Welcome to Genghis Khan country: landlocked, with vast steppes and endless bright blue skies. A country oozing at the seams with history and natural beauty, Mongolia often falls through the budget travelers’ net. But never fear, fellow broke backpackers! With a little careful planning and some insider knowledge, you’ll be able to experience the best of Mongolia on a budget.
Join us on this tour, as we take you from bustling streets to serene lakes, such as Lake Khovsgol, through highs and lows experienced when traveling through Mongolia on a budget. We show you where to find great cheap sleeps and great-tasting food to give you some of the most incredible experiences, all on the low low.
Saddle up, fellow travellers, and join us on this journey of a lifetime through the land of Mongolia!
How to get there:
From China:
- Beijing to Ulaanbaatar: Take the Trans-Mongolian train (K23) from Beijing’s West Station to Ulaanbaatar’s Sükhbaatar Square Station. ( approx. 30 hours, ¥1,100)
- Hohhot to Ulaanbaatar: Take bus #171 from Hohhot’s South Bus Station to Ulaanbaatar’s Dragon Bus Station. (approx. 12 hours, ¥200)
From Russia:
- Irkutsk to Ulaanbaatar: Take the Trans-Mongolian train (K20) from Irkutsk’s Passazhirskaya Station to Ulaanbaatar’s Sükhbaatar Square Station. (approx. 24 hours, ₽6,000)
- Ulaan-Ude to Ulaanbaatar: Take bus #514 from Ulaan-Ude’s South Bus Station to Ulaanbaatar’s Dragon Bus Station. (approx. 12 hours, ₽1,500)
From Kazakhstan:
- Astana to Ulaanbaatar: Take bus #108 from Astana’s Central Bus Station to Ulaanbaatar’s Dragon Bus Station. (approx. 24 hours, ₸15,000)
- Almaty to Ulaanbaatar: Take bus #106 from Almaty’s Sayakhat Bus Station to Ulaanbaatar’s Dragon Bus Station. (approx. 30 hours, ₸20,000)
When to go:
Spring (March to May)
- Weather: Mild temperatures, occasional rain, and snow
- Pros:
- Fewer tourists
- Baby animals born
- Nomadic families move to summer pastures
- Cons:
- Unpredictable weather
- Some attractions still closed
Summer (June to August)
- Weather: Warm temperatures, long days, and occasional rain
- Pros:
- Warm weather
- Longer days for exploration
- Festivals and events (Naadam, Eagle Festival)
- Cons:
- Peak tourist season
- Higher prices
- Can be hot and dusty
Autumn (September to November)
- Weather: Cool temperatures, golden landscapes, and occasional snow
- Pros:
- Comfortable temperatures
- Scenic landscapes
- Fewer tourists
- Cons:
- Some attractions closed
- Shortening days
Winter (December to February)
- Weather: Cold temperatures, snow, and limited daylight
- Pros:
- Unique winter landscapes
- Dog sledding and skiing opportunities
- Fewer tourists
- Cons:
- Extremely cold temperatures
- Limited access to some areas
- Short days
Special Events and Festivals:
- Naadam Festival (July): Traditional Mongolian sports and culture
- Eagle Festival (October): Golden Eagle hunting and cultural showcase
- Tsagaan Sar (February): Mongolian Lunar New Year celebrations
Best Time to Visit:
- June to September for warm weather and festivals
