Mongolia

Mongolia is a seemingly mysterious country deep in the interior of Asia. It is a lively country with a mix of modern cities and windswept plains. Let‘s see what this ancient country has hidden under the snow.

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Mongolia Travel Info

Language

Mongolians speak Mongolian of course. You might expect it is related to Chinese or Russian due to its proximity, however, it is an ancient language with little resemblance to Chinese, and the closest languages are surprisingly Turkic. The Mongolian written script is quite beautiful, however Soviet influence in the 1940s led to Cyrillic becoming the main alphabet for written Mongolian. In recent decades English has become a widely spoken second language as well, however, the further you get from Ulaanbaatar few people can speak it.

Demographics

Until the mid-1900s, Mongolia was a nomadic country. In recent years the population has exploded to well over 3.3 million, with 1.7 million in Ulaanbaatar alone. The rest of the country is still broadly nomadic and spread thinly across a few small towns and vast steppes. The primary religion is Buddhism which came up from Tibet in the 1300s, before which the country was primarily shamanistic. Today, many people have a mix of ancient culture and religions, influenced by region and heritage.

Weather

Mongolia is one of the coldest countries in the world. However, summers are surprisingly mild and sometimes quite warm. During tourist season in the summer expect highs of 25°C or 77°F. In the winter, three or four very warm layers are required as temperatures reach as low as -30°C, -22°F. Improper clothing can lead to injury or death!

Public Transit

Mongolia has very sparse public transportation compared to its Asian neighbors. There is no train or subway network in Ulaanbaatar. There is a public bus system, but it gets backed up during busy tourist seasons, and while taxis are available but will also be in very short supply during tourist season. Drivers in the city will offer rides to hitchhikers frequently and happily, thanks to their culture of sharing and lack of possessiveness. There is an agreed-upon flat rate across the entire city of 1500 MNT per kilometer. Additionally, there are long-distance busses available to get to remote regions in lieu of trains. None of these options are ideal, and if you plan on going to many places in the city we suggest hiring a taxi for the day. Hotels will often help you schedule a ride.

Mongolia FAQ

Mongolia is an emerging economy. Compared the the surrounding Asian nations, it is an inexpensive place to travel. Transportation is very cheap, taxis can be $2-3 USD across the city. Food is also very affordable, you can expect to spend around $3-8 per person for a full meal. There are plenty of convenience stores and restaurants in the city and one large mall, so shopping and recreation are possible for an affordable price. Guided tours are the main form of tourism in Mongolia, and while they are not quite as expensive they are still well below the price of a tour in a Western country.

Overall Mongolia is relatively safe. Our guides explained that due to their recent transition to city life from a nomadic lifestyle, Mongolians are uniquely welcoming and friendly, even to outsiders. Most streets and areas are safe and there is not a large concern for public safety on public transportation. Of course, always stay aware of your belongings and your surroundings. Specifically in popular areas like Gandantegchenlin Monastery and the Chinggis Khaan Statue, there is a concern about pickpocketing during the busiest tourist seasons.

Type of education varies drastically around the country. Nomadic groups might not have the facilities for foreign language education, therefore the further from the city you travel the less likely you are to hear English. That being said, many people in Ulaanbaatar have a basic grasp of English, and especially tourist-heavy areas such as malls, restaurants, and attractions often have English-speaking staff and signage. We found the proportion to be quite high compared to other Asian countries, and the people are unbelievably accommodating even if they do not speak your language.

Mongolia has drastic weather fluctuations. From a relatively mild and warm summer to a brutally cold winter. There are good reasons to visit during both seasons. Of course, summer is more comfortable, however, almost all of the tourism in Mongolia happens over the summer months meaning it is very packed and resources are limited. Our guide explained that the country is currently lagging behind in tourism capacity. Additionally, the Naadam festival takes place during July when the country shuts down to celebrate. The winter is brutally cold and requires much more planning, however, tourism rates are low so you can expect to have attractions to yourself. Also, keep in mind the Lunar New Year in February when the country again shuts down to celebrate.

Ulaanbaatar has hotels and Airbnb available. However, booking well in advance is a good idea because there are usually not enough hotels to meet demand in the summer. You may want to stay in a yurt while you are in Mongolia. In fact, the traditional tents are not called yurts, but gers. Ger stays are very popular and there are several ways of staying in one. We booked our ger stay on Airbnb, and it was a great experience. Some ger stays are also listed as hotels on travel sites, but be sure to research them as the experience differs drastically. Some ger stays are not particularly authentic, while those like ours let you interact with the family and learn more about culture and food.

Technically, yes. The Gobi Desert is one of the most famous parts of Mongolia. However, it takes several days to get to and is very inhospitable. Most people prefer to take a tour of the “Semi-Gobi”, a smaller patch of desert to the southwest of Ulaanbaatar. It is a 6-hour drive there compared to a several-day journey to the real Gobi. There are some food stands, sand boarding/sledding, camel riding, and a few other activities. We also got to visit a traditional nomadic family that lives in the Semi-Gobi, although these offerings vary between tour guides. There is not much to do in the winter as it is so cold, so keep in mind the season you’re visiting.

Travel Diaries

ULAANBAATAR: The Only City in Mongolia.
Mongolian Guided Tour: Chinggis Khaan Statue
Mongolia Semi-Gobi Desert Tour!