As one of the highest and landlocked countries in the world, Mongolia experiences an extreme continental climate, with scorching summers and long, subarctic winters. The average temperature in Ulaanbaatar is -25°C (-13°F) in winter and +16°C (60°F) in summer. The capital enjoys approximately 260 sunny days annually. The primary travel season spans from May to October. June and July are typically warm and hot, while August tends to be cooler but wetter, with rain making travel challenging, particularly in the northern regions. Most visitors arrive for the annual Naadam Festival, held from July 11 to 13. September and October are ideal months to explore the Gobi Desert.

Direct flights to Ulaanbaatar are available from several international cities, including Frankfurt, Prague, and Istanbul in Europe; Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Manzhouli, and Sanya in China; Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Jeju, Tokyo, and Osaka in East Asia; Bangkok, Phuket, and Ho Chi Minh City in Southeast Asia; and Almaty and Krasnoyarsk in Central Asia. Domestic flights and trains connect Ulaanbaatar to other regions of Mongolia. Many tours employ Japanese 4WD vehicles to reach remote destinations.

It depends! A tourist visa for Mongolia is valid for 30 days. However, citizens of specific countries are eligible for visa-free entry, allowing them to stay for 14, 21, 30, or even 90 days, depending on their nationality.

Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong SAR, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao SAR, Malaysia, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, South Korea, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, and Uzbekistan.

First, check if your country has a Mongolian Embassy or an Honorary Consulate of Mongolia. Alternatively, you can verify your eligibility and apply for a visa online at evisa.mn.

Mobile phone coverage in Mongolia is generally reliable, though it can be inconsistent in remote or mountainous regions. The country’s mobile communication systems include GSM and CDMA networks, supporting 3G, 3.5G, and 4G technologies. If your phone is compatible with these networks, it should work.

Free Wi-Fi is available in most hotels throughout Ulaanbaatar. However, internet services are typically unavailable in ger camps during countryside trips. If you require internet access while traveling in Mongolia, purchasing a mobile 3G SIM card in Ulaanbaatar before starting your journey is highly recommended. With a 3G SIM card, you can access the internet in areas with network coverage, though connection speeds may not be optimal.

Using a local SIM card is more economical for making calls and accessing the internet. Mongolia has four major mobile service providers: Mobicom, Unitel, Skytel, and G-Mobile. Most SIM cards in Mongolia are prepaid, meaning you need to top up the balance to cover call charges, internet usage, or other expenses.

Prepaid travel 3G SIM cards are available from some mobile operators in Ulaanbaatar. These SIM cards are easy to acquire. Prices vary depending on the validity period and the included data and call allowances:

• $30 SIM Card: Valid for 14 days, includes 2GB of data for internet use and 5000₮ for domestic calls (70₮ per minute).
• $35 SIM Card: Valid for 30 days, includes 5GB of data for internet use and 10000₮ for domestic calls (70₮ per minute).

If you wish to purchase a local SIM card, please inform us before your arrival in Mongolia. Your tour guide can assist you in obtaining one.

English is commonly spoken in larger towns, particularly in Ulaanbaatar, where you are likely to encounter individuals with a good command of the language, especially in business or commercial districts. However, outside the capital, proficiency in English is significantly lower, and the average Mongolian may struggle to communicate effectively in English, particularly in rural areas. This is one of the reasons guided tours are highly recommended for countryside travel in Mongolia.

In addition to English, other languages spoken in Mongolia include Russian, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and German.

English is commonly spoken in larger towns, particularly in Ulaanbaatar, where you are likely to encounter individuals with a good command of the language, especially in business or commercial districts. However, outside the capital, proficiency in English is significantly lower, and the average Mongolian may struggle to communicate effectively in English, particularly in rural areas. This is one of the reasons guided tours are highly recommended for countryside travel in Mongolia.

In addition to English, other languages spoken in Mongolia include Russian, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and German.

