Mongolia Travel

Travel Advice

LOCATION AND GEOGRAPHY
Many people ask if Mongolia is the same as Inner Mongolia. In fact, Mongolia (Outer Mongolia) is an independent country. It is about 14 times the size of Hong Kong, but with a very sparse population, making it a true "nature paradise."

From the Altai Mountains in the west to the vast steppes in the east, and the Gobi Desert in the south, Mongolia's landscapes are incredibly diverse. Travel Mama especially recommends Khuvsgul Lake in the north—the world's second-largest freshwater lake with water so clear you can drink it. It’s a hidden gem included in our deep-travel private tours.

Here, you won't just see herds of sheep; you might also encounter rare Gobi bears and wild horses. Our itineraries take you deep into these landmarks that large tour groups usually miss, allowing you to experience a true sense of boundless freedom.

CLIMATE
Known as the "Land of the Blue Sky," Mongolia enjoys over 250 sunny days a year. However, the weather here is famously "unpredictable":

- May to June (Late Spring/Early Summer): The grass begins to turn green. It can be windy, but it's the best time to see newborn livestock.
- July to August (Mid-Summer): The most popular season. Although it's the rainy season, it usually consists of brief thundershowers followed by quick sunshine. This is also the only time to experience the Naadam Festival.
- September (Golden Autumn): My personal favorite! The grasslands turn golden, the weather is cool, and the scenery has a romantic, vast beauty perfect for photography.

Travel Mama Tip: Temperatures fluctuate wildly between day and night. Even in summer, it can drop to a few degrees Celsius at night. We remind every guest to bring a light down jacket or windbreaker to stay warm.

LANGUAGE
去到蒙古,你會發現當地人講嘅蒙古語聽落好有力量。雖然大部分後生仔都會講少少英文,但如果你識得講兩句簡單嘅蒙古話,牧民會對你特別熱情:

– Sain baina uu (音:辛~班~奴):你好!見到面最緊要講呢句。
– Bayarlalaa (音:巴~雅~拉~拉):謝謝!

蒙古雖然用西里爾字母,但其實佢哋有自己傳統嘅「垂直書寫」文字,好似藝術品咁靚。我哋嘅導遊會幫你做翻譯,所以溝通絕對唔係問題。

PEOPLE
Mongolians are among the most hospitable people in the world. They believe that "every traveler is a guest." Even as a stranger, when you enter a Ger, they will often offer you a cup of tea or some dried milk curds.

While over half of the population now lives in cities, the nomadic spirit remains in their blood. You might see them using the latest smartphones while still riding horses with incredible skill. The most precious part of a Travel Mama private tour is stepping into a herder's home to chat and see how they truly live on this land.

CUISINE
Many people think Mongolian food is only about mutton, but the culinary culture here is actually quite diverse, especially on our private tours:

- Khorkhog (Stone Roasted Mutton): Red-hot stones are placed inside a sealed container with mutton to cook it from the inside out. The meat becomes so tender it falls off the bone—it's the most prestigious way to welcome guests in Mongolia.
- Airag (Fermented Mare's Milk): A staple in herder homes, it has a refreshing, slightly sour taste and is known for boosting the immune system.
- Buuz (Mongolian Steamed Dumplings): Similar to dim sum but larger and heartier, these dumplings are packed with savory juices.

What if you don't eat mutton? One of the best things about a Travel Mama private tour is the flexibility. We can take you to the finest Russian or Western restaurants in Ulaanbaatar, and at the camps, we can pre-arrange beef or chicken meals so you'll always be well-fed.

ECONOMY OF MONGOLIA
Economic activity traditionally in Mongolia has been based on the agriculture and breeding of livestock: sheep, goats, cattle (mainly yak), horses, and camels. From these livestock, numerous products including meat, dairy products, wool and cashmere are collected. The total of livestock is about 71 million in 2019. Agricultural production takes place in some regions where grains (wheat, crop,) potatoes and other vegetables are grown. The country is rich in natural resources or mineral deposits including coal, copper, gold, fluorspar, and molybdenum, tin, tungsten and gold account for a large part of industrial production and foreign investment. 
FAQ

