Thinking of traveling through Mongolia? This guide cuts through the guesswork and serves up crucial tips for tackling the adventurous terrains of the Gobi Desert and the vast Mongolian steppe. From picking the right 4WD for your road trip to splendid cultural experiences with nomads, and even wildlife watching, you’ll find all you need to know for a mesmerizing Mongolian adventure sans the fluff.
Key Takeaways
Renting a 4WD vehicle from SIXT is highly recommended for traveling through Mongolia’s challenging terrains and enables authentic travels through the country’s diverse landscapes, with pre-planned off-road travel packages available for a tailored adventure.
Staying in traditional ger camps offers a unique glimpse into nomadic life, culturally enriching experiences, and a cost-effective lodging option; engaging with local festivals deepens understanding of Mongolian heritage.
Travelers should prepare for their trip by considering visa and vaccine requirements, dressing in layers for variable climate, and ensuring they have means to stay connected through mobile networks or Wi-Fi in urban and some rural areas.
When it comes to exploring Mongolia, there’s no better way than embarking on a road trip. From the vast steppe to the Gobi Desert, Mongolia’s landscapes are diverse and challenging, making it crucial to have a reliable vehicle. That’s where SIXT comes in. As a leading international car rental company, SIXT offers a diverse fleet of vehicles to cater to your travel needs.
Particularly, for off-roading through Mongolia’s diverse landscapes, a 4WD vehicle is essential. With recommended options from SIXT’s fleet, like the Toyota Landcruisers and UAZ Patriot, you’re all set for an adventure of a lifetime.
Choosing Your Vehicle
Choosing the right vehicle is a crucial part of planning your Mongolian road trip. With diverse terrain that ranges from rugged mountains to sandy desert, a 4WD vehicle is a must-have for navigating Mongolia’s landscapes. That’s where SIXT excels. Recognized as the leading international car rental company in Mongolia, SIXT offers top-quality service and a modern fleet, including reliable 4WD options, making it the optimal choice for your adventure.
Planning Your Route
Planning your route efficiently is another critical part of your Mongolian adventure. With a network of paved roads connecting most towns with the capital, Ulaanbaatar, you can plan a route that allows you to explore the country’s diverse landscapes and vibrant culture. However, keep in mind that flights to Khovsgol and South Gobi provinces tend to be scheduled only in the summer due to Mongolia’s road conditions and seasonal accessibility.
Packing Essentials for the Journey
As you prepare for your Mongolian road trip, don’t forget to pack essential items for your journey. One essential item to consider is a tent. Bringing a tent allows for flexible accommodation choices while traveling in Mongolia’s rural areas. If you don’t want to bring one from home, no worries! You can easily acquire a tent in Ulan Bator.
Customizing Your Adventure with SIXT Offroad Travel Packages
If you’re looking for a more curated adventure, consider SIXT Offroad’s self-drive road trip packages. Designed to simplify route planning, these packages provide the freedom of driving through Mongolia’s steppes and Gobi Desert, allowing for authentic encounters with nomadic tribes and wildlife.
The ‘Follow the Tracks’ experience by SIXT even includes a rental car, car camp essentials, and an iPad loaded with necessary information for a well-organized adventure.
Navigating Remote Areas
One of the challenges of exploring Mongolia is navigating its remote areas. With SIXT’s reliable vehicles and comprehensive support services, you can confidently venture into the great Mongolian emptiness. For an extra level of safety, consider using a GPS tracker device.
Mongolia has adopted the what3words navigation system, which facilitates pinpoint location finding. If you need assistance, simply contact Offroad Mongolia’s support services via email.
Cultural Encounters
One of the highlights of exploring Mongolia is the opportunity for genuine cultural encounters, including experiencing the Mongolian lunar calendar’s influence on local traditions. Interacting with a nomadic family allows you to gain a deeper understanding of Mongolian culture and traditions. So, if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, it’s time to visit Mongolia.
Additionally, modern ger camps offer amenities like bars and restaurants, and even provide traditional entertainment like Mongolian throat singing, enriching your cultural experience.
