The Ultimate Mongolia Travel Guide 2025 for First-timers: Top Attractions, Best Foods & Useful Tips

Join Living Nomads to check out the tips and guide for a trip to Mongolia so that you can have a smooth trip with many memorable memories. Now, let’s check out our Mongolia travel blog with the fullest Mongolia travel guide for first-time visitors in this article!

Traveling to Mongolia will bring you unique and unforgettable experiences amidst the wild beauty of nature and cultural diversity of this country. From vast grasslands to majestic mountains, Mongolia is not only an attractive destination for those who are passionate about exploring but also a place for you to understand more deeply about the rich history and culture of the Mongolian people.

Before starting this journey, there will be Mongolia travel experiences that you need to know to be able to fully enjoy this trip. Join us to capture the most complete travel tips!

Mongolia Travel Guide 2025: Mongolia – Discover the Wild “Heart” of Asia

Mongolia is the 19th largest country in the world, geographically located between the two great powers of Russia and China, in the center of the Eurasian continent. This is a land with the most majestic and pristine natural landscapes, from the endless green steppes, the towering Altai mountains, to the harsh but charming Gobi desert.

10D9N Mongolian Reindeer Adventure

Not only attractive by nature, Mongolia travel also brings visitors into the world of traditional nomadic lifestyle – where people live in harmony with their livestock, residing in wooden and felt huts (ger) in the middle of the vast land and sky. Mongolian culture also leaves a strong impression through bustling festivals such as Naadam, folk songs, dances, and martial spirit.

Each season of the year, Mongolia wears a different “coat”: spring is full of wild flowers, summer is green grassland, autumn is golden grassland, winter is white snow. The combination of wild beauty of nature and unique cultural identity makes Mongolia an ideal destination for those who love to explore, experience and seek freedom in the vast sky.

What to do in Mongolia? Unmissable Mongolian Travel Activities

Watching Wild Horses at Hustai National Park

9D8N Central Mongolia Tour

In the middle of Mongolia’s vast steppe, Hustai National Park is known as the home of herds of wild Przewalski horses – a horse species that once disappeared from nature and has now been strongly revived. Going deeper into the park, the scene appears majestic with endless grasslands, gentle hills and deep blue skies reflecting the brilliant yellow sunlight.

Against that natural backdrop, herds of horses walk leisurely, occasionally stopping by the stream or gathering in small groups, creating a scene that is both peaceful and wild. Not only stopping at watching, visitors can also access valuable conservation projects, which tell the story of the revival of ancient wild horses and the special ecosystem of the steppe.

Take Extremely Cool Photos with Eagles

In the vast sky of the Mongolian steppe, standing next to giant eagles is both a thrilling and exciting experience. You will be instructed on how to hold the safety gloves, observe the sharp eyes and brilliant feathers of the powerful bird, preparing for extremely “cool” photos to show off to your friends.

5Day tremendous moment in Mongolia

The moment the eagle spreads its wings right next to you, the wind blows through its hair and the sunlight shines on the steppe, makes each photo come alive as if telling a separate story. The wide open spaces and close approach to birds make this experience both adventurous and artistic, perfect for those who want to capture unique memories in Mongolia.

Learn About Nomadic Life in Mongolia

Mongolia is not only an attractive destination for exploring the natural beauty and unique cultural heritage, but also an ideal place to learn about the adventurous and exciting nomadic life. With a suitable travel schedule, visitors can participate in nomadic life experiences and better understand the culture and traditional lifestyle of the Mongolian people.

One of the most interesting experiences when coming to Mongolia is to live in the traditional Ger tents of the nomads. This is an opportunity for you to experience life close to nature and feel the simplicity and freedom in the vast space of the Mongolian steppe. You can participate in the daily activities of the nomads such as herding sheep, herding horses or even participating in traditional festivals and ceremonies.