- September to November for comfortable temperatures and scenic landscapes
- December to February for unique winter experiences
Best Itineraries:
1 Week:
- Day 1-2: Ulaanbaatar (explore city, visit Gandan Monastery, National Museum)
- Day 3-4: Gobi Desert (take bus to Dalanzadgad, explore Flaming Cliffs, Yolyn Am)
- Day 5-6: Lake Khovsgol (take bus to Murun, then taxi to lake, hike, relax)
- Day 7: Return to Ulaanbaatar
2 Weeks:
- Day 1-3: Ulaanbaatar (explore city, visit Gandan Monastery, National Museum, Black Market)
- Day 4-6: Gobi Desert (take bus to Dalanzadgad, explore Flaming Cliffs, Yolyn Am, Khongor Sand Dunes)
- Day 7-9: Lake Khovsgol (take bus to Murun, then taxi to lake, hike, relax)
- Day 10-12: Terelj National Park (take bus to Terelj, hike, horse ride, relax)
- Day 13-14: Return to Ulaanbaatar
1 Month:
- Week 1: Ulaanbaatar (explore city, visit Gandan Monastery, National Museum, Black Market)
- Week 2: Gobi Desert (take bus to Dalanzadgad, explore Flaming Cliffs, Yolyn Am, Khongor Sand Dunes, Bayanzag)
- Week 3: Lake Khovsgol (take bus to Murun, then taxi to lake, hike, relax)
- Week 4: Terelj National Park (take bus to Terelj, hike, horse ride, relax), then return to Ulaanbaatar
3 Months:
- Month 1:
- Ulaanbaatar (explore city, visit Gandan Monastery, National Museum, Black Market)
- Central Mongolia (explore Kharkhorin, Orkhon Valley, Tsenkher Hot Springs)
- Month 2:
- Gobi Desert (explore Flaming Cliffs, Yolyn Am, Khongor Sand Dunes, Bayanzag)
- Southern Mongolia (explore Dalanzadgad, Sainshand, Khamariin Khiid)
- Month 3:
- Eastern Mongolia (explore Khentii Mountains, Dadal Village, Lake Buir)
- Northern Mongolia (explore Lake Khovsgol, Murun, Khatgal)
Long-term (6-12 months):
- Spend 1-2 months exploring Ulaanbaatar and surrounding areas
- Spend 1-2 months traveling through Central Mongolia (Kharkhorin, Orkhon Valley, Tsenkher Hot Springs)
- Spend 1-2 months exploring the Gobi Desert (Flaming Cliffs, Yolyn Am, Khongor Sand Dunes, Bayanzag)
- Spend 1-2 months traveling through Eastern Mongolia (Khentii Mountains, Dadal Village, Lake Buir)
- Spend 1-2 months exploring Northern Mongolia (Lake Khovsgol, Murun, Khatgal)
Transportation:
Buses:
- Inter-city buses: Connect major cities like Ulaanbaatar, Darkhan, and Erdenet. Tickets can be bought at bus stations or online.
- Intra-city buses: Operate within cities, with routes displayed on the side. Pay the driver directly (around 500-1000 MNT).
- Minivans: Known as “micros,” they operate on fixed routes and can be hailed anywhere. Pay the driver (around 500-1000 MNT).
Trains:
- Trans-Mongolian Railway: Connects Ulaanbaatar to Beijing and Moscow. Book tickets in advance through the railway station or online.
- Domestic trains: Link Ulaanbaatar to Darkhan, Erdenet, and other cities. Tickets can be bought at the railway station.
Taxis:
- Official taxis: Use meters and can be found at taxi ranks or booked by phone.
- Unofficial taxis: Private cars operating as taxis. Agree on the fare beforehand (around 1000-2000 MNT).
