Are you ready for an adventure like no other? 🌏 The Way To Nomads team is here to share the top 5 reasons why Mongolia should be your next destination. Known for its untouched landscapes, rich nomadic culture, and rare wildlife, Mongolia offers an authentic travel experience that’s becoming harder to find in today’s world.

1. Experience Mongolia’s Serenity – The Land of the Blue Sky 🌿

Mongolia’s vast, open landscapes will leave you speechless. Imagine:
✔️ Endless green steppes patterned by moving clouds.
✔️ Crystal-clear lakes reflecting the endless blue sky.
✔️ The occasional white felt ger (traditional yurt) dotting the countryside.

The silence is epic, the air is pristine, and the sky is an unbroken expanse of blue. It’s no wonder Mongolia is called “The Land of the Eternal Blue Sky.” For those seeking true peace and natural beauty, Mongolia’s countryside is the ultimate escape.

2. Discover the World’s Last Surviving Nomadic Culture 🐎

Mongolia is home to one of the world’s oldest and most authentic nomadic lifestyles. Here, life is defined by nature’s rhythm.

✔️ Live alongside a nomadic family for a truly immersive experience.
✔️ Learn to milk cows, herd livestock, and prepare traditional meals.
✔️ Sleep in a cozy ger and wake up to breathtaking landscapes.

This isn’t just a trip—it’s a journey back in time to understand a way of life that has remained unchanged for centuries. It’s humbling, enlightening, and unforgettable.

3. Escape Modern Life – Discover Mongolia’s Unspoiled Wilderness 🌄

Outside Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia remains largely untouched by modern life and free from mass tourism. But this is changing as the country grows in popularity.

Now is the perfect time to explore its raw, authentic beauty:

• Roam through endless deserts, steppes, and mountains.
• Visit regions rarely touched by tourists.
• Experience Mongolia’s authenticity before it’s discovered by the world.

If you’re seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, Mongolia is calling.

4. Adventure for Every Traveler – From Culture to Thrill-Seeking

Mongolia offers a diverse range of experiences for every type of traveler:

🌿 Cultural Discovery Tours – Visit ancient monasteries, participate in local festivals, and immerse yourself in Mongolia’s deep-rooted traditions.

🗺️ Natural Discovery Tours – Witness stunning landscapes like the Gobi Desert, Khuvsgul Lake, and the Altai Mountains.

🏕️ Adventure Tours – Trek across rugged mountains, ride camels in the desert, or horseback ride through lush steppes.

🎯 Special Interest Tours – Whether it’s photography, wildlife watching, or culinary exploration, Mongolia offers something unique for everyone.

5. Discover Mongolia’s Unique Wildlife and Landscapes 🐪

Mongolia is home to rare wildlife and landscapes found nowhere else on Earth.

✔️ Spot the elusive Gobi bear—the world’s rarest bear species.
✔️ Encounter the two-humped wild camel, an ancient survivor of the desert.
✔️ Explore the vast Gobi Desert, a semi-desert that’s full of surprises.
✔️ Discover rare plant species that thrive in Mongolia’s unique ecosystem.

There’s no place like Mongolia when it comes to exploring untouched wilderness and unique wildlife. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime destination that will challenge and inspire your sense of adventure.

Why Travel to Mongolia with Way To Nomads? 🌍

• Local Expertise: Our guides are locals who know Mongolia’s best-kept secrets.
• Authentic Experiences: Stay with nomadic families, explore hidden landscapes, and engage with authentic traditions.
• Customized Adventures: Whether you’re seeking cultural immersion or extreme adventure, we tailor trips to fit your dreams.

🎒 Ready to Embark on an Unforgettable Adventure?

Book your Mongolia tour with Way To Nomads today and experience a journey that will stay with you forever.

👉 Contact Us to start planning your Mongolian adventure!

Introduction to Naadam Festival The Naadam Festival is Mongolia’s most significant and captivating celebration, held annually on July 11-13. The term “Naadam” means “game,” and the festival is rooted in three traditional “manly sports” or “eriin gurwan naadam”: wrestling, horse racing, and archery. These sports date back to the Mongol Empire, though the modern festival also commemorates Mongolia’s national revolution and independence.

While all administrative regions in Mongolia celebrate their local Naadam festivals at different times, the largest and most famous event is hosted in Ulaanbaatar, drawing thousands of tourists and international journalists every year.

Colorful Traditions and Cultural Pride During the Naadam Festival, participants and spectators showcase their cultural pride by wearing vibrant traditional attire. The celebration is a grand display of Mongolian heritage, blending ancient customs with modern enthusiasm. Recognized for its cultural significance, Naadam was inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2010.

 

Traditional Mongolian Wrestling (Bökh)

Mongolian wrestling, or Bökh, is a unique folk wrestling style that distinguishes itself with no weight divisions or time limits. Wrestlers, known as “bokh” (meaning durability), aim to force their opponent to touch the ground with any part of the body other than the feet or palms.

• Attire: Wrestlers wear a tight-fitting jacket called zodog and briefs called shuudag, complemented by traditional Mongolian boots. Before matches, they don a ceremonial hat and perform an “eagle dance” ritual symbolizing strength and honor.
• Rules: Kicking and punching are prohibited, but wrestlers may use their legs to trip opponents. Matches continue until one wrestler falls or is otherwise defeated.
• Rituals: Ceremonial dances, libations of milk to spirits, and ritual songs enhance the spiritual significance of the sport.

Naadam’s wrestling tournaments can involve up to 1,024 participants, making it a spectacular and enduring competition.

Traditional Mongolian Archery

Archery is an ancient and revered sport in Mongolia, open to both men and women. Though traditional bow-making techniques have evolved, Mongolian archers still use composite bows crafted from horn and wood.

• Techniques: Arrows are made from local materials like pine, birch, or willow, with feather fletching from birds like eagles or falcons. The arrow is placed on the right side of the bow and released using a thumb ring for precision.
• Cultural Significance: Archery reflects Mongolia’s warrior heritage, with traditional techniques preserved across generations.