FAQ

May to September is the best season, with the peak season in July for the Naadam Festival. July and August are also the wettest months of the year, but be assured, our climate is such that you will still have many sunny days at this time. The best time to visit the Gobi is June or September.
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. Many of the tours use a 4WD Japanese and Korean vehicle, jeeps to transport you to your destination.
In Ulaanbaatar, you will be dining at fine European and Asian cuisine restaurants. Mutton, beef, rice and noodles form the basis of the Mongolian diet, so your meals will be based around this. However, the trail rations may include vegetables, eggs, peanut butter, cheese and sometimes yak! On some days there will be lunchboxes from tourist camps as there are no camps or eating places on the journey. It is good food and our experience has been that guests are happy with
In the Mongolian countryside, most routes are rugged off-road tracks, so a bumpy ride is part of the adventure. However, Travel Mama exclusively uses high-performance 4WD vehicles to ensure your safety and comfort. Since our private tours aren't rushed, our drivers are happy to stop whenever you spot a beautiful landscape, allowing you to stretch, take photos, and soak in the scenery, a much more relaxed experience than being stuck on a large tour bus.
No vaccinations are required. The tap water in the cities is safe to drink, but mineral water is recommended. We will supply mineral water during your trip.
Absolutely not! While mutton is traditional, our private tours offer great flexibility. In Ulaanbaatar, we can take you to high-quality Western, Russian, or Korean restaurants. At the camps, we can arrange beef, chicken, or vegetarian meals in advance.
It all depends on the arrangement! While large group tours can be exhausting with long drives, Travel Mama’s private tours are designed to be "chill." We offer flexible schedules and stays in luxury camps with private bathrooms, making it an unforgettable nature experience for kids.
Warm thin layers of clothing, waterproof jacket, good walking boots and sandals and a hat and headscarf to protect you from the sun and winds. Don’t forget insect repellent, sun cream, lip-gloss, water purifying tablets and first aid kit (medicine for headache, cold, diarrhea, runny nose; bandages; any medicine prescribed for you) all your camera equipment and binoculars and perhaps some snacks to eat between meal times.
Although not required, we recommend that our tour participants purchase a standard travel insurance policy through your insurance company. This is an affordable and comprehensive travel protection program that covers you for unexpected events that could cause you to cancel or interrupt your vacation, unexpected delays, medical assistance, loss of or damage to baggage.
We recommend bringing USD (crisp, new banknotes) and exchanging them for the local currency, Tugrik (MNT), at Ulaanbaatar airport or local banks. While credit cards are accepted in major cities, you'll need cash for souvenirs or horse riding in the countryside. Our guides will take you to places with the fairest exchange rates, so you don't have to worry about being overcharged.
The Naadam Festival is held annually from July 11th to 13th. As this is the most important festival in Mongolia, accommodation in Ulaanbaatar and flight tickets are usually fully booked a year in advance. To ensure your spot, we recommend booking your Travel Mama private tour at least 6 to 12 months early. This gives us enough time to secure the best luxury camps and prime seats for the opening ceremony, ensuring you experience the "Three Manly Games" of archery, wrestling, and horse racing in total comfort.

🇲🇳 Travel MaMa's Insider Tips

1. How to take "Life-Changing" Photos?

The lighting in Mongolia shifts dramatically. To get that travel magazine look, remember:

  • The Golden Hour: The grasslands turn golden an hour before sunset, perfect for capturing the Gers.
  • Wear Contrast Colors: Against the green or yellow grass, we recommend wearing red, blue, or white to make your photos pop.
  • Drone Friendly: Most of the Mongolian wilderness is a paradise for drone photography, don't forget to pack yours!
2. About Accommodation: Luxury Camps vs. Traditional Gers

Many people worry that staying in a Ger means "wilderness survival." In fact, many of our private tours select Luxury Camps:

  • Luxury Type: These come with private bathrooms and heating, offering a stay comparable to a hotel, ideal for families or those who prefer comfort.
  • Experience Type: While you use shared facilities, these are usually located right in the heart of key attractions for the most authentic experience.
3. Taboos inside a Mongolian Ger

Visiting a herder's home is a highlight of deep travel, but please respect the local culture:

  • Don't step on the threshold: Stepping on the doorframe is considered very disrespectful to Mongolians.
  • Use your right hand: Whether receiving Airag (mare's milk) or a gift, always use your right hand or both hands.
4. Best Time to Visit (It’s not just July)
  • July Naadam Festival: The best atmosphere, but also the peak season with high prices. Early booking is essential.
  • Golden September: The grass begins to turn yellow and the weather is cool. It’s the most romantic season for photography with fewer insects.
  • Winter Festivals: If you aren't afraid of the cold, visiting in winter for the Ice Festival and dog sledding is a pure, ethereal experience.