Exploring Mongolia: Understanding The True Cost Of Travel

Mongolia is a land of extremes, with a rich cultural heritage, nomadic culture, diverse outdoor activities, and natural beauty. However, travelling to this remote country can be quite expensive. The cost of a trip to Mongolia depends on factors such as transportation, accommodation, food, and activities.

Public transportation in Mongolia is limited and unreliable, making it difficult and costly to reach remote destinations. Tours are a popular option, but they can be expensive, ranging from $3000 to $6000 per person for a 2-3 week trip. Independent travel is challenging due to the lack of roads and signage, and renting a car or joining a tour are more feasible options.

Accommodation costs vary, with hostels costing around $7 to $10 per night, while luxury hotels can be several hundred dollars per night. Food is generally affordable, with meals costing around $3 to $5 at local restaurants, but fruit can be expensive.

Overall, travelling to Mongolia can be expensive, but with careful planning and a tight budget, it is possible to explore this fascinating country without breaking the bank.

Transport costs

The cost of travelling in Mongolia varies depending on the mode of transport and the distance travelled. The country's public transport system is limited, with few roads and infrequent buses. However, it is possible to get around cheaply using buses and taxis. A 65km bus ride from Terelj National Park to Ulaanbaatar, for example, costs less than €2. Taxis are also a good option, with any car acting as a potential taxi; fares are around 1000 MNT/km.

For those looking to travel independently, it is possible to rent a car, but this is an expensive option, costing at least $200 per day. It is not possible to rent a car without a driver, so this is not a way to save money. Driving yourself also comes with the added complication of a lack of road signs.

A cheaper option is to join a tour, which will include transportation, lodging, a guide, entrance tickets, food and water. The cheapest tour will cost around $50 per person per day for a group of six people.

For those looking for a more unique mode of transport, it is possible to rent a motorcycle, but this is a costly option, with prices starting at $3000-$4000 per week.

For those looking to travel on a budget, the best option is to take the Trans-Mongolian Railway, which connects China and Mongolia. This is a much cheaper option than flying, although you will need to acquire a Chinese visa.

Tour prices

Multi-Day Tours

Multi-day tours in Mongolia can range from $500 to $6000 per person for a 2-3 week trip. These tours typically include transportation, lodging, a guide, entrance tickets, food, and water. For example, a 5-day tour of the Gobi desert costs around $250 per person. An 11-day Gobi and Orkhon tour, including food, accommodation, entrance fees, and transportation, can cost around $1200 per person.

Independent Tours

It is possible to book independent tours upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar for a more affordable price. These tours typically cost between $50 and $100 per person per day, depending on the destination and group size. For instance, the hostels 99 Guesthouse and Golden Gobi in Ulaanbaatar offer tours for as little as $50 per person per day.

Budget Tours

Budget tours are also available for as little as $500 to $1500 per person, depending on the experience, destination, and duration of the trip. These tours are usually offered by hostels and local tour companies.

Luxury Tours

Luxury tours can cost anywhere from $5000 to $10,000 per person and include high-end accommodations, transportation, private chefs, and knowledgeable guides.

Other Options

For those seeking an even more affordable option, it is possible to explore Mongolia independently by renting a car or joining forces with other travelers to hire a car and driver. This option typically costs around $120 to $200 per day for the car rental or driver, excluding fuel and other expenses. However, it is important to note that independent travel in Mongolia can be challenging due to the lack of roads, public transportation, and signage.

Food and accommodation

The cost of food and accommodation in Mongolia varies depending on your budget and travel style. Here is a breakdown of what you can expect to spend on food and accommodation during your trip to Mongolia.

Food

The average daily cost of food in Mongolia is $13 (₮45,855) per person, based on the spending habits of previous travellers. This includes meals at restaurants, street food, and convenience store meals.

