Information about Mongolia

Mongolia is herds of horses in the endless steppe, shaggy yaks in the mountain meadows, ancient Buddhist temples, and exotic cuisine, where vegans will find it difficult to find a suitable diet. Mongolia is one of the least populated countries, with only two residents per square kilometer. You can travel around the country for several days without meeting people, as you are in the wilderness, and all infrastructure is only available during peak hours.

To provide you with as much interesting information as possible before your trip, we have gathered information on the website about the climate (to help you choose the best time to travel), cuisine, behavioral features in the country, and much more. We have prepared a lot of information on how to organize your holiday, which attractions to visit, and which events to attend to make your holiday enjoyable and memorable. We also offer consular services if you do not have the opportunity or time to handle the visa visa and related documents on your own.

Mongolia - a vast country in East Asia, bordering the Russian Federation to the north and China to the south. The most famous period in the history of Mongolia is the era of Genghis Khan in the 13th century. The talented military leader Temujin united the Mongolian tribes and in 1206 was proclaimed the Great Khan under the name of Genghis Khan. Over 21 years of Genghis Khan's rule, the Mongolian Empire significantly expanded its borders and covered the territories of modern Russia, China, Central Asia, and Iran.
During this period, there was active cultural and scientific exchange between the East and the West, including the development of trade along the Great Silk Road. Starting from the 14th century, the empire began to disintegrate due to internal conflicts and external threats, such as invasions.
During the 1921 revolution, the empire declared its independence from China thanks to Soviet support, and in 1924, the Mongolian People's Republic was established.

The political system is a parliamentary democracy. The head of state is the president, who is assisted in administration by the parliament (Khural). The modern constitution was adopted in 1992, establishing democratic principles and citizens' rights.

The population of Mongolia is approximately 3.4 million people. More than 90% of the population are Mongols, other ethnic groups include Kazakhs, Russians, and other nations. The official language is Mongolian.

Approximately 70% of the population lives in cities, while the remaining 30% lead a nomadic lifestyle in rural areas. The capital of the country, Ulaanbaatar, is the largest city, where more than 40% of Mongolia's population is concentrated. The country has a relatively young population, with a high proportion of people under the age of 30.

The average life expectancy is about 70 years, with some differences between men and women. The literacy rate is high, despite the nomadic lifestyle,  and education is mandatory for children up to 16 years old.

Religion in Mongolia is diverse: the main one is Buddhism, particularly the Tibetan form, many Mongols have a religion – shamanism, especially in nomadic and rural communities. There are also Islam and Christianity.

Mongolia — is a country located in Central Asia, bordered by Russia to the north and China to the south. Area: About 1.56 million square kilometers, making it the 18th largest country in the world.

A significant part of the territory is occupied by mountains, including the Altai and Khangai ranges. The country is known for its vast steppes, which occupy the central and eastern regions. The Gobi Desert, one of the largest in the world, is located in the south.

Mongolia is rich in minerals such as coal, copper, gold, and rare earth metals. It has a diverse flora and fauna, including rare species such as the Mongolian tarpan and the snow leopard.

In Mongolia, the money is called the Mongolian tugrik (MNT). There are banknotes in circulation in denominations:  1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 5000, and 10000 tugriks. There are also coins in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 tugriks. The currency is denoted by the symbol ₮. 1 tugrik is divided into 100 mongo (mongo is not used in everyday calculations).

Currency exchange can be carried out in banks, exchange offices, and some hotels. It is important to check the exchange rate, and it is recommended to exchange locally, as the rate will be more favorable. In major cities like Ulaanbaatar, credit cards are accepted, but in remote areas, it is recommended to take cash.

We advise tourists to have cash on hand, especially in rural and remote areas, where there may not be access to ATMs. In addition to tugriks, US dollars and euros are also accepted in Mongolia.

Winters in Mongolia are very cold, with temperatures from -10°C to -35°C. In the Gobi Desert temperatures can drop to -40°C. Summer is hot, average temperatures in July are from +15°C to +26°C, in the south up to +40°C. Precipitation is low, averaging 100-200 mm per year, mainly in the form of summer rains. In mountainous areas, precipitation can be up to 500 mm per year.

The air humidity is low, especially in winter, which makes the cold less noticeable. Most of the year is clear or partly cloudy, with many sunny days. Spring and autumn are short, with sharp temperature fluctuations. It is said that in Mongolia you can see all 4 seasons in one day. Snow falls from mid-October to mid-April, but does not last long due to the dryness of the air. Mongolia is located in the zone of permafrost, which reaches the southernmost boundary in the world at the 47th parallel.

The most favorable season for visiting Mongolia is from May to October. During this time, the country has warm and dry weather, which is ideal for traveling. The peak of the season is in July and August, when Mongolia has the most comfortable temperatures. September and October are also a good time for a trip, especially if you plan to visit the Gobi Desert. During this period, it is not so hot during the day and not too cold at night. Winters in Mongolia are very cold, with strong winds and frosts, so it is not the best time for traveling.

In spring and autumn, the weather in Mongolia can be variable, with sharp temperature changes, so it is unlikely to be able to visit the sea.

