Planning a road trip through Mongolia? This is one of the most challenging and rewarding journeys you can take, if you know what you are getting into.
Mongolia is vast, remote, and wildly beautiful, but it is not an easy place to travel. Road trips here require preparation, flexibility, and a realistic understanding of what life on the road actually looks like.
I lived in Mongolia for over four years, and during that time I travelled extensively across the country, mostly on self-drive road trips. In 2021, my husband and I committed to longer, fully self-sufficient journeys with our own car, experiences that taught us just how rewarding and demanding road tripping in Mongolia can be.
Whether you are an experienced road tripper planning to travel independently or you prefer the ease of joining a tour and letting someone else handle the logistics, the realities of road travel in Mongolia remain the same. Distances are long, conditions are unpredictable, and flexibility is key.
This guide is meant to help you understand what to expect on the road, choose the travel style that suits you best, and prepare for the challenges that make Mongolia such a rewarding destination. The goal is not to overcomplicate your plans, but to help you travel more confidently and make the most of the journey.
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How to Road Trip in Mongolia: Choosing the Right Travel Style
You have different options to experience a road trip in Mongolia, and the best choice depends on your budget, comfort level, and prior road trip experience.
Mongolia is vast and remote, and choosing the wrong travel style can quickly turn an adventure into a stressful ordeal.
Organised road trips in Mongolia
If you want to see Mongolia with minimal planning, an organised road trip is not only the easiest option, but sometimes even essential; for example, if you visit Altai Tavan Bogd, you need to do it with a guide.
Group tours are the most budget-friendly choice and require very little preparation. You’ll usually travel in a Russian WAZ van with other travellers, following a fixed itinerary with accommodation and meals arranged in advance.
Private tours offer more flexibility. While the route and accommodation are pre-planned, you can often adjust the pace along the way. These tours typically include a driver, a guide or translator, and sometimes a cook if camping is involved.
Hiring a private driver sits somewhere in between. This option is less common but may be available in the off-season. You decide where to go, and your driver handles the challenging terrain. If you plan to venture off-road, a heavy-duty 4×4 like a Toyota Land Cruiser is essential.
Finding tours: High-end operators usually have websites, while more affordable options often operate through Facebook pages. Word of mouth works extremely well in Mongolia travel groups.
Self-Drive Tours in Mongolia (For Experienced Drivers)
Self-driving in Mongolia is an incredible adventure, but it’s not an easy feat. While I love this option, I only recommend it if you have some previous off-roading experience.
Road conditions are unpredictable, navigation is often guesswork, and getting stuck is not a matter of if, but when. A DIY road trip is also physically and mentally exhausting, which is why I strongly recommend adding extra days to your itinerary to avoid burnout.
If you’re short on time, inexperienced off-road, or uncomfortable with mechanical issues far from help, this is not the best option.
Key considerations for a Mongolia self-drive tour:
- Recovery gear is essential
- Allow extra days to enjoy the trip
- Check mileage limits if renting
- Bring camping gear if not included
- Prepare for unpredictable road conditions
Car rental: During my time in Mongolia, I never had to rent a car, but on thorough research and conversations with other travellers, here’s what you should know:
- Some rental companies impose mileage limits
- Renting a car is often more expensive than joining a group or private tour
- Certain companies offer camping gear and basic supplies
- Insurance is included, but do your homework to see what it exactly covers.
Companies travellers commonly use include:
- Mongolia.Travel
- Drive Mongolia
- Follow the Tracks
- Avis
- Sixt
Using Public Transportation in Mongolia
Moving across Mongolia using buses and trains is a popular option amongst backpackers and travellers with flexible schedules. While I haven’t used public transportation extensively myself, it’s an excellent way to experience slow travel and interact more naturally with locals.
That said, reaching remote natural landmarks will require creativity and patience. To get to some destinations, you will need to hire local transport or hitchhike.
Planning a Mongolia Road Trip: What to know before you go
The best road trip tips for Mongolia are related to planning and being prepared, so don’t skip this part, especially if you are considering a self-drive road trip. If you need a broader overview, my Mongolia travel guide covers the essentials before you hit the road,
Best Time of Year for a Mongolia Road Trip
The best time to do a road trip in Mongolia, especially if it is a self-drive, is without a doubt the summer season between June and August or early September. Weather conditions are generally better for driving, and most roads and tracks are accessible.
