Mongolia travel guide
Mongolia offers space on a scale that is hard to find elsewhere. Grasslands roll to the horizon, nomadic families live in gers, and horse riding is part of everyday life. The country rewards travellers who want landscapes, wildlife and a different pace of life. Most journeys begin in Ulaanbaatar, with its monasteries and museums. From there you can choose between Gorkhi-Terelj for an easy countryside escape, Kharkhorin and the Orkhon Valley for Mongol Empire history, the South Gobi near Dalanzadgad for dunes and canyons, Lake Khövsgöl in the north for forests and water, and Ölgii in the west for Altai mountains and eagle hunters. Summer is the main travel season, with green grass and warm days, while winters are very cold. Mongolia suits adventurous travellers, photographers and anyone prepared for long road journeys, and most visitors travel with a local driver or an organised tour to reach the remote regions. Zippy Trips can help you plan the itinerary region by region.
Capital: Ulaanbaatar.
Before you go to Mongolia
- Currency
- MNT ₮
- Emergency number
- 105 / 102
- Plug type
- Type C, E
- Tap water
- Drink bottled water
- Tipping
- Optional
- Bargaining
- Common
- eSIM
- Available
- Card networks
- Visa, Mastercard
- ATM fees
- Varies; plentiful in UB, sparse in countryside
Cities in Mongolia
- Ulaanbaatar Mongolia's capital and largest city, set in the Tuul River valley at ~1,350 m. The cultural and travel hub of the country, home to…
- Dalanzadgad Capital of Ömnögovi (South Gobi) and gateway to Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park — the Yolyn Am ice gorge, Khongoryn Els singing sand…
- Kharkhorin Site of Karakorum, the 13th-century capital of the Mongol Empire founded by Chinggis Khaan, on the Orkhon River. Home to Erdene Zuu,…
- Gorkhi-Terelj Alpine national park ~60 km northeast of Ulaanbaatar, known for the Turtle Rock formation, Aryabal Meditation Temple, ger camps, horse…
- Khatgal Lakeside village at the southern tip of Lake Khövsgöl, Mongolia's deepest freshwater lake (the "Blue Pearl"). Base for horse trekking,…
- Ölgii Capital of Bayan-Ölgii, Mongolia's Kazakh-majority western province in the Altai Mountains. Famous for golden eagle hunters, the Golden…
- Mörön Capital of Khövsgöl Province and the gateway town to Lake Khövsgöl. A transit and supply hub with the regional airport (MXV), Danzandarjaa…
Frequently asked questions about Mongolia
- What currency is used in Mongolia?
- The currency in Mongolia is the Mongolian Tugrik (₮). ₹1 is about 38 ₮.
- Can I use cards and ATMs in Mongolia?
- Accepted card networks: Visa, Mastercard. Typical ATM fees: Varies; plentiful in UB, sparse in countryside. Decline dynamic currency conversion at ATMs and card machines.
- Should I tip in Mongolia?
- Tipping in Mongolia: optional. Optional — tipping is not traditional but ~10% is appreciated in tourist restaurants and for guides/drivers.
- Is tap water safe to drink in Mongolia?
- Drink bottled water. Not safe to drink — use bottled or boiled water.
- What plug type does Mongolia use?
- Mongolia uses Type C, E plugs.
- What is the emergency number in Mongolia?
- Emergency: 105. Police: 102. Ambulance: 103.
- Can I get a SIM or eSIM in Mongolia?
- SIM and eSIM available in Mongolia.
- What is the capital of Mongolia?
- The capital of Mongolia is Ulaanbaatar. Time there: IST + 2 h 30 min.