Mongolia Travel Tips: 9 Things to Know Before You Go (2026)

9 Things To Know Before Visiting Amazing Mongolia – What to know about Mongolia – What to know about Mongolia – This country is a fascinating country that remains relatively untouched by the modern world. It’s home to some of the most hospitable people on Earth, as well as some of the most stunning landscapes you’ll ever see.

If you’re thinking of visiting Mongolia for the first time, there are a few things you should know before you go. Here are nine essential tips for first-time visitors to Mongolia.

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1.MAKE A LIST OF THINGS YOU WANNA DO IN MONGOLIA

Mongolia is an extraordinary country in its culture, history, and geography. Whether you’re interested in exploring the Altai Mountains, horseback riding through the steppe, or visiting ancient monasteries, Mongolia has something for everyone.

Make a list of what interests you before you go so that you can make the most of your trip. Here’s a interesting list you can start with:

• Drink fermented horse milk/ airag/
• Catch a glimpse of some of the only fully feral horses in the world at Hustai National Park
• Take part in eagle, horse and archery festivals
• Meet the eagle hunters
• Sleep in a nomadic ger tent
• Be hosted by some of the world’s last nomads
• Enjoy throat singing

2. LEARN SOME BASIC MONGOLIAN PHRASES.

Although English is widely spoken in Mongolia, it’s always helpful to know a few basic phrases in the local language.

Learning how to say hello, thank you, and please goes a long way in making Mongolians feel appreciated.

And who knows, you might even make some new friends along the way. Here are a few essential Mongolian phrases to get you started:

Hello – sain baina uu?

Thank you – bayarlalaa

Please – guij baina

Yes – tiimee

No – uguie

I don’t understand – bi oilgohgui baina

Where is the toilet? – noil haana baigaa we?

3.IN THE COUNTRYSIDE, MONGOLIA TRAVEL IS HARD

Rural Mongolia is mostly rugged travel. Destinations are far spread apart, you lose the comfort of phone signal/connection, often no electricity, and food options are limited .

But fear not! This lack of amenities is part of the memorable adventure that comes with experiencing a different way of life. Traveling to Mongolia will teach you many interesting things about this alternative lifestyle.

Because the climate in Mongolia is typically hot and dry, dehydration is a common problem among travelers. It’s easy to become so wrapped up in exploring that you forget to drink water regularly, but it’s crucial to stave off dehydration by sipping water throughout the day.

4.KNOW & RESPECT THE GER RULES & CUSTOM

When camping with Mongolian nomads in a Ger, there are only a couple traditions you need to follow. Even though the rules are minimal, it is important that you respect and honor them.

• When you enter a ger, immediately walk to the left side of the tent, this is the guest side. The family sits on the right and you should only sit there by invitation.
• You do not need to wait to be invited to sit down, it is considered polite to sit rather than stay standing.
• Do not lean against the ger structure or furniture.
• Give your gift at the start of the visit.
• You will be offered something to eat and drink. You will not be asked if you want it and it is impolite to refuse, so accept anything you are offered.
• When receiving something, take the item with both hands, or with your right hand and your left hand supporting your right elbow.

5. GET A TRADITIONAL MONGOLIAN MASSAGE

Forget what you know about massages. The traditional Mongolian massage is a full-body deep tissue massage that will leave you feeling bruised, battered, and beautiful.

It’s not for the faint of heart. But if you can handle it, it’s worth the pain for the experience. In Mongolia, traditional massage is not meant for relaxation like it is in most cultures.

It is actually used as a form of healing and the pain experienced during the massage is seen as a side effect of the healing process.

6. PACK FOR EVERY SEASON

Mongolia is a country of extreme temperatures. In the winter, it can get as cold as -40 degrees Celsius (-40 Fahrenheit) and in the summer, it can get as hot as +40 degrees Celsius (+104 Fahrenheit). Make sure to pack for every season if you are traveling to Mongolia and be prepared for anything.

