Self-Guided Travel Experience in Mongolia for Backpackers
Mongolia – the land of nomadic warriors, vast green steppes, and deep blue skies – is a dream destination for those who love exploring pristine nature and unique cultures. In this article, NVK Travel will share self-guided travel experiences in Mongolia in detail from A-Z, helping you prepare the most complete and memorable journey.
Why should you travel to Mongolia independently?
Mongolia, a country located between Russia and China, is famous for having the lowest population density in the world (1.97 people/km²) and majestic natural landscapes, from endless steppes and the Gobi Desert to the Altai Mountains. Independent travel allows you to:
Traveling in Mongolia will give you wonderful experiences with the vast steppes
Freedom to explore: Create an itinerary based on your interests, from horseback riding on the steppes to sleeping in traditional Ger tents.
Deep cultural experiences: Interact directly with nomadic people, enjoy unique cuisine such as horse milk Airag or Buuz dumplings.
Cost savings: Organizing your own trip helps you control your budget, especially when hunting for early flight tickets or choosing budget accommodations.
However, independent travel in Mongolia requires careful preparation due to limited infrastructure, difficult transportation, and harsh weather conditions. Let's find out the details!
The weather in Mongolia is very harsh, with freezing winters (temperatures can drop to -30°C) and hot summers (up to 40°C in the Gobi Desert). According to experience, the best time for independent travel in Mongolia is:
June - September: Summer and early autumn, pleasant weather (15-25°C), suitable for outdoor activities like horseback riding and camping. Especially, July is when the Naadam festival takes place (11-13/07), the largest festival in Mongolia featuring traditional competitions such as archery, wrestling, and horse racing. Be sure to book your flight and hotel early to avoid fully booked situations.
September - October: Autumn, the steppes turn a brilliant yellow, perfect for exploring the Gobi Desert. However, be aware of unexpected snowstorms in October.
Note: Avoid February-March (harsh winter) and April-May (unpredictable weather, many lakes still frozen).
When traveling in Mongolia, don't miss the vibrant and fun Naadam festival.
Preparation before traveling independently in Mongolia
Visa and necessary documents
From March 7, 2024, Vietnamese citizens are exempt from visa when traveling to Mongolia, with a maximum stay of 30 days. This significantly saves costs and time. However, you still need to prepare:
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months.
Travel insurance: To cover risks when moving in difficult terrains.
An itinerary in English: Although not mandatory, having a clear itinerary will help you easily communicate with locals or guides.
If you need an invitation letter (for long trips or special purposes), you can contact Mongolian travel companies for a fee of about 30 USD.
Currently, there are no direct flights from Vietnam to Mongolia. You need to transit through cities like Beijing, Seoul, or Hong Kong, then switch to MIAT Mongolian Airlines to reach Chinggis Khaan International Airport in the capital Ulaanbaatar. Some popular airlines include:
Korean Air, Jeju Air, Asiana Airlines: Transit in Seoul.
Air China, Hong Kong Airlines: Transit in Beijing or Hong Kong.
Vietnam Airlines, Cathay Pacific: Other options with flexible transit points.
Ticket prices: Range from 13.5 million to 25 million VND (round trip), depending on the booking time. Book early 1-2 months for better prices.
Tip: Choose to transit in Seoul for a more interesting experience (for example: a quick city tour during the wait).
Luggage and clothing
When traveling in Mongolia, you should prepare sufficient money and documents to enjoy a smooth trip.
The weather in Mongolia changes unpredictably, so you need to prepare:
Warm clothing: Thick jackets, sweaters, gloves, scarves, especially if traveling in September-October.
Sports shoes or hiking boots: Suitable for rugged terrain.
Personal items: Tissues, dry food (in case you don't like local dishes), power banks (as many areas lack electricity).
Medications: Cold medicine, stomachache relief, first aid bandages for emergencies.
Currency
The currency of Mongolia is Tugrik (MNT), 1 MNT ≈ 11 VND (as of June 2025). You should:
Exchange money at Chinggis Khaan Airport or banks in Ulaanbaatar.
Bring USD as a backup, as some remote areas do not accept cards.
The capital Ulaanbaatar has ATMs and card payments are common, but in the steppes, cash is the only option.
Getting around in Mongolia
The public transportation system in Mongolia is very limited, especially in areas outside the capital. To explore independently, you can:
Renting a 4x4 jeep with a driver: This is the most popular option, priced from 500,000 - 1,000,000 VND/day. Local drivers are familiar with the terrain and can also serve as guides.
