Useful Links for Visiting Mongolia

Planning a trip to Mongolia can be an exciting adventure, but navigating the logistics and gathering the right information can be daunting. To help make your journey smoother, here’s a collection of useful links covering everything from visas and transportation to cultural insights and travel tips.

Travel Planning and Booking

1. Official Tourism Websites:

  • Mongolian National Tourism Center: Mongolia.travel / The official tourism website provides comprehensive information on destinations, events, and travel tips.
  • Ministry of Environment and Tourism of Mongolia: tourism.gov.mn / Offers resources and updates on tourism policies and regulations.

2. Travel Agencies and Tour Operators:

  • Nomadic Expeditions: nomadicexpeditions.com / Specializes in customized tours and expeditions across Mongolia.
  • Goyo Travel: goyotravel.com / Offers a range of guided tours, from cultural experiences to adventure travel.

Visa and Entry Requirements

1. Visa Information:

  • Embassy of Mongolia in Your Country: Check the official embassy website for visa requirements, application forms, and processing times.
  • E-Visa Portal: evisa.mn / Apply for an electronic visa (if eligible) and get updates on your application status.

Transportation

1. Flights and Airlines:

  • Chinggis Khaan International Airport: airport.gov.mn / Information on flights, services, and facilities at Mongolia’s main international airport.
  • MIAT Mongolian Airlines: miat.com / Mongolia’s national airline with routes connecting major cities in Asia and Europe.

2. Train Services:

  • Trans-Mongolian Railway: transmongolian.com / Details on routes, schedules, and booking options for the iconic train journey between Moscow, Ulaanbaatar, and Beijing.

3. Local Transportation:

  • Mongolian Bus Network: bus.mn / Schedules and routes for intercity bus travel across Mongolia.

Accommodation

1. Hotel Booking:

  • Booking.com: booking.com / A wide selection of hotels, guesthouses, and hostels in Mongolia.
  • Airbnb: airbnb.com / Unique accommodations, including traditional gers (yurts), hosted by locals.

2. Ger Camps:

  • Ger to Ger: gertoger.org
  • Facilitates cultural immersion experiences with nomadic families in their traditional dwellings.

Cultural Insights and Local Experiences

1. Cultural Information:

  • Mongolian Cultural Heritage: culturalheritage.mn / Information on Mongolia’s rich cultural heritage, including festivals, traditional crafts, and historical sites.
  • Naadam Festival: naadamfestival.com / Details on the dates, locations, and history of Mongolia’s most famous festival.

2. Language Resources:

  • Learn Mongolian: omniglot.com / Basic phrases, language tips, and learning resources for travelers.

Safety and Health

1. Travel Health:

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): cdc.gov / Health advice and vaccination recommendations for travelers to Mongolia.
  • World Health Organization (WHO): who.int / Updates on global health situations and country-specific health advice.

2. Safety Information:

  • Travel Advisories: travel.state.gov / U.S. Department of State travel advisories and safety information for Mongolia.
  • Travel Insurance: worldnomads.com / Travel insurance options and safety tips for adventure travelers.

Money and Communication

1. Currency and Banking:

  • Bank of Mongolia: mongolbank.mn / Current exchange rates, banking services, and financial advice.
  • XE Currency Converter: xe.com / Real-time currency conversion rates and tools.

2. Communication:

  • SIM Cards and Mobile Plans: unitel.mn / Information on purchasing SIM cards and mobile data plans for staying connected.

Environmental and Ethical Travel

1. Sustainable Travel:

  • Sustainable Travel International: sustainabletravel.org / Tips and resources for traveling sustainably and minimizing your environmental impact.
  • Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: lnt.org / Guidelines for responsible outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship.

These useful links provide a solid foundation for planning your trip to Mongolia. From securing your visa and booking accommodations to exploring cultural sites and ensuring your health and safety, these resources will help you navigate the logistics and make the most of your Mongolian adventure. Whether you’re embarking on a solo expedition or a family vacation, proper planning and access to reliable information will enhance your travel experience and leave you with unforgettable memories of this captivating country.