Traditional Mongolian Horse Racing

Mongolia hosts some of the world’s longest and toughest horse races, ranging from 5 to 30 kilometers across rugged steppe terrain. Horses are divided into age categories, and surprisingly, child jockeys (both boys and girls) ride them.

• Rituals: Before races, horses and jockeys participate in ceremonial songs and processions.
• Race Dynamics: Jockeys ride without saddles for the horse’s comfort, focusing on endurance rather than speed.
• Awards: Winners receive the prestigious title “Forehead of the Ten Thousand Race Horse,” while the last finisher is honored humorously as “Rich Belly.”

Why Visit the Naadam Festival?

Experiencing the Naadam Festival offers travelers an authentic glimpse into Mongolian culture, sports, and history. The festival is not only a celebration of athletic prowess but also a deep-rooted tradition that fosters unity and national pride.

Plan Your Trip to Mongolia

• Visit Ulaanbaatar in July to witness the main festival.
• Experience local Naadam celebrations in rural regions for a more intimate cultural encounter.
• Engage with locals, savor traditional foods, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere.

Ready to embark on a unique journey? Contact us to explore off-the-beaten-path travel experiences in Mongolia during the Naadam Festival!

Have you ever wanted to train a golden eagle for hunting on top of a sumptuous snow-capped mountain, surrounded by jewel blue lakes? or transfer to the summer pasture land with the last surviving nomadic tribe by camel caravan through the beautiful oasis surrounded by the singing dunes in the golden gobi? And are you still wondering how to get to Mongolia? So let’s jump into the easy ways to visit Mongolia.

Mongolia is a land-locked country in the far east of Asia, between Russia and China. The principal ways to get to Mongolia are cross the land border by Trans-Siberian train or a car, another option is to fly directly to the capital Ulaanbaatar city. 

1. Flights to Mongolia.

As a land-locked country in a far distant location from the crowded world, there are few international direct flights to approach Ulaanbaatar city – the nomadic capital city. Flights are run all year round by Mongolian national carrier MIAT Mongolian Airlines, and a few foreign airlines including Aeroflot, Air China, Korean Air, Turkish Airlines and Asiana Airlines.

These international airlines are operating flights connecting Ulaanbaatar with Moscow, Beijing, Irkutsk, Seoul, Hongkong, Tokyo, Berlin and Istanbul. We can offer a direct flight booking service to help our customers get the cheapest flights possible to Ulaanbaatar. Please, contact us if you need a cheap yet credible flight booking.

2. Getting to Mongolia by train or rail.

The world-famous Trans-Siberian Railway runs from Moscow to Vladivostok, and one of its branches goes to Mongolia and connects with Trans-Mongolian Railway and it ends in Beijing, China. You can start your railway journey to Mongolia at any of its stations from Moscow to Beijing. Also, you can combine train and air travel when visiting Mongolia, the choice of itinerary is yours, we are able to make your dreams a reality by providing rail tickets to either Beijing or Moscow to/from Ulaanbaatar.

3. Getting to Mongolia by car

Travelling to Mongolia by own driving car is one of the options getting popular among travellers to get to Mongolia, and it challenges most of the travellers’ driving skills, their car knowledge, and their “mentality”. If you are planning to bring a vehicle into Mongolia, you should know about informing the tax authorities and border troops in advance at any of the border crossings in the country. You should complete the customs declaration form and make sure you have all valid vehicle documents, including driving license, and ownership records.

One of the most important things you must know is that if you enter Mongolia in a private vehicle you must leave in the same vehicle, or otherwise pay customs tax. Before starting your travel, you should check your engines and prepare them to be ready on off-road and bumpy roads in Mongolia. If your vehicle is good enough to travel on Mongolian roads, you won’t have trouble and stress.

As the pandemic restrictions are getting better throughout the world, and the countries are getting back to “normal”, the Mongolian government has opened all the borders both air border and land borders to international arrivals, even without any requirements regarding the COVID-19 such as no PCR tests, no vaccinations, and no self isolations required to cross the Mongolian borders from as of April 01, 2022.  You may find additional info on our Mongolia Travel FAQ page, Mongolian e-visa page and packing list for Mongolian trips page. If you have more questions, please directly contact us at info@mongoliantravelagency.com or through our live chat on the bottom right corner of the screen.

Incidentally, as mentioned on our About Us page, Mongolia is not a destination for mass tourism nor a destination of comfort. If you are a keen adventurer who is prepared for more adventurous getaways and planning to experience this nomadic country, we the team of local travel experts will be more than happy to help your wanderlust through our home country. Should you be in search of your ideal journey, you may find your optimal journey on our Mongolian adventure trips page. If couldn’t find one, directly contact us. Our travel experts will arrange your customized journey without any additional fees. Look forward to travelling with you through adventurous Mongolia!

[Updated on the 3rd of April, 2022]

[Updated on 15th of February, 2022]

The Mongolian government declared that Mongolia fully opens its borders [including both air border and land borders] to vaccinated international travellers with no quarantine from as of 14th of February 2022.

On the last Monday [14th of February, 2022], Mongolia’s Prime Minister announced the Mongolian Government’s latest decisions on easing the level of COVID-19 restrictions from “orange” to “yellow’’. In other words, international travellers can visit Mongolia with no isolation. The Prime Minister also mentioned that it is possible to become vaccinated in Mongolia as the country has now become open to all tourists and investors since the Mongolian government has enough shots of WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccines.

Highlighting that the pandemic continues to pose challenges, he then expressed his confidence in all citizens and entities to protect themselves and others from COVID-19 by taking the appropriate measures such as being involved in vaccinations and wearing face masks.

Updates of Mongolia Travel Restrictions:

–          All border for international arrivals to Mongolia is open as of the 14th of February 2022.

–          No quarantine for a visitor who is fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and has proof of negative Covid-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of the arrival.

Entry Requirements to Mongolia:

–          A person who enters Mongolia must present proof of negative Covid-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure from the first embarkation point.

–          In case of a positive PCR test, the passenger must present proof that they have recovered from Covid-19 within the last 3 months

–          Any risks, costs and liability arising from the violation of this requirement shall be borne by the individual, the business entity, and the host organization.