But don’t think just because you are travelling in summer it won’t get cold, because it can still get chilly at night.

The average temperature in Mongolia’s capital, Ulaanbaatar, is a balmy +15.5 degrees Celsius (60 Fahrenheit), but that doesn’t account for the fact that it is located in a valley and cold winds often blow through the city.

7. FOOD CAN BE HEAVY ON THE MEAT

If you are a vegetarian or have dietary restrictions, you have to inform your tour operators right away. The Mongolian diet can be very heavy on meat and dairy products. But if you can get past that, there are some interesting things to eat in Mongolia.

Traditional dishes include: buuz (steamed meat dumplings), khorkhog (meat and vegetables cooked together in a pot), aaruul (a dairy product made from curdled milk), and airag (fermented mare’s milk).

If you’re a picky eater or have dietary restrictions, there are three things you should do:

1) come prepared by packing your own food,

2) communicate your needs to the tour operator/cook in advance,

3) stop at the Super Market to buy what you need.

8. BE PREPARED FOR THE BATHROOM IN THE COUNTRYSIDE

Unless you want to risk an emotionally and mentally draining experience, it is best to westernize yourself before using the restroom in countryside of Mongolia. Beyond its capital city Ulaanbaatar, modern sewage systems are not the norm.

9.DON’T MISS FESTIVALS

Not only are Mongolian festivals great fun, but they are also a fantastic way to learn about the country’s heritage and traditions. Some of the most popular festivals include the Camel Festival in March, the Golden Eagle Festival in October, and the Naadam Festival in summer.

These celebrations usually feature traditional games like wrestling and horse riding, making them even more exciting.

FAQ

Mongolia at a Glance — Key Facts & Figures

Official Name: Mongolia (Mongol Uls)

Capital City: Ulaanbaatar, home to nearly half of the country’s population.

Population: Approximately 3.4 million people, making it the most sparsely populated sovereign state in the world.

Government: Unitary semi-presidential republic.

Official Language: Mongolian (written in the Cyrillic alphabet).

Currency: Mongolian Tögrög (MNT).

The Land of the Eternal Blue Sky — A Unique Geography

Mongolia is a vast, landlocked country sandwiched between Russia to the north and China to the south. It is the world’s second-largest landlocked country after Kazakhstan.

It is known as one of the highest countries in the world, with an average elevation of 1,580 meters (5,180 feet) above sea level.

The landscape is dominated by three major features: the vast, grassy Steppe; the formidable Gobi Desert in the south, which is one of the world’s great cold deserts; and the rugged mountain ranges in the west and north, including the Altai Mountains.

The country is famous for its extreme continental climate, with long, frigid winters and short, warm summers. Its capital, Ulaanbaatar, is the coldest national capital in the world.

From Empire to Democracy — A Brief History of Mongolia

In the 13th century, a chieftain named Temüjin united the Mongol tribes and was proclaimed “Genghis Khan” in 1206. He and his successors established the Mongol Empire, the largest contiguous land empire in world history.

After the empire’s decline, Mongolia fell under Chinese (Qing dynasty) rule for over 200 years. It declared independence in 1911 and, with Soviet help, became the Mongolian People’s Republic in 1924, the world’s second communist state.

Following the collapse of communist regimes across Eastern Europe, Mongolia experienced its own peaceful democratic revolution in 1990. It adopted a new constitution in 1992, establishing a multi-party system and a market economy.

Wild Mongolia — Iconic Fauna and Conservation

Mongolia is a refuge for rare and iconic wildlife. It is a critical habitat for the endangered Snow Leopard, with the second-largest population in the world after China.

The nation is central to the successful reintroduction of the Przewalski’s horse, the last truly wild horse species, which was once extinct in the wild. Herds now roam protected areas like Hustai National Park.

The Gobi Desert is home to the critically endangered Gobi bear (Mazaalai) and the wild two-humped Bactrian camel, which is genetically distinct from its domesticated counterpart.

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