Top things to do:
Ulaanbaatar (Capital City)
- Visit the Gandan Monastery (free admission)
- Explore the National Museum of Mongolia ($2 entry fee)
- Walk through Sükhbaatar Square (free)
- Zaisan Memorial (free)
- Black Market (free)
- Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan ($5 entry fee)
- Choijin Lama Monastery ($5 entry fee)
- Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts ($5 entry fee)
Central Mongolia
- Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape (free, but $10 for a guide)
- Kharkhorin ( ancient capital, $5 entry fee)
- Tuvkhun Hermitage (free, but $10 for a guide)
- Erdene Zuu Monastery ($5 entry fee)
- Khushuu Tsaidam Museum ($5 entry fee)
- Khustain Nuruu National Park (free, but $10 for a guide)
- Ugii Lake (free)
- Olkhon Island (free)
- Orkhon Waterfall (free)
Gobi Desert
- Yolyn Am Canyon (free, but $10 for a guide)
- Khongor Sand Dunes (free, but $10 for a guide)
- Bayanzag (free, but $10 for a guide)
- Flaming Cliffs (free, but $10 for a guide)
- Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park (free, but $10 for a guide)
- Ongi Monastery ($5 entry fee)
- Hongor Els Sand Dunes (free)
- Dungenee Canyon (free)
- Gobi-Altai Mountains (free)
Northern Mongolia
- Lake Khovsgol (free, but $10 for a guide)
- Reindeer Herders (free, but $10 for a guide)
- Amarbayasgalant Monastery (free)
- Jargalant Hot Springs (free, but $10 for a guide)
- Uran Togoo Volcano (free)
- Khuvsgul Lake National Park (free, but $10 for a guide)
- Darkhad Valley (free)
- Ulaan Uul Mountain (free)
Eastern Mongolia
- Khentii Mountains (free, but $10 for a guide)
- Baldan Bereeven Monastery (free)
- Khalkh Gol (free)
- Menen Steppe (free)
- Buir Lake (free)
- Onon River (free)
- Khentii National Park (free, but $10 for a guide)
- Binder Ovoo (free)
Western Mongolia
- Altai Tavan Bogd National Park (free, but $10 for a guide)
- Kazakh Eagle Hunters (free, but $20 for a homestay)
- Uvs Nuur Basin (free)
- Khoid Tsaidam (free)
- Tavan Bogd Mountains (free, but $10 for a guide)
Other Spots
- Genghis Khan Statue Complex ($10 entry fee)
- Khustai National Park (free, but $10 for a guide)
- Ogii Lake (free)
- Khangai Mountains (free, but $10 for a guide)
Food:
When I stepped off the plane in Ulaanbaatar, it wasn’t possible not to wonder what was in store gastronomically. The food in Mongolia is raw and uncompromising as its steppes, steeped in a nomadic tradition.
A steaming bowl of buuz-jucy dumplings filled with a mix of beef and mutton-was my first impression of Mongolian food. A side of airag, or fermented horse milk, was served with it. Very familiar, yet so out of this world.
While traveling across the country, I truly began to understand that the food of Mongolia was deeply influenced by the nomadic history. Khorkhog is a slow-cooked BBQ, with mutton and vegetables being used as its main ingredients. It is a staple in any nomadic diet. Laid in a pit with a lining of heated stones, it proves to be a both-nourishing-and-delicious kind of meal.
But all is not beef and potatoes. The Budaatai Khuurga, a kind of Mongolian pancake, is the surprise-sweet and savory and wonderful for snacking on while racing from one end of the city to another with a dollop of aaruul, or dried curd cheese.
Amidst these special flavors and dishes, I couldn’t help but notice the general shortage of fresh produce. Vegetables, especially in rural areas, are hardly ever found, while fruits are like some sort of rare luxury. This is testimonial to the cruel climate and almost non-existing growing season of the country.
New restaurants are popping up throughout Ulaanbaatar, blending traditional and modern cuisine. Traditional snacks include khuushuur. Mongolian hot pot can be quite fun, and certainly a very interactive dining experience.
Not leaving Mongolia, I couldn’t help but hold in high regard this country for being resilient enough to stand against the odds with their culinary traditions. In a country whose elements are not kind, the food is hearty and comforting, fastened strong to its roots of tradition. From seasoned foodies to those simply trying something new, the unique food landscape of Mongolia is sure to leave one wanting more.
Culture:
Nomadic Customs
The nomadic tradition is at the very core of Mongolian culture. Centuries have passed since nomadic herders first began their journey through the steppes with nature and animals as companions, determining the values system in the country, namely: hospitality, respect to elders, and attachment to land.