–          Persons entering Mongolia are subject to rapid and PCR tests at the border checkpoint (not applicable to children aged 4 or under). In the event of a “positive” rapid test at the border checkpoint, the person shall be quarantined until the PCR test results are available.

–          The above-mentioned measures are also applicable to nationals of countries in which Mongolia has mutually accepted Covid-19 vaccine certification.

Current COVID-19 situation in Mongolia

Mongolia has reported 836 new infections in the last 24 hours.

There have been 886,000 infections and 2148 coronavirus-related deaths reported in the country since the pandemic began.

Vaccination in Mongolia

Mongolia has administered at least 5,550,257 doses of COVID-19 vaccines so far. Assuming 92% of the country’s total adult population have become fully vaccinated, while 52% of target group citizens have been administered with their third shot of COVID-19 vaccines. 90 thousand citizens have also been involved in their fourth shot so far.

Sources: World Health Organization

             News Now UK

             Mongolian National News Agency

[Updated 25^th of December 2021]

Due to the global spread of the omicron variant, the Mongolian State Emergency Commission updated its restriction policy on the 25^th of December 2021, in order to prevent the transmission of the omicron variant through Mongolia.

Updates of Mongolia Travel Restrictions:

• Air border for international arrivals to Mongolia is remaining open.
• Suspend all land border checkpoints for international arrivals temporarily until March 31 2022.

Entry Requirements to Mongolia:

• A person who enters Mongolia must present proof of negative Covid-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure from the first embarkation point.
• In case of a positive PCR test, the passenger must present proof that they have recovered from Covid-19 within the last 3 months
• Any risks, costs and liability arising from the violation of this requirement shall be borne by the individual, the business entity, and the host organization.
• Persons arriving from abroad shall be quarantined at a government-designated facility for 3 days. PCR tests shall be taken during quarantine. In case the PCR test is positive, the person shall be transferred to a hospital for treatment.
• After the 3 days, quarantine at the state-designated facility person has to follow the home quarantine regime for 7 days.
• Persons entering Mongolia are subject to rapid and PCR tests at the border checkpoint (not applicable to children aged 4 or under). In the event of a “positive” rapid test at the border checkpoint, the person shall be quarantined until the PCR test results are available.
• The above-mentioned quarantine and other measures are also applicable to nationals of countries in which Mongolia has mutually accepted Covid-19 vaccine certification.

Current COVID-19 situation in Mongolia

Mongolia is reporting 249 new infections on average each day, 7% of the peak — the highest daily average reported on September 7, 2021.

There have been 390,416 infections and 1,989 coronavirus-related deaths reported in the country since the pandemic began.

COVID-19 Vaccinations in Mongolia

Mongolia has administered at least 5,348,124 doses of COVID vaccines so far. Assuming every person needs 2 doses, that’s enough to have vaccinated about 82.9% of the country’s population. During the last week reported, Mongolia averaged about 4,877 doses administered each day. At that rate, it will take a further 133 days to administer enough doses for another 10% of the population.

Sources: https://graphics.reuters.com/

             https://newsnow.co.uk/

             https://consul.mn/

What to pack for travel to Mongolia?

As some travellers say “Mongolia is a land of unexpected”. According to Mongolia’s geographic locations and its 4 distinctive seasons, what to pack for your Mongolia tour depends hugely on which season you are travelling to Mongolia, and what type of journey you are willing to including an organized tour or a wilderness expedition. We know that every traveller’s packing list is different and each of us has our own travel needs. With this in mind, we recommend the following general travel packing lists for Mongolia tours.  If you feel there is something else you should bring with you, please do so, and when in doubt contact us for advice. 

Travel packing list for summer tours to Mongolia:

As one of the highest countries in the world, with an average altitude of 1580 metres above sea level. The high central Asian mountain ranges protect the country against the humid air masses which basically creates an extreme continental climate with a temperature range to suit. Mongolian weather has a reputation and is known for its sharp fluctuations with warm, short summers and long, dry and very cold winters. Mongolian summer days can be hot in the sun but cool in the shade, while the nighttime can get downright cold. You want clothes you can pile on and peel off as you’re charging across the countryside on a horse or hiking desert dunes on a camel. Play it safe and dress modestly. You might see some cleavage and tight jeans in Ulaanbataar, but on the steppes and in the Gobi it is out of place. Clothing is important for Mongolian trips. Days are warm and nights are a bit chilly, even if you travel in summer in the Gobi. So you will always need layers and warm clothes.

1. Casual clothing for travel/city: There is no specific dress code in Mongolia, especially in Ulaanbaatar, you can wear anything do western people wear in daily life. You may want to bring an extra folding bag, so you can leave any spare items in the hotel or at our offices.

2. Clothing out of the city: Since the weather in Mongolia is highly unpredictable, you need to be prepared.

• Backpack or soft bag: best if foldable.
• Cotton T-shirts: two to three T-shirts will usually suffice.
• Two long-sleeved shirts: one lightweight, fast-drying, light-coloured, preferably with buttons down the front so you can wear it open over a T-shirt for sun protection; and one medium weight for cold evenings.
• Two pairs of lightweight trousers: if one pair has zip-off legs that can double as shorts, this is ideal.
• Shorts: the fast-drying kind.
• Underwear: fast drying. Sports/Athletic bras offering good support are best.
• Socks: socks should be of a material that keeps your feet dry and allows your feet to breathe.
• Fleece jacket or warm sweater/jumper: we find a fleece jacket with a full-length front zipper to be the most practical, and a wind-stopper fleece the best for spring and autumn.
• Waterproof shell/rain jacket or poncho: In most cases, a waterproof/windproof shell with a hood is ideal. Ponchos are more practical on a horse trek as they cover your saddle and keep your seat dry. Jackets or ponchos for horse treks should be of subdued, darker colour and preferably of a material that does not crackle or rustle. Some Mongolian horses are spooked by unfamiliar bright/light colours and noises from plastic or nylon rain gear.
• Towel: a travel towel that is compact, very absorbent, and fast drying.
• Walking shoes: should have sturdy soles and good support
• Sandals: to be worn around camp, in the shower, and when wading in streams or lakes. The best kind has adjustable straps around the ankle and will stay on your feet if you are walking on a slippery stream bed.
• Bathing costume: for bathing in the hot springs, or in lakes and streams.
• Sunglasses: should offer high UV protection.
• Spare glasses/contact lenses: carried in a sturdy case.
• Personal medications: our First Aid kits are equipped with basic First Aid supplies, but by Mongolian law, we are not allowed to dispense any medication. You should bring common medicines for headache, stomach upset, diarrhoea, colds or allergies, based on your experience and your knowledge of what you might require. Ensure you have a sufficient supply of all prescription medications.
• Sunscreen: choose one with at least an SPF of 20, more if you are light-skinned. A sunscreen in stick form that can be applied to lips, nose, cheeks, and the tops of your ears is very handy.
• Insect repellent: read the label carefully and avoid those that are toxic to fish and amphibians, or wash the repellent off well away from rivers, lakes, and streams.