In Ulaanbaatar, you will stay in your chosen accommodation, such as hotels. During your trips around the countryside, accommodations will typically include camping in tents or staying in traditional Mongolian gers. All accommodation provided by BTTC Travel are personally inspected by our team to ensure they meet high standards of comfort and quality.

Tourist camps in Mongolia use traditional gers, which are round, dome-shaped dwellings, for accommodation. These gers typically accommodate 2–4 people. The camps also feature separate wash blocks equipped with modern Western-style flushing toilets and shower facilities. Additional amenities such as laundry services, dining areas, and small shops are available, and you can charge your camera batteries and other electronic devices at the camps.

The electrical sockets in Mongolia are compatible with two round prongs and operate at 220 volts. For added comfort, luxury ger camps with attached bathrooms are available in select destinations for an additional charge upon request.

In Ulaanbaatar, you will enjoy meals at high-quality restaurants offering a mix of European and Asian cuisines. The Mongolian diet primarily consists of mutton, beef, rice, and noodles, so your meals will generally include these staples. Along the trail, rations may also include vegetables, eggs, peanut butter, cheese, and occasionally camel meat.

On some days, when there are no camps or restaurants along the route, packed lunchboxes from tourist camps will be provided. Guests consistently find the meals to be enjoyable and satisfying.

If you have specific dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, gluten-free, or keto preferences, please inform us prior to your arrival so we can make the necessary arrangements.

Mongolia’s vast and pristine landscape means that many of the roads in the countryside are unpaved. While main roads connecting provinces are paved, much of your journey will involve off-road travel, offering a truly wild and adventurous experience through Mongolia’s breathtaking natural scenery.

Mongolia’s weather is highly unpredictable and can be extreme, especially in May and September, when rain can quickly turn to snow, and temperatures drop unexpectedly. There’s a local saying that you can experience “four seasons in a single day” in Mongolia, so it’s essential to pack warm layers such as a fleece, hat, gloves, and scarf, even during the summer months. For June, July, and August, light summer clothing is suitable, but including a warm fleece or jacket, a scarf, and long trousers is wise for cooler evenings or rainy spells. A waterproof jacket, comfortable walking boots, sandals, and sun protection like a hat, headscarf, sun cream, and lip balm are must-haves.

Though Mongolia is not tropical and doesn’t have issues with mosquitoes, poisonous snakes, or other pests, insect repellent can still be helpful in summer. Additionally, bring water purifying tablets, a basic first aid kit (including medicine for headaches, colds, diarrhea, and any personal prescriptions), camera equipment, binoculars, and snacks for long travel days. Rain is more frequent from mid-July onward, and after prolonged rainfall, daytime temperatures can drop to around +5°C (41°F). Being prepared for varying conditions will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip through Mongolia’s stunning landscapes.

In Mongolia, the standard baggage allowance for domestic flights is 15 kg of checked luggage per person (both Hunnu Air and Aero Mongolia have a 15 kg limit). Any excess baggage beyond this weight will incur a fee of approximately $1.50 to $2.00 per kilogram, depending on the destination. This additional charge is collected directly by the airline at the airport. While traveling in Mongolia, you can leave any excess luggage at the hotel where you are staying.

The official currency of Mongolia is the “tugrug” (MNT). Most shops, restaurants, and businesses only accept MNT, though some places, such as tourist ger camps and souvenir shops, may occasionally accept USD. In Ulaanbaatar, major credit cards like Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted, and ATMs are readily available in the capital and provincial capitals. You can bring USD (printed after 2018), GBP, or Euros, with a cash limit of $15,000 USD, which can be exchanged at banks. Any leftover MNT can be converted back into USD or Euros. As of January 2025, the exchange rate is approximately 1 USD = 3450 MNT.

Traveler’s cheques are not accepted by any banks in Mongolia. For this reason, we recommend using credit cards instead, as they are more widely accepted. You can also withdraw cash from ATMs in major towns. Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and JCB cards are all accepted. However, using credit cards in the countryside is almost impossible.