Ger Culture
The ger is a traditional Mongolian yurt, symbolic of life in nomadic culture. Stitched together with felt and wood, the portable homes are easily assembled and disassembled to follow animals in search of green pastures. From the inside, the ger is a cozy space, with colorful textiles and furniture where family and friends gather to share stories and meals.
Buddhism and Shamanism
The spiritual landscape of Mongolia has a unique mix of Buddhism and Shamanism. While Tibetan Buddhism was brought to the Mongolians in the 13th century, Shamanism is from ancient Mongolian times. This mix of culture is revealed in most of the country’s monasteries and temples, where Buddhist monks and Shamanic practitioners live in harmony with one another.
Music and Dance
The music and dance of Mongolia form an integral part of the cultural heritage of the country. The morin khuur, also known as the horsehead fiddle, is hauntingly beautiful, while the biyelgee dance is a joy to behold with its intricate footwork and colorfully and elaborately decorated costumes.
Festivals and Celebrations
Festivals and holidays are joyous, social times in Mongolia. The Naadam Festival, recognized by UNESCO, celebrates the country’s wrestling, archery, and horse racing culture. Tsagaan Sar is celebrated with family reunions and traditional food. Modern Mongolia
In Ulaanbaatar, modern culture is on full display. The vibrant art scene, hip cafes, and noisy markets show off the urban heart and soul of Mongolia. The music-goes from heavy metal bands to hip-hop artists-while traditional crafts, such as felt and woodcarving, are reinvented for the modern era.
Accommodations:
Ulaanbaatar
- Zaya Guest House: A cozy, family-run hostel in the heart of the city.
- UB Hostel: A modern, centrally-located hostel with dorms and private rooms.
- Mongolian Vision Guest House: A comfortable, budget-friendly option with traditional decor.
- Gobi Hostel: A friendly, laid-back hostel with a relaxed atmosphere.
- Sant Asar Hostel: A modern, stylish hostel with a focus on art and culture.
Central Mongolia
- Kharkhorin Guest House: A simple, yet charming hostel in the ancient capital.
- Orkhon Valley Hostel: A scenic, rural hostel with stunning views of the Orkhon River.
- Khustain Nuruu Ger Camp: A rustic, eco-friendly ger camp surrounded by nature.
- Erdene Zuu Monastery Hostel: A peaceful, monastery-based hostel with a focus on spirituality.
- Khushuu Tsaidam Hostel: A basic, yet welcoming hostel in the heart of the Khushuu Tsaidam National Park.
Gobi Desert
- Gobi Mirage Ger Camp: A luxurious, desert-based ger camp with modern amenities.
- Three Camel Lodge: A comfortable, environmentally-friendly lodge with stunning views.
- South Gobi Hostel: A basic, yet welcoming hostel in the heart of the Gobi.
- Yolyn Am Hostel: A scenic, canyon-based hostel with stunning views and hiking opportunities.
- Flaming Cliffs Hostel: A rustic, desert-based hostel with a focus on adventure and exploration.
Northern Mongolia
- Lake Khovsgol Hostel: A scenic, lakeside hostel with stunning views and outdoor activities.
- Darkhad Valley Ger Camp: A rustic, rural ger camp surrounded by nature and wildlife.
- Amarbayasgalant Monastery Hostel: A simple, monastery-based hostel with a peaceful atmosphere.
- Khuvsgul Lake Hostel: A basic, yet welcoming hostel in the heart of the Khuvsgul Lake National Park.
- Ulaan Uul Hostel: A scenic, mountain-based hostel with stunning views and trekking opportunities.
Western Mongolia
- Altai Tavan Bogd Ger Camp: A remote, mountain-based ger camp with stunning views and trekking opportunities.
- Kazakh Eagle Hunter’s Hostel: A unique, homestay-style hostel with eagle hunting experiences.
- Uvs Nuur Basin Hostel: A basic, yet welcoming hostel in the heart of the Uvs Nuur Basin.
