Best time to visit

The best time to visit Mongolia is during the late spring to early autumn months, from May to September. This period offers the most favorable weather, with mild to warm temperatures and relatively little rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as horseback riding, trekking, and exploring the vast landscapes. July is a particularly popular time to visit due to the Naadam Festival, Mongolia’s most significant cultural event. Winter, from November to February, is extremely cold with temperatures often dropping below -30°C (-22°F), making travel more challenging but offering unique experiences like winter festivals and ice sports for those who can brave the cold.

What to expect

Language: The official language of Mongolia is Mongolian, which is spoken by the majority of the population. The Mongolian script, based on the Cyrillic alphabet, is used for writing.

Currency: The official currency of Mongolia is the Mongolian Tögrög (MNT).

Safety: Mongolia is generally a safe country for travelers. Violent crime is rare, but petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur in crowded areas, particularly in Ulaanbaatar. Visitors should take standard precautions, such as keeping valuables secure and being vigilant in busy places. Road conditions can be challenging, especially outside of urban areas, so it’s important to travel with a reliable guide or driver. Health care facilities are limited outside the capital, so comprehensive travel insurance is recommended.

Cuisine: Mongolian cuisine is hearty and influenced by the country’s nomadic lifestyle. Common ingredients include meat (particularly mutton and beef), dairy products, and a variety of grains. Popular dishes include: Buuz: Steamed dumplings filled with meat, typically mutton or beef, often flavored with onions and garlic. Khuushuur: Deep-fried meat pies that are a popular street food, similar to buuz but fried instead of steamed. Tsuivan: A stir-fried noodle dish with meat and vegetables, often considered comfort food in Mongolia. Boodog: A traditional dish where meat (usually goat or marmot) is cooked from the inside out using hot stones placed inside the carcass. Aaruul: Dried curd, a traditional dairy product that is often quite hard and sour, consumed as a snack.