ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Bayannuur Ilch Travel provides you with essential Mongolia travel tips and guidance to help you plan your trip to Mongolia.

Why is traveling to Mongolia expensive?

Traveling to Mongolia can be more expensive compared to other Asian destinations for several key reasons. First, Mongolia is known for its vast and rugged landscapes, where major attractions are located far from each other. Reaching these destinations often takes many hours or even days of travel.

Second, transportation options are limited. Public transport is not widely available in remote areas, so travelers usually need to arrange private or shared vehicles, which increases costs. Additionally, fuel prices can be relatively high, and tourism services are often seasonal. Accommodation and tour services are also limited outside major cities, which can drive prices up during peak travel periods. Overall, the combination of long travel distances, limited infrastructure, and seasonal tourism makes visiting Mongolia more expensive than many other Asian countries.

Is there an official taxi in Ulaanbaatar? What are the Ulaanbaatar taxi rates?

Yes, official taxis can be booked by calling 1900 – 1950. The Ulaanbaatar taxi rates are 1000 MNTs /50 cents/ per kilometer. We also recommend using the UB cab online taxi service application, which has an English language option and is easy to use. You can find a link for download here http://www.ubcab.mn/.

What should I bring when visiting nomadic families?

When visiting nomadic families in Mongolia, it is polite to bring a small gift to show appreciation for their hospitality. Money is generally not considered an appropriate gift, so it’s better to choose something personal and thoughtful. Good gift ideas include postcards from your home country, instant (Polaroid) photos, or sweets. These simple items are often warmly received and help create a friendly connection. It is also important to be respectful when taking photographs. Always ask for permission before photographing people, especially children. While some Mongolians may feel uncomfortable with unexpected photos, many are happy to be photographed if asked politely, especially if you offer to send them copies afterward.

Is there any luggage allowance on your tour?

There is no strict luggage limit on our tours. However, if your itinerary includes a domestic flight within Mongolia, luggage restrictions will apply. For domestic flights, the standard allowance is 15 kg of checked baggage and carry-on luggage (subject to airline rules). If your baggage exceeds the limit, an additional fee of approximately 3,000–5,000 MNT (Mongolian tugrug) per extra kilogram will be charged. We recommend packing light for your comfort and convenience during the tour.

How is Mongolian cuisine?

Mongolian cuisine is strongly influenced by the country’s harsh climate and nomadic lifestyle. Traditional meals mainly consist of meat and dairy products, such as mutton, beef, and various milk-based foods. In Ulaanbaatar and other cities, you will find a wide variety of restaurants offering international cuisine, including Western and Asian dishes. At tourist Ger camps, meals are typically adapted to suit international travelers, with options that include European, Asian, and Russian dishes alongside some traditional Mongolian food.

What gluten free meals are available in Mongolia?

For those requiring gluten free meals in Mongolia, you will have rice with some vegetables, fruit, yogurt, and meat. However, we highly recommend you bring some nutrition and extra food when necessary.

Are vegetarian meals available?

Vegetarian meals are available, but options are limited and simple. The dish can contain rice, fried or cooked vegetables (carrot, potatoes, tomatoes, cabbage, and beet), pasta, and a few beans. It would be helpful if you can take your own supplements. If you need anything else, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re more than happy to help whenever you need.

Thank you for choosing to travel with us.