The best tips and advice for visiting Mongolia in 2026, including up-to-date travel guides, packing tips, budgeting advice, and your most common Mongolia travel questions answered.
Mongolia is one of the most fascinating places to visit in the world because it has it all. A fascinating history filled with even more fascinating stories relating to it’s ancient rulers and khans, traditions that date back thousands of years, and some of the most beautiful scenery you’ll find anywhere in the world.
This up and coming country really is a place deserving of all the travel hype surrounding it, and now is the best time to visit.
I hope that my Mongolia travel blog not only helps you plan the perfect trip to Mongolia, but I also hope that they’ll show you a different side to this incredible country. One that I love calling home.
Thinking about traveling to Mongolia? Start with my Ultimate Mongolia Travel Guide.
Looking for Mongolia’s best places to visit? This guide will tell you the best tourist attractions and historical landmarks by region.
From the best time of year to visit to how to get a SIM card and where to register with immigration, these tips will help you plan your visit to Mongolia.
Tourists should always offer a small gift when they enter a family’s home in Mongolia. Here I explain a few gift ideas as well as things to know.
During this 10-day Eagle Hunter & Local Eagle Festival Tour, live with a an Eagle Hunter and his family. Attend the Altantsugts Eagle Festival, one of the smaller, more local, and fiercest competitions for Eagle Hunters in Mongolia.
Train with the Mongolian horseback archers featured on the National Geographic show Superskilled with Eva zu Beck. Beginner riders welcome! Booking now for July 1 – 3, 2026 and July 14 – 16, 2026.
Experience Mongolia’s famous Naadam Festival during this 9-day small group tour. Live with a nomadic family, ride horses, and attend a local Naadam July 5 – 13, 2026. (Book now before it sells out!)
12-day road trip adventure to the must-see sights of the Gobi: Flaming Cliffs, Khongoryn Els, White Stupa, and more. Plus, secret spots only locals know about! End the trip with a nomadic family homestay and horseback riding. Booking now for May 24 – June 4, 2026.
Everything you need to know about traditional Mongolian mounted archery. Including the history and how to join a training camp and channel your inner Mongol warrior.
Tips for renting, buying, or joining a motorcycle group tour in Mongolia. Recommended rental and tour companies, plus what to expect.
Mongolia’s quick actions and closed borders have made it a country safe from the spread of COVID-19. But that also means they’ve kept strict restrictions in place for travelers hoping to enter the country.
Book the best car rental and travel Mongolia at your own pace. No tour, no guide, just you and the open road. Find the best rental car options, prices, security deposit details, and more.
The 29 best books on Mongolia to read before you visit, from novels to travel guides, and more.
Guide rates, how to hire a car and driver, and other budgeting tips for planning a cost effective Mongolia trip in 2026.
From festivals dating back to the days of Genghis Khan to events celebrating Mongolia’s nomadic heritage, these festivals, holidays, and events are worth planning a trip around.
The Mongolian snuff bottle is an essential part of local culture, used in everyday greetings and for special occasions. We explain its history, what it’s made from, how to accept it from your host, and more.
These local dishes are the popular foods Mongolians eat, from banshtai tsai to Naadam khuushur, and more.
Our review of Yeruu Lodge in Selenge, Mongolia. Including how to get there, price to stay, yurt room review, and more.
Book this 9-day horse trek through Central Mongolia, through the stunning lands of horseman and yaks, June 10 – 18, 2025. Intermediate to advanced riders welcome. Join us for this first-time pioneer ride!
Visit the Dukha reindeer tribe and ride reindeer. Walk on a frozen Lake Khuvsgul and immerse yourself with National Protected Area Park Rangers. A 12-day winter tour into the heart of beautiful northern Mongolia. This trip isn’t just an adventure, it’s an expedition! Dates for this winter tour are February 3 – 14, 2026.
This 11-day winter adventure tour takes to meet the last tribe in the world that still rides reindeer, the Tsaatan Tribe.
Live life alongside a hardworking nomadic herding family and help with chores, ride horses, learn to cook traditional Mongolian food, and more during this small-group tour. Dates available in April, June, July, and August 2026.
Travel insurance saved me $3,000 of out of pocket medical expenses when I had a motorcycle accident and had to have surgery in Ulaanbaatar.