3. Clothing for horse or camel riding:

• Day pack
• Riding pants: Long pants like jeans, breeches, or jodhpurs. (Shorts and inner leg pant seams can chafe.)
• Boots: Comfortable sturdy worn-in walking boots/shoes
• Gloves: A lightweight, quick-drying glove. You will be pulling a lot from the bridle.
• Enough pairs of socks and pairs of high wicking sock liners.

4. Clothing for mountain climbing:

• Hiking boots (for treks): waterproof and breathable, with Gore-Tex boots being the best for Kharkhira and other Altai treks. This is a permafrost area, and water is trapped at the surface, so it will be difficult to avoid some wet ground. We recommend that you bring an extra pair of shoes, in case your boots get wet.
• Waterproof pants: should fit over your other pants, and from May through September without a lining or should have a very light, breathable lining.
• Leggings: to avoid water from penetrating through the top of your boots.
• Extra set of clothing: sealed in a nylon bag, to be carried during hiking days.

Travel packing list for winter tours to Mongolia:

Mongolian winter is cold, but not that extreme cold as some people say. The winter in Mongolia has its own beauty, and bigger chances to experience authentic nomads life.  You have to be prepared for a huge temperature range, it can be 10°C above one day and -40°C the next night. Due to its temperature ranges, a 3-layer system is preferred. Specifically based on wearing a base, middle and outer layer. For all winter trips in Mongolia, you need to bring all three layers. The 3-layer system should protect you from the outside environment and conditions, whilst allowing for maximum heat retention. It should be flexible to allow for changing conditions. Here is our general packing list recommendation for our winter trips to Mongolia.

• Base layer: You need to wear a base layer, preferably something made of wool, or any thermal and quick-dry synthetic. Avoid cotton as much as possible. Cotton will hold moisture, and moisture could freeze. Wool is a great insulator, and even if it gets wet, won’t freeze. The main objective of the base is to keep you dry. A nice example is this Thermal shirt.
• Mid Layer (Insulation): The base is to keep you dry, and the medium is to keep you warm. So the best mid-layer outfits are comfy and warm items like fleece, but wool or cashmere also works great. An example of a nice fleece mid-layer is this Fleece Jacket.
• Outer Layer: So, we covered dry and warm. Now to keep the wind and snow away, you will need a waterproof and wind-resistant jacket and snow pants. For an example of what to look for, check this parka and these snow pants. Or you could consider purchasing a thick Mongolian winter deel (traditional ¾ length wraparound coat) at the start of your trip for around $200.
• You need all the 3 top layers – not only if you go hiking, but skiing or will also be near snow. This is especially true for kids, they are smaller and can freeze quicker.
• Wool socks: Warm feet are a must around here! And wool socks are the best. As mentioned above, even if they become wet, they won’t freeze and they are great for insulation. Consider taking light synthetic/polypropylene liner socks as wearing these helps to prevent chafing. Then take medium weight wool hiking socks for wearing on top of the liner sock.  Wool socks are worth it. See example: wool socks.
• Boots: From late September, there can be snow and ice anywhere in Mongolia. If you want to be able to walk without sliding, and also keep those toes warmed up, you need snow boots. I wear them even to go to the store. You may opt for chunky pull on calf-length style boots, or more lightweight hiking boots just with ankle support. However, anything that would be reasonably described as ‘shoes’ should be avoided for outdoor use.
• Gloves and warmers: Extremely important! Don’t forget a good pair of gloves or mittens. Fingers are rather small and freeze up quickly if you don’t keep them warm. Besides, if you come all the way to Mongolia, you might want to have a little playtime in the snow. Be prepared.  An example of good gloves. If you forget or lose your gloves, quality Mongolian-made leather gloves can be bought in many of Ulaanbaatar’s markets and stores for around $10.
• Hats: Not only to keep you warm but also to cover your ears and avoid frostbite. You can also use a headband/ear warmers. Make sure they are wool, fleece or, if you are in Mongolia already, camel and cashmere are also good and can be bought inexpensively.
• Scarves: Keep your neck warm and cosy. I can’t stress it enough that being warm is not only for a comforting reason but for a survival reason. Temperatures can drop to below -40C. So, yeah… It gets really cold. Balaclavas are an option too. They will keep your head and neck warm and cosy.

Other equipment or accessories to pack for Mongolia trips:

• Headlamp/flashlight: a headlamp is preferable, as it leaves your hands free.
• Spare batteries/bulbs and possibly a slimline rechargeable battery pack to recharge your phone
• Binoculars/camera: carried in a soft padded case if possible.
• Cables and adaptors for charging phones, cameras, etc. If you have 12V adapters to charge from the car’s cigarette lighter, please bring these along.
• Back-up battery: In your nomadic family visiting days, horse/camel trekking days, mountain climbing days or anytime you are in a rural area, there is no electricity/power supply enough for charging cameras, drones even mobile phones.
• Camera, tripod(s), drone(s) other relevant equipment: There are too many beautiful scenes to photograph in Mongolia. But it’s not accessible to buy this type of equipment in rural areas (anywhere out of Ulaanbaatar). Remember that cameras and photography equipment are relatively expensive in Ulaanbaatar compared to western countries or even in other Asian countries.
• If you are a keen photographer, it’s better to bring a polaroid camera. Take a photo with nomadic families, with their kids and leave the photo as a small thank you gift.
• Money belt/pouch: it is preferable to have a flat pouch that can be worn inside clothing.

