Is Mongolia safe to visit?

Yes — Mongolia is one of Asia's safest destinations for travellers. Basic precautions against petty crime apply in Ulaanbaatar, but the countryside is overwhelmingly safe and welcoming.

When is the best time to visit Mongolia?

June to September offers the warmest, most accessible conditions. Mid-July is timed for Naadam; early October for the Golden Eagle Festival in Bayan-Ölgii.

What is a Mongolian ger?

A ger (also called a yurt) is the traditional circular felt-walled tent used by Mongolian nomads. Our tours include overnight stays in comfortable ger camps where you can experience authentic nomadic hospitality.

How big are your Mongolia tour groups?

Our Mongolia group tours have a maximum of 12 travellers. All departures are guaranteed with no minimum group size.

How physically demanding are Mongolia tours?

Our Mongolia tours are rated 3 out of 5 for fitness. Expect long drives across varied terrain, walking on uneven ground and basic countryside accommodation.

What's Mongolian food like?

Mongolian cuisine is hearty and meat-based — expect dishes like buuz (steamed dumplings), tsuivan (fried noodles) and dairy products from herded animals. Dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.

MongoliaFrom £3,0452 tours

Mongolia Tours & Holiday Packages

Mongolia tours through the Gobi Desert, the Naadam Festival and the steppe — small group holidays in one of Asia's last great nomadic frontiers

Best timeJun–Sep (Jul/Oct for festivals)
Time zoneUTC+8
CurrencyMongolian Tögrög (MNT)
LanguageMongolian & Kazakh
Travel styleCultural & adventure groups
Transport4x4s, flights, camel/horse
VisaVisa-free (30 days) for UK/US

Overview

An introduction to Mongolia

Mongolia tours take you into a land of extraordinary space, where endless steppe, the vast Gobi Desert and rugged mountain ranges stretch beneath skies so wide they feel like another world. Nomadic herding families still live in traditional gers, moving with the seasons much as their ancestors did for centuries — a continuity of culture that is genuinely rare in the modern world.

Our Mongolia holidays take you to the Flaming Cliffs of Bayanzag, where dinosaur eggs were discovered in 1922; the towering Khongor sand dunes; the UNESCO-listed Erdene Zuu Monastery at the ancient imperial capital of Kharkhorin; the Orkhon Valley; and Hustai National Park, home to the rare Przewalski's horse. The Naadam Festival celebrates wrestling, horse racing and archery, while the Golden Eagle Festival near Tolbo Lake showcases Kazakh hunters with their trained eagles — two of Asia's most spectacular cultural events.

Explore

Mongolia

Our journeys

Tours in Mongolia

Small-group departures led by local experts, plus private tailor-made itineraries shaped around your interests, pace and dates.

Mongolia – Eagle Festival

Welcome to Mongolia, a land of vast horizons and living traditions, where the celebrated Eagle Festival takes place against the dramatic backdrop of Western Mongolia’s Altai Mountains near the shores of Tolbo Lake. Set within an alpine landscape of open steppe and rugged peaks, the festival offers a rare opportunity to witness the ancient partnership between eagle hunters and their magnificent golden eagles, as competitors dressed in traditional attire demonstrate skills refined over centuries. Read more about Mongolia’s festival traditions and what to expect.

From

£4,695

Mongolia – Naadam Festival

Ask travellers why they want to visit Mongolia and often you will be told that it is to experience the world famous Naadam Festival which takes place every July. Indeed, it is an incredible festival and an excellent time to visit the country. But rather than enjoying Naadam in Ulaan Baatar, which can be overcrowded and touristy, we will travel instead to the countryside where the real flavour of this epic event can be experienced and enjoyed with the local people. The Naadam is one of several ancient festivals that define Mongolian culture and draw travellers from around the world. On this tour we will visit the cultural city of Ulaan Baatar before travelling south to the Gobi. Head to the Khongor sand dunes, the tallest dunes in Mongolia before discovering the flaming cliffs of Bayanzag, where dinosaur eggs were found in 1922 by Roy Chapman Andrews. Make our way north to the Ongi Monastery before heading to the town of Arvaikheer located on the northern edge of the Gobi Desert. Here you will experience an authentic Naadam Festival, away from the crowds. Finally, your adventure ends with a visit to Hustai National Park which is home to the only truly wild horses on earth, the Takhi horse.

From

£3,045

All tours

Why visit

What makes Mongolia worth the journey

A place apart

Living Nomadic Culture

Experience one of the last places on earth where ancient nomadic traditions are still genuinely lived.

Iconic Asian Festivals

Witness Naadam and the Golden Eagle Festival — two of the most extraordinary cultural events in Asia.

Untouched Landscapes

Explore the Gobi Desert and endless steppe, sculpted by wind, ice and ancient seas.

Authentic Hospitality

Stay with nomadic families whose way of life has barely changed in centuries.