Thinking about that trip to Mongolia you’ve always dreamed about? Know these important things before planning your trip – they could save you time, money, and energy.
Many travelers ask: is Mongolia safe? And while, for the most part the answer is yes, it’s one of the safest countries in Asia, there are still a few things travelers should be cautious of. But, hey, that’s travel.
From how to rent a car in Mongolia, to where to find the best 4×4 car rentals, and what to budget per day for your bucket list Mongolia road trip.
Mongolian food has long been misunderstood with traditional Mongolian ger and herder culture leaving little room for what may seem like finesse when it comes to Mongolia’s culinary traditions.
The Three Camel Lodge is often called the best luxury hotel in Mongolia, but is it? We checked in to check it out.
Looking to learn more about food in Mongolia? Explore some of the national dishes and what you need to know if you’re vegan or vegetarian.
This Khuvsgul Lake 7-day itinerary includes it all.
Monasteries, Mongolian calligraphy, and tales of the world’s greatest Khan, these are the 10 best things to do in Kharkhorin, Mongolia.
An honest traveler’s review of the Dostyk Hotel in Bayan-Ulgii Mongolia, including price, cleanliness, and what to expect for the included breakfast.
Ask me your Mongolia travel questions. From the itineraries I recommend to traveling safely and more, get the answers you’re looking for.
Everything you need to know about Mongolian shamanism plus how to visit one when you’re traveling in Mongolia.
Riding Mongolia’s semi-wild steeds can be the adventure of a lifetime. Read this quick guide to horse riding in Mongolia for things to know, riding advice, and more before booking your big horse riding adventure.
The most comprehensive and useful advice for camping in Mongolia. Follow these tips to have a safe, fun, and fulfilling adventure.
Planning a trip to Mongolia and not sure how to plan the perfect itinerary? Here are quick tips to help or book my trip planning service.
Wild camp in the snow leopard’s natural habitat and learn from a local protected area research biologist about Mongolia’s ghost cats. A photographer and wildlife lover’s dream trip! Join this 9-day expedition March 20 – 28, 2026 (3 Spots Left!).
Have an evening ceremony with a powerful Shaman. Ask questions and get answers. One of the most interesting experiences to have in Mongolia.
The most popular things to do in Bayan-Olgii – live with Eagle Hunters, search for snow leopards, climb the Altai Mountains, and more.
Iconic in look and durability, why the furgon is the preferred mode of transportation across Mongolia. Especially for tourists ready to navigate the country’s rugged terrain.
An 8-day group photography tour to track, observe, photograph, and learn about Pallas’s Cats in the wild. All skill levels are welcome to join.
Learning how to speak Mongolian language is not easy. Whether you’re ordering food in the city or exploring the countryside, use this cheat sheet to help you get by.
Emergency numbers, public and private hospitals, embassy information and more.
Family travel tips plus the perfect 4, 6, and 9-day family-friendly itineraries to get the most out of your trip to Mongolia.
From buuz to khorkhog and the Five Snouts in between, an explanation of Mongolian food and traditions around eating and drinking in Mongolia.
From winter lows (-40°C/-40°F) to pleasant summer highs (32°C/90°F), Mother Mongolia doesn’t mess around when it comes to the weather.
Where is the White Stupa, Mongolia’s famous limestone cliffs in the Gobi Desert? Follow these travel tips and don’t miss this must-see attraction.
As one of the biggest and most important festivals in Mongolia, Naadam is a special time to visit the country. We explain what Naadam is, how to attend, and how to travel in Mongolia during this time.
The best hotels to stay at in Ulaanbaatar with a neighborhood guide and essential Mongolia travel tips.
Mongolia’s winter temperatures might be between -25 and -40 C, but there are still plenty of things to do. From dog sledding to ice festivals, these are the 10 best things to do in winter in Mongolia.
Dates, location, travel tips, and more for attending Mongolia’s Golden Eagle Festival.
Citizens of the UK, France, Poland, Spain, Denmark, Australia, New Zealand, and more can now visit Mongolia visa-free through 2025.
Meet local families and spend Mongolian Lunar New Year learning the ancient traditions associated with this important holiday. Plus, travel to the Gobi Desert to Shambala and Khamariin Monastery to get a better understanding of Mongolian Buddhism, February 27–March 6, 2025.
