available in Mongolia
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Reserves and Wildlife
Areas
Overview
Mongolia is a landlocked country in East Asia, located between Russia and China. With only around 3 million inhabitants, this large country has one of the lowest average population densities in the world. Mongolia’s landscape is relatively untouched, consisting of deserts and semi deserts, as well as forested mountain ranges and lake-dotted basins. About three-quarters of the landscape is made up of pasture lands, which support the large number of livestock for which Mongolia is well known. In this fascinating country, meet nomadic communities, see the two-humped Bactrian camel, explore the Gobi desert and visit the world’s oldest national park. For first-time travellers, a well-rounded Mongolia travel guide helps highlight the most rewarding experiences and key things to do in Mongolia.
Bogd Khan Uul National Park is the world’s oldest national park established in 1778. It’s half an hour drive from the city of Ulaanbaatar (the only city in Mongolia) and is home to the historic Manzushir monastery. This protected area is often listed among the best places to visit in Mongolia, combining natural scenery with cultural heritage and easy access from the capital.
Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, located in the northern region of the Gobi desert, is the largest national park in Mongolia and the second most protected. The park is made up of mountains, dunes, salt wetlands, dry valleys and oases. It’s also home to over 52 mammal species and over 200 bird species. Mammals of the area include the snow leopard, Gobi bear, wildcat and Siberian ibex. In this massive park, activities vary from hiking and cycling to camel safaris, horse riding, camping and bird watching. As one of the most iconic Mongolia national parks, it plays a central role in shaping many itineraries focused on the best places to visit in Mongolia.
Altai Tavan Bogd National Park is in western Mongolia, accessed by a two-hour flight from Ulaanbaatar to Ulgii town then roughly an 8-hour drive on dirt roads. As well as the highest mountains in Mongolia, the Tavan Bogd mountain range, the area consists of about 100,000 acres of forest and mountain, surrounded by grasslands. Here visitors can spot the Siberian deer, Siberian ibex, wild boar and many species of birds including the buzzard, woodpecker, and stork. Activities include hiking, climbing and bird watching.
Khyargas Nuur National Park wraps around the Khyargas Nuur lake, a huge saline lake over 75 km wide, surrounded by desert and scrub grass. On the lake’s north west shore, a gravel beach can be found which is popular with visitors who come to picnic, sunbathe and swim. The lake’s main attraction is a massive rock that sticks out of the water and attracts migratory cormorants and a variety of other bird life. At Khyargas, swim, picnic, bird watch or go on a lake safari.
FAQ - Safari in Mongolia
- What are the best places to visit in Mongolia for first-time travellers?
First-time travellers to Mongolia often visit the Gobi Desert, Ulaanbaatar, and iconic national parks like Bogd Khan Uul and Gobi Gurvansaikhan. These destinations offer a mix of culture, wildlife, and dramatic landscapes. They are widely considered some of the best places to visit in Mongolia for an introductory trip.
- What are the top things to do in Mongolia?
Popular things to do in Mongolia include exploring vast national parks, meeting nomadic families, riding camels in the Gobi Desert, and hiking mountain ranges like Altai Tavan Bogd. Wildlife watching and birding are also major highlights. A well-planned Mongolia travel guide helps prioritise experiences based on season and travel style.
- Which Mongolia national parks are worth visiting?
Mongolia national parks such as Gobi Gurvansaikhan, Altai Tavan Bogd, Bogd Khan Uul, and Khyargas Nuur showcase the country’s ecological diversity. These parks protect deserts, mountains, forests, and lakes while offering opportunities for hiking, wildlife spotting, and cultural encounters. Visiting multiple parks gives a deeper understanding of Mongolia’s landscapes.
- Is Mongolia suitable for adventure and outdoor travel?
Yes, Mongolia is ideal for travellers seeking remote and nature-based adventures. Activities range from hiking, cycling, and horse riding to camping and camel safaris in expansive wilderness areas. Mongolia’s low population density makes it especially appealing for off-the-beaten-path exploration.
- How many days do you need to explore Mongolia properly?
Most travellers spend 10 to 14 days in Mongolia to explore key regions without rushing. This allows time for travel between remote areas, visiting national parks, and experiencing nomadic culture. Shorter trips usually focus on one or two regions such as the Gobi Desert or central Mongolia.
