A distant and untamed land where boundless steppes meet mountains and glaciers, forests and meadows, lakes and rivers, deserts and volcanoes… Welcome to Mongolia, where nature reigns supreme and nomadic peoples still thrive. All of this makes Mongolia a uniquely captivating travel destination. What to see, what to do, when to go, and what to expect? Discover our essential advice for preparing before traveling to Mongolia.

What are the essential experiences to live in Mongolia?

If you're planning a trip to Mongolia, you're about to embark on exceptional experiences that will stay with you forever. Among the must-do activities on your Mongolian adventure, you'll find:

• Sleeping in a ger in the heart of the steppes and discovering the rituals surrounding this traditional dwelling.
• Riding across Mongolia's vast steppes alongside Mongolian horsemen. You can choose a day-long horseback trek or plan a multi-day or even multi-week horse journey!
• Sharing daily life with nomadic peoples renowned for their hospitality and ancestral traditions,
• Meeting the Tsaatan ethnic minority, traditional reindeer herders living deep in the Taiga. You might even witness a shamanic ritual!
• Attending a Mongolian festival (such as the national celebration 'Naadam', the lunar new year 'Tsagaan Sar', ice festivals…) which will show you how Mongolians truly celebrate life.
• Visiting a Buddhist monastery…

What are the must-see destinations in Mongolia?

As for the unmissable places to visit during a Mongolian journey, here are the essential destinations:

• The Gobi Desert: you'll discover sand dunes, dizzying rock formations, frozen canyons, fossilized dinosaur bones and eggs, and otherworldly lunar landscapes…
• The Altai Tavan Bogd National Park: this is one of the world's most remote regions from the ocean. It's home to Mount Khuiten, Mongolia's highest peak at 4,374 meters, and numerous glaciers that delight mountaineers. It's also an ideal spot for trekking through mid-range mountains where countless trails wind through forests and lakes.
• The Khorgo Nature Reserve: home to two of Mongolia's natural gems—Terkhiin Tsagaan lake and the extinct Khorgo volcano.
• The Orkhon Valley: considered the cradle of the nomadic steppe culture, you'll discover picturesque landscapes nestled between meadows and rivers.
• The Gorkhi-Terelj National Park: welcome to one of nature's most untamed spaces! This mountainous region of forested steppes offers opportunities to observe wildlife and flora, plus stunning rock formations including the famous Turtle Rock, "Melkhii Khad"!

Of course, this list of must-see sites in Mongolia isn't exhaustive, but it gives you a glimpse of the natural wonders awaiting you.

When should you travel to Mongolia?

Mongolia is renowned for enjoying more than 260 days of sunshine per year, making it one of the world's sunniest countries! While blue skies and sunshine are often guaranteed, the country is still characterized by an extreme climate. Winters are harsh, with temperatures from November to March hovering around -25°C (-13°F)! While it's entirely possible to visit Mongolia in winter, proper preparation and equipment are essential!

If you prefer traveling to Mongolia with more pleasant temperatures, choose the months of June, July, August, and September when it's generally above 20°C (68°F). Note that during July and August, rainfall can be frequent. Spring (April and May) is the most meteorologically unstable period, where you might experience all four seasons in a single day!

For more information about climate and the best season for traveling to Mongolia, consult our practical guide: Best time to travel to Mongolia

What should you pack for traveling to Mongolia?

To start, we recommend replacing a suitcase with a travel backpack (or soft-sided luggage), which is the most practical type of baggage to transport. During your expeditions, your bag must be easily manageable, whether in a vehicle, on horseback, or even on pack yaks.

As for clothing, pack both lightweight and warm garments due to significant temperature fluctuations. Don't forget a fleece jacket and a waterproof windbreaker along with comfortable pants suitable for trekking and horseback riding. Bring waterproof hiking boots with good grip (ideally high-ankle) and avoid new shoes to prevent blisters! If you're traveling to Mongolia outside of summer, pack warm gear (hat, scarf, gloves, thermal leggings…).

Finally, regardless of the season, don't forget the essentials: sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, cap…), a headlamp, a water bottle, a sleeping bag (with liner), natural soap and shampoo (to avoid polluting rivers), hand sanitizer, biodegradable detergent, and a towel.

For more information about what to pack for a Mongolian trip, consult our practical guide: Packing for Mongolia

What comfort level should you expect when traveling to Mongolia?

Taking a trip to Mongolia means venturing far from the comfort you're accustomed to. While there are extremely well-appointed ger camps, you must be prepared to forgo modern sanitary facilities. You'll, for example, have to wash in rivers, making the adventure all the more authentic!

Similarly, you'll need to adapt to local cuisine. Composed mainly of meat and dairy products, Mongolian cuisine is renowned for its strong and powerful flavors (mutton, hard and sour cheeses, yak cream, mare's milk…). You're in for some truly unique culinary experiences!

Are you vegetarian? Don't worry, you can still organize a Mongolian trip without concern! By traveling with an agency like Horseback, you can enjoy stays with local families without fear of offending your hosts. We'll prepare some vegetarian dishes in advance (such as fried rice with vegetables, fried dumplings with potato purée…). However, if you're traveling independently, you'll need to stock up on supplies in the capital Ulaanbaatar before heading into remote regions…

Why choose a travel agency for your Mongolia trip?

While it's possible to organize a solo trip to Mongolia, it's far easier to work with a local travel agency. First, you'll save time and second, you'll be able to travel safely while benefiting from the expertise of licensed local guides! These guides will make your journey easier by helping you meet nomadic peoples—they'll explain all the rituals you should know and translate Mongolian so you can truly share moments of life with your hosts. By traveling with Horseback Mongolia agency, a Mongolia specialist for the past fifteen years, you can create a custom itinerary and program tailored to your preferences and budget.

To learn more, discover 10 reasons to travel to Mongolia with Horseback Mongolia