Wildlife Watching Opportunities
Mongolia, home to the vast Mongolian steppe and rural Mongolia, offers an array of unique wildlife, and SIXT Offroad Mongolia tour allows you to witness them in their natural habitat. With a carefully planned Mongolia itinerary, you can visit destinations like Khustain National Park, known for its population of wild horses, and spot rare wildlife like Bactrian camels and the elusive snow leopard at Gurvan Saikhan National Park. Additionally, exploring Western Mongolia will ensure your adventure is filled with unforgettable encounters.
A Taste of Nomadic Life: Visiting Ger Camps
For a true taste of nomadic life, consider staying in a ger camp. These traditional Mongolian yurts offer an unparalleled opportunity to experience Mongolia’s nomadic traditions first-hand. From learning about the nomadic way of life to using the camp as a starting point to explore the surrounding landscapes and wildlife, a night in a ger tent is an experience not to be missed.
Etiquette and Customs
When staying in a Mongolian ger, it’s essential to follow local etiquette and customs. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:
Upon entering, move to the left side, as the right is reserved for family members.
Women, in particular, should avoid sitting at the head of the ger.
While dining, use the right hand to accept or pass items, and take a sip of any offered tea before setting it down.
By respecting these customs, you’ll not only show respect for the local culture but also enhance your own cultural experience.
Choosing the Right Ger Camp
Choosing the right ger camp is crucial for an authentic and cost-effective lodging experience. Ger camps offer a range of accommodations from simple to basic, including cozy beds, furniture, and a heating stove in visitor tents, with shared facilities for toilet and shower needs.
Not only are they an authentic lodging option, but they’re also a cost-effective choice for travelers in Mongolia.
Engaging with Mongolia’s Festivals and Events
Mongolia is a country rich in cultural heritage, and engaging with its festivals and events is an excellent way to gain insights into its traditions. From the grand Naadam Festival held in July to the Thousand Camel Festival celebrating the endangered Bactrian camel in the Gobi Desert, these vibrant displays offer visitors a unique window into Mongolian culture.
Festival Highlights
Festivals like the Naadam Festival offer a variety of traditional activities, including horse races, wrestling matches, and archery competitions, providing a unique cultural experience.
Meanwhile, the Thousand Camel Festival gives visitors insight into the lives of Gobi desert nomads and promotes the conservation of the two-humped Bactrian camel.
Timing Your Visit
Timing your visit to coincide with cultural events can enhance your travel experience. Major cultural events like the Nadam Fair can also be a time to find travel cost savings. To avoid peak season crowds, consider attending cultural events and engaging in related activities that offer discounts.
Planning your visit around these events allows for an immersive experience without the peak season density of tourists, giving you the opportunity to see all the sights.
Read about this best time to visit Mongolia here.
Staying Connected: Communication Tips for Travelers
While traveling in Mongolia, staying connected is crucial for sharing your experiences and staying in touch with loved ones. Thankfully, Mongolia offers various options for internet access, with mobile networks being one of the primary means for staying connected.
Mobile Networks and Coverage
Mongolia offers coverage for:
2G
3G
4G
potentially 5G
mobile networks. Primary GSM-based mobile operators like MobiCom and Unitel provide coverage to a majority of the population, making it easy to stay connected.
Both MobiCom and Unitel offer prepaid data packages with flexible validity periods, making it convenient for travelers to stay connected.
Internet Access
Aside from mobile networks, Wi-Fi service is commonly available in major urban centers and some ger camps throughout Mongolia. This allows you to stay connected, upload your travel photos, or catch up with your favorite shows even while you’re in the heart of Mongolia.
Essential Travel Preparations Before You Go
Before you embark on your Mongolian adventure, there are a few essential travel preparations to consider. From securing travel insurance to checking visa requirements, these preparations can save you a lot of trouble down the line and ensure that your trip goes as smoothly as possible.
