Travel Tips: Mongolia
Top 15 Things to Know Before Traveling to Mongolia
📍 1. Mongolia Is Vast — Plan Smartly
Mongolia is the world’s most sparsely populated country, stretching across deserts, steppes, and snow-capped mountains. Distances between destinations are huge — plan your itinerary carefully and allow time for long drives.
🌦️ 2. Weather Changes Fast
Mongolia experiences four extreme seasons. Summers are warm and sunny, while winters can drop to −40°C. Even in summer, nights can be cold. Always carry layers and a good windbreaker.
🦅 3. The Golden Eagle Festival Is a Must
Held every autumn in Western Mongolia, it’s one of the world’s most unique cultural events. Witness Kazakh eagle hunters showing their centuries-old skills. Mongolia is the center for the eagle hunters in the world. There are eagle festivals on following dates: Altai Eagle festival - held in Altai county in Bayan Ulgii province on second weekend of September each year, Tolbo Eagle Festival- held near to Tolbo lake by third weekend of September each year, and the main Golden eagle festival which will be held near to Ulgii city by first weekend of October each year. click for Golden Eagle festival tour
🏕️ 4. Experience Staying in a Ger
A ger (yurt) stay is essential to understanding nomadic life. You’ll sleep under the stars, enjoy milk tea, and wake up to herds grazing outside.
🐫 5. Meet the Bactrian Camels
The double-humped camels of the Gobi Desert are gentle and resilient. A short camel ride across sand dunes is unforgettable.
🚙 6. Roads Are Often Unpaved
Outside Ulaanbaatar, many routes are off-road tracks. Traveling with a professional driver or tour company like Kazakh Tour ensures safety and comfort.
🧭 7. Offline Maps Are Your Best Friend
Mobile coverage is limited in rural areas. Download Maps.me or Google Maps offline before you go.
💵 8. Carry Cash — ATMs Are Rare
You can use your credit cards almost all around Ulaanbaatar and province centers. But In the countryside, cards aren’t accepted. Bring enough Mongolian tugriks (MNT) for daily expenses. May be the best way is to get changed at the airport. People are not tricky here at the money exchange places in Mongolia. They are all reliable.
🏞️ 9. Respect Local Customs
Nomads are warm and generous. Always accept gifts with your right hand and avoid touching others’ heads — it’s considered impolite.
🐎 10. Learn to Ride a Horse
Horses are the heart of Mongolian culture. Even a short ride with locals offers an authentic taste of freedom.
🍽️ 11. Try Traditional Mongolian Cuisine
Don’t miss buuz (steamed dumplings), khuushuur (fried meat pies), and airag (fermented mare’s milk). Meals are simple but hearty — ideal for adventure days.
🧘 12. Disconnect and Recharge
Many areas have no Wi-Fi, and that’s the beauty of it. Mongolia invites you to slow down and reconnect with nature.
🐕 13. Beware of Guard Dogs
Nomadic families often keep dogs to protect their herds. Always wait for the owner before approaching.
🕊️ 14. Pack Small Gifts
If you’re staying with nomads, small presents (candies, souvenirs from your country, notebooks for kids) are deeply appreciated.
🧳 15. Book With Local Experts
Choosing a trusted local operator like Kazakh Tour helps you explore safely, experience real culture, and support the community directly.
🌏 Final Thoughts
Mongolia rewards those who travel with curiosity and respect. Whether you’re camping beside alpine lakes, watching eagles soar, or sipping tea inside a ger, every moment feels timeless.
Start planning your journey today with Kazakh Tour — your gateway to authentic adventures in Mongolia.