9D8N Central Mongolia Tour

Admire Dinosaur Fossils

With a suitable travel schedule, you can have the opportunity to explore the impressive dinosaur fossil museums and conservation areas in Mongolia. This country is one of the top destinations in the world for finding dinosaur fossils. The Flaming Cliffs Clay Area is famous for discovering and searching for rare and large dinosaur fossils.

8D7N Gobi Desert Tour in South Mongolia

At the museum, you will have the opportunity to admire dinosaur fossils of various sizes and shapes. From giant dinosaurs to small and special species, each fossil is part of a long and interesting historical story about life on Earth millions of years ago.

Explore the Desert in Mongolia

Famous for the Gobi Desert – one of the largest and most diverse deserts in the world, checking in at the desert is an indispensable experience when traveling to Mongolia. Here, you will admire the different landscapes from endless sand dunes to arid lands, from famous red sand hills to rare oases.

In addition, you can also experience activities such as horseback riding on the sand, traveling by Jeep through the sand mountains or camping under the starry sky. The feeling of freedom and immersion in the endless desert space is indescribable.

5Day tremendous moment in Mongolia

Enjoy the Snow Mountains and Glaciers in Mongolia

With a cold climate and snow-capped mountain landscapes, Mongolia is an ideal destination for those who want to explore and experience the beauty of wonderful winter. This country is where you can enjoy mountain climbing, skiing, exploring ice caves or ice skating, ice fishing or simply walking on the frozen surface of the glacier.

Enjoy the Snow Mountains and Glaciers in Mongolia

Mongolia is an ideal destination for those who want to experience a memorable and exciting winter. Make sure you bring enough warm clothes and be willing to explore new and interesting things when coming to this land.

Participate in the Naadam Festival in Mongolia

Naadam is the biggest and most important traditional festival in Mongolia. Held annually in July and lasting for two consecutive days, Naadam attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world to join in this vibrant atmosphere.

Private Guided Day Tour of Baotou, Inner Mongolia (Xilamuren Grassland + Equestrian Experience)

The Naadam Festival focuses on three important traditional games: wrestling, horse racing and archery. The competitions take place with the participation of athletes and fighters from all over Mongolia.

Enjoy Traditional Mongolian Music

Mongolian music often combines rustic singing and the characteristic rhythms of traditional instruments such as khuuchir (erhu), yoochin (thirteen-stringed zither), bishguur (shell trumpet), etc. Musical performances are often held in traditional theaters and in the natural spaces of the Mongolian countryside.

In a warm and intimate atmosphere, you will have the opportunity to listen to songs and melodies imbued with the golden spirit of Mongolia. This promises to be an experience you should not miss when traveling to this land.

When is the best time to travel to Mongolia?

Summer from June to August is considered the most ideal time to explore Mongolia. During this time, the weather is warm and pleasant, the steppe landscape is green and full of life, creating favorable conditions for outdoor activities.

In particular, summer is also the season of famous traditional festivals such as Naadam, where you can witness horse riding, archery and wrestling competitions, providing an insight into Mongolian culture and traditions.

2-Day Tour of Ulanbutong Grassland in Inner Mongolia

If you prefer peace to admire the beauty of Mongolia, spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) are also great choices. Spring is the time when the steppe begins to green again after a long and harsh winter, while autumn brings the brilliant beauty of nature with golden leaves and a cool, pleasant climate.

Winter in Mongolia is very cold, with temperatures that can drop below -30°C. If you are someone who wants to experience a different Mongolia with a snow-covered landscape, then this is a special time to travel.

Popular Mongolian Hotels to Consider

No Mongolian travel experience is complete without a stay at one of these unique hotels, steeped in nomadic culture and unspoiled nature. Embark on a journey to discover these impressive accommodations that promise to inspire adventure and create lasting memories.

