The Bayanzurkh district is where the Narantuul market can be found. This market is the biggest in the capital where you can pick up anything from household goods to clothes. It isn’t the place to buy gifts but it is worth including on your Mongolia travel itinerary. For souvenir shopping when you are visiting Ulaanbaatar, check out the State Department store which is the largest shop in the city and you’ll find a whole floor dedicated to souvenirs. You can buy all kinds of souvenirs from small dolls wearing traditional costumes for just £4. If you visit during the Naddam festival in July, Mongolian wrestling is one of the three nomadic sports included in the festival, along with archery and horse racing.
The term Mongolia, or “Outer Mongolia” as sometimes referred to, is still used in the Western world as synonymous with isolation, remote and being way off the beaten path. Well, in terms of the great scenery and authentic travel experiences that Mongolia has to offer, that perception is quite right. But when it comes to getting there, travel to Mongolia is easy – whether you are coming from North America, the South Pacific, other parts of Asia or from Europe, getting there is no problem. In addition, Mongolia is a modern country that is rapidly changing, navigating its path of economic development while trying to maintain cherished traditions and its heritage as the cradle of nomadic civilization. The best time of year to visit is June to August as the Naadam Festival is a highlight in July, and the weather is warm and mostly dry.
The festival’s full name is Erin Gurvan Naadam (naadam means ‘entertainment’ in Mongolian) or ‘Three Manly Games’, which are horse racing,archery, and wrestling. Inner Mongolia is the place where you can experience the ethnic culture how to travel to Mongolia and the traditional festivals ofthe Mongols. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a ministry of the Government of Singapore responsible for conducting and managing diplomatic relations between Singapore and other countries and regions.
With a mix of flexibility, a little bit of planning, and a lot of putting yourself out there, independent travel is pretty easy! You might get pushed to go out with tour operators, but the best part for us was being able to experience this incredible country on our own. A Mongolia solo tour is one seriously incredible way to see the country.
The cost of living was pretty cheap – we stayed in guesthouses for $10 USD a day and meals cost anywhere from $5-20 USD for two people. We took a flight and a local bus, which were both reasonable, but our jeep pick up and drop off were WAY more than we’d anticipated! I think we paid roughly $80 per person to get to the start of our trek and back. Mongolian is a tough language, and the majority of people outside of Ulaanbaatar won’t speak English. For us, it caused a lot of confusion, but it added to the charm of Mongolia.
For examples, see the Department of Justice website and our website on crimes against minors abroad. Please see our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas. Visit the Mongolian Immigration Agency’s website or the website of the Mongolian Embassy in Washington, DC for the most current information on entry, exit, and visa requirements. Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has determined Mongolia has an unknown level of COVID-19.
Picture your ideal great outdoors scene, now remove any hedges, fences, even people that may have found their way in – Mongolia is truly an opportunity to immerse yourself in nature at its wildest. Herds roam across its wide-open grasslands; horses gallop freely, even the yaks look happy. Fishing, trekking, horse riding, you can do it all, and then flop, fulfilled, under the stars.
