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Mongolia Snapshot

Mongolia has an extreme continental climate due to its inland location. The best time for travelling is from May to October when the weather is pleasant. Due to the popularity of the Naadam Festival, July is the busiest time to go; it can get crowded, but Ulaanbaatar buzzes with an incredible vibe during this time.

The wet season is from July to August and although it rains frequently during this time, the rain turns the countryside into a pleasant shade of green. It can get extremely cold from June to October, with snowstorms sometimes grounding flights and bringing transport systems to a halt.
  • Ulaanbaatar weather chart

Eating and Drinking in Mongolia

  • Buuz: These steamed meat dumplings are usually served during festive times, but can be found in restaurants and cafes all year round.
  • Khuushuur: Similar to buuz, these meat-filled dumplings are fried, not steamed. Served in the cafes of Ulaanbaatar, these pastry pockets are a cheap, flavoursome snack.
  • Vodka: Russia’s influence on Mongolia is evident in the popularity of vodka among locals who pass the bottle around generously.
  • Making curds

Intrepid believes that one of the best ways of experiencing a country is by eating. Whether you're sampling street food, savouring a cheap eat or indulging in a banquet, there are endless options to choose from wherever you are in the world. Mongolian food will probably be very different to what you’re used to. Due to many Mongolians living a nomadic lifestyle, access to ingredients and different modes of cooking are limited. Fermented milk products and meats such as goat, mutton and horse are commonly eaten. Vegetarians might find eating difficult here, especially since refusing food is considered rude when visiting people’s homes. The cafes and eateries of Ulaanbaatar offer more variety and should be frequented.

Shopping in Mongolia

  • Traditional clothing: Vibrant and unique, Mongolian belts, boots and hats are great mementos of your visit.
  • Art: Supporting local artisans is a good way to give back to the local economy. Vibrant paintings by Mongolian artists can be found in galleries and markets.
  • Cashmere: Mongolia’s cashmere is among the world’s finest, so why not pick up a scarf, sweater or wrap before heading home.
  • Felt: Felt products are easily found in most shops and markets of Mongolia. Delicate felt slippers are super soft and make great gifts for friends.
  • Mongolian knitted cashmere

Mongolia has loads of unique things to buy that you’re not likely to find anywhere else in the world. Look out for the items below in the shops and markets of Mongolia.

It's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws.

Accommodation

Travelling with Intrepid is a little bit different. We endeavour to provide travellers with an authentic experience to remember, so we try to keep accommodation as unique and traditional as possible.

When travelling with us in Mongolia you may find yourself staying in a:
Homestay

  • Homestay

  • Get in touch with Mongolian culture and cuisine while staying with a local family. Pick up some local language and learn about the Mongolian way of life while enjoying warm hospitality.
Ger Camp

  • Ger Camp

  • Spend the night sleeping in a quintessential Mongolian icon, the ger. Built to withstand the harsh elements, these portable structures of circular beauty are surprisingly comfortable.

Transport

Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is in getting there, and getting around once there. Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport, which usually have a lesser environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun.

Depending on which trip you're on while in Mongolia, you may find yourself travelling by:
Train

  • Train

  • Watch the Mongolian steppe whiz past while rattling on a train through the countryside.
Camel

  • Camel

  • Enjoy a memorable ride through the Mongolian desert on the back of a camel.

Shortlist

No trips.

Mongolia at a glance

  • 10
  • Ulaanbaatar (population 1.2 million)
  • 3 million
  • Mongolian
  • MNT
  • (GMT+08:00) Irkutsk, Ulaan Bataar
  • Type C (European 2-pin), Type E (French 2-pin, female earth)
  • +976

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