Additional Equipment to pack for Mongolia trips:

• Sleeping bag: At each of Way To Nomads’ camping tours, we provide a sleeping bag to our guests freely. But if you consider hygiene reasons, we recommend that you should bring your own sleeping bag. We recommend sleeping bags rated warm for temperatures down to -5C for summer travel, -15C to -20C for spring and autumn, and -40C for winter
• Sleeping mats: If you are on a trip that involves camping we do provide simple sleeping mats but we suggest you bring your own Thermarest or something similar for extra comfort if you have one and can fit it in.
• Resealable (Ziploc) plastic bags: Bring a sufficient quantity to protect your documents, money, camera, binoculars, and other items from water, sand, and dust. A few extra bags are handy for repacking wet clothing until you reach your next camp and can dry them out.
• Waterproof bag cover (on treks and horse treks, expedition-style trips): One large enough to cover your backpack or bag and a smaller one for your day pack.
• Earplugs: We do not provide earplugs. Some people prefer bringing earplugs to our camping tours due to safety reasons from insects or any bugs when you are sleeping in the forest or anywhere.
• Travel pillow(s)

We are sharing the most frequently asked questions from our guests and their answers here about our Mongolia tours. Please follow the links to get the answers. If you can’t find your answer, please send us your question by email, or ask the question directly through our live chat in the bottom right corner of the screen. 

Is Mongolia safe to travel to?

Mongolia is one of the safest travel destinations in the world for travellers. Many travel presses and other credible sources tell that the crime rate in Mongolia is relatively low compared to the western countries and other Asian countries. However, as with any major city, petty crimes including pickpockets and bag slashers have been known to strike in the more crowded areas of Ulaanbaatar, so be mindful that your valuables are not on the show, and common sense is always your best safeguard. 

When is the best time to visit Mongolia?

The Best time to travel to Mongolia depends on what type of traveller you are. In general, from the end of May to early September is the peak tourism season in Mongolia. In recent years, before the pandemic, from September to early October was becoming popular amongst adventure lovers due to the Golden Eagle Festival and the fall atmosphere in the northern Taiga region – home of Reindeer Herders. Choosing the right time in terms of weather and climate would be the key step to enjoying your travel to the fullest. Read more detailed info for choosing your travel date to Mongolia on our best time to visit Mongolia blog.

How to obtain or get a Mongolian visa?

Mongolia has recently relaxed its visa rules (Oct 2021) exempting passport holders of 42 countries from the visa requirement list, who may travel to Mongolia for tourist and/or business purposes without a visa and stay up to 30 days. Please check the lists for visa-free countries here

Besides, the Mongolian Government launched an eVisa System for 36 countries (Oct 2021) allowing travellers to get Mongolian visas easier through evisa.mn. Please check the electronic visa eligible countries list here.

Those who are resident of countries where Mongolia do not have a diplomatic mission can get Mongolia’s travel visa upon their arrival. However, you are advised to make special arrangements with us in advance. Read more detailed info on our Mongolian Visa Information blog here.

How do I get to Mongolia?

All direct flights come into Ulaanbaatar – most of them from Beijing, Seoul, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Moscow, Berlin, and Istanbul. The Trans-Mongolian train from Moscow or Beijing makes a particularly exhilarating entry into the country. There are domestic flights and trains from Ulaanbaatar to the rest of Mongolia. Please >Getting to Mongolia to read our detailed blog about getting to Mongolia.

Would you be able to arrange for my flights or train tickets to Ulaanbaatar?

As we are based in Ulaanbaatar, we are also able to book a cheap and convenient air ticket that starts above cities for you. Please visit our website and fill out the inquiry form with your requirements and we will contact you with a quote for flights within 1 working day.

What type of accommodation will we be staying in?

Hotel: Accommodations in Ulaanbaatar, and other provincial towns including Murun, Ulangom, Ulgiy, Khovd, we will use 3 to 5-star hotels due to the choice of our guests. Our accommodation options are carefully chosen, based on our research, our experience, and feedback from clients, to provide the best combination of high-quality accommodations, affordability, and convenient location.
We give clients the opportunity to stay in a wide range of accommodation, depending on tour from 3* to 5* hotels in cities and best tourist Ger camps in countryside trip.

In Ulaanbaatar we suggest Khuvsgul Lake Hotel, Kempinski Khan Palace, The Blue Sky, Shangri La, Bayangol Hotel, and Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel.

Ger camp: We use traditional ger camps in the countryside where there are no hotels. Ger camps are set in rural locations near areas of cultural, historical or geographical interest. A ger camp typically comprises 20-30 gers, each with 2-4 beds averagely and a traditional wood-burning stove. Separate male & female bathroom blocks with western-style facilities are located a short distance away, as well as a communal larger dining ger or lodge where meals are served. Gers provide an authentic and memorable taste of Mongolian culture and allow you to visit areas that otherwise lack traveller accommodations. Most visitors find their stays at ger camps to be among their most enjoyable experiences in Mongolia.

Community-based ger camp: These are low impact ger camps based around nomadic communities who are involved in the community-based tour programme. They offer a basic service such as providing a traditional ger for staying overnight, which also offers our clients a chance to experience nomadic life and culture closely rather than just visiting briefly. A nomadic community ger camp usually has a limited capacity of up to 20 guests per shift, and provides a simple camp shower and composting toilet facilities. Each ger has 4 beds with clean sheets, comforters, pillows and blankets. Local meals and other additional activities like horse riding, camel riding, yak riding and cultural visits are available to be arranged upon guests’ request.

Camping tent: We use a camping tent for some of our adventure journeys in places where no hotels, ger camps, community-based ger camps, or even nomadic families. We provide spacious, lightweight tents for 2 people on a twin share basis or 1 person per tent for single occupancy. All tents have an extra tarpaulin sheet to protect against the rain. A central dining tent is provided for groups of 6 or more. A double share basis self-inflatable sleeping mattress with an extra protective sheet is also provided. We always recommend bringing your own sleeping bag for hygiene reasons.

