Explore Mongolia – Quick Travel Guide For A Good Trip

Geographical position and Climate of Mongolia

Mongolia is a landlocked country located in East and Central Asia, bordered by Russia to the north and China to the south, east, and west. It’s the world’s 18th-largest country, covering an area of approximately 1.56 million square kilometers. The geography of Mongolia is characterized by vast semi-desert and desert plains, grassy steppe, rugged mountains in the north and west, and the Gobi Desert in the south.

Mongolia has a continental climate with long, cold winters and short, warm summers. Due to its high altitude and distance from the sea, the country experiences large temperature fluctuations, both diurnally and seasonally.

• Winter (November to February): Winters are harsh with temperatures often dropping below -30°C (-22°F), especially in the northern regions. Snowfall is common, and the landscape is blanketed in snow.
• Spring (March to May): Spring brings warmer weather but is also known for strong winds, which can cause dust storms, particularly in the Gobi Desert.
• Summer (June to August): Summers are relatively short and warm with average temperatures around 20°C (68°F). This is the best time for tourism as the countryside is green and vibrant.
• Autumn (September to October): Autumn sees cooler temperatures and is generally a pleasant time to visit before the onset of winter.

Mongolia is also known for its “dzud,” a natural disaster characterized by a summer drought followed by a harsh winter, leading to significant livestock loss. The climate’s extremity influences the traditional nomadic lifestyle of many Mongolians, who move seasonally with their herds to find suitable grazing.

Brief history of Mongolia

The history of Mongolia is marked by the rise and fall of nomadic empires and the enduring legacy of one of the world’s largest contiguous empires ever established.

• Ancient Times: The vast steppes of Mongolia have been inhabited since prehistoric times. Early nomadic tribes such as the Xiongnu, Xianbei, Rouran, and others roamed the region and occasionally formed confederations or empires that influenced the course of Asian history.
• Mongol Empire: In the early 13th century, Genghis Khan united the Mongolian tribes and launched a series of military campaigns that expanded his empire across Asia to Europe, creating the largest contiguous land empire in history.
• Division and Decline: After Genghis Khan’s death, the empire was divided among his sons into several khanates, including the Yuan Dynasty in China founded by Kublai Khan. Over time, the Mongol Empire fragmented and declined due to internal strife and external pressures.
• Manchu Rule: By the 17th century, Mongolia had come under the control of the Qing Dynasty of China. This period saw the introduction of Tibetan Buddhism, which became deeply rooted in Mongolian culture.
• Independence and Revolution: With the fall of the Qing Dynasty in the early 20th century, Mongolia declared independence in 1911. However, true autonomy was not achieved until 1921 with Soviet assistance, leading to the establishment of the Mongolian People’s Republic in 1924.
• Modern Era: Mongolia remained closely aligned with the Soviet Union throughout most of the 20th century. Following the dissolution of the USSR, Mongolia transitioned to democracy and a market economy in the early 1990s.

Today, Mongolia is a sovereign parliamentary republic that continues to balance its nomadic heritage with modern development, while also navigating its geopolitical position between Russia and China.

Religion of Mongolia

The predominant religion in Mongolia is Tibetan Buddhism, which has a significant influence on the country’s culture and traditions. There is also a presence of Shamanism, particularly among the ethnic Kazakhs who practice Islam, as well as a small number of Christians and adherents of other faiths. The Mongolian government officially recognizes religious freedom, and there has been a revival of Buddhism and traditional practices since the end of communist rule.

Language of Mongolia

The official language of Mongolia is Mongolian, which is written in the Cyrillic script since the 1940s. The traditional Mongolian script, also known as Uighurjin, is still used for cultural and historical purposes. Additionally, various dialects of Mongolian are spoken throughout the country, with Khalkha Mongolian being the predominant dialect. In recent years, English has become increasingly popular as a second language among younger Mongolians.

Places to visit in Mongolia

• Ulaanbaatar
• Erdenet
• Darkhan
• Gorkhi-Terelj National Park
• Khustain Nuruu National Park
• Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park
• Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
• Lake Khövsgöl National Park

Before you visit Mongolia

Travel to Mongolia

Travelers can reach Mongolia through various means, primarily by air and land:

By Air

• International Flights: Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar is the main gateway for international flights to Mongolia. Direct flights are available from several cities, including Moscow, Beijing, Seoul, Tokyo, and Istanbul.
• Regional Flights: Smaller airports like Oyu Tolgoi and Dalanzadgad serve regional flights, mainly catering to domestic travel within Mongolia.

By Land

• Trans-Mongolian Railway: Part of the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway. This route connects Moscow to Beijing via Ulaanbaatar, offering a scenic journey into Mongolia.
• Road Crossings: There are road entry points from Russia and China for those traveling by car or bus. The most commonly used border crossings are at Altanbulag (from Russia) and Zamyn-Üüd (from China).

When planning a trip to Mongolia, it’s essential to consider visa requirements, as many nationalities need to obtain a visa before arrival. Some may be eligible for a visa on arrival or visa-free entry, but this should be verified prior to travel. It’s also advisable to check the latest travel advisories and local regulations.

Visas for Mongolia