That said, summer also means that rivers will carry more water, so caution is required when crossing rivers. Always assess the conditions before attempting a crossing, and be prepared to change plans if water levels are too high.
Driving License Requirements in Mongolia
To drive in Mongolia, you will need a valid driver’s license, along with an ID or passport. International renters will also need an international driving permit, depending on their nationality.
Driving licenses issued by countries that are part of the Vienna Traffic Convention are generally accepted. However, travellers from countries such as the United States and Canada typically require an international driving permit. If you are from China, Korea, or Japan, you may be required to book a driver service instead.
Requirements can change, so always double-check the latest regulations before your trip. Ask the prospective rental companies directly.
Craft Your Itinerary Carefully
Decide what part of Mongolia you would like to visit and what you would like to see and do. Distances in Mongolia can be deceiving, and what looks manageable on a map can easily turn into a full day of driving.
Check whether any Mongolian festivals line up with your trip. Attending a local festival, such as Naadam in July, can greatly enhance your experience and allow you to immerse yourself in the local culture, but it should be seen as a bonus rather than something your entire itinerary depends on.
Weather Forecasts and Camping Realities
You will likely organise your road trip during the summer months, but that does not mean you will always get sunny and warm days. Summer storms are typical in Mongolia and often come with sudden temperature drops and strong winds.
Be prepared for this, and if you are camping, always have a second option available. This could mean being able to overnight in your vehicle or staying at a nearby ger camp.
The first night of our road trip to western Mongolia was miserable. We came across a massive storm and had no shelter whatsoever. I genuinely thought we were going to fly away inside the tent, husband and dog included. Looking back, we should have seen it coming, and I wish we had overnighted in the car.
Road Conditions in Mongolia
Mongolia has notoriously bad roads, and many of them are constantly under repair. Expect potholes, rough tracks, and sections of road that are completely ripped up or under construction.
The best thing you can do is plan ahead and ask locally which roads are in the best condition to reach your destination. During winter, many roads close due to extreme weather conditions. While there are tours that depart from Ulaanbaatar for the Ice Festival in February, it is far safer to fly to Murun instead of attempting a long winter drive.
Navigation and Offline Maps
There is very limited internet coverage outside of urban areas, so make sure you download the regions you will be driving through on Google Maps in advance.
Google Maps is useful because you can use satellite mode to check the terrain. However, the ETAs are completely off (probably because it does not take into account road conditions), so do not rely on it.
I highly recommend downloading Maps.me. It is an offline map application that is extremely useful when taking secondary roads or tracks that do not appear on Google Maps, which happens frequently in rural Mongolia.
Google Translate is a must if you need to interact with locals. Downloading an offline dictionary is also helpful in case you lose signal.
Food on a Mongolia Road Trip: Where to Eat and Stock Up
I am personally big on food—I want to eat nice food and not get hangry. If that is your case too, planning food properly will make a huge difference to your Mongolia road trip experience.
Stocking Up in Ulaanbaatar (Do This Before You Leave)
Before leaving Ulaanbaatar, take the time to stock up properly. This is where you will find the widest variety of food, including fresh produce, snacks, and specialty items that could be hard to come by elsewhere.
Large supermarkets such as Nomin or Emart are good places to buy snacks, fruit, nuts, crackers, and other food you can easily keep in the car. If you are vegan or have specific dietary needs, Ulaanbaatar also has a few dedicated options. Restaurants such as Loving Hut or Cafe Lohas sell pre-packaged vegan products that you can take with you on the road.
Even if you plan to eat out most of the time, having a solid stash of food from Ulaanbaatar gives you flexibility when plans change or when options are limited.
Local tip: Most road trippers prefer to get their food supplies on the outskirts of town to avoid the ever increasing traffic of UB.
Roadside Restaurants in Mongolia
As remote as Mongolia is, you will often notice gers on the side of the road with signs such as Tsainii Gazar, Guanz, or Delguur. These are typical Mongolian roadside diners. There is usually no menu, but you can expect a hot meal — often soup or tsuivan — along with Mongolian milky tea.
