 4XX or 4XXX
Eastern region: 5X or 5XX or 5XXX

Mobile Telephone:

Roaming agreements exist with some international mobile phone operators. Coverage includes large cities, provincial capitals, many county centres and main roads.

Satellite phones are recommended if you plan to be out and about in the wilderness.

Internet:

Wi-Fi access is available in Ulaanbaatar and evey provincial capital.

Post

Airmail abroad can be very slow. There is an express mail service available for a limited number of countries.

Post Office Hours:

Mon-Fri 0900-1700

Media:

There is a wide range of newspapers available in Mongolia. The privately-run UB Post is Mongolia's leading English-language newspapers. There is also a government-owned The Mongol Messenger.

Altai Tavan Bogd National Park

Dotted with clear lakes, lush valleys and snow-covered peaks, this park near the Xinjiang (China) border is home to varied animal species such as ibex, mountain sheep, beech marten and Golden eagle. You can hike, rent a mountain bike, ride a horse or a camel to explore the park. Within and near the park, you can find three rock art sites, namely Tsagaan Salaa-Baga Oigor in Ulaankhus, as well as Upper Tsagaan Gol and Aral Tolgoi in Tsengel (together, they make up the UNESCO-listed Petroglyphs Complexes of the Mongolian Altai).

Khövsgöl Nuur National Park

The crown jewel of this park is Lake Khövsgöl, aka the 'Blue Pearl of Mongolia' or 'Dalai Ej', meaning Mother Sea. This lake is home to Sukhbaatar III, the single tugboat of Mongolian Navy which was privatised in 1997 (the country does not have a navy now). Today, the boat transports passengers and goods across the lake. In winter, tour companies offer skating and dog-sledding trips over the frozen lake.

Monasteries

Only a few monasteries survived the Stalinist Purges of the late 1930s and worthy diversions include:
• Erdene Zuu Monastery in Kharkhorin
• Amarbayasgalant Monastery in the Iven Valley near the Selenge River
• Tövkhön Monastery, 47km (29 miles) southwest of Kharkhorin
• Gandantegchinlen Monastery in Ulaanbaatar

Homestay

For a truly authentic experience, try to arrange a night in a traditional Mongolian ger or yurt (tent). Staying with a nomad family is a fascinating experience and full of surprises. You will get to taste local food, ride horses and help herd the sheep.

Cross-country skiing

The vast steppes of Mongolia get plenty of snow in winter, making the country a great place for cross-country skiers. A good place to start is Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, which has ger camps operating in the winter months.

Naadam Festival

Held every July 10 to 13, this nomad sports extravaganza features horse racing, wrestling and archery, as well as cultural performances of Khöömei overtone singing (aka Tuvan throat singing) and Biyelgee dance. It is a great time to see Mongolians decked out in their festive gear and taking part in traditional sporting events. The biggest naadam is in Ulaanbaatar but more intimate naadam festivals are held all around the country.

Khentii Province: Genghis Khan's birthplace

Delüün Boldog in Khentii Aimag or Khentii Province is said to be the birthplace of Genghis Khan. The place is marked by a large rock with an inscription in old Mongol script. The landscape of Khentii is beautiful, with beautiful lakes, rolling mountains and clear streams.

Ulaanbaatar

The capital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, is changing at a drastic rate. Once a remote outpost, Ulaanbaatar is now a city with gleaming skyscrapers. It also boasts a string of museums and cultural highlights, including:
• National Museum of Mongolia
• International Intellectual Museum
• Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan (aka the Bogd Khan Palace Museum)
• Central Museum of Mongolian Dinosaurs
• Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum
• Mongol Costumes Museum
• Choijin Lama Temple Museum
• Gandantegchinlen Khiid (aka Garden Khiid)
• Tumen Ekh Folk Song and Dance Ensemble

The State Department Store (Ikh Delguur) is a landmark along the Peace Avenue. Around the corner you will find a quirky site called Beatles Statue which is, needless to say, dedicated to the Fab Four.

Gobi Desert

The vast Khongor sand dunes are what most people associate the Gobi region with, but in reality much of the Gobi consists of bare rocks and not sand dunes. The best way to experience the region is by visiting the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park and its two major attractions: Khongorinn Els (Singing Sands) and the ice-filled gorge of Yolyn Am.

At the edge of Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park is Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs). It was here that explorer and zoologist Roy Chapman Andrews and his team found the fossilised remains of Cretaceous animals such as Protoceratops and Velociraptor in 1922. The massive red-tinted rocks rising from the ground are also attractive, particularly when the sun is low in the horizon and seems to intensify the shades of red and orange.

Camping

In this land without fences, you can pitch your tent at about any place that pleases you. Some of the best spots to do so are in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park and Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. Car camping is also an option.

Gorkhi-Terelj National Park

About 65km (40 miles) northeast of Ulaanbaatar is the magnificent Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. This verdant corner of Mongolia is best for hiking, horseback riding and birdwatching in the summer, and cross-country skiing and dog-sledding in the winter. Popular attractions within the park include the 'Turtle Rock' (a giant rock formation that resembles a turtle), the Aryabal Meditation Temple (a relatively recent construction to harness the area's natural energies) and the protected Gunjiin Sum (the 300-year-old 'temple of the princess'). Most people combine this park with a visit to the Genghis Khan Statue Complex.