- Is Mongolia safe for tourists?
Mongolia is generally safe for tourists, particularly those travelling with experienced local guides. The main challenges relate to long distances, rough roads, and weather conditions rather than crime. Using a reliable Mongolia travel guide and organised tours helps ensure a smooth and safe journey.
- Are guided tours recommended in Mongolia?
Guided tours are strongly recommended in Mongolia due to the country’s vast size and limited infrastructure. Local guides provide navigation, cultural insight, and logistical support in remote regions. For many visitors, guided trips are the most efficient way to experience the best places to visit in Mongolia.
Travel Seasons
- Jun-Aug – High Season. Warm and mostly dry weather in June and July, with some thunderstorms. Cooler temperatures and more rain arrives in late August. Book flights and accommodation in advance, especially around Naadam.
- May & Sep – Shoulder Season. Some ger (traditional yurt) camps may be closed. Weather can be changeable so plan for a cold snap. Fewer tourists means more available train and plane tickets.
- Oct-Apr – Low Season. Most ger camps and some guesthouses close, there may be discounts available. December and January are freezing cold while there is air pollution in Ulaanbaatar. March and April sees winds and dust storms. Activities available like dog sledding, ice skating and skiing.
- Overall May – October is the best time to travel, to avoid the cold.
General Information
- Capital – Ulaanbaatar
- Currency – Tögrög (MNT)
- Languages – Mongolian
- Size – 1,566,000 km2 (605,000 sq mi)
- Population – 3,278,290 (2020 estimate)
Travel Insurance
- Travel insurance is essential for all international travel. Click below to find out more:
Travel Health
- The CDC recommends the following vaccinations for Mongolia: measles, hepatitis A and typhoid. Check with your doctor which other vaccinations you might need and make sure your routine vaccinations are all up-to-date.
- Rabies can be found in dogs, bats and other mammals in Mongolia, so CDC recommends this vaccine for those who will be involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
Pros
- Experience Nomadic culture
- Vast, untouched landscapes
- True wilderness experience
- Warm welcome and hospitable locals
- Great hiking trails
Cons
- Travel can be rough at times, with only basic facilities in many areas
- Avoid going out on foot alone at night; foreigners stand out and can be targeted for attack because of their comparative wealth
Arriving in Mongolia
- Chinggis Khaan is the international airport in Ulaanbaatar. Shuttle buses and taxis can take you to the city centre.
Getting Around
- Mongolia relies heavily on domestic flights to travel around this huge, sparsely populated country with little infrastructure. With 16 paved airstrips across the country, almost all are served directly from Ulaanbaatar.
- Arrive at the airport at least one hour before your flight. Flights can be overbooked even if you have a ticket, flight number and allocated seat number. If you can, make sure your luggage has gone on the plane.
Visas
- You should have a visa before you travel to Mongolia. A Mongolian visit visa is usually valid for a stay of up to 30 days within six months from the date of issue. Full details can be found at Immigration of Mongolia.
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Mongolia Safaris
Safari to the Gobi Desert – Small Circuit
- 10 Days
One of the most arid landscapes on earth, the Gobi Desert is home to many endangered species adapted...
- Country:Mongolia,
- Departures:Array
- Length:10 Days
- Start/end:Start in Ulaanbaatar , end in Ulaanbaatar
Zavkhan – Land of Nomads – Cultural Safari
- 14 Days
Flanked by the breathtaking high mountain range of Khangai Nuruu, Zavkhan offers some of the most varied...
- Country:Mongolia,
- Departures:Array
- Length:14 Days
- Start/end:Start/end in Ulaanbaatar
The Gobi Desert – Big Circuit
- 16 Days
Join us for a journey through the Gobi Desert’s ancient mountains, green glens and sand dunes, against...
- Country:Mongolia,
- Departures:Array
- Length:16 Days
- Start/end:Start/end in Ulaanbaatar
Golden Eagle Photo Safari
- 8 Days
Hunting with eagles is very much an ancient tradition of the Central Asian nomadic tribes and still kept...
- Country:Mongolia,
- Departures:Array
- Length:8 Days
- Start/end:Start/end in Ulaanbaatar
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