Visa Requirements for Foreign Nationals
Travelers need to confirm their visa requirements for Mongolia, as these may vary depending on their country of origin. For instance, travelers from the United States do not require a visa for stays in Mongolia under 90 days, but their passports need to be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry.
Health and Safety Considerations
Health and safety are of paramount importance when planning your travels. Before departing for Mongolia, consult with a healthcare provider for necessary vaccines and medicines. Recommended vaccinations include:
Hepatitis A and B
Measles
Rabies
Typhoid
Tick-borne encephalitis
Securing travel insurance is also recommended to mitigate costs from unexpected situations such as injuries.
Transportation Alternatives in Mongolia
Exploring Mongolia offers various transportation alternatives. From public buses and minivans to domestic flights, you can choose the option that best fits your travel needs and budget.
Public Buses and Minivans
Public buses and shared minivans, known as meekers, offer a budget-friendly transportation option. This is a popular means of getting around in Mongolia, especially for inter-province travel in remote areas.
Air Travel Within Mongolia
For long distances, consider booking domestic flights. Aero Mongolia and Hunnu Air operate domestic flights across various towns in Mongolia, offering a convenient travel option between distant locations. These airlines, along with Turkish Airlines, also extend their services to international locations, accommodating the increased demand during the summer.
Saving Money While Exploring Mongolia
Exploring Mongolia doesn’t have to break the bank. From choosing budget-friendly accommodations like guesthouses or hostels to taking advantage of tour discounts and deals, there are several ways to save money while experiencing the best that Mongolia has to offer.
Accommodation and Food
Guesthouses and hostels are popular in both cities and rural areas of Mongolia, providing a more budget-friendly alternative to hotels.
Local canteens known as ‘guanz’ are a go-to for economical dining, serving traditional dishes at lower prices than tourist-centric spots.
Tour Discounts and Deals
Look out for early bird and last-minute specials on tours, which can provide travelers with up to 15% off. Group tours or teaming up with other solo travelers or couples can significantly reduce the cost of tours as they share the expenses for a driver, guide, and vehicle.
What to Pack for Mongolia’s Varied Climates
Packing for Mongolia’s varied climates and unpredictable weather changes can be a challenge. From warm clothing for the cold winter months to lightweight outfits for the summer, here are some tips to ensure you’re well-prepared for all conditions.
Dressing in Layers
Dressing in layers is a must when visiting Mongolia. A non-cotton thermal base layer is crucial for regulating body temperature during active days and retaining warmth while sleeping.
Thicker mid-layers made of wool or fleece can be layered for added warmth, while a breathable, waterproof outer shell is necessary to protect against wind and moisture.
Protective Gear for Sand Dunes and Off-Road Adventures
When embarking on off-road adventures or exploring sand dunes, you’ll need additional protective gear. From sturdy shoes to a good quality hat for sun protection, these items can make your outdoor adventures more comfortable and safe.
Navigating Cultural Nuances: A Primer for Visitors
Mongolia is a fascinating country, rich in culture and traditions. Understanding the cultural nuances and practicing respectful behavior can enhance your travel experience and foster meaningful connections with the local people.
Language Barriers and Communication
Language barriers can pose a challenge while traveling in Mongolia. While English proficiency varies across the country, it’s less common in rural areas.
Travelers can use translation apps and phrasebooks as effective communication aids where people don’t speak English or it’s not commonly spoken.
Respecting Local Traditions
Respecting local traditions is an important part of traveling responsibly. From using the phrase ‘Nokhoigo Khorioroi’ to announce your arrival at a Mongolian ger, to understanding dining etiquette, showing respect for these customs can enhance your cultural experience and foster a deeper connection with the Mongolian culture.
Summary
Mongolia is a country that captures the imagination with its vast landscapes, rich culture, and untamed beauty. Whether you’re planning to embark on a road trip with SIXT, immerse yourself in the nomadic life at a ger camp, or engage with vibrant festivals and events, careful planning and preparation can ensure a memorable and fulfilling adventure. So why wait? Start planning your Mongolian adventure today, and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime!