Situated directly to the north of China, Mongolia often conjures images of a vast and barren landscapes, inhospitable deserts and desolated mountains.
However this fascinating country has far more to offer than these otherworldly vistas including charming towns dotted with exquisite monasteries as well as cafes and bars to accommodate travellers.
Encounter wild horses and donkeys as you explore one of Mongolia’s volcanic peaks or the spectacular Gobi desert. Cast your preconceptions aside and take a step into the wild with a trip to Mongolia.
Mongolia is an ancient Buddhist Kingdom and an off the beaten track destination for anyone seeking a really unique destinations.
Most Mongolians still live in gers-the traditional wood framed felt tent of the steppes, whose design has not changed in thousands of years. Mongolia has only been open for tourism since the fall of the Soviet Union. It’s not to be missed for any adventurous travellers.
Backpacking in Mongolia
Mongolia is a special country in Central Asia that boasts the lowest population density in the world—only about two people per square kilometer!
As most of the country’s population lives in its capital city, Ulaanbaatar (UB), you could go days travelling through the Mongolian countryside without seeing anyone except the people you’re traveling with.
Because of this, backpacking through Mongolia isn’t for the faint of heart, but with a little patience, you’re guaranteed to have a remarkable time exploring this fascinating country!
Pre-Planning
One thing that can be frustrating to those looking to go backpacking in Asia and for who want to venture away from the tourist crowds is for Mongolia there isn’t always a ton of information to be found online. This is both because Mongolia’s tourism industry is still growing, as well as because oftentimes plans are made in person in Mongolia.
While this may initially annoy you, you’ll come to understand the reasons for it. Mongolians do very little planning when they themselves travel, and Mongolians like to do business with people they “know” and trust (because they’ve met in person).
You can certainly find some information online, but you might find it’s best to fly into the country, book a few nights in UB and then start figuring out the logistics.
Visa
One thing you may need to figure out before you arrive in the country is a visa. If you’re coming from the US, you can legally enter Mongolia for up to 90 days without first obtaining a visa. For other countries, including the EU member states and Canada, you can usually enter for up to 30 days. Once you arrive in Mongolia, you may be able to extend your visa for another 30 days.
When to Go
You’ll want to time your trip carefully. Mongolia’s climate is not dissimilar to Siberia’s in many ways, and UB is actually known as the coldest capital city in the world!
During the winter, temperatures frequently drop well below freezing, and there’s often a biting wind to go with it. You also may have a difficult time finding transportation or tour groups during the winter, which can make it expensive for a solo traveller, although you’re usually fine in a group.
In the summer, temperatures can be quite warm and comfortable. No matter when you go, though, remember that most of Mongolia is at a relatively high altitude—UB itself is at 4,300 feet above sea-level—and mostly arid, so you’ll want to drink plenty of water and factor in possible altitude acclimatization into your backpacking plans.
Accommodation
The further you travel outside the cities in Mongolia, the fewer accommodation options you’ll have. In UB, you’ll have your pick of hostels, guesthouses and hotels. Mongolia can be rather inexpensive to travel, and a bed at a local hostel or guesthouse wouldn’t cost you more than $5-15 per night.
In other cities such as Erdenet or Darkhan, you probably won’t find many hostels, but you will have options for guesthouses and hotels.
Heading out of the cities, you’ll be able to find ger camps in most of the major tourist sites such as Gorkhi-Terelj National Park or the Gobi Desert. These will usually cost about $20-35 per night but will often include meals in the price. If you strike out off the beaten path, you may have the opportunity to stay with locals in their ger.
Mongolians are very friendly and welcoming, and a difficult life on the harsh steppes has made them a very hospitable people. Or know that you can legally pitch a tent nearly anywhere in Mongolia, as most of the land is publicly-owned.
Getting Around
If you’re staying at a hostel in UB, they can usually set up a tour for you or will know someone else who can, and there are plenty of tour operators based in the city who can help you out!
If you’d rather go it alone, you can often fly or take a train between major cities, but you’ll probably want to rent a car (and likely a driver as well!). Although you could forego the driver, Mongolian roads and storms can be difficult to navigate. Plus, your driver can be of great help in finding accommodation for the night. Don’t expect the driver to always speak great English, but there is a growing number of English-speaking guides or Mongolian-English translators.
If you’re trying to get around Mongolia on a budget and have a little time and patience, you can—and should!—try hitching a ride. This can be more difficult depending on where you are (eg. in the middle of the Gobi), but if you can afford to wait a day or so, drivers will generally stop for you, and you might be surprised at what shakes loose.
You might also want to consider group tours, you’ll get an experienced guide and travel with other internationals taking in the highlights of the country.
Top Things to Do in Mongolia
Explore Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar, the capital is a flourishing mixture of bars, nightclubs, and patisseries. Ulaanbaatar is fun to visit, but it isn’t especially Mongolian. The sparse pasture of the steppes kept Mongolians on the move-the idea of “cities” is fundamentally alien to Mongolian tradition.
Ulaanbaatar is Mongolia’s most cosmopolitan city is in a constant state of change modern developments along side tranquil monasteries, pleasant public gardens and fascinating museums, notably the Museum of Natural History. Ulaanbaater is a common departure point for rural excursions.
Elstei Ger- Camp
A great way to experience life in the Mongolian ger is to stay at Elstei Ger- Camp. The accommodation is entirely in traditional gers. Showers and toilets are available meeting modern standards.
There are lots of cafés serving both traditional Mongolian meals and a choice of other food (including vegetarian). The location, although only one hour from Ulaanbaatar, is as remote as anywhere on the steppes, and there are great opportunities for walking-or riding, with local nomads as your instructors.
You have to be ready for off-road jeep travel for long journeys-Mongolia has tracks rather than actual roads.
Huhehot
Imperial China divided Mongolia into two when it came as conqueror-Inner Mongolia, ruled as part of China, and Outer Mongolia… so distant and barren that only martial law was possible. Huhehot, capital of Inner Mongolia, was historically richer, but still today lies inside the borders of modern China. Must sees are: The Grand Imperial Lamasery, the old Islamic Quarter & Mosque, and unique Wuta-Si Pagoda of a Thousand Buddhas.
Tavanbogd National Park
A stunning national park which accommodates some of Mongolia’s best scenery including three beautiful lakes and many notable archaeological sites.
Just on the border of China, Tavabogd is separated from it neighbour by a series of dramatic snow capped peaks. River rafting is a particular highlight here.
Shiliin Bogd: Mongolia’s highest peak (1778m) and inactive volcano Shiliin Bod offers unbeatable views over neighbouring China. It’s not hard to see why this powerful peak is considered sacred by many Mongolians. It is possible to drive part way up and walk the rest; an unforgettable experience.
Gurvan Saikhan National Park
Truly like arriving on another planet the landscape in this national park is surreal and eerily beautiful. With ice canyons, sand dunes and mountains to explore there is plenty to see and do.
Itinerary
When it comes to planning where to go, the sky’s the limit! You’ll probably want to spend at least a couple days in UB, which has some great museums, monasteries, as well as tons of festivals.
If you’re on a time crunch, the closest national park is Terelj, where you’ll find many trails to hike along. Check out the park’s main sights, the “Turtle Rock” and “Praying Lama Rock.” Keep your eyes and ears peeled; 250 species of birds roost in the park!
If you’ve got a bit more time, head to the Altai Mountains, located at the crossroads of Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan and China. These mountains are untouched by the modern world and offer a unique experience for the physically-fit and adventurous traveler.
Or head south to the Gobi and spend some time wandering through the desert, viewing ancient dinosaur remains, sledding down sand-dunes and exploring how locals have traditionally existed in this difficult climate. The options are endless.
Some people call Mongolia the last great frontier, and that definitely rings true in many ways. Westerners often only know about the country’s nomads, horses and national hero, Ghengis Khan (locally known as ‘Chinggis Khan’). But that’s doesn’t nearly do justice to this fascinating culture.
There’s no denying that there is a charm to this country that transcends the ages and makes it a mesmerizing place to backpack through. Don’t stress the details and go with the flow, and you’ll have a wonderful time there!