Back when I lived in Mongolia, a meal usually cost around 8,000 tugriks, approximately 3 USD. It is filling, warm, and comforting, especially after a long day of driving.
On some of the more transited routes, particularly closer to major towns or popular tourist areas, you may find larger road restaurants with more extensive menus that highlight many Mongolian traditional dishes such as buuz. However, this is not the norm, especially once you leave main routes or travel into more remote regions.
Food Reality in Small Towns
Food options in the countryside are improving to the point that small countryside towns carry tofu. That said, fresh vegetables and diverse options are still less varied than in Ulaanbaatar, and availability may be inconsistent.
When you see food you like, including fresh vegetables and fruits, get it because you do not know if you will see it in the next town.
Dietary Restrictions
If you are travelling on a tour, be very specific about what you can and cannot eat, and follow up on the menu you will be offered. If food is important to making your Mongolia travel experience pleasant, this is not something to leave vague.
Most traditional Mongolian dishes rely heavily on wheat flour and fatty meats, usually beef or mutton, with very small quantities of vegetables. This can be particularly challenging if you are vegan or gluten-free, especially in the countryside. Planning and bringing some suitable food with you will make the journey far more enjoyable.
Supplies to Bring on a Mongolia Road Trip
Some items may seem small or obvious, but they make a huge difference when travelling through remote areas of Mongolia.
Essential Supplies for Any Mongolia Road Trip
These are items that are either difficult to find outside Ulaanbaatar or that quickly become essential once you are on the road.
- Cash: You need cash to pay in small businesses, rural shops, and occasional road checkpoints. While you can still find ATMs in other smaller cities outside of Ulaanbaatar, don’t leave this element to fate and withdraw enough before leaving Ulaanbaatar.
- Power banks: You may not have access to plugs every day of your trip.
- Toilet paper: Not only because you will often rely on nature’s toilet, but also because some ger camps do not provide toilet paper.
- Hand sanitiser or soap: You may spend long stretches without facilities, and when you do find a bathroom, soap is not guaranteed.
- Warm clothes: Even during summer, temperatures can drop significantly at night, particularly in northern regions such as Bayan-Ölgii or around Lake Khövsgöl.
- Eco-friendly toiletries: A small but important part of your sustainable travel kit, especially when spending time in fragile natural environments.
- Sunscreen: The sun can be intense in Mongolia, regardless of the season.
- Insect repellent: Especially important during the summer months.
- Flashlight: Whether on a tour or self-driving, you may need to do something at night, and it is simply convenient so that you do not drain yout phone battery.
- Trash bags: You will spend a lot of time in remote areas. Bring several bags and dispose of them properly when passing through towns or cities. If you want to take it up a notch, create a Trashtag challenge and be the example that small actions can make a real difference while travelling.
- A lightweight portable washing system is a nice-to-have for more than a one-week trip. This Scrubba wash bag comparison is a good place to start when choosing one.
Additional Supplies for a Self-Drive Road Trip
If you are self-driving in Mongolia, preparation becomes even more important. In addition to the items above, consider the following:
- Water containers: Carry enough water for several days, especially when travelling far from towns.
- Jerry cans: Fuel stations can be far apart, and availability is not always guaranteed.
- Recovery gear: Getting stuck is common when driving off-road in Mongolia. Proper recovery gear is essential.
- Camping gear and cooking supplies: If you are camping independently, make sure you have all the necessary equipment and that it is suitable for sudden weather changes.
- Basic vehicle supplies: Anything that helps you be more self-reliant when help is far away, such as a spare or two and basic tools.
- Local Sim Cards: If travelling in a group, get one SIM card from Mobicom and another from Unitel. This maximises coverage, as some areas have better reception with one provider than the other.
Even if you do not end up using all of this equipment, having it with you provides peace of mind and flexibility in a country where plans often change.
Where to Sleep on a Mongolia Road Trip
If your intention is to book a tour, they have you covered regarding accommodation. However, if you are self-driving in Mongolia, thinking and planning where to sleep every night is a daily task.
These are the different types of accommodation that you will have available to you:
Free campsites: If you want to pitch a tent during your road trip, you are very lucky, this is one of the unique things to do in Mongolia. Here, everybody can camp wherever they want as the land belongs to nobody. What’s cool is that you can expect herds of cows, sheep and other animals passing by, an ethical way to enjoy animal encounters.
