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How to choose Mongolia Tour: A Complete Guide

Planning a trip to Mongolia can feel overwhelming—there are vast regions, different tour styles, and many types of accommodations to choose from. This complete guide will help you pick the right Mongolia tour based on your interests, budget, and travel style. Whether you want a budget adventure, a comfortable standard trip, or a luxury experience, this guide explains everything in clear, easy-to-read language.

1. How to Choose a Mongolia Tour

Before you choose a tour, think about your travel goals. Here are the key questions to ask:

1.1 What do you want to experience?

1.2 What comfort level do you prefer?

  • Budget / Adventure – basic, authentic, simple living

  • Standard / Mid-range – comfortable, great value

  • Luxury / High-end – private, premium, exclusive

Deciding on your preferred region + comfort level helps narrow down the perfect Mongolia tour.

2. How to Choose the Best Region in Mongolia

Mongolia has several unique travel regions. Each offers different scenery, culture, and experiences. Here is a simple guide to help you choose.

2.1 Gobi Desert

Best for: Sand dunes, camel herders, dramatic desert landscapes
Highlights: Flaming Cliffs, Khongor Sand Dunes, Yol Valley
Why choose it: Perfect for first-time visitors; easy to combine with Central Mongolia

2.2 Central Mongolia

Best for: Culture, history, and nomadic lifestyle
Highlights: Karakorum, Erdene Zuu Monastery, Orkhon Valley, hot springs
Why choose it: A balanced mix of nature and history

2.3 Northern Mongolia (Lake Khuvsgul)

Best for: Lakes, forests, hiking, peace and quiet
Highlights: Lake Khuvsgul, Darkhad Valley, reindeer herders
Why choose it: Beautiful scenery and great for families or slow travelers

2.4 Western Mongolia

Best for: Eagle hunters, trekking, photography
Highlights: Altai Mountains, Kazakh culture, Golden Eagle Festival
Why choose it: Adventurous, remote, and rich in culture

2.5 Eastern Mongolia

Best for: Grasslands, wildlife, Genghis Khan history
Why choose it: Quiet, less touristy, ideal for off-the-beaten-path travelers

3. Types of Mongolia Tours

You can choose from three main tour styles: budget, standard, and luxury. Each offers a different experience.

3.1 Budget Mongolia Tours

Ideal for: Backpackers, students, adventure travelers
Features:

  • Shared transportation (Russian van or older 4×4)

  • Basic family homestays (no modern bathroom)

  • Simple local meals

  • Tour assistants

Why choose: Affordable, immersive, and adventurous

3.2 Standard (Mid-Range) Mongolia Tours

Ideal for: Travelers seeking comfort and value
Features:

  • Comfortable 4×4 SUVs

  • Tourist ger camps with good facilities

  • Mostly shared bathrooms

  • Balanced meals

  • Small-group or private tours

  • Experienced English-speaking guide

Why choose: Best balance of comfort, price, and quality. Most tourists choose the standard option.

3.3 Luxury Mongolia Tours

Ideal for: Couples, families, VIP travelers, comfort lovers
Features:

  • Premium 4×4 transportation

  • Luxury ger camps with ensuite bathrooms

  • High-quality meals

  • Private cultural experiences

  • Flexible itineraries

  • Expert guides

Why choose: Offers exclusive experiences and top-level comfort. However, for longer tours (more than 7 days), it may not be the best option because some regions do not have luxury ger camps. Additionally, road conditions can be rough, and some premium vehicles are not suitable for bad roads. Therefore, luxury tours are generally better for shorter trips.

4. Accommodation in the Mongolian Countryside

Mongolia has unique accommodations, mainly ger camps and homestays. The facilities differ depending on your tour type.

4.1 Tourist Ger Camps (Standard Ger Camps)

Tourist ger camps are the countryside version of hotels. They are located near major attractions and offer private gers with:

  • 2 to 4 single beds

  • Traditional stove

  • Small table and sometimes a cupboard

  • Shared modern bathrooms in a separate building

  • A restaurant or dining room

  • Occasionally a bar or recreation area

Some camps also offer Ensuite Gers (private bathroom inside the ger) for an additional fee.

4.2 Family Ger Stays (Homestays)

Nomadic families in national parks and tourist areas sometimes rent gers to travelers.
Features include:

  • Basic, authentic ger guesthouses

  • 4–6 beds per ger

  • Multi-share (but only with your own group)

  • No modern toilet — usually a simple outdoor trench

  • No showers in many homestays

These stays offer the closest look at true nomadic life.

4.3 Luxury Ger Camps

Luxury ger camps offer:

  • Ensuite bathrooms

  • Comfortable bedding

  • Stylish interiors

  • Excellent meals

  • High standard of service

If you prefer more comfort, request an ensuite ger during booking.  But some regions do not have Ensuite gers.

5. Hotels in Ulaanbaatar (UB)

You will likely stay in Ulaanbaatar before and after your countryside tour.

5.1 Budget Hotels

  • Guesthouses and hostels

  • Clean, basic rooms

5.2 Standard Hotels

  • 3–4 star options

  • Comfortable rooms and good service

5.3 Luxury Hotels

  • Shangri-La Hotel

  • Blue Sky Hotel

  • Kempinski Hotel

  • International-level facilities and service

Tip: Stay near Sukhbaatar Square or Peace Avenue for easy access to restaurants and attractions.
You can check availability on booking.com.

6. Additional Tips for Choosing the Right Mongolia Tour

Here are a few extra points to consider before booking:

6.1 Check daily driving hours

Mongolia is a vast country, and travel distances between destinations can be long. Some routes require 4–8 hours of driving per day, depending on the region and road conditions.

Choose a tour with realistic driving times that match your comfort level. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, look for itineraries with shorter driving days or more overnight stays in each location.

6.2 Consider the Best Season for Your Interests

Mongolia’s weather and activities vary by season.

  • June–August: Best weather, green landscapes, most festivals (including Naadam).

  • May & September: Fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.

  • October–April: Very cold and not suitable for most tours except special winter experiences.

6.3 Ask About Flexibility

Mongolian travel sometimes requires adjusting plans due to weather or road conditions.
Choose a tour company that is experienced, responsive, and flexible enough to make safe, practical changes when needed.