What type of transportation are available in your Mongolia tours?

Road travel: We usually recommend Russian minivans (known as Furgon or UAZ 452) for our adventure journeys outside the city. As each journey consists of a maximum of 8 people, each minivan fit 4 people at its maximum. That means there’s plenty of space and comfort. The reason we prefer minivan is the van is functional & practical, most of our guests fall in love with these indomitable vehicles and our fantastic team of drivers. With a high wheelbase, large surround windows, ample luggage space, the flexible sociable layout comfortably seats. Besides, our chosen minivans are very reliable and capable of 4×4s with impressive off-road capability.

In some cases, especially if a guest prefers another type of vehicle, Japanese 4WD vehicles such as Toyota Land Cruisers are available. We recommend this vehicle for couples or small groups of 2 to 3 people.

As the world’s second-biggest land-locked country, and an adventure destination, Mongolia has a lack of infrastructure, and the off-road of Mongolia will challenge you. But at Expedics Travel, our guests’ safety & comfortability is our priority, any necessary long drives are offset by photo stops, picnic lunches, roadside pitstops, tea/coffee breaks, and of course seeing points of interest, leg-stretching walks, dropping in on nomadic families, popping into villages and markets.

Air Travel: There are domestic flight operators including Hunnu Air, Aero Mongolia and Eznis Airways, and we use domestic air travel only in our remote journeys. But as an activist & responsible travel agency in Mongolia, we prefer using as few flights as possible in order to reduce our carbon offset.

Rail journey: The vast majority of the country is not served by any railway system. The mainline carves a path from the Russian border at Sukhbaatar in the North to the Chinese border at Zamyn Ud in the south – a length of 1110 km. This is used for domestic and international freight and passenger transport, with an additional spur to the country’s 3rd city of Erdenet. Although slow and of limited use for tourism purposes, a ride on the soviet-style railway is a characterful and enjoyable experience. We recommend and arrange tickets for the route from Irkutsk or Beijing to Ulaanbaatar, and also forays within the country – from Ulaanbaatar to Erdenet, for example.

How is food in Mongolia?

All your meals in Ulaanbaatar are at the best available restaurants in the city. Oriental, western and traditional Mongolian cuisine is available and the cost of all meals (excluding alcoholic beverages) is inclusive of your tour cost. During camping tours, we offer a selection of salads, soups (such as noodle soup- ‘Lapsha’ and cream soup-‘Bantan’, vegetable cream soup) and main courses (i.e. Mongolian barbecue-‘Horhog’, khuushuur, buuz and steaks). If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know prior to the trip. As we make special arrangements for you.

What drinks are included?

We always provide drinking water, tea and coffee. Alcoholic and soft drinks are not included.

We do not provide bottled water. We take fresh drinking water from local town pumps and provide stainless steel bottles to each of our guests and staff. The water quality in Mongolia is excellent by world standards but for added security, we provide a Steripen and/or Lifesaver filter for those who wish to neutralise their water. We don’t encourage buying bottled water because of the lack of recycling options. 

There are plenty of opportunities to stop in villages and towns en route to stock up on alcoholic drink supplies although choice in the countryside is more limited than in Ulaanbaatar. If you know you like a good red wine or nice whisky, then visit a supermarket in UB before departure (we usually make a stop en-route out of the city).

The facilities: what type of toilet will we use in our Mongolia tour?

During the day while travelling there is always somewhere to wander off to for a bit of privacy. At ger camps, you will typically be using Asian style long drop toilets, compost toilets or western-style toilets – depending on the standard of ger accommodation. (Rural Mongolians (town and country) do not have access to running water so most toilets are of the outside Asian style long-drop/squat toilet although a few will be ‘sit-down.’). If you’re at a homestay with no toilet or camping then we dig a simple Asian-style squat toilet, with surround. You might like to practice squatting at home to strengthen your legs (as suggested by a few of our clients!)

The toilets are not there to disgust or challenge you. It’s daily life in rural Mongolia.

The facilities: washing & shower

Showers can be limited (because of the lack of infrastructure and running water. If you’re staying at tourist ger camps, most take their water supply from either a tank or deep well and are heated by solar). On all itineraries, in provincial towns or bigger ger camps, there are showers and laundry services. In nomadic families and camping days at rural places, there is no shower or washing machine.

The facilities: Is internet or mobile network available in Mongolia?

Internet access is available at all hotels in Ulaanbaatar, and provincial towns. Outside of the city, some tourist Ger camps offer little charged or free internet access. Mobile phone service is widely available throughout the 21 provinces and 330 soums of the provinces. Therefore, we recommend you to buy a sim card and use it when travelling within the reception areas. But in some of the destinations, especially in remote places would be difficult to use any source of internet.

The facilities: What is the electricity supply and sockets in Mongolia?

The power supply in Ulaanbaatar and other provincial towns are reliable and are only occasional blackouts. Electricity is 220v or 50Hz. The sockets throughout the country accommodate the European style – 2 pin plugs. In the countryside, the power supply is not well and still has frequent interruptions. Some of the ger camps, the remoted ones use a solar plane as their electricity source. In a nomadic family, some families use small solar planes for their refrigerators and TVs but others don’t have any electricity which means in a nomadic family, it’s not available to charge your mobile phone, laptop, or camera.

Which currencies are available in Mongolia?

The official currency is the Tugrug (MNT=₮). Denominations come in 20.000₮, 10.000₮, 5.000₮, 1.000₮, 500₮, 100₮, 50₮, 20₮ and 10₮. The official exchange rate at this time (November 2021) is 2.848₮ to 1 U.S dollar. Visitors are advised to carry credit cards – Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Union Pay– and traveller’s checks that can be accepted by most hotels and major stores and can be exchanged for cash of MNT. Make sure to change money at banks or exchange offices in Ulaanbaatar as it is not always possible in the countryside, especially euros and other currencies. Make a note that damaged notes and older notes before 1995 may not be accepted. We advise having Mongolian tugriks in your wallet for smaller shops and bazaars as well as for necessary supplies in the countryside.

