It’s a land of icy climate, barren steppe and desert, but Mongolia’s sky is blue for 250 days a year.
It’s the ‘Land of the Great Blue Sky’, an almost inhospitable part of the world, yet an ever-sunny homeland to the Mongolians. Their long history is marked by figures such as Genghis Khan, who built the still-standing city of Karakorum with its pale stupa and monasteries. The age-old nomadic tradition of the Mongolians lives on, and as you travel through the eerie landscapes of Gobi desert and rugged canyons, the gers along the roadside are like mushrooms sprouting on the green.
Mongolia travel highlights
Hike through the Gobi desert
The Gobi is a unique place of low shrubs and craggy hills. The remote Vulture Canyon is just one picturesque corner to explore.
Explore the Flaming Red Cliffs
It’s famous for being the site where dinosaur eggs were discovered. And there’s no telling what a walk through this place will reveal next.
Practice archery in the Orkhon Valley
It’s been a site for nomads for two millennia, listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. Let the locals introduce you to their sport of archery.
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Food & drink in Mongolia
Further reading
Mongolia travel FAQs
Australia: Yes - in advance
Belgium: Not required
Canada: Not required
Germany: Not required
Ireland: Not required
Netherlands: Not required
New Zealand: Yes - in advance
South Africa: Yes - in advance
Switzerland: Not required
United Kingdom: Not required
USA: Not required
Nationals most countries can now travel for tourist purposes visa free for 30 days. US passport holders can travel in Mongolia for up to 90 days visa free.
LETTERS OF INVITATION (LOI):
Most embassies do not require a LOI. However, should you be required to present one with your visa application please contact us. There may be a fee for this service. In order for us to provide a LOI through our local partners we will require a clear, colour scan of your passport along with indicating at which embassy you will be applying for your visa. Please allow up to 2 weeks for your LOI to be processed.
VISA ON ARRIVAL:
Visas are not available on arrival at any land borders into Mongolia. You must have a Mongolian visa before beginning your trip.
VISAS EN-ROUTE:
You may be able to apply for your Mongolian visa in Beijing en-route if you have time here before your trip. Please plan carefully and check the current embassy requirements.
INFORMATION REQUIRED FOR VISA APPLICATION:
You will need to apply for a Single Entry Tourist Visa (J) that covers the duration of your stay in Mongolia. Visas are usually valid for 3 months from the date of issue and enable to you to stay for up to 30 days.
Name and address of host person or organization in Mongolia:
Monkhutuch Travel Co. Ltd
Bayangol district, Building 19-3
Ulaanbaatar
+976 11 364 708
Name and address of Hotel in Mongolia:
San Hotel
Baga-toiruu 64
Chingeltei duureg, 6-r khoroo
Ulaanbaatar
Tel: (976) 77203539, (976) 99083539
MONGOLIA
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR VISA APPLICATION:
You may be required to provide a copy of your Intrepid itinerary, indicating the dates of your tour, along with your application.
While tipping isn’t customary in Mongolia, it is becoming more common in Ulaanbaatar because of tourists tipping in bars and restaurants. Whether you wish to tip is up to you.
You’ll be able to access internet in Ulaanbaatar but not outside this area.
You’ll have good mobile coverage in Ulaanbaater but not outside this area. Remember to activate global roaming with your provider if you wish to use your mobile while traveling.
Most toilets across the country are squat toilets, however hotels and restaurants in Ulaanbaatar often have Western-style toilets. Soap and toilet paper aren’t always provided so you may like to carry some with you.
- Can of beer = 1500 MNT
- Simple meal in a local restaurant = 4000 MNT
- Dinner at an international restaurant = 10,000 MNT
Drinking tap water is not considered safe in Mongolia. For environmental reasons, avoid buying bottled water and bring a bottle or canteen with you. Ask your leader where you can access filters to refill your supply, or carry your own purification tablets with you.
Hotels and restaurants in Ulaanbaatar usually accept major credit cards, however be prepared to pay cash when making purchases from most local and rural businesses.
Ulaanbaatar has ATMs but they are far less common outside of the capital. Prepare with alternative payment methods or carry cash with you when travelling to the country.
Yes. All peregrine passengers are required to purchase travel insurance prior to their trip. Your insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day.
For a current list of public holidays go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/Mongolia/public-holidays