While travel insurance is not mandatory, we strongly recommend that all tour participants purchase a standard travel insurance policy through their provider. This affordable and comprehensive coverage protects you against unforeseen circumstances, such as the need to cancel or interrupt your trip, unexpected delays, medical emergencies, and loss or damage to baggage.

Mongolia is generally a safe destination, and women traveling alone are typically treated with respect and friendliness. However, it is important to take common-sense precautions to protect your belongings, especially in Ulaanbaatar. Pickpocketing and bag-snatching are more common in crowded areas such as the black market, on buses, or at tourist attractions. To safeguard your valuables, it is advisable to keep them in a money belt under your clothing and avoid displaying large amounts of cash in public.

While vodka is a popular beverage in Mongolia and is often consumed during celebrations, it can also contribute to alcohol-related issues. Drunk individuals are generally more of an annoyance than a danger. Power outages and hot water shortages used to be common but are now relatively infrequent. Additionally, beggars have become more noticeable in the capital.

Tipping in Mongolia is not mandatory, but it is appreciated for good service. In restaurants, a tip of around 5-10% is typical if a service charge is not included in the bill. For tour guides, drivers, and hotel staff, tips are also welcome and can vary based on the level of service provided. While not required, tipping is a way to show gratitude for excellent service, especially in more tourist-centric areas.

As one of the experienced tour operators, founded in 2009, BTTC Travel is a well-established and respected travel company and is affiliated to the major tourism organizations of Mongolia. At BTTC Travel, our values are the foundation of every journey we design. These principles guide us as we deliver world-class experiences while fostering cultural exchange, sustainability, and adventure. Choosing us ensures that you embark on a thoughtfully designed, immersive, and responsible travel experience.

For medical considerations during your travel in Mongolia, it is advisable to bring a travel first aid kit, as English-speaking doctors may be limited in most villages. Travel insurance is recommended to cover any medical expenses, and while vaccinations are not required for travel in Mongolia, it is always prudent to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Visiting a nomadic family in Mongolia is often one of the highlights of the trip, typically taking place 1 to 2 times depending on the trip’s length. Each family offers a unique glimpse into the nomadic lifestyle, with distinct customs and traditions varying by region. Mongolian nomads are renowned for their warmth and hospitality, always welcoming guests with open arms. It is customary to bring a small gift, such as stationery, books, toys, or souvenirs that could be useful in their daily lives. This tradition of gift-giving is deeply embedded in Mongolian culture and serves to strengthen the bond between travelers and the nomadic families they visit.

When entering Mongolia, visitors are required to complete a customs declaration form and retain it until departure. If the total value of checked-in baggage exceeds US$5000, the contents must be declared on arrival. Mongolia permits the following duty-free items to be brought into the country:

• One liter of spirits
• Two liters of wine
• Three liters of beer
• 200 cigarettes
• 250 grams of tobacco

The customs declaration form also asks for details on the amount and currencies of money being carried. Visitors are advised to declare the total amount of money they are carrying, as failure to do so may result in confiscation by customs officials.

For visitors wishing to take antiques or fossils out of Mongolia, official documentation is required. Some shops provide the necessary paperwork upon purchase, but permission can also be obtained from the Ministry of Education, Science, and Culture in Ulaanbaatar. 

Customs Declaration:

• Currency Restrictions: If carrying cash, financial instruments, or cryptocurrency worth 15 million Mongolian tugrik (MNT) or more, you must declare it to customs officials upon entering or leaving Mongolia.
• Prohibited Items: The importation of opium, hashish, other narcotics, as well as pornographic or violent materials (such as books, movies, videos, records, films, or photos), is strictly prohibited. Endangered species and related products, including animal trophies, are also banned.
• Excise Duty: Excise duties apply to certain commodities, such as vehicles, with the duty amount depending on the engine cylinder capacity.
• Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Mongolia.
• Tourist Visa: A tourist visa is not required for stays of less than 90 days.
• Immigration Registration: All visitors must register with Mongolian Immigration within 48 hours of arrival.