Free camping works best if you are self-driving and fully equipped, but it is also possible when travelling on a tour, as long as your guide agrees on a suitable spot.
Ger camps: When I moved here, I thought that the only way I could book accommodation at a ger camp was through a tour company or a friend. The truth is, you can rock up at any touristy spot in Mongolia, and there will be a few ger camps. Just ask to see the place and ask for the price before agreeing to stay.
Ger camps are cheap, but you get what you pay for. Usually, beds are very hard because sometimes there is no mattress, only a thin foam sheet on top of a wooden plank. If you are looking for a dry and warm place to spend the night, rest assured that you won’t have a problem finding one if you know where to look.
Guest houses: They can take the form of a modest hotel with a few rooms or an extra ger that a locals set up near their homes if they are situated along the way to a major tourist site. The difference with proper ger camps is that they do not have shared facilities like a dining area or showers. Prices are very affordable, I once paid 20,000 Tugrik per person (less than 6 USD) for a guest ger near the White Stupa.
Hotels: You can find them in almost any city, and the price range may vary depending on what their amenities are. Make sure to read reviews if available. I only recommend this option if the weather is bad, like raining and windy, and being indoors feels cosy and safe.
Is it easy to book accommodation?
I have never had a problem getting last-minute accommodation, even in high peak season. But if you are dead set to go to a particular ger camp or hotel, make sure beforehand that they have availability.
Also, consider limited availability if visiting a particular region or city for a festival.
When I visited Lake Khuvsgul for the first time, we wanted to stay in a famous ger camp, Toilogt Ger Camp, but it was booked out, and we settled for the next best thing.
On the Road in Mongolia: What Travel is Really Like Day to Day
Travelling around Mongolia can be very unpredictable, so don’t be the person who says, “I’ll do that at the next stop”. My golden rule is: whatever you need to do, do it now.
- Money: Use your credit card whenever you can (major cities), but be careful because international cards are not widely accepted outside of Ulaanbaatar. Get in the habit of getting cash from the bank often if you think you are running short while on your trip.
- Fuel up often: even if your tank is half full. You may have seen on the map that there is a gas station in the next 100 km, but you don’t know if they will have fuel or not. With this one, better safe than sorry. If you stick to main roads, you should not need a jerry can, but if you intend to go offroading for very long (which I would not recommend unless you go with a group of people), then do take extra fuel with you.
- Make sure you have enough water: if you have to purchase big bottles, make sure you start off with enough to get you by until you reach the next big city. If you have a water filtering system (I have a LifeSaver jerry can), make sure you top up as often as you can from the rivers and lakes you pass by. Don’t judge the bodies of water by what you can see on the map; sometimes the stream is too small, murky or not easily accessible, so do not miss your chance!
- Have a couple of extra days and a budget allowance to allow for flexibility. Weather and road conditions, mental fatigue or unexpected setbacks may require you to change the plan. Maybe you need to slow down the pace, take the car to a garage, or change your accommodation arrangement. Having the flexibility to do so without financial or time constraints will give you peace of mind.
- I personally think that getting lost is not something to worry about if you follow a couple of simple rules. Follow traditional paved roads; they all take you somewhere! If following unpaved roads, make sure you actually follow tracks. The most noticeable ones. Maps.Me and Google Maps in Satellite mode are very helpful to make sure you are sticking to an actual road.
- Driving takes most of the day, and it gets tiring. It might even leave you with the feeling of “dang, I wish I had more time to spend here”. So, do that. Don’t focus too much on reaching a specific destination, and do enjoy the journey.
Encounters with locals on a Mongolia Road Trip
Rules of Hospitality in the Mongolian Countryside
There is a chance you come across a herder; they will either show up at your campsite or they may invite you to their ger. If you are invited into their home, have what they offer you. If you don’t like milky tea or don’t feel like a shot of vodka, make the effort and have a sip or wet your lips. Don’t gulp it down to be done with it. If you drink it all, they will pour more.
If somebody shows up at your camp, invite them to some hot tea. If you are eating, offer them a seat and some food, even if you don’t speak the same language. The effort to communicate, even if you don’t speak the language, will be highly appreciated.
