A Mongolia trip from India is easier than most people think. Indian citizens need a visa, but they can apply online through Mongolia’s official e-visa portal. There are no regular nonstop flights between India and Mongolia, so you fly via a hub such as Seoul, Beijing, Bangkok, Hong Kong or Singapore, usually in 10 to 20 hours. Plan around June to September for the best weather, and budget for the long distances inside Mongolia.
Key Takeaways
- Visa needed: Indian passport holders need a visa for Mongolia. The e-visa at evisa.mn covers stays of up to 30 days for tourism.
- No nonstop flights: Most routes connect via Seoul, Beijing, Bangkok, Hong Kong or Singapore; total travel time is roughly 10 to 20 hours.
- Best season: June to September for trekking and the Gobi; early October for the Golden Eagle Festival.
- Food: Mongolian food is meat-heavy, but vegetarian meals are possible with planning, and Indian restaurants exist in Ulaanbaatar.
- Budget: Flights and the guided part of the trip make up most of the cost; see our cost breakdown below.
Do Indians Need a Visa for Mongolia?
Yes. Indian citizens need a visa to enter Mongolia. The simplest route is the official Mongolian e-visa portal, evisa.mn. According to the Indian embassy notices on the subject, Indian citizens can apply online for stays of up to 30 days, and a tourist e-visa is usually single entry. Processing typically takes a few working days, and you print the approval and show it when you arrive.
Fees and rules change, so confirm the current fee and documents on the official portal before you pay anything; avoid third-party sites that charge extra. If you need a longer stay or a different visa type, contact the Embassy of Mongolia in New Delhi. Our general guide to Mongolia visa requirements explains the basics for all nationalities.
- Passport valid for at least six months beyond your trip, with blank pages
- Recent passport photo (digital for the e-visa)
- Flight bookings and accommodation or tour confirmation
- An invitation letter or tour voucher, which a Mongolian tour operator can provide
Flights from India to Mongolia
There are no regular nonstop flights between India and Mongolia, so every itinerary involves at least one connection. The main gateway is Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN) near Ulaanbaatar.
| Connection hub | Typical airlines | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Seoul (ICN) | Korean Air, Asiana, MIAT | Many daily flights onward to Ulaanbaatar; a common choice from Delhi and Mumbai |
| Beijing (PEK) | Air China | Short onward hop; check Chinese transit visa rules |
| Bangkok (BKK) | Thai carriers, MIAT | Good for travellers from South India |
| Hong Kong (HKG) | Cathay Pacific, MIAT | Seasonal frequencies to Ulaanbaatar |
| Singapore (SIN) | MIAT (seasonal) | MIAT has operated a seasonal Singapore–Ulaanbaatar service |
Total travel time is usually 10 to 20 hours depending on the layover. Round-trip economy fares from Delhi often fall somewhere around INR 50,000 to 90,000, but they vary a lot with season and booking time, so compare on a search engine and book early for July and August. If you are heading to the Altai, add a domestic flight from Ulaanbaatar to Ölgii. Our Mongolian airlines review covers the local carriers.
How Much Does a Mongolia Trip from India Cost?
A Mongolia trip from India costs more than a trip to Southeast Asia, mainly because of the flights and the distances inside the country. As a rough guide for a 10 to 12 day trip:
| Item | Rough cost |
|---|---|
| International flights | INR 50,000–90,000 round trip |
| Mongolian e-visa | Small fee; check evisa.mn |
| Domestic flight UB–Ölgii (if going west) | Roughly USD 300–500 round trip |
| Guided tour with transport, guide, meals and camps | Often USD 150–300 per person per day |
| Ulaanbaatar hotel | USD 40–150 per night |
| Travel insurance with evacuation cover | Varies; strongly recommended |
Prices are indicative only and change each season. For a fuller breakdown, see our guide to Mongolia trip cost. As one fixed reference point, our 6-day Altai Tavan Bogd tour starts from USD 1,300.
Best Time to Visit Mongolia from India
Indian summer holidays fit Mongolia well. June to August is warm and green, with daytime temperatures in the 20s °C, and is the main season for trekking, horse riding and the Gobi. July brings Naadam, the national festival. September is clear and quiet, and late September to early October is the time for the eagle festivals in the west. Diwali holidays usually fall in October or November, when the Altai is already cold but the Golden Eagle Festival tour runs in early October. Winter (November to March) is extremely cold, often -20 to -30 °C. See the best time to visit Mongolia for a month-by-month view.
Food for Indian Travellers
Mongolian cooking is based on mutton, beef, flour and dairy, with few vegetables in the countryside. Vegetarians and Jain travellers should tell their tour operator in advance; a good operator will pack lentils, rice, vegetables and spices and brief the cook. In Ulaanbaatar there are several Indian restaurants and plenty of vegetarian cafés. In the Altai, the local cuisine is Kazakh and is equally meat-based. Read Mongolia for vegetarians and Mongolian food before you go.
Carry some familiar snacks, a small supply of spices or ready-to-eat packets, and electrolyte sachets for long drives.
Suggested Itineraries
7 days: Ulaanbaatar and central Mongolia
Ulaanbaatar, Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, Khustai for wild horses, and the old capital at Kharkhorin with Erdene Zuu Monastery. A good first taste if you have only a week.
10–12 days: the Altai Mountains
Fly to Ölgii and explore the far west with its Kazakh eagle hunters, glaciers and lakes. Combine a few days in Ulaanbaatar with our 6-day Altai Tavan Bogd tour, or go further with the 11-day Altai Tavan Bogd trek (from USD 2,300).
14 days: Gobi and the west
Sand dunes, camels and dinosaur cliffs in the Gobi, then the Altai. See our Gobi & Western Mongolia tour, or ask for a tailor-made tour built around your dates and diet.
Practical Tips
- Currency: the Mongolian tögrög (MNT). Bring US dollars to exchange; Indian rupees are hard to change in Mongolia.
- Cards work in Ulaanbaatar; carry cash for the countryside.
- Power: Mongolia uses 230 V with type C and E sockets, so bring a universal adapter.
- Language: very little Hindi is spoken, but English is common in tourism. A local guide makes a big difference outside the capital.
- Safety: Mongolia is generally safe for travellers. Read Is Mongolia safe to travel? and Mongolia travel tips.
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Do Indian citizens need a visa for Mongolia?
Yes. Indians need a visa, and they can apply online through the official portal evisa.mn for tourist stays of up to 30 days.
Is there a direct flight from India to Mongolia?
Not on a regular basis. Most travellers connect via Seoul, Beijing, Bangkok, Hong Kong or Singapore.
How many days are enough for Mongolia?
Seven days covers Ulaanbaatar and central Mongolia. Ten to fourteen days lets you add the Gobi or the Altai Mountains in the far west.
Is Mongolia expensive for Indian tourists?
Flights and guided transport make it more expensive than Southeast Asia, but daily costs in Ulaanbaatar are moderate. A 10-day guided trip often costs more than the flights.
Can vegetarians travel in Mongolia?
Yes, with planning. Tell your tour operator in advance so the cook can prepare vegetarian meals, and expect more choice in Ulaanbaatar than in the countryside.
What is the best month to visit Mongolia from India?
June to September for most trips; early October if you want to see the Golden Eagle Festival in the Altai.