Mongolia lies between Russia in the north and China in the south. It has an area of 1,564,000 km2 and is divided into 21 provinces (Aymag). Mongolia has 3,350,000 inhabitants, 1,450,000 of whom live in Ulaanbaatar, the capital.

Some basic geographical information. The most important thing you need to know is that Mongolia has a continental climate, i.e. hot, short summers and cold, long, dry winters.

Tavan Bogd (west) is Mongolia's highest peak at 4,374 meters and Khokh Lake (northwest) is the lowest point at 554 meters. A good third of the country consists of high mountains, and the remaining average altitude is 1580 meters above sea level.

Mongolia has four different natural zones: The desert, the steppe, various mountains, and the forests.

The desert:

The Gobi Desert dominates the southern part of the country. Even though the Gobi is described as a desert, this does not mean that there are only sand dunes, but also stony and rocky areas and barren grasslands. Saxaul bushes (semi-deserts) are an important form of vegetation here.

The forest:

There are also extensive forests in the central and northern parts of Mongolia, which mark the transition to the Siberian Tayga. These include rivers and a number of small and large lakes as well as various mountain ranges. Siberian larch, Siberian pine, birch and Siberian spruce (Picea obovata) grow here.

The Mountains:

The Altai Mountains are located in the southwest of Mongolia and border with Russia and China, the Hangai Mountains are located in central Mongolia and various mountain regions are bordered by Russia in the north.

The Steppe:

Mongolia's vast grasslands, which stretch from the mid-west to the east of Mongolia, are where the large nomadic herds reside.

A map of Mongolia showing the different natural zones and the largest cities.

Trip Planning:

How do I plan a trip to Mongolia? What do I need to consider, what is important?

When do I visit Mongolia?

There are four seasons in Mongolia: winter, spring, summer, and fall. Travelers choose the seasons according to their personal interests. If you want to experience the freezing cold, winter is certainly a good choice; if you want to experience nomadic life, summer and fall are suitable. If you are interested in the Nadaam Festival or the Eagle Festival, you should plan your schedule around the dates of these festivals.

The weather of Mongolia

Mongolia is known as the "land of the blue sky" due to the fact that there are over 200 days of sunshine per year. Yes, but don't forget that Mongolian weather can be very changeable. From heavy hail and rain storms in summer to life-threatening snowstorms in winter.

The dry, cold, and hot continental climate is an exciting experience for any traveler. But it is always a good idea to check the weather forecast before setting off on a long overland journey to uninhabited regions.

Travelling in Mongolia

You can travel by public bus from the capital to any provincial capital in Mongolia. However, if you want to travel outside the public bus routes, you will need a vehicle that can cope with dirt roads, tracks, and off-road routes.

Travel in groups: It is the cheapest to get together in a group of 4 to 6 people who are guided through the country by a travel agency on predetermined or tailor-made tours. The disadvantage of this option, which is usually booked locally, is that you do not know who you will be traveling with, which can lead to unwanted interpersonal problems that are not desirable.

Pre-planned tour: This is perhaps the easiest way to experience Mongolia. Based on our experience, we put together tours and book them as a package. Please have a look at our tours and find the one that suits your interests and wishes.

Tailer-Made-Tour: This option is perhaps the best way to organize a trip that caters to your individual interests and wishes. Together with you, we will plan a tailor-made vacation that will offer you unforgettable experiences and memories.

Drive it yourself: Driving a car in the rough terrain of Mongolia is the ultimate happiness for some, while others prefer to be driven. We offer you to rent an off-road vehicle. Contact us for more details.

Accommodation in Mongolia

Accommodation for tourists in Mongolia includes hotels, guesthouses, ger camps, tent camps and living with a nomadic family. If you book a pre-planned tour with us, you will be accommodated day by day in tourist and tent camps as well as with nomadic families, and in Ulaanbaatar we offer a good 3-star hotel or guesthouse standard. It is also possible to book 5-star hotels and first-class tourist camps. For those who prefer a little more luxury, we recommend a tailor-made tour.

