The political situation in Mongolia is generally quite stable, although we recommend avoiding public demonstrations and rallies.

Violent crime directed against foreign visitors is minimal, although we recommend against visiting bars and nightclubs alone. Petty crime is prevalent throughout the city centre of Ulaanbaatar and other public spots such as Narantuul Market, so exercise caution as you would in most cities around the world and keep an eye out for pickpockets.

Mongolian visas can be applied for online, as well as through your nearest embassy or consulate. If a letter of invitation is required, we will provide you with this information once you’re booked on the tour along with any other required documentation.

Some countries are visa-free for Mongolia – please check with your Tour Manager for the up-to-date list to see if you qualify.

The official currency of Mongolia is the Mongolian Tugrug – it is widely available and it’s possible to exchange your cash upon arrival at the airport, although you may get better exchange rates at local banks around Ulaanbaatar. Your foreign bank card will work in Ulaanbaatar and can be used in most shops and restaurants as well as to take out money from ATMs which are dotted around Ulaanbaatar.

If you’re exchanging hard currency, it’s best to bring US Dollars or Euros to exchange – the Dollar is a base currency in Mongolia and so exchanging it for Tugrug is relatively easy. It’s impossible to exchange currency for Tugrug outside the country.

Mongolian is the official language of Mongolia and is the native language of almost everyone you will meet during your tour. As a former Soviet satellite state, Russian is almost a second language amongst many in the older generations.

In the capital, Ulaanbaatar, English is on the rise among the younger generations as it is taught much more frequently these days than in the past, although in the countryside you’re unlikely to stumble across any strong english speakers. Our local guides will speak english.

Mongolian winters are long and cold with temperatures regularly sitting in the -30s, occasionally dropping into the -40s. These harsh temperatures make moving around outside difficult, let alone travelling great distances.

In contrast, the summer in Mongolia is warm and pleasant. Rain can be expected, although Mongolia is known as the ‘Land of the Blue Skies’ for a reason – clear skies are commonplace making for a warm, comfortable climate.

Mongolian cuisine is heavily reliant on meat since most vegetables and other various types of food were not available to the country until recent decades. As a result, many traditional dishes are based around animal products. These days however, there is a mixed cuisine, especially around the capital, Ulaanbaatar, where vegetarian and vegan meals are available.

Whilst in the countryside, Absolute Nomads will be able to cater to all individual dietary requirements. You MUST alert us of any allergies of dietary requirements in advance so we can ensure your food is prepared properly and won’t cause any issues.

There is no official dress code, so whilst visiting Mongolia feel free to dress as you wish in accordance with the weather.

When visiting local families, it’s best to dress conservatively as a sign of respect to our hosts, however, as we travel through the countryside marvelling at the stunning scenery, shorts and T-Shirts are totally acceptable. Be sure to dress in accordance with the temperature!

As a former Soviet satellite state, the drinking culture in Mongolia is significant with many locals enjoying vodka and strong beer. Feel free to join in with the locals and engage in the drinking culture, however, take care whilst drinking; Mongolians will almost certainly be able to handle their drink better than you, so be sure not to overestimate yourself.

Mongolia has two main service providers offering good coverage across towns and cities around Mongolia. However, once we head out onto the steppe and begin our adventure across the rugged terrain, service will be limited.

Yes. While we’re staying in towns and cities you’re more than welcome to spend your free time wandering around and exploring the local area. Take care, as you would in other cities, and bear in mind the other FAQs on this list.

Whilst camping in the countryside, you’re free to leave the group for walks, but please inform your Tour Leader so we can be aware of where you are at all times.

The medical care available in Ulaanbaatar is comparable to western hospitals, so during your time in Ulaanbaatar, we’ll have easy access to good quality medical care in case of emergencies. In the countryside, the situation is different. Basic first aid will likely be available, although for more serious issues, returning to Ulaanbaatar may be required.

For this reason, we require all travellers with Absolute Nomads to have full comprehensive travel insurance.

The tap water in Mongolia is not safe to drink – not because of the quality of the water itself, but the pipes create a contamination risk.

Bottled water is available in towns and cities and hotels usually come equipped with a kettle or samavar. In the countryside, we will provide drinking water, although Absolute Nomads recommends bringing your own flask.

The following vaccinations are recommended, although not required:

• Chickenpox
• Diptheria
• Flu
• MMR
• Polio
• Shingles
• Rabies
• Typhoid
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B

Photos of the landscapes and notable sites around the city are completely fine, along with cityscape photography. Care should be taken in public areas such as markets and shops where there could be issues with photographing people and their products.

Generally speaking, Mongolians are fine with their photo being taken, although some are not, so it’s always worth checking with people before taking their photo. In the countryside, you might find some older people are less willing to be photographed.

This information may change depending on the COVID situation. Contact your Tour Manager for up-to-date information before travelling.

All travellers require a double vaccination against COVID-19 along with vaccine certification. You will need to present a negative PCR test upon arrival, taken less than 48 hours before you arrive in the country. There may be additional COVID testing upon arrival.