Genghis Khan Statue Complex

Outside the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park lies the gleaming 40m (131-ft) tall Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue, the star attraction at the Genghis Khan Statue Complex. It is said that the statue faces east towards his birthplace, Delüün Boldog. Visitors can get up to the top of the statue and enjoy stunning views. There is also a small but wonderful museum on-site. Most visitors combine this with a trip to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park.

Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape

The UNESCO-listed Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape covers an extensive area of pastureland on both sides of the Orkhon River. The site was thought to be first settled by humans some 62,000 to 58,000 years ago. Throughout centuries, it continued to attract different tribes and cultures. Today, the most famous sites are the ruins of Karakorum, the ancient capital established by Genghis Khan in 1220, as well as the Erdene Zuu Monastery.

Overview

Ulaanbaatar is well-endowed with shopping malls and independent stores. Best buys include landscape paintings, cashmere garments, camel-wool blankets, national costumes, boots, jewellery, carpets, books and handicrafts. The State Department Store (Ikh Delguur) has the largest selection of souvenirs and gifts in the country.

Naran Tuul Market, behind Narnii Road, is a large, crowded street market that sells a variety of goods, from shoe insoles to delicate Mongolian rugs, as well as dairy products, fruits and vegetables. As it is crowded, keep your belongings safe.

Opening Hours

Daily 1000-2100 as a general guide although times and days vary considerably.

Overview

Meat and dairy products form the basis of the diet in Mongolia. Rice and noodles are also popular.

Regional Specialities

Tipping

Not customary, but this is changing and 10% is the norm if leaving a tip.

Drinking Age

18

Hotels

Hotels in Mongolia are mostly found in Ulaanbaatar, where visitors can choose anything from family-run hotels to international chains. Outside the capital, hotels are basic and few in number.

Camping Caravaning

Camping in Mongolia is one of the best ways to experience the country and there are numerous tourist ger camps spread throughout the countryside. In some cases, there are also restaurants, bars, toilets and showers nearby. Ger camps are usually open from May to October. Tourists with their own tents have the opportunity to camp almost anywhere they want in Mongolia, although there are restrictions in protected areas.

Other

History

The Hunnu (Xiongnu) Empire was the first great confederation of tribes to occupy the land of present-day Mongolia. It was these raiding tribes that ultimately caused the Chinese to build the Great Wall of China. Under the leadership of Genghis Khan, the Mongol Empire (1206-1368) stretched from Korea to Hungary. Even today, Mongolians view this period as their golden age and Khan still enjoys God-like reverence.

After the fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1911, Mongolia declared independence from China and formed close allies with the Soviet. Following the revolutions of 1989, the Mongolian Revolution of 1990 overthrew the communist party in charge without bloodshed. Although a multi-party system was established quickly, the Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party remained in power until 1996.

Mongolia's foreign relations are dominated by its giant neighbours, China and Russia, and based on various bilateral friendship treaties. However, in recent times, the Mongolians have quietly begun developing closer ties with the West. In 2003, for example, a small but symbolically significant contingent of Mongolian troops was dispatched to Iraq to support the US-led military operation.

Did you know?
• Mongolia's first pop-rock band, Soyol Erdene, formed in 1971. They are still active today.
• The country's main festival, Naadam, in which participants compete in horse racing, archery and traditional Mongolian wrestling, known as bökh, has existed for centuries and is held throughout the country in July.
• On 21 November 2005, George W. Bush became the first sitting US President to visit Mongolia.
• Mongolia does not have a navy.

Religion

55% Buddhists, 39% atheists, the rest Christians and Muslims.

Social Conventions

Be respectful and do not confuse Mongolians with Chinese. If you are invited to dine with Mongolians, always receive tea and food with your right hand. Thoughtful gifts are welcome and visitors should give them with both hands.

Photography: Always ask for permission before taking pictures of people.

Best Time To Visit:

Mongolia has a continental climate with long, cold winters and short, warm summers. Temperatures vary wildly from season to season. Much of the country is a large plateau with an average elevation of 915m to 1,524m (3,000ft to 5,000ft) and subject to strong winds, especially in spring. The best time to visit Mongolia is from May to September when the days are warm – but do bring waterproofs as this period is also rainy.

Ulaanbaatar is the capital and sits at 1,300m (4,250ft) above sea level. Due to its elevation and latitude, spring arrives late in April in Ulaanbaatar. The average high in April is 8°C (46°F) while the average low is -5°C (23°F). Summer is warm but rainy – June is the wettest month with 50mm (11 inches) of rain in one month. Temperatures drop quickly after September and by November, the average high is below freezing at -5°C (23°F). Winter is cold – Ulaanbaatar is the coldest capital city in the world on average. In January, the average high is -16°C (3°F) while the average low is -29°C (-20°F).

The Gobi Desert is located in the south of Mongolia; hence it is slightly warmer than Ulaanbaatar. In Sainshand, in the eastern Gobi desert steppe, July is the warmest month with an average high of 29°C (84°F) and an average low of 17°C (63°F). Temperatures drop quickly after September too and by January, the average high is -12°C (10°C) and the average low is -23°C (-9°F).

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Required Clothing

Bring layers, mediumweight clothing and waterproofs if you are visiting Mongolia from May to September. Bring heavyweight clothing (a parka, woollen beanie, gloves, boots) from October to April.

Dialing Code:

+976

Area(sq km):

1,564,116

Population:

3.278.290

Population Density(per sq km):

2.06

Population Year:

2020

EU Member:

No

Main emergency number

102