Where to get your Toyota serviced in Ulaanbaatar as an English-speaking foreigner and my top tips for overlanding in Mongolia.

Not sure what you need to know about visiting Mongolia? One traveler shares the 5 things she wishes she knew before arriving.
With temperatures that drop below -30°C (-22°F), there are a few things you need to know about traveling to Mongolia during the winter season. Plus, I share my packing essentials to help you stay warm, even when it seems impossible.
The best hotels and places to stay in Terelj National Park, Mongolia. Five-star yurts to local family experiences.
The best shops souvenirs to buy from in Ulaanbaatar. Including my favorite place to splurge on cashmere to locally-sourced beauty products, horse milk vodka, and more.
Stay one night with a local herder family, cheer on reindeer races, admire ice sculptures, and immerse in Mongolia’s unique culture and traditions.
Flying to Mongolia on Turkish Airlines? Use this helpful Istanbul Airport guide and maximize a long or short layover at Istanbul International Airport (IST).
Book this 4-day nomadic homestay trip and experience the best of Mongolia. Includes two days of horseback riding. Book anytime, available all seasons.
Travel tips from a local for exploring Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, including 11 of the best things to do when you visit. Only 70 kilometers from Ulaanbaatar!
Immerse in Mongolian nomadic culture by horse trekking through the beautiful Orkhon Valley during this 8-day Mongolia tour. Live with nomadic families, bond with semi-wild Mongolian horses, and experience this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Riding out July 13 – 20, 2025.
A complete guide to the top 7 things to see and experience in Mongolia in Autumn. Eagle Festivals, the most beautiful helicopter ride to the burial site of Chinggis Khaan, and more. Plus, important things to know when you plan a trip to Mongolia in the September, October, and November shoulder season.
Where to camp, safety advice, and other important things to know when renting a car or driving through Mongolia on your own.
For the first time ever, Meanwhile in Mongolia is going to the Winter Horse Festival! Join our founders Aagie and Breanna on this inaugural scouting trip and be a part of this one-of-a-kind winter event! Travel to Khentii Province, the home of Chinggis Khaan, with us from November 21 – 24, 2025 (4 days, 3 nights).
9-day group tour to Mongolia’s Ten Thousand Camel Festival. Celebrate Bactrian camels and camel herding culture Jan 25 – Feb 2, 2027.
Experience the thrill of Eagle Hunting by living with and learning from one of the most well-known Eagle Hunters in Western Mongolia. Spend time getting to know this traditional way of living in an intimate, private setting – it’s just you, your guide, and the Eagle Hunter! Ride horses out for a hunt and flying practice, learn about traditional Kazakh handicrafts, try your hand at archery with a local master, and attend the small, local Tolbo Eagle Festival to cheer on your host as he competes!
Tours to Mongolia can be expensive. Here are our top tips for finding cheap tour operators, experiences, and places to stay in Mongolia.
Calling all nature lovers and photographers, join us fall 2026 to track and observe snow leopards in their natural habitat. Book Now: September 28 – October 7, 2026
This isn’t a tour, this a cultural exchange. Immerse with a local family for an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Horse trek through the beautiful Khangai Mountains during this 12-day adventure (includes 6 days of horse riding).
Horseback and reindeer riding, homestay with a reindeer herder family, and experiencing the remote and rugged taiga are all a part of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
Expert-led tour to spot White-naped Crane, Demoiselle Crane, Steppe Eagle, White-tailed Eagle, and Golden Eagle along major migratory routes.
This best of Mongolia tour highlights all the sights you shouldn’t miss as a first time visitor: Gobi Desert, Kharkhorin, Orkhon Valley.
Observe and photograph Pallas’s Cats during this 8-day photography tour. One of the best places in the world to spot these small wild cats!
Ethical 11-day tour led by a snow leopard expert-guide and award-winning wildlife photographer. Highest chances of sighting in the wild.
A group trip to the reindeer herder families of Mongolia. Ride horses and reindeer through beautiful fall foliage during this 12-day tour.
Ethical Snow Leopard group tour with a specialized itinerary for photographers. Led by award-winning Mongolian photographer and wildlife expert.
A non-technical mountaineering experience in the Altai. Join the adventure and climb one of Mongolia’s most famous peaks.
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