Welcome to Mongolia

A trip to Mongolia is an opportunity to experience a lifestyle completely different than what you are most likely used to. This is a rugged land, populated almost entirely by nomadic herders who live on vast, unspoilt landscapes.

Sleep in a traditional felt yurt, or ger, help round up sheep and explore steppes, lakes and mountain sides. Visit, too, the increasingly modernized Ulaanbaatar. No matter where you go in this gorgeous land, the level of hospitality is tremendous.

Unique Facts

• The two-humped Bactrian camel is indigenous to Mongolia – and it’s endangered. If you visit during the annual Thousand Camel Festival, you can interact with the animals and learn about the nomadic lifestyle of camel herders. (The endangered snow leopard can be found here, too.)
• Dinosaur fossils were found in the Gobi Desert in the 1920s, along with the first dinosaur eggs.
• The majority of Mongolians live a nomadic lifestyle. Most live in a ger (a yurt), even if they just use it as a summer home.
• Grab an ice-cream treat from a street vendor in the winter – notice they don’t even keep it in the freezer because it’s -22 degrees Fahrenheit outside!
• The first hotel in Mongolia – opened in 1961 – was the first public building in the country to offer hot and cold running water.

Language

Mongolia’s official language is Mongolian.

When To Go

The best time to go to Mongolia is from May to August. The Naadam holiday is in July and is one of the country’ most popular tourist periods.

Airports

Buyant-Ukhaa International Airport Mongolian

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid for six months beyond arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None for stays of under 90 days

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Mongolia: Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B and Rabies vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types C and E. Standard voltage: 230V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Mongolian Tögrög

Getting Around

Do not drive outside Ulaanbaatar, particularly after dark. Few roads outside the city are paved and most are poorly lit. Consider hiring a car with driver.

Public transportation includes a bus network in Ulaanbaatar. Registered taxis are also available.

Driver’s License

An international driving permit is required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Ulaanbaatar
Denver Street #3
11th Micro-District
Ulaanbaatar 14190
Mongolia
Telephone: +976-7007-6001
Emergency after-hours telephone: Please call the main Embassy switchboard at +976-7007-6001
Fax: +976-7007-6016
UlaanbaatarACS@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Tourist Information Center
#601, 6th floor
A block
Pearl Tower
Tourist Street
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Tel: +976 7010 1011

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency: 101-105
Ambulance: 103
Police: 102

Safety and Security

The crime rate is low in Mongolia. Street crime, including pickpocketing and purse snatching, is on the rise, especially during the Naadam summer festival in July and during the Lunar New Year festival in January or February. Do not leave belongings unattended.