Transportation

Japanese and Russian buses and off-road vehicles are our means of transportation. For a pre-planned tour, there should be at least 2 people or 4-5 people in a group so that the price-performance ratio is right. If you would like to rent an off-road vehicle, click here.

What to eat in Mongolia

There is a rumor that Mongolian cuisine consists only of meat and dairy products. However, many tourists have the opposite experience and are pleasantly surprised.

In Ulaanbaatar there are numerous restaurants with international and Asian cuisine, where you can get delicious food at a good price. In the countryside we cook under simplified conditions, but we endeavour to do our best for our guests. If we stay overnight in tourist camps, our partners will take care of the well-being of the travelers. For our vegetarian guests on our tours, we cook separately and try to cater to their wishes.

Hygiere and lavatories

In a country with a population density of 2-3 people per square kilometer, there are no public toilets in large parts of the country. If there are any, they are usually very basic outhouses. When we stay in tourist camps, showers and toilets are available. On luxury tours, which have a different price category, showers and toilets are available in every room or close proximity.

Horse and Camel riding

On our tours, beginners can also ride a horse or camel, our guides will help you and take care of your safety. However, if you're already confident with a saddle, we recommend the Hovsgul tour to the Tsaaden or a trail-made tour.

Hiking and trekking

Hiking in Mongolia is a popular and exciting activity. We have included hiking sections in all our pre-planned tours. For those who are unable to hike longer distances for health reasons, our vehicles are always available to drive you from your starting point to your destination.

Photography and filming in Mongolia

For photography and film lovers, Mongolia offers breathtaking landscapes, an authentic nomadic way of life and rich flora and fauna. The naadam, ice and eagle festivals also offer you countless opportunities to take photos for life. We can offer you a photo or film trip tailor-made tour according to your ideas at any time of the year.

Living with nomads

Living with a nomadic family for several days and immersing yourself in their everyday life as shepherds and nomads can be an unforgettable life experience. Here you can get to know an original, authentic life that is based on the rhythms of nature.

Cultural attractions

The Nadaam Festival is the cultural highlight of the summer months. The original sports disciplines, whether Mongolian wrestlers, archers, or the spectacular horse race, reflect the culture, traditions and beauty of the Mongols.

The eagle hunting festival in Bayan Ulgii, which takes place in the fall, is deeply rooted in Kazakh culture. The interaction between the rider and his eagle is unique and very popular with photography enthusiasts.

One of the biggest attractions in winter is the Ice Festival, which takes place on the frozen Hovsgul Lake. The variety of traditional costumes, called "Deel", that can be seen here is something very special. Combine this trip with a few days of hiking on the frozen rivers and spend the night in a ger camp on the shores of the lake. The beauty of the Mongolian winter is definitely worth the trip.

How to get to Mongolia

If you are coming to Mongolia from Europe, it is best to book your flight with MIAT Mongolian Airlines or Tukish Air. It is recommended to book flights early, as the high season is usually very well booked.

If you are coming from the USA or Canada, there are flights via South Korea, Japan or China. There are also flights from Hong Kong and Bangkok to Mongolia.

If you are traveling by land from Central Asia to Mongolia, entry is currently not so easy, as you have to drive through Russian territory. You should check with the Russian embassy in your country of citizenship before you leave.

Mongolian Visa

More than 60 nations can enter Mongolia without a visa for up to 30 days. In most cases, your stay can be extended with an e-visa. We recommend that you contact the Mongolian embassy in your home country before you leave. You can also contact Thomas Travel for assistance.

Medical Information

Medical care in Mongolia has improved rapidly over the last 20 years, and there are several hospitals in the capital Ulaanbaatar that have English-speaking doctors. In the event of an emergency, the S.O.S Medica in Ulaanbaatar is the place to go.

https://sosmedica.mn/en/

We recommend that you contact your personal doctor before traveling to Mongolia in order to be well advised, especially if you are on any medication.

Travel Insurance

We recommend that you take out good travel insurance to provide the best possible cover for your trip to Mongolia.

https://www.lumahealth.com/travel-insurance/mongolia/#pll_switcher

https://www.worldnomads.com/row/travel-insurance