Mongolia Tours — Explore the Wild by Self-Drive 4x4

Mongolia Tours — Frequently Asked Questions

• How long should a Mongolia tour be?

  Most first-time visitors find that 10–14 days gives the best balance — enough time to reach the Gobi Desert, experience nomadic culture, and cover meaningful distance without feeling rushed. If your time is limited, our 5-day Terelj Park Tour and 5-day Kharakorum Quest are genuine introductions to Mongolian wilderness. For those who want the full picture — Gobi, central steppe, northern lakes, and western Mongolia — our 18-day Mongolia Loop covers it all. The country is nearly four times the size of Germany, so time is your most valuable resource on a Mongolia tour.

• What type of vehicle do I get on a SIXT Mongolia tour?

  All SIXT Mongolia tours use high-clearance 4×4 vehicles — either the Toyota Land Cruiser 250 or the UAZ Patriot, depending on your tour and preference. Both are fully equipped for off-road Mongolia travel: roof tent or camping gear, recovery equipment, jerry cans for extra fuel, and a pre-loaded GPS navigation app with your route mapped offline. Vehicles are serviced before every tour and have an average age of under one year. Read more about getting to Mongolia and what to expect on arrival before your tour begins.

• Do I need an international driving permit for a Mongolia tour?

  For most nationalities, your standard driving licence is accepted in Mongolia without an International Driving Permit (IDP). However, we always recommend carrying an IDP as a backup, particularly in remote regions where local authorities may be unfamiliar with foreign licences. You will also need your passport and a credit card for the vehicle deposit. For a full overview of entry requirements, paperwork, and practical preparation, visit our Mongolia travel guide.

• How much does a Mongolia tour cost?

  SIXT Mongolia tours start from €550 for our 5-day Terelj Park Tour and go up to €6,650 for our 18-day Mongolia overland expedition. The price includes your 4×4 vehicle, GPS navigation, pre-arranged accommodation, airport transfer, and 24/7 remote support. Not included are flights to Ulaanbaatar, visa fees, food, fuel, and the refundable 4,000,000 MNT vehicle deposit. Food and fuel typically add €20–€40 per day depending on your route.

• Is a Mongolia tour suitable for beginners?

  Yes — several of our Mongolia tours are specifically graded for first-time off-road travellers. Our difficulty scale runs from 1 (easy) to 5 (expert). The Terelj Park Tour and Kharakorum Quest are ideal starting points, both rated difficulty 1–2. For a broader overview of what to expect on the ground, our Mongolia travel guide covers terrain, road conditions, and practical tips in detail.

• What is included in the accommodation on a Mongolia tour?

  Accommodation on SIXT Mongolia tours comes in three levels. The basic option combines camping with nights in traditional ger camps — the most authentic Mongolia travel experience available. The premium option mixes ger camps with guesthouses and lodges. The comfort option prioritises hotel and ger camp stays throughout. All accommodation is pre-arranged along your route. For tours where accommodation plays a big role, see our Northern Mongolia Loop and Eagle Hunters & Empires — both offer exceptional ger camp stays in remote locations.

• When is the best time to book a Mongolia tour?

  Peak season runs June to August — vehicles book out fast, especially for July when the Naadam Festival draws visitors from around the world. We recommend booking 3–4 months in advance for summer travel. May and September offer excellent conditions with fewer crowds. For a completely different experience, our Mongolia Winter Tour runs November to February — frozen lakes, snow-covered steppes, and routes that are completely empty of other tourists. For a full seasonal breakdown, see our Mongolia travel guide.

• Can I do a Mongolia tour solo?

  Absolutely. Many of our Mongolia tours are booked by solo travellers. Our vehicles are set up for one or two people, and solo travellers pay a single-occupancy supplement. The advantage of a self-drive Mongolia tour for solo travellers is total freedom — you stop when you want, stay longer at places that move you, and move on when you’re ready. Our 24/7 remote support means you’re never truly alone, even deep in the Gobi Desert or the remote north.

• What happens if my vehicle breaks down on a Mongolia tour?

  SIXT vehicles are fully serviced before every tour and equipped with basic recovery gear. If you experience a mechanical issue, our 24/7 support team coordinates assistance remotely. For serious breakdowns in remote areas, we arrange vehicle replacement or recovery. You can also add a support vehicle to any of our longer Mongolia tours for an additional fee — a dedicated SIXT driver follows your route and is on hand for any mechanical or navigation challenges. For tips on preparing for remote driving, visit our Mongolia travel guide.

• Do I need a visa for Mongolia?

  Citizens of many countries can enter Mongolia visa-free for stays of up to 30 days, including the USA, EU member states, and the UK. If your nationality requires a visa, it can typically be obtained at the Mongolian embassy or on arrival at Ulaanbaatar’s Chinggis Khaan International Airport. We cover visa requirements, what to pack, and everything else you need to prepare in our complete Mongolia travel guide. We also recommend reading our article on getting to Mongolia by flight, train and overland for route planning.

• Can I extend or customise my Mongolia tour?

  Yes — every SIXT Mongolia tour can be customised for dates, duration, route, vehicle type, and accommodation level. Popular combinations include pairing our Gobi Sands tour with the Kharakorum Quest for a 11-day central and southern Mongolia experience, or extending the Northern Mongolia Loop into the west for a 3-week expedition. Contact us directly to build a custom itinerary.

• Is travel insurance required for a Mongolia tour?

  Travel insurance is not mandatory but very strongly recommended. Your policy should specifically cover off-road vehicle use, medical evacuation from remote areas, and trip cancellation. Standard policies often exclude off-road driving — read the fine print carefully before your Mongolia tour. For a full checklist of what to arrange before departure, see our Mongolia travel guide.