Mongolia
Mongolia · East Asia
Vast steppe, desert and mountain country, from the Gobi in the south to the Altai in the far west, still shaped by nomadic life.
Why visit
Why visit Mongolia
Mongolia is a country of distance and space. Its landscapes, from the dunes and gorges of the Gobi to the Altai Mountains in the far west, are largely open, and nomadic herding families, living in felt tents called gers, remain part of the picture.
It rewards travellers who want scale and silence, and who are happy to let a driver and guide set the pace across unpaved tracks.
Explore
What to see
In the south, Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, Mongolia’s largest, takes in the Khongoryn Els dunes, known as the Singing Sands, and Yolyn Am, a valley with an ice field that lasts through most of the year. At Bayanzag, the Flaming Cliffs, dinosaur eggs were found in the 1920s. In the far west, Bayan-Ölgii is home to the Kazakh eagle hunters, whose falconry is on UNESCO’s intangible heritage list and is celebrated at the annual Golden Eagle Festival in Ölgii.
Experiences
Experiences in Mongolia
Before you go
Practical information
Best time to visit
Summer is hot in the Gobi and winter is severely cold across much of the country; the shoulder months are milder. The Golden Eagle Festival is held once a year, so check its dates when planning a western trip.
Getting around
Distances are large and tracks are often unpaved. Dalanzadgad is the usual gateway to the South Gobi, and Ölgii is the base in the far west. Most visitors travel with a driver and guide in a 4x4, staying in ger camps.
Practical notes
The currency is the Mongolian tögrög. Mobile coverage is limited outside provincial centres, and areas near the Chinese border may need special permits, which an operator can arrange. Confirm entry and travel rules before planning.
Continue exploring
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