Mongolia Travel Facts

The Basics

Country: Mongolia

Where is it?: Mongolia is in northern Asia, between China and Russia.

Why do people go here?: With vast, empty space, incredible colors, and no paved street or street lights, Mongolia is one of the most isolated countries in the world. Visit before this place gets discovered!

What are the main entry points?: Travelers people fly into Ulaan Baatar from Beijing, Berlin or Moscow. Romantics and die hards can reach Mongolia on the Trans-Mongolian railways.

Currency used: Tugrik

Country Code for Phones: 976

Religion: Tibetan Buddhist Lamaism 96%, Muslim (primarily in the southwest), Shamanism, and Christian 4%

Population: 2.7 million

Ethnic Groups: Mongol (predominantly Khalkha) 85%, Turkic (of which Kazakh is the largest group) 7%, Tungusic 4.6%, other (including Chinese and Russian) 3.4%

Government: Parliamentary republic

Languages: Khalkha Mongol 90%, Turkic, Russian

Travel Information

Major Cities: Ulaan Baatar

Attractions: Khustain Nuruu Nature Reserve, Karakorum

Accommodation: Mongolia Hostels

Tourism Office locations and links: Mongolia Tourism Office

Tips for Visiting

Off-the-Beaten-Path: Gobi Desert, Karakorum

Health Issues: Cholera, meningococcal meningitis

When to go: The best time to visit Mongolia is from May to early October. If you want to visit the Gobi Desert, the best time is early September through October when the weather is coolest.

Specific Events/Holidays: Naadam Festival: July 11

Getting Around: Since Mongolia is vast and has extremely poor roads, air travel is the best option.

Good to know: Mongolia has entrance and exit visas. Make sure to check all current regulations before visiting the country.

Cheapest airport to fly into: The cheapest airport to fly into Mongolia is the Chinggis Khaan International Airport.

Need more information?: Check out the Mongolia travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.