Do you allow children on your tours?

At Expedics Travel, we welcome guests of any age. In our small-group tours, children above 14 years and older are allowed to take part only with their parents. We recommend that families with children of any age take advantage of our private or tailormade journeys. This will give you more flexibility while on tour.

Trip style:

We are an activist travel agency organizing tours in small groups of like-minded travellers and also private departures for any kind of travellers. Most of the journeys at Expedics Travel is designed to help local communities in remote areas of Mongolia, to protect & increase the life quality of endangered wild species including Gobi bear, Snow Leopard & Saiga antelope, and to fight desertification & global warming. Besides our activist mission, we care for each of travellers’ needs and wishes. Our tours are mostly in adventure style,  but some are in classic style.

Trip Style: Small Group Tours – Maximum group size

The average group size in Mongolia journeys at Expedics travel is 6 people, and 8-people-group is considered the maximum regarding our responsible travel policy and community-based programme policy.

Trip Style: Age ranges & nationalities of travellers in our small-group journeys

Expedics Travel sells its scheduled small-group journey in over 16 countries around the world (e.i. the UK, Canada, USA, Sweden, Norway, Netherlands, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Spain). It is, therefore, our groups usually a mixture of the nationalities mentioned above. The age range on our small-group tours is varied widely between 20-year-old to 68-year-old. The average age is between 35 to 65. But younger and older guests of any age are available for our journeys.

Trip Style: Travelling solo

We get slightly more solo travellers than couples. Males and females are split quite equally. As a solo traveller, If you would like to avoid single supplements, we are happy to pair you with a same-sex room companion for the trip. If there is no one available of the same sex as you, we will arrange a single room for you at no extra cost.

Trip Style: Special-interest journey

We organize special interest expeditions: Mongolia Nature Photography Journey, Wildlife Observing Journey, Birdwatching Journey, and Festival Expeditions. As a reminder, each of our special interest journeys is organized once or twice a year as a guaranteed departure. If you are not into a group tour, our special interest journeys are available privately as your need.

Special: I want to experience nomadic life

You will meet with nomadic people on the way, visit nomadic families en route to places, stay with nomads in their homes, and do what nomadic people do in their daily life. Experiencing nomadic culture & nomadic life will be top-notch, and the difference of Expedics Travel from other travel agencies or tour companies organize Mongolia tours.

Do I need vaccinations for travel to Mongolia? What medications are necessary to visit Mongolia?

 Mongolia is fairly a healthy country to travel to, and no vaccinations are required other than COVID-19, to visit Mongolia. But we are not authorised to provide professional medical advice, therefore, we recommend travellers to take advice from their doctor before booking your tour if you are concerned about what precautions you should take. If you are taking regular medication, please bring a sufficient quantity to last for your entire trip as some medications are difficult to find or are non-existent in Mongolia. Please ensure that you carry your medications in your onboard flight bag, rather than in your checked-in luggage.

What to pack for travel to Mongolia?

As some of the travellers say “Mongolia is a land of the unexpected”. According to Mongolia’s geographic locations and its 4 distinctive seasons, what to pack for your Mongolia journey depends hugely on which season you are travelling to Mongolia, what type of journey you are willing to including an organized tour or a wilderness expedition. Click here to read our full advice on the packing lists for Mongolia tours.

Mongolia has launched eVisa for Travellers

Here is some good news for travellers who have been planning to visit or travel to Mongolia!

Mongolia has officially launched an Electronic Visa System for foreign nationalities. From the 1^st of October 2021, the system is issuing visas for the citizens of 36 countries including the UK, the Republic of Korea, Australia, Denmark, and France. The travellers of the countries on the e-Visa list can apply for their tourist visas online at evisa.mn.

The types of Mongolian tourist e-Visas issued online, and ministerial fees are as follows:

• Tourism (valid for 150 days for a 30-day single-entry stay): US$51.50
• Sports or cultural events (valid for 150 days for a stay of 30 days single entry): US$51.50
• Transit / Short stay (valid for 150 days for a stay of 10 days single entry): US$25.75

The announced delivery time of the e-Visa is 72 hours after submission and payment of a complete application online.

Moreover, the validity of Mongolian visas has now been extended to 150 days and brought them in line with international standards. The fees for passport visas have been reduced since October 1, 2021, the single-entry visa issued by the embassy now costs €38.23, instead of the €60.00 previously charged.

Besides, this change of e-visa launch does not affect the previous 24 visa-free countries for Mongolia including Germany, Canada, Hong Kong(CSRA), Japan, Singapore, and the USA – as those visa-free rules still apply.

Indeed, we, the Way To Nomads team is now available for Mongolia 2022 tours with a more safe and flexible booking policy due to the pandemic. Also, we are pleased to help travellers to get their eVisas or Passport visas.

Updated on November 2, 2021, by Way To Nomads.

Nomadism, the way of life of Mongolians for centuries, and we are known as the world’s last surviving nomadic culture throughout the world.

Mongolia has 3 million people and around 40% of Mongols are real traditional nomads who live in remoted yet beautiful landscapes, moving from pasture to pasture at least 4 times a year, in great partnership with their livestock and with nature.

Most of the travellers who explored Mongolia tells that “travelling through Mongolia is an eye-opening experience”. Yes, it’s true for many of us. Regarding geography, Mongolia has a diverse vast open landscape of 4 distinctive natural zones including the Gobi desert, the great plain steppes, snow-capped sumptuous mountain areas, and a mysterious yet beautiful dense forest zone.

Each of the nomadic families owns 5 species of animals including cattle, goats, sheep, horses, and camels [2 humped Bactrian’s camel] as their livestock, and has approximately 400 – 1000 livestock. Their everyday life is relevant for their livestock animals, rounding their animals to fertile pasture land, breeding baby animals, producing dairy products, producing raw products of cashmere, wool, and more…

Mongolian nomadic families live in a “ger”, a traditional portable dwelling suitable for their vagrancy lifestyle in many ways including its simplicity for dismantling, ease to build, environment friendliness, stability and safety and more…

Nomadic lifestyle varies in Mongolia depending on which part of Mongolia they live in. We would like to offer you to witness the life of Eagle trainers for hunting who residue in the western part of Mongolia, and Tsaatan tribe of reindeer herders who live in the northern part of Mongolia, and camel breeders who residue in the Gobi desert of Mongolia. Each of these families or ethnicities would show you different stories and different vibes.