Enjoy the Comfort Ramada by Wyndham Ulaanbaatar Citycenter

Located in the heart of the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, Ramada by Wyndham Ulaanbaatar Citycenter is a perfect blend of modern comfort and traditional Mongolian charm. This hotel offers you the opportunity to enjoy top-notch amenities such as a gym, spa, and a restaurant serving local and international cuisine. (klook, agoda)

• Address: 17th Khoroo Gandan Peace Avenue 35/1, Ulaanbaatar 211238 Mongolia

Experience Nomadic Life at Kayak Camp Mongolia

As the name suggests, Kayak Camp Mongolia offers you the experience of staying in traditional Mongolian tents. Set amidst majestic nature, this accommodation is an ideal stop for those who want to experience nomadic life and explore the pristine beauty of the Mongolian steppe. (klook, agoda)

• Address: Genghis Khan Statue Complex, Nalaikh, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Stay at The Grand Hill Hotel Modern, Luxurious

Located in one of the most peaceful and elegant areas of Ulaanbaatar, The Grand Hill Hotel stands out with its luxurious and modern design. This hotel offers a range of high-end facilities such as a gym, spa, and a restaurant serving cuisine. From The Grand Hill, you can easily access the city’s vibrant shopping and entertainment centers. (klook, agoda)

• Address: Street 4th Micro District, Ulaanbaatar 16064 Mongolia

Experience Luxury and Class at Novotel Ulaanbaatar

Part of a renowned international hotel chain, Novotel Ulaanbaatar offers guests comfort and convenience with international standards. With a prime location right in the city center, this hotel offers easy access to Ulaanbaatar’s main tourist attractions. (klook, agoda)

• Address: Baga Toiruu 6th Khoroo, Ulaanbaatar 14201 Mongolia

Peaceful Choice at Flower Hotel Ulaanbaatar

Flower Hotel Ulaanbaatar is a great choice for travelers seeking tranquility and comfort. With its convenient location, this hotel offers easy access to the city’s tourist and business destinations. The well-appointed rooms, along with attentive customer service, ensure a pleasant and relaxing stay for all travelers. (klook, agoda)

• Address: 18 Zaluuchuud Avenue, Ulaanbaatar 13380 Mongolia

Must-Try Delicious Mongolian Specialties

Boodog Grilled Meat

Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Private Guided 1-Day Tour

This is one of the most typical and interesting dishes of Mongolian cuisine. Boodog grilled meat is usually goat meat and is cooked from the inside out with hot stones. This process not only helps the meat retain its rich flavor, but also makes the skin crispy and delicious.

Khorkhog Lamb Stew – Lamb Infused with Vegetable Flavor

Depart from Ordos, explore the mausoleum of Genghis Khan

To prepare khorkhog, lamb and vegetables such as carrots and potatoes are stacked on top of each other in a large pot. The special feature of this dish is the use of hot stones to stew the meat. The stones are heated directly on the fire and then placed alternately with layers of meat and vegetables in the pot. When the pot lid is closed, the steam and the temperature from the hot stones create a natural pressure, helping the lamb become tender and infused with the flavor of the vegetables.

Unique and Unusual Mutton Kebab Lamb Skewers

With a simple but rich cooking method, grilled lamb skewers are a great combination of the characteristic flavor of lamb and the deliciousness of spices. Grilled lamb skewers are often served with toast, salad, and sweet and sour or spicy sauces.

Buuz Dumplings – The Unique Flavor of Lamb

Buuz dumplings are a traditional and very popular dish in Mongolian cuisine, especially loved during the Lunar New Year. Buuz shows the sophistication in Mongolian cooking, with the main ingredient being minced lamb, combined with onions, garlic, and some other spices to create a unique flavor.

Tsuivan Noodles – Nutritious Dry Stir-Fried Noodles

6-Day Tour of Hulun Secret Land in Inner Mongolia

Tsuivan is a dry stir-fried noodle dish, usually made from fresh noodles, meat, and a large amount of vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and onions. The combination of ingredients creates a nutritious dish and provides enough energy for a long day. 6. Airag

Horse Milk Wine Is A Cultural Feature Of Mongolia

6-Day Tour of Grassland Adventure in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia

Fermented from horse milk, Airag is not only an indispensable part of Mongolia’s culinary culture but also plays a great role in their traditional festivals and ceremonies. This drink is not only famous for its unique taste but also known for its nutritional properties and health benefits such as providing energy, boosting the immune system and aiding digestion.

