A First-Timer’s Guide to Mongolia: What to Expect

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Mongolia is rolling out the red carpet for tourists with a special "Welcome to Mongolia" initiative. Thanks to relaxed visa policies, it’s now easier than ever to explore this beautiful land, known for its vast steppe, rich culture, and stunning festivals. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or planning your first trip, here are handy travel tips for the adventure of a lifetime.

🪪 Visa Made Easy - Welcome to Mongolia!

One of the biggest changes for travelers heading to Mongolia is the country’s relaxed visa policy. Citizens from most European countries, along with Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, now enjoy visa-free travel for up to 30 days. Check the full list of eligible countries and their stay durations HERE.

⏲️ Best Time to Visit - Seasons of Mongolia

Mongolia’s weather can be unpredictable, but each season has its own charm. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you plan.

Spring (+5°C): Mongolians often refer to spring as a moody woman. While most days are windy and warm, the weather can suddenly turn cold, as if it’s winter again. It’s not uncommon for snow to fall even in May, and sometimes even in the summer.
Summer (+30°C): This is the peak season. The landscapes are breathtaking, festivals are in full swing, and the vibe is electric. Perfect for outdoor adventures!
Autumn (+7°C): A quieter time as the nomadic lifestyle prepares for winter. It’s a peaceful, reflective season to experience traditional Mongolian life up close.
Winter (-25°C): For the brave-hearted adventurer, you'll experience why it’s the coldest capital in the world—along with traffic jams and air pollution. But out in nature, it’s absolutely mesmerizing and its definatly worth to go on a winter trip around Mongolia.

Learn more about the best time to visit Mongolia on this article.

🛬 Touched Down in Mongolia. Now What?

Mongolia has just one international airport “Chinggis Khan International Airport”, located 52 km from the city center. If you’re arriving without someone to greet you, don’t worry — taxis are easy to find. For added convenience and safety, consider using local ride-hailing apps like UBCab, Aba, or request an airport transfer ahead of time from AVIS. AVIS also offers you a full day rental with or without driver, so you can drive to Ulaanbaatar, check in the hotel and drive around the city for the entire day.

💡 Practical Tips for Travelers

Currency: Mongolia uses the Tugrik (MNT). In Ulaanbaatar, you can tap and pay with Apple Pay and Alipay, but if you're heading to the countryside, cash is still king
SIM Cards & Connectivity: Local SIM cards are inexpensive and easy to find, though signals can be limited in remote areas. Mongolia has 5 telecom providers, but Mobicom and Unitel are the most widely used.
Safety: Mongolia is a generally safe country, but be cautious in Ulaanbaatar due to petty theft.
Mongolia Travel Apps: Check out our guide with the most useful travel apps for Mongolia.

🛌🏻 Where to Stay? From Hotels to Gers

Whether you're staying in the bustling capital city or venturing out to the countryside, Mongolia has a range of accommodation options.

Hotels in Ulaanbaatar: From budget-friendly stays to luxurious hotels, you’ll find plenty of options in Mongolia’s capital. Check out the best hotels in Ulaanbaatar.
Ger Camps: A quintessential Mongolian experience! Spend the night in a traditional accommodation (the Ger), which is set up for tourists and offers basic amenities. It’s a unique, cultural experience that takes you right into the heart of the country’s nomadic way of life.
Airbnb, Hostels & Capsule Hotels: Mongolia offers plenty of options for budget-friendly stays, including Airbnb, hostels, and capsule hotels, giving you a chance to connect with other travelers while enjoying a comfortable, affordable experience.
Nomadic Family Stays: Stay with a nomadic family in their guest ger and experience the nomadic culture first hand. Nomadic family stays are part of the AVIS Mongolia rental car tours and Explorer.Company off road expeditions around Mongolia. For individual nights sleeping in a mongolian ger you can book "Rooms with a view" via EscapeToMongolia.
Camping: Mongolia is a camping paradise with plenty of stunning locations you can choose from just like a nomad. It is safe and a very memorable experience. Make sure you bring or rent the right tent and camping gear that is suitable for a windy night. You can rent camping gear and roof top tents from AVIS.

🌃 Travel Inside Ulaanbaatar

Ulaanbaatar is where Mongolia’s rich traditions meet modern energy. Immerse yourself in the past with 15 museums, the King’s Palace, and monuments honoring iconic political and religious figures. Explore the monasteries that add depth to the city’s cultural tapestry.

At the heart of the city lies Sukhbaatar Square, named after a revolutionary hero. It’s the pulse of Ulaanbaatar, where the famous “Ulaanbaatar” letters at the State Academic Drama Theater are always full of life—locals and tourists alike gather to watch skateboarders, bikers, and rollerbladers against a stunning backdrop.

For the daredevils, Bogd Khan, the mountain embraces south of the city, offers an exhilarating paragliding experience, while Tsetse Gun Peak promises a breathtaking hiking adventure.

Check out our Ulaanbaatar Sightseeing Guide for more.

🛣️ Travel Outside Ulaanbaatar

Step into Mongolia’s wild side at Terelj National Park, just outside the capital, where you can experience serene countryside and untouched nature.

A short 54 km from Ulaanbaatar, you’ll find the Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue, the tallest equestrian statue in the world, standing 40 m tall and crafted from 250 tons of stainless steel. Take the elevator up its horse’s tail, walk across its chest, and emerge onto the viewing platform on its neck to soak in panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscapes. It’s one of Mongolia’s most photographed sites!

🫂 Communicating with Mongolians: A Cultural Guide

Mongolians are known for their warmth and hospitality, but be mindful of cultural norms. Respect goes a long way in creating meaningful connections. In Ulaanbaatar, you’ll likely find English speakers, particularly among the younger generation and in popular tourist spots. However, rural areas may require a translator or simple hand gestures.

🎁 Unique Souvenirs to Take Home

Before you leave, don’t forget to grab some unique souvenirs that capture the essence of Mongolia:

Cashmere: Mongolia is famous for its high-quality cashmere. A perfect gift or keepsake. Learn more about Mongolian Cashmere in our shopping guide.
Mongolian Honey: Wildflower honey from the Mongolian steppe is delicious and eco-friendly.
Morin Khuur (Horsehead Fiddle): This iconic instrument is a perfect souvenir for music lovers.

Why Mongolia Should Be Your Next Adventure

Mongolia is a destination like no other. With its rich history, vibrant festivals, and breathtaking landscapes, it’s the perfect place for those seeking adventure, culture, and unique experiences. Whether you’re attending the Naadam Festival, exploring the Gobi Desert, or staying in a traditional ger, Mongolia offers an unforgettable adventure at every turn.

Start planning your trip today — Mongolia is waiting to show you its wonders!