Choosing the right time in terms of weather and climate would be the key step to enjoying your travel to the fullest.

Mongolia, the world’s second-largest landlocked country, has a continental climate with 4 seasons from extreme cold whitish winter to warm sunny summer. Yet Mongolia is a vast country and the weather can be quite different in the south and the north of Mongolia. Even though the summer months are the most favoured time to visit. The best time to visit Mongolia is from June through September with warm sunny days and has plenty of cultural events and adventurous festivals. Here are some tips to help you find the most suitable season for you to visit Mongolia.

Summer in Mongolia:

The peak travel season in Mongolia is in the summer months of June, July, and August, and for a good reason. Travel across Mongolia with relative ease to enjoy a wide-spanning array of activities. Unleash your inner nomad at the pasture of the Mongolian nomads in June, and then head to the Naadam Festival, the national celebration all over the country. Which is a huge reason for travelling to Mongolia. There are countless sites to visit and explore in the summer for nature lovers, with many activities to partake in and enjoy. For adventure seekers, there are plenty of things to do including horse riding, camelback riding, fishing, hiking, biking, photographing, bird watching, and wildlife observing.

Temperature: 

• The temperature ranges from 20°C to 25°C, Gobi temperatures this month can rise up to 35°C
• Dry throughout the central and southern regions
• The mountains and northern areas can be cold in August

Highlights in summer:

• Mongolian Naadam Festival
• Deeltei Mongol Naadam – A Mongolian Dress Festival
• Local Naadam Festivals in the countryside
• Yak festival
• Reindeer festival

Things to do in summer:

• Horseback riding
• Stargazing
• Stay in a ger /nomadic dwelling/ with a nomadic family
• Camel /two-humped Bactrian camel/ trekking
• Reindeer riding
• Rafting
• Birdwatching
• Wildlife observing
• Takhi, the wild horse observing
• Tame a horse
• Attend a nomadic wedding ceremony
• Wildlife photographing

Autumn:

Nature is at its best in autumn featuring colourful landscapes and temperate weather and the beginning of Autumn is still a high season. The cool weather brings respite to the Gobi and the varying colours in the forests in the north are beautiful. October is again cool and sees the occasional or rare snow bustle up north but is still fine for travel, especially in the Gobi desert. From September to early November are good months to explore the nomadic life and nomad homestays. The cooler weather will make your nomad homestay pleasant with a bit of fire if required. You can do much exploration, learn from them, and volunteer during their busy time for the winter preparation

Temperature:

• The temperature ranges from +10°C to +15°C in a daytime in September
• Sunny days throughout the country with pleasant weather and stunning colours especially in the north and west.
• The temperature in October is -4°C to +12°C daytime and -8°C to +5°C at night. The seasonal accommodation ger camps close October 5 through 1 May allowing you to experience authentic Mongolia and interact with the locals.

 Highlights in autumn:

• Golden Eagle Festival
• Harvest Festival
• Nomadic migrations to the autumn or winter pasture lands.
• Sealing Foals Celebration, a nomadic traditional custom

Things to do in autumn:

• Horseback riding
• Hiking
• Stargazing
• Get acquainted with falconry tradition, and birding tradition
• Attend a Foal sealing celebration
• Attend a nomadic wedding ceremony
• Help nomadic families to migrate to their seasonal pasture land
• Attend Golden Eagle Festival
• Wildlife photographing
• Wildlife observing

Winter:

January is the coldest, and December is the second cold month in Mongolia. But no worries. There is more chance the land will be covered with snow and beautiful. The snow-covered land makes more warm feeling than the snowless area. And it is true because of the sunlight reflection on the snow. Mongolia is beautiful in winter with its glittering landscapes, fresh air, frozen rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. We suggest you not to travel to too remote areas in winter in order to prevent lack of emergency in case snow piles in snowstorm close the road or phone reception range etc. December and January are completely offseason. Nothing is touristic. In winter, we do not promise you comfortable king-size beds, WC, and shower at most accommodations in the countryside. Though, you certainly have in-depth cultural experiences of nomadic life while staying with nomad families and discover yourself among unique lifestyle, harsh climate, and winter scenery. Even though, the tourist accommodation ger camps work in the national parks near Ulaanbaatar. Of course, the tour price is lower than in summer. We are experts in winter travel with well-developed, activities and authentic experiences packed with winter tours. The comfort and enjoyment of our clients have always been our priority. Our staff and hosts will make sure you will stay warm and enjoy your tour wherever you go. Do you need some warm clothes? You can borrow our traditional clothes deel free. Deel has always been the most suitable cloth for Mongolian weather.

Temperature:

• The temperature in the winter months are very low and ranges between -15°C to -37°C
• The weather is dry and bitterly cold
• The sky is clear blue, and the surrounding area is totally snow covered

Highlights:

• Tsagaan Sar – The Mongolian Lunar New Year Celebration
• Khuvsgul Ice Festival
• A Thousand Camel Festival

Spring:

Spring is the time for the nomads to welcome newborn baby animals. We recommend you to come in spring for a stay with nomads if you are a curious traveller if you like adventures and are interested in culture at the same time as enjoying scenic places, attractions, and the vastness of Mongolia. Mongolian spring is windy, sometimes stormy, particularly in the Gobi desert. Spring is the low tourist season. As well as, the weather fluctuates more. There will not be many tourists. The seasonal accommodation ger camps close October 5 through 1 May allowing you to experience authentic Mongolia and interact with the locals. As well as, the tour price is low compared to summer. You can check our low season and winter tours.

Temperature: The temperature in February ranges from -15°C to -3°C daytime. The temperature in March is -8°C to +15°C daytime and -15°C to +5°C at night.