Byaslag Cheese Is Delicious and Nutritious

Byaslag cheese has a rich, aromatic taste typical of yak, sheep or goat milk along with a special flavor from the natural fermentation process. Often served with bread or biscuits, Byaslag is a delicious and nutritious dish, providing lots of protein and nutrients for the enjoyer.

Suutei Tsai Milk Tea – Rich and Sweet

The process of making Suutei Tsai begins with boiling tea, usually black or green tea, along with a small amount of salt. Fresh milk or whole milk is then added and stirred to create a smooth and creamy mixture. Sometimes, for added flavor, you can also add a little pepper or other spices such as onion powder or ginger powder.

Mongolia Souvenir Shopping Guide

Cashmere Products

6-Day Tour of Hulunbuir Pastoral Echoes in Inner Mongolia

Mongolia is famous for its wealth of natural resources, and Cashmere is one of the premium products made from the hair of the Cashmere goat, which can only be found in the cold highlands of Mongolia. Cashmere is not only famous for its softness and warmth, but also for its durability and luxury.

Natural Cosmetics

Mongolian natural cosmetics are often made from natural ingredients such as herbs, seed oils, and fruits. These ingredients not only help soothe and nourish the skin but can also provide many benefits for overall health.

Mongolian Clothing and Accessories

Traditional Mongolian clothing is often made from natural fabrics such as wool, silk, or cotton, providing a comfortable feeling. In addition, accessories such as hats, bag straps, or belts that are meticulously and delicately handcrafted are also great choices when you need to buy Mongolian souvenirs.

Must-Have Mongolia Travel Tips for a Perfect Trip

Traveling to Mongolia is always the dream of those who love to explore the vast steppe, experience nomadic life and admire rare wild landscapes. However, to have a perfect trip, you need to know that traveling in Mongolia is not simple.

The transportation infrastructure outside the capital Ulaanbaatar is quite limited, many roads are just dirt or gravel, muddy in the rainy season and slippery in the winter. The distance between destinations is very far, sometimes you have to sit in a car all day to get there. Public transport is not popular, most tourists have to rent a private car or go on a tour.

The weather changes quickly, plus limited signs make it difficult to drive yourself if you are not familiar with the terrain. Therefore, when planning a trip to Mongolia, you should prepare yourself, hire an experienced local driver and stock up on food and water for the trip.

In addition, the Internet connection in Mongolia is not always stable, especially when you are far from the city. To avoid being “lost in touch” in the middle of the vast steppe, you should buy an eSIM in advance from platforms like Klook. eSIM helps you activate it as soon as you land, without having to find a store, and keep the physical SIM slot for other purposes. This is extremely useful when you need to look up maps, contact the driver or update your itinerary quickly.

Hopefully, through this article, you have gained more experience traveling to Mongolia. When exploring this country, you not only get to admire the wild beauty of nature but also have the opportunity to explore the unique and diverse culture.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Mongolia you can refer to

• 10D9N Mongolian Reindeer Adventure
• 9D8N Central Mongolia Tour
• 5Day tremendous moment in Mongolia
• 8D7N Gobi Desert Tour in South Mongolia
• Enjoy the Snow Mountains and Glaciers in Mongolia
• Private Guided Day Tour of Baotou, Inner Mongolia (Xilamuren Grassland + Equestrian Experience)
• 2-Day Tour of Ulanbutong Grassland in Inner Mongolia
• Depart from Ordos, explore the mausoleum of Genghis Khan
• 6-Day Tour of Grassland Adventure in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia
• White stupa & Khongor Els Multi-day Desert & Cultural Tour
• Gobi and Grassland Mongolia 7N8D

Read more Mongolia travel guide here.