Showing Gratitude and Giving Small Gifts
The Mongolian countryside is rough, but Mongolian hospitality is top-notch, and you will find that people are willing to go out of their way to help you out. For this reason, it is important to have a little stash of gifts you can offer.
Some good gifts are a bottle of vodka for the patriarch, some fruit, little games or toys for the kids (colouring books are great!). If you are visiting from overseas, bring a little something from your country.
I do not recommend bringing any sort of sweets as gifts and opt for healthier options.
Learning a few Mongolian phrases
Taking the time to learn a few basic Mongolian phrases will go a long way in connecting with locals, and it shows respect for the culture. Some apps I have used in the past are Memrise and Simply Learn Mongolian. A little effort will go a long way and will even help you remember the Mongolian names of the locals you meet, which, if you are anything like me, can feel like a challenge.
Sample Mongolia Road Trip Itineraries
I have travelled extensively across Mongolia, and while there are some popular routes, the best itinerary is always the one you build around your time, budget, and what you personally value most.
One of the most common mistakes I see is trying to fit too much into too little time. And that includes myself, too. Slowing down, choosing fewer places, and staying flexible is not only more enjoyable but also aligns with the principles of responsible travel, something I also prioritise when travelling in destinations like rural Mexico.
The most popular road trip regions in Mongolia include Central Mongolia, the Gobi Desert, Altai Tavan Bogd, and Lake Khövsgöl.
The itineraries below are meant as realistic starting points, not rigid plans.
Mongolia Itinerary: 5 Days
If you only have five days, I recommend staying in Central Mongolia.
A realistic route includes Kharkhorin, Orkhon Waterfall, Tsenkher Hot Springs, and the Little Gobi, before returning to Ulaanbaatar.
The close proximity of Kharkhorin to the Orkhon National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, makes it a very interesting option to visit a variety of places of cultural, natural and historical interest without spending every day driving long distances.
Mongolia Itinerary: 7 Days
With seven days, you can tackle a simple Gobi circuit while still including highlights of Central Mongolia.
A typical route would take you from Ulaanbaatar to Baga Gazriin Chuluu, White Stupa, Yol Valley, Flaming Cliffs, Ongin Monastery, Orkhon Waterfall, Kharkhorin, and back to Ulaanbaatar.
This itinerary assumes long but manageable driving days and works best if you stick mostly to main routes.
Mongolia Itinerary: 10 Days
With ten days, you can follow the same Gobi circuit as above but at a more comfortable pace and with the addition of Khongor Sand Dunes.
This extra time allows for more flexibility, better weather buffers, and fewer rushed days — something I highly recommend if you are self-driving.
Mongolia Itinerary: 14 Days
Two weeks in Mongolia opens up far more possibilities.
One good option is to follow the 7-day Gobi itinerary, then continue north from Kharkhorin to Tsenkher Hot Springs, Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake, and Lake Khövsgöl, before returning to Ulaanbaatar via Erdenet.
This route offers a great balance between desert landscapes, cultural sites, and alpine scenery.
Mongolia Itinerary: 21 Days
With three weeks, you can venture into Western Mongolia and reach Altai Tavan Bogd.
This is a much more demanding route that involves long driving days and rougher terrain, but it is incredibly rewarding if you have the time and experience to do it properly.
Beyond the Classic Routes
Many travellers stick to the same circuits, but Mongolia has far more to offer. Regions such as the Eight Lakes, Khyargas Lake, or provinces like Zavkhan and Bulgan are far less visited and incredibly beautiful.
Zavkhan Province is my personal favourite and one I highly recommend if you are looking to get off the beaten path.
If you are planning a route outside the typical circuits and have questions, feel free to email me — I’m always happy to help.
Is a Road Trip to Mongolia worth it?
Mongolia is not an easy road trip — and that’s exactly why it’s worth it. I hope these tips for a road trip in Mongolia are useful and make your adventure more enjoyable.
Before leaving the country, make sure you enjoy the perks of the city lifestyle and allocate some time to explore Ulaanbaatar and treat yourself to some fine dining.
If you want to bring something meaningful home, consider choosing sustainable gifts that support local communities and minimise environmental impact, such as The Quilting Centre. They are a great alternative to mass-produced souvenirs.
