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.

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

Q: 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.

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.

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Next departure to Mongolia

Mongolia – Eagle Festival

2 Sept 2026Guaranteed departurefrom £4,695 pp

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Highlights

The highlights of Mongolia

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

Things to Do in Ulaanbaatar: A First-Timer's Guide to Mongolia's Capital

The best things to do in Ulaanbaatar include visiting Gandan Khiid Monastery and the Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan, exploring Sükhbaatar Square and the Chinggis Khaan National Museum, and taking day trips to Hustai National Park or Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. Round out a visit with Mongolian food, a night of traditional throat singing, and a walk through Narantuul Market. Give Mongolia's capital two to three days rather than a rushed afternoon, and it earns its place as the first chapter of any Mongolian adventure.

Jim Louth·29 Jul 2026

Asia & Pacific

Mongolia Travel Tips: How to Prepare for the Adventure of a Lifetime

Mongolia is safe to visit for the vast majority of travellers, though its remoteness means more preparation than most trips. Key things to know: no reciprocal UK healthcare agreement, so travel insurance with medical evacuation is essential; only around 10% of rural roads are tarmacked; and temperatures swing from 35°C summers to -40°C winters. This guide covers visas, safety, health, money, packing and etiquette, so you go in properly prepared.

Jim Louth·27 Jul 2026

Asia & Pacific

What Is a Mongolian Ger? Inside the Ancient Nomadic Tent That Still Shelters a Nation

A Mongolian ger is a round, portable felt tent built on a collapsible wooden frame — not a "yurt," which is a Russian and Turkic term applied to similar tents across Central Asia. Mongolians have always called their home a ger, and roughly half the population still lives in one today, from the open steppe to the ger districts of Ulaanbaatar. Built to be raised or dismantled in under an hour, the ger remains one of the world's oldest examples of a truly nomadic, circular dwelling — read on for how it's built, lived in, and experienced by travellers.

Jim Louth·20 Jul 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.

“Mega went out of her way to meet the needs of the group. Nothing was too much trouble for her. She was keen to promote her country and to make us feel welcome and to help us gain an insight into the Mongolian culture. Excellent vehicle as was the driver. Well thought our itinerary. Fascinating introduction to the country. Lots of highlights.”

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Peter West, uk

“Mega was a lovely lady who did all she could to meet our needs and look after us. The Ger camps did vary - some were excellent but some more basic - some had limited internet, electricity etc but considering they were in the middle of no where they were pretty good and the food exceeded expectations. ”

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Traveller from the UK

“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.”

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Grete Howard

“Jason was very helpful and the booking process was quick and easy. UD offers itineraries that many competitors do not. I thoroughly enjoyed both trips I've taken with them. While they may not suit everyone, I have happily recommended the Senegal tour to fellow travellers.”

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Bernice Hird, UK

Helped by Jason van der Wath

“Excellent customer service, reliable itineraries and ability to solve local issues when they arise”

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Gustavo Musto, Uruguay

“I like the small size of groups, the range of destinations and excellent itineraries. This is my third holiday with your company and I have found your itineraries really good.”

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Traveller from the UK

“Excellent company to book with. Complex tour mostly delivered as per itinerary with professional and pleasant local representatives. ”

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Adam Choonara, UK

“I really appreciated Jason's help in answering all of my many questions re: Senegal trip in December 2025. I have a physical disability and I had a lot of accessibility questions for Jason! He was a true professional and was very supportive, warm and friendly and helped me a lot in making my decision to go ahead with the Senegal trip. I would like to thank Jason particularly for this service. I truly appreciate it and I am very thankful.”

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Ramnit Bassi, UK

Helped by Jason van der Wath

“Undiscovered Destinations is able to find wonderful support staff and will go to the far corners of the earth.”

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Patricia Taylor, UK

“This is my third trip with UD and all have been first rate. ”

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Judith Hoyle, UK

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.