See itineraries

Next departure to Mongolia

Mongolia – Eagle Festival

2 Sept 2026Guaranteed departurefrom £4,695 pp

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Highlights

The moments that make
Mongolia unforgettable

Naadam Festival

Witness Mongolia's "Three Manly Games" of wrestling, horse racing and archery, experienced authentically in Arvaikheer rather than crowded Ulaanbaatar.

Golden Eagle Festival

Watch Kazakh eagle hunters compete with their trained birds near Tolbo Lake in Bayan-Ölgii in the far west.

Gobi Desert & Flaming Cliffs of Bayanzag

Explore the fossil-rich red sandstone cliffs where dinosaur eggs were first discovered in 1922.

Khongor Sand Dunes

Ride camels across the towering "Singing Dunes" of the southern Gobi Desert.

Yolyn Am Gorge

Trek the narrow, ice-filled canyon hidden in the desert mountains of the Gobi.

Kharkhorin & Erdene Zuu Monastery

Discover the ancient imperial capital of the Mongol Empire and its UNESCO-listed Buddhist monastery in the Orkhon Valley.

Hustai National Park

See the Przewalski's horse, the world's only truly wild horse, returned from extinction.

Nomadic Ger Stays

Stay overnight in traditional Mongolian gers with herding families on the open steppe.

Places to Explore

Places to explore in Mongolia

Mongolia rewards travellers who slow down — the best stories are found off the tour-bus route.

From the field

When to go

Picking the right season for your trip

The best time to visit Mongolia is from June to September, when temperatures are milder (15–25°C) and the steppe is at its greenest. July is especially popular for the Naadam Festival, while late September and early October bring autumn colours and the Golden Eagle Festival in western Mongolia. Nights can be cold by October, with frost and occasional snow at higher altitudes. Winters from November to March are extremely harsh, with temperatures often dropping below -20°C and limited tourism infrastructure operating.

Live weather

Mongolia

Looking to travel outside the typical windows? Our Mongolia tailor-made team can advise on the best time for you.

From the journal

Stories from the region

Dispatches, field notes and practical advice from our specialists.

All Mongolia stories

Asia & Pacific

Mongolia Facts: The Land of Genghis Khan — Geography, History and Culture Explained

Mongolia is a landlocked country in East and Central Asia covering 1.56 million square kilometres — larger than Western Europe — yet home to fewer than four million people. It was the birthplace of the Mongol Empire, the largest contiguous land empire in history, and remains one of the world’s most sparsely populated countries. Today it is known for its nomadic culture, the Gobi Desert, extraordinary wildlife, and landscapes that have changed little in centuries. This article covers the geography, history, culture, and wildlife facts that explain why Mongolia rewards anyone who takes the time to understand it.

Jim Louth·12 Jun 2026

Asia & Pacific

The Most Interesting Places to Visit in Mongolia Right Now

The best places to visit in Mongolia include the Gobi Desert’s Flaming Cliffs and Khongor Sand Dunes, the ancient capital of Kharkhorin, Hustai National Park, Erdene Zuu Monastery, and Terelj National Park. The country spans 1.56 million square kilometres of steppe, desert, and mountain, with around 30% of its population still living nomadically. This guide covers all major regions from the capital outwards.

Jim Louth·28 May 2026

Asia & Pacific

Best Time to Visit Mongolia: Climate, Festivals, and Travel Tips

The best time to visit Mongolia is July, when the Naadam Festival brings the country to life across green summer steppes, with warm days and the full landscape accessible. September and October are outstanding alternatives - fewer crowds, golden autumn colours, and the Eagle Festival in the west. Spring offers solitude and lower prices; winter is severe and suited only to specialist travellers willing to brave the cold.

Jim Louth·20 May 2026

Voices from the road

What travellers say about us

Reviews from across our small-group programme. Independently rated 4.9 Excellent on AITO by 250+ travellers.

“I cannot recommend Undiscovered Destinations enough — this was our 13th trip with the operator over ten years. Up there amongst the very best in the market.”

Grete Howard

Mongolia

“An amazing trip! We had the most amazing holiday — over two weeks we had a taste of the cities, the culture, the mountains, a safari, and time at the beach. Our driver/guide made the whole trip very relaxing, and we were welcomed warmly by everyone we met, enjoying fabulous food and drink along the way. Undiscovered Destinations planned a really amazing itinerary for us with great hotels, a fabulous guide/driver, and interesting places to visit — they took great care to ensure we had an excellent holiday. We look forward to booking another holiday with them in the future. Thank you, Mark!”

Anna

“This adventure was always going to be very full-on, which is how we like our trips. I didn't count on getting bronchitis and ending up in hospital, however. The itinerary was quickly amended to avoid high-altitude destinations as much as possible while still making sure we had a chance to enjoy interesting experiences. While obviously sad to have missed some of the original sites, the revised itinerary was the only sensible option under the circumstances. I was extremely impressed with how Undiscovered Destinations and their local team handled the situation — taking the stress out of it, smoothing the way, rearranging the itinerary and booking new hotels, translating for me with the medical staff, and making sure I always had transport, medicines and anything else I needed. Nothing was too much trouble, and they kept in touch with me, each other, and the insurance company throughout. I can't recommend them enough!”

