Mongolia
Country · Asia, Eastern Asia
Mongolia is a large country in East Asia, bordered by Russia and China. With a population of about 3.6 million people, it offers a distinct landscape and cultural experience centered around its capital, Ulaanbaatar.
Highlights
This guide covers 5 notable sights across the country. In the capital, Ulaanbaatar, travelers can visit Sükhbaatar Square, which serves as a central point in the city. Beyond the capital, the country offers significant historical and cultural locations such as the Erdene Zuu Monastery and the Orkhon Valley. For those interested in natural geography, the terrain includes sites like Burkhan Khaldun and the expansive Lake Khövsgöl.
Food and drink
Mongolian cuisine features hearty, traditional dishes. Travelers can sample Buuz and Khuushuur, which are frequently encountered. Other local staples include Tsuivan and Boodog. Additionally, Ul boov is a traditional item found in the local food culture.
When to go
The climate at the capital, Ulaanbaatar, is marked by very cold winters and mild summers. From November through March, temperatures are consistently low, with daily highs falling between -13 °C and -1 °C and nightly lows reaching -26 °C. Travel is more comfortable during the summer months from June to August, when daily highs range from 20 °C to 23 °C. Be aware that July is the wettest month, with rain falling on about 16 days.
Practical notes
The currency used is the Mongolian tögrög (MNT). The official language is Mongolian. Travelers should be prepared for plug types C and E, with a standard voltage of 220 V. Driving is on the right side of the road. The country spans two time zones: UTC+07:00 and UTC+08:00.
Cities
Food and drink to try in Mongolia
- Buuz
- Khuushuur
- Tsuivan
- Boodog
- Ul boov
Top sights in Mongolia
Weather by month
The warmest month is July, with an average high of 23 °C. The wettest is July, with about 60 mm of rain.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high, °C | -13 | -8 | -1 | 8 | 16 | 21 | 23 | 21 | 15 | 6 | -4 | -11 |
| Average low, °C | -26 | -23 | -15 | -5 | 2 | 8 | 12 | 9 | 2 | -5 | -16 | -22 |
| Rainfall, mm | 2 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 17 | 39 | 60 | 59 | 24 | 8 | 4 | 3 |
| Rainy days | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 11 | 16 | 14 | 8 | 3 | 3 | 1 |
Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for Ulaanbaatar (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.
Also worth a look
- Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
- Chinggis Khaan National Museum
- Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park
- Hustai National Park
- Kharakhorum Museum
- Manjusri Monastery
- Mongolian Natural History Museum
- National Museum of Mongolia
- Ulaan Tsutgalan Waterfall
- Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan
Neighbouring countries and territories
- China
- Russia