In Mongolia, culture and people's behavior are based on centuries-old traditions, and knowing these features will help you better understand the local society. Mongolians are famous for their hospitality. If you are invited into a yurt, it is considered a great sign of respect. It is customary to remove shoes when entering a yurt or a home. The traditional greeting often used is "sain baina uu?" (how are you?). Try local dishes such as buuz (steamed dumplings) and airag (fermented milk).

In traditional festivals and events, it is often possible to see people in national attire — male hat (skullcap) and deels (traditional robe). If you are in the country in July, do not miss the opportunity to attend Naadam — a festival with wrestling, horse racing, and archery.

It is not advisable to talk about money or wealth, as it may be considered inappropriate. Mongolians value personal space. Avoid too close contact with strangers.

Healthcare in Mongolia is primarily state-owned. The main funding comes from the government, but there are private medical institutions. The system includes district hospitals (second level), outpatient clinics and paramedic posts (first level). The third level consists of specialized hospitals and medical institutions in Ulaanbaatar.

Basic medical services for the citizens of Mongolia are provided free of charge, however, the quality of services may vary. In cities, especially in the capital Ulaanbaatar, medical care is more accessible, while in rural areas access to medical services may be limited.

Private clinics and hospitals offer paid medical services, including consultations, diagnostics, and treatment. They are equipped with modern equipment and technologies. State institutions employ qualified doctors and nurses trained in Mongolia or abroad.

In Mongolia, there is a risk of contracting certain infectious diseases, such as hepatitis A and B, so vaccinations are recommended before traveling. In Ulaanbaatar, there are several hospitals and clinics that offer medical services for tourists, including: "Songdo" hospital, "Mongolia" clinic, "Ulaanbaatar" international clinic.

Travel insurance for travel to Mongolia provides protection against various unforeseen situations that may occur during the trip. This is a mandatory document required in such cases: emergency medical care and treatment in case of injuries or illnesses. Insurance can help you avoid financial losses and stress in the event of an accident.

Having such a document, a tourist does not have to worry about the quality of assistance and treatment prescribed. When choosing a program, it is important to consider all risks and familiarize yourself with the terms, as some companies do not include the most popular risks (diseases, injuries and their consequences) in travel insurance.

In recent years, Mongolia has seen the emergence of many modern restaurants offering a variety of dishes, including European, Asian, and American cuisine.

Not only traditional dishes are available in the country, but also drinks that are worth trying to appreciate the local national cuisine.

Beshbarmak: a dish of boiled meat (usually horse or lamb) and noodles, which is eaten with hands.

Khorhog: a dish of boiled meat (usually lamb or goat) and vegetables, cooked in a special pot.

Buuz: Mongolian dumplings, which are steamed and served with sauce.

Kuirdak: a dish of boiled meat (usually horse or lamb) and vegetables, served with noodles or rice.

Airag: a traditional Mongolian drink made from kumis (fermented milk), which is a popular drink in Mongolia.

Suutei tsai: a traditional Mongolian tea prepared from tea, milk, and sugar.

Arhi: a traditional Mongolian alcoholic beverage made from milk or grain.

In Ulaanbaatar, there are many markets and shops where you can buy food and other goods, including: "Narantuul" market, "Dund gol" market, "State Department Store" supermarket. If necessary, it is recommended to consult local residents or guides for advice on where to buy food and other goods.

Mongolia is considered safe for tourists, but observe normal precautions. Make sure you have medical insurance and all necessary medications. Drink plenty of water, especially in desert and mountain conditions.

It is recommended to book accommodation in advance, especially in the high season. Consider staying in yurts for a unique experience. Find out about available amenities, such as Wi-Fi and hot water, especially in remote areas. Learn about the main attractions, cultural features, and local customs.

If you plan to explore remote areas, consider renting an off-road vehicle. Make sure you have experience driving on difficult routes.

 In Ulaanbaatar, buses and taxis are available, and intercity transport is also well organized.

Mongolian is the official language, but in tourist areas, you can meet people who speak English. Learn a few phrases in Mongolian for communication.

Consider buying a local SIM card for mobile communication and internet

Pay attention to recommendations for families with children:

1. Look for hotels and yurts that offer family rooms or extra beds.
2. Choose places interesting for children, such as zoos, national parks, and places for active recreation.
3. Consider combining urban and natural activities to give children a diverse experience.
4. Organize family hikes or horseback rides, it's a great way to spend time together.
5. Visit national parks where you can see wild animals and enjoy nature.

In Mongolia, you can find many unique goods and souvenirs. Traditionally, you can buy different souvenirs as gifts, for example:

Yurts (ger): Miniatures of traditional Mongolian yurts, which can be an excellent souvenir. Textile: Clothing and accessories made from natural materials, such as wool and cashmere.

Note the brightly painted pottery and ceramic products, often with traditional patterns. There are original silver items, often with stones and Mongolian motifs.

From the trip, you can bring back rworks by local artists, for example, paintings reflecting the nature and culture of Mongolia or wooden works, including figurines and household items. Tourists should also pay attention to instruments. Among the popular ones: morin khuur (Mongolian violin).

For those who love natural cosmetics, there are products made from sheep's fat, herbs, and other natural components.