Grete

“My wife and I had a wonderful tour with Undiscovered Destinations. We had a different guide at each stop, and all of them were friendly, cheerful and knowledgeable. The local people were welcoming, and we always felt safe and comfortable. The beaches were spectacularly beautiful and empty of people, with warm, clear water, and each stop had its own character — some we loved for their unspoiled scenery, others for their history and the warmth of the welcome. We took the opportunity to snorkel on one of the most pristine reefs we've experienced, swimming with sea turtles and enormous manta rays that came right up to us out of curiosity. A wonderful destination for nature lovers.”

Frank

“Excellent. Action packed. Our local agent was excellent, and a good choice by Undiscovered Destinations. Because there were only two of us on the holiday, we had different guides at each stop, each one making sure we were handed over safely. All manner of transport was used, and we appreciated the different guiding strategies, the wealth of information given, the high level of English, and the genuine wish to show off their country at its best. Excellent.”

Cathy

“Far exceeding my expectations, this was one of the best trips I've ever done. A beautiful destination, with interesting history, lively ceremonies, lovely people and — surprisingly, for somewhere that sees so few tourists — absolutely no hassle on the streets. Excellent service from start to finish, with a first-class tour leader.”

Lynn

“We had a two-week trip with Undiscovered Destinations, flying in for two days first to break up the journey. It was a great trip, because we managed to see so much more than just the capital cities. This was the fourth trip we've taken with Undiscovered Destinations, and each one has been wonderful. Our guides were lovely — very professional and helpful. We rate UD very highly.”

Andy

“We had a fabulous trip with an excellent local guide, who took great care of us and enthusiastically shared his knowledge of both ancient and recent history, with lots of fascinating personal stories of his own life. We highly recommend this trip — Undiscovered Destinations were great to work with, and we hope to use them again.”

Jennie

“Everything was great — we got to witness a wonderful variety of wildlife, and thoroughly enjoyed the scenery and the hospitality of the people. A fabulous trip from start to finish.”

Debbie

“Excellent all-round trip. Drivers were conscientious and careful, accommodation was better than expected, and the scenery was stunning throughout.”

Alexis

Can’t find the right fit?

Every one of our Mongolia journeys can be rebuilt around your dates, pace and interests — or we’ll design something entirely new.

Tailor my trip

Gallery

Scenes from Mongolia

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Tailor-made journeys

Didn’t find your
perfect Mongolia trip?

We’ll build one around you.

Mongolia is perfectly suited to tailor-made holidays — its vast distances and limited tourism infrastructure mean a private journey can deliver experiences no fixed-departure tour can match. Whether your interest lies in festivals, archaeology, photography or genuine nomadic immersion, we'll design an itinerary that takes you to the heart of the country. From private ger-camp stays in the Gobi to extended time around the Eagle Festival in the western Altai, every element is hand-organised. Internal flights, experienced English-speaking guides, comfortable 4x4 transport and carefully selected accommodation make Mongolia genuinely accessible — even in its most remote corners.

Your dates

Travel when it suits you

Private group

Just you, family or friends

Your pace

Linger longer, skip the rest

Bespoke extras

Private guides, rare access

Start planning your trip Speak to a specialist

Typical reply within 3 working days · No obligation · Trusted by travellers since 2004

How it works

1Tell us what you have in mind
2We build an itinerary + quote
3Refine until it feels right

Est. 2004

20+ years of
bespoke travel

Meet your expert

Jason van der Wath

Travel Consultant

Born and raised in South Africa, Jason’s obsession with exploring the world began at age 21. What started as a personal journey quickly evolved into a lifelong pursuit, eventually leading him to move overseas to be closer to the heart of global travel routes.

After exploring the globe and taking on various roles that deepened his understanding of transformative travel, Jason settled in Newcastle and turned his passion into his profession. As a Travel Consultant for Undiscovered Destinations, he brings the same care, grit, and excitement to his clients' itineraries as he does to his own adventures. From designing complex overland journeys to advising on the world's most remote, off-the-beaten-path destinations, Jason draws on a lifetime of personal exploration to craft unforgettable travel experiences.

Ask Jason about Mongolia

Questions, answered

Planning a trip to Mongolia?

Yes — Mongolia is one of Asia's safest destinations for travellers. Basic precautions against petty crime apply in Ulaanbaatar, but the countryside is overwhelmingly safe and welcoming.

Before you go

Essential information

Shared across all tours that visit this destination. Read alongside your individual tour dossier for trip-specific details.

Foreign Office travel advice

Before travelling, consult the latest UK FCDO advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mongolia. Mongolia is a safe destination for travellers; basic precautions against petty crime in Ulaanbaatar apply. US travellers should check travel.state.gov for current guidance.