- Khoid Tsaidam Hostel: A scenic, lake-based hostel with stunning views and fishing opportunities.
- Tavan Bogd National Park Hostel: A rustic, park-based hostel with a focus on nature and wildlife.
Nightlife:
Ulaanbaatar
- The Bull: A modern cocktail bar with a speakeasy-style vibe.
- The Irish Pub: A lively pub with live music and sports screenings.
- The Blue Sky Hotel Bar: A rooftop bar with stunning views of the city.
- Club 808: A popular club with live DJs and themed parties.
- The Black Market: A trendy bar with live music and a vintage vibe.
- Tumen Ekh: A cultural bar with live music and traditional performances.
- Ulaanbaatar Nightclub: A lively club with live DJs and dancing.
Central Mongolia
- Kharkhorin Nightclub: A lively club in the ancient capital, with live music and dancing.
- Orkhon Valley Bar: A scenic bar with stunning views of the Orkhon River.
- Khustain Nuruu Ger Camp Bar: A rustic bar with live music and a campfire vibe.
- Erdene Zuu Monastery Bar: A peaceful bar with live music and a spiritual atmosphere.
- Khushuu Tsaidam Bar: A basic bar with live music and a relaxed atmosphere.
Gobi Desert
- Gobi Mirage Bar: A luxurious bar with modern cocktails and stunning desert views.
- Three Camel Lodge Bar: A comfortable bar with live music and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Yolyn Am Canyon Party: A scenic party spot with live music and dancing under the stars.
- Flaming Cliffs Party: A stunning party spot with live music and dancing under the stars.
- South Gobi Bar: A basic bar with live music and a relaxed atmosphere.
Northern Mongolia
- Lake Khovsgol Nightclub: A lively club with live music and stunning lake views.
- Darkhad Valley Party: A rustic party spot with live music and a campfire vibe.
- Amarbayasgalant Monastery Bar: A peaceful bar with live music and a spiritual atmosphere.
- Khuvsgul Lake Bar: A scenic bar with stunning views of the lake.
- Ulaan Uul Bar: A basic bar with live music and a relaxed atmosphere.
Western Mongolia
- Altai Tavan Bogd Party: A remote party spot with live music and stunning mountain views.
- Kazakh Eagle Hunter’s Bar: A unique bar with live music and eagle hunting experiences.
- Uvs Nuur Basin Party: A scenic party spot with live music and dancing under the stars.
- Khoid Tsaidam Bar: A basic bar with live music and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Tavan Bogd National Park Bar: A rustic bar with live music and a campfire vibe.
Party Areas
- Ulaanbaatar’s Peace Avenue: A lively area with bars, clubs, and live music.
- Kharkhorin’s Main Street: A scenic area with bars and live music.
- Gobi Desert’s Flaming Cliffs: A stunning area with parties and live music under the stars.
- Lake Khovsgol’s Shore: A scenic area with parties and live music.
- Altai Tavan Bogd’s Mountain: A remote area with parties and live music under the stars.
Backpacking Mongolia costs:
Daily Budget
- Accommodation: $5-10 (hostel or ger camp)
- Food: $3-5 (street food or self-cooked meals)
- Transportation: $5-10 (public transportation or hitchhiking)
- Total: $13-25 per day
Weekly Budget
- Accommodation: $35-70 (avg. $5-10 per day)
- Food: $21-35 (avg. $3-5 per day)
- Transportation: $35-70 (avg. $5-10 per day)
- Total: $91-175 per week
Mongolia is a country of great steppes, nomadic traditions, and unforgettable landscapes. Endless adventure and new discoveries are waiting for you on this journey, from the hectic streets of Ulaanbaatar to the serene beauty of the Gobi Desert.
Whether one has been a seasoned backpacker or just now beginning to plan their next big trip, Mongolia really should be on every traveler’s agenda. With its particular mix of culture, history, and natural beauty, it should turn out to be among those places which will challenge one’s assumptions most and leave the traveler with unforgettable memories.