Horse or camel riding: A unique experience in the steppe or Gobi desert, priced around 200,000 - 400,000 VND/hour.
Spontaneous bus or taxi: Only suitable in Ulaanbaatar, but not recommended for long journeys due to poor roads.
Note: Roads in Mongolia are mainly dirt roads, sometimes without clear paths. Be prepared for dusty but extremely interesting trips.
Accommodation when traveling independently in Mongolia
Staying in Ulaanbaatar
The capital Ulaanbaatar offers many options from luxury hotels to budget hostels:
5-star hotel: The Blue Sky Hotel and Tower (prices from 2,000,000 VND/night), centrally located with modern amenities.
Budget hotel: Prices from 200,000 - 500,000 VND/night, suitable for independent travelers looking to save.
Hostel: Golden Gobi Hostel (prices from 150,000 VND/night), near the Gobi desert, popular among many travelers.
Traditional Ger tent
To experience nomadic life, stay in Ger tents on the steppe or Gobi desert. Ger tents are usually equipped with basic amenities (beds, heating), priced from 200,000 - 500,000 VND/night. Book in advance through platforms like Agoda or contact nomadic families directly.
Tip: Camping independently on the steppe is a unique experience, but you need to bring your own tent, sleeping bag, and food for safety.
Must-visit places in Mongolia
The capital Ulaanbaatar
Chinggis Khaan Square: A cultural and historical center featuring a prominent statue of Genghis Khan.
Gandan Khiid Monastery: The largest Buddhist monastery in Mongolia, famous for its 26.5m tall gilded Avalokiteshvara statue.
Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts: Preserves Mongolian artworks from the 17th century.
Gobi Desert
Khongor Sand Dunes: An ideal place for sunset viewing and camel riding.
Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag): A famous site for dinosaur fossils.
Yolyn Am Valley: An ice valley in the desert, unique year-round.
National parks
Gorkhi-Terelj National Park: 70km from Ulaanbaatar, known for its steppe landscapes, rocky mountains, and horse riding activities.
Khustai Nuruu National Park: A conservation area for Przewalski's horse – the only wild horse species in the world.
Khovsgol Lake: A large freshwater lake near the Russian border, ideal for camping and kayaking.
Festivals and culture
Naadam Festival: Experience traditional sports and a vibrant atmosphere.
Tsaatan Reindeer Herders Village: Meet the Tsaatan community and learn about their unique nomadic lifestyle.
Mongolian cuisine – Enjoy the nomadic flavors
Mongolian cuisine focuses on meat and dairy products, reflecting the nomadic lifestyle. Some must-try dishes include:
Buuz: Steamed dumplings filled with mutton or beef, similar to bao but with thinner skin.
Khuushuur: Fried meat-filled pastries, often eaten with chili sauce or mayonnaise.
Khorkhog: Mutton cooked with hot stones, offering a unique flavor.
Airag: Fermented mare's milk, a traditional drink. Note: Refusing Airag may be seen as disrespectful.
Boodog: Whole roasted goat or sheep, often prepared during festive occasions.
Dining costs: A meal in Ulaanbaatar ranges from 50,000 - 150,000 VND. In the steppe, you can eat with nomadic families for a lower price.
Tips for independent travel in Mongolia
Respect local culture: Greet by bowing or shaking hands, do not refuse food/drinks when offered. Avoid walking between two people who are talking or between two poles in a Ger tent.
Internet connectivity: Buy a 4G SIM at the airport (prices from 150,000 - 350,000 VND), but note that many areas have no signal. Bring books, speakers, or a deck of cards for entertainment.
Safety: Always carry an offline map and GPS, as roads in remote areas can be difficult to navigate. Hire a local guide if traveling far from Ulaanbaatar.
Estimated costs: A 7-day independent trip (including airfare, accommodation, transportation) is about 25-35 million VND/person, depending on the level of comfort.
Traveling independently in Mongolia is a challenging yet incredibly rewarding journey. To ensure a smooth trip, plan in detail, prepare physically, and always be ready for surprises along the way. If you want to save time and effort, NVK Travel offers comprehensive tours of Mongolia, professionally designed to ensure a safe and complete experience.
Let NVK Travel accompany you in exploring the land of Genghis Khan! Visit https://nvktravel.com/ today to receive advice and attractive offers for your journey to Mongolia.
