Mongolia Travel Guide

Mongolia, an untamed land of beauty and traditions, yet fused into a tapestry of unmatched adventure on the face of this Earth. Here, you'll find yourself travelling across the vast, open steppes, sharing under a blanket of stars with the nomadic herders, and discovering a very vibrant cultural heritage that has survived and thrived against all odds in this harsh landscape. From the capital city of Ulaanbaatar to the Gobi Desert, Mongolia is an interesting mix of traditional and modern influences in a country that dishes out all sorts of experiences for the adventurous traveller at heart. 

The timeless beauty of Mongolia

If you are up for an adventure and an off the beat experience, Mongolia is your next destination. Travelling here will, undoubtedly, exceed all your expectations. 

Mongolia's rich tapestry is woven with threads from ancient traditions, from the sonorous sounds of the Morin Khuur to the spectacle of the Golden Eagle Festival. Across this land, follow in the footsteps of a world where the past lives concurrently with the present; it's not just a normal travel experience. 

Whether you are galloping across the steppes, just out exploring ruins of the Mongol Empire, or flushing out from the warm hospitality of local herders, Mongolia's adventure will find their way into your heart.

 Mongolian yurta

Typical Mongolian ©Shutterstock

Things to do in Mongolia

Mongolia is unique in every sense of the way. This is not your typical holiday destination. Positively. You won't find white sand beaches, cosy streets with outdoor bars or bustling cities. Instead, you will find a fairytale landscape, age-old traditions and genuinely interested people. And above all: hardly any tourists.

An overview of the many things you can do in Mongolia.

Exploring Ulaanbaatar

Start your adventure in Mongolia from the pulsing heart of the country that unites ancient culture with modern life—Ulaanbaatar. Drop by Gandantegchinlen Monastery to find your peace and the National Museum of Mongolia to dig the history of this great nation out. The city will be your door to the greatness of Mongolia.

Wandering through the Gobi Desert

One will go through the Gobi Desert with its weird hugeness and some kinds of weird landscapes to Khongoryn Els with its desert of sands. Enjoy the magic of the desert, travelling through its boundless space on a camel and know its ancient secrets.

Aerial view of the Bayanzag flaming cliffs at sunset in Mongolia, found in the Gobi Desert

Gobi desert ©Shutterstock

Celebrating the Naadam Festival

Dive into the cultural spirit of Mongolia at a Naadam festival with the "Three Manly Games" of wrestling, horse racing, and archery—they provide that unique window deep into the tradition and community of Mongolia.

Discover the Blue Pearl of Mongolia

Mongolia's lake Khövsgöl, called "the Blue Pearl," is a mirror from the sky for the area. A trip for hikers, kayakers, and souls washed in admiration for the beauty of untouched nature and limpid water.

Visit Altai Tavan Bogd National Park

Go to the Altai Tavanbogd National Park for a chance to witness eagle hunting—a tradition more ancient than much of what one will see here—that combined with some of the greatest and most beautiful natural landscapes of Mongolia. It's culture and call to the wild all rolled into one adventure.

Sleep under the stars

Sleep in a traditional ger for a night and experience the pure nature of Mongolia with a rich cultural connection to nomadic life.

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Sleepin in a ger, is a must-do in Mongolia ©Shutterstock

Step back in time in Karakorum

Step back in time in Karakorum, the ancient Mongol capital. The Erdene Zuu Monastery represents here to reflect back on the spiritual heritage Mongolia once had, so it is bringing both the importance of spirituality and history to a visitor's trip to the site.

Explore Hustai National Park

Face to face with the wild beauty of Hustai National Park, home to the Przewalski horse. An avenue of a riot of color opens here, exposing the rich diversity of Mongolian nature and attempts to preserve it.

Climbing the Altai Mountains

If you are up for a challenges, the Altai Mountains will be the ultimate adventure in Mongolia. The mounts are ascended by muscles and by an exposure into the bosom of this land of big skies, mountains, and vast landscapes.

Ride along with the Trans Mongolian Express

Join one of the world's most iconic and legendary trips: Trans Mongolian Express. It provides a unique chance to cross the country: from the steppe view through the desert, right up to the forested mountains – all from your carriage. Not only a way to get from A to B, it is an experience itself. Horse trekking all along, getting to know more about the history and the Mongol culture in some of the remotest but beautiful parts of Mongolia.

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Trans Mongolian Express ©Shutterstock

What is the best time to visit Mongolia

The best time to visit Mongolia is during the summer months, from June to August. This period offers the most favourable weather conditions for exploring the vast landscapes and participating in outdoor activities. 

The temperatures are warm, making it ideal for traveling through the steppes, the Gobi Desert, and attending the Naadam Festival, which is held in July and showcases Mongolian wrestling, horse racing, and archery. Additionally, the summer months allow for easier travel across the country's remote areas, which can be more challenging during other times of the year due to extreme weather conditions. 

If you're interested in experiencing Mongolia's winter landscapes and culture, including the Thousand Camel Festival in the Gobi Desert, visiting between November and February could also be appealing, keeping in mind that temperatures can be very cold.

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Ties Lagraauw

written by Ties Lagraauw

updated 27.03.2024

Ties is a true world explorer - whether it be for work or leisure! As Content Manager at RoughGuides, and the owner of Dutch travel platform Reis-Expert.nl, Ties is constantly on the move, always looking for new destinations to discover.

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