• Street food or fast food: $2 - $5
• Casual dining or local restaurants: $5 - $15
• Mid-range restaurants: $15 - $30
• High-end or luxury restaurants: $30 and above

In Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia, food is more expensive compared to the rest of the country. However, it is still possible to find budget-friendly options. Here is an example of food costs in Ulaanbaatar:

• Latte at Coffee Fellows: $2.92
• Salmon benedict at Rosewood with coffee: $10.85
• Sushi bento box lunch set with tea and water: $11.03
• Chicken Karaage set with miso and rice at Sakura Japanese Bakery: $4.15
• Cocktail at Bitsy & Co.: $7.40
• Four small draft beers at MB Beer Plus Brewery: $10.93

Accommodation

Accommodation costs in Mongolia vary depending on location and amenities. In major cities like Ulaanbaatar, Darkhan, and Erdenet, prices tend to be higher.

• Budget hotels or hostels: $15 - $20 per night
• Mid-range hotels: $80 - $150 per night
• Luxury hotels: $200 - $400 per night

For a more authentic experience, you can also stay in traditional Mongolian tents called yurts or ger camps. A homestay night in a ger can cost from $40.

Money-Saving Tips

• Consider staying in guesthouses or renting an Airbnb, which can be cheaper than hotels.
• Cook your own meals instead of dining out.
• Look for restaurants with a dedicated kids' menu, as these meals are often cheaper.
• Take advantage of free breakfast at hotels, or opt for a more affordable option at a nearby bakery or café.
• Carry a water bottle instead of buying drinks all the time.
• Join a group tour to save on accommodation costs.
• Stock up on snacks before leaving for your tour, as food can become monotonous.
• Camping is a cheaper alternative to staying in hotels or ger camps.
• Visit during the off-season or book in advance to save on accommodation costs.

By following these tips and planning your budget accordingly, you can explore the beauty and culture of Mongolia without breaking the bank.

Visa costs

The cost of a visa to Mongolia depends on the type of visa and the nationality of the applicant. Here is a breakdown of the visa costs:

Electronic Visa (e-Visa)

The Mongolian government introduced an electronic visa system in June 2021, which is available to citizens of 98 countries for tourism or cultural events. The e-Visa allows a stay of up to 30 days in Mongolia and can be extended onsite. The consular fee for the e-Visa is 46 €, excluding service charges. An urgent request can be processed within 72 hours.

There is also an e-Visa transit option for stays of up to 10 days, with a consular fee of 22 €, excluding service charges.

Single-Entry Visa

For citizens of countries that do not qualify for the e-Visa, a single-entry 30-day visa is available. The cost of this visa varies depending on the applicant's country of origin, ranging from $50 to $70 USD on average.

Multi-Entry Visa

For frequent travellers to Mongolia or those requiring a longer stay, a multi-entry visa may be more suitable. The cost of this type of visa is likely to be higher than a single-entry visa but will offer more flexibility for the traveller.

Visa-Free Entry

It is important to note that some nationalities are exempt from visa requirements altogether. For example, citizens of the United States and Kazakhstan can stay for up to 90 days without a visa, while citizens of Laos and Malaysia can stay for up to 30 days visa-free.

Additionally, in January 2023, the Mongolian authorities waived visa requirements for 34 nationalities as part of their tourist programme. These travellers can stay for up to 30 days without a visa until the end of 2025.

Travel insurance

While there is no legal requirement to take out travel insurance for Mongolia, it is highly recommended. The public healthcare system in Mongolia is not up to Western standards, and emergency evacuation can cost upwards of $50,000. Private facilities are better equipped but can be expensive.

• Medical emergencies
• Trip cancellation
• Trip interruption
• Lost or stolen luggage
• Travel delay
• Emergency evacuation
• Emergency dental procedures
• Trip interruption due to illness, including COVID-19
• Replacement of personal tech devices
• Aid in the case of terrorism or natural disasters

The cost of travel insurance depends on the length of the trip, the traveller's age, the destination, and the level of coverage. On average, travel insurance costs between 3% and 10% of the total trip cost.

When choosing a travel insurance plan, it is important to double-check that the policy covers the activities you plan to do. Most policies cover non-competitive, leisurely activities such as backpacking, camel riding, camping, hiking, and horse riding.

• VisitorsCoverage: Comprehensive medical coverage, including coverage for pre-existing conditions, repatriation, and mental health-related conditions. Trip coverage is excellent but only available for US residents. Pricing ranges from $25 to $150 per traveller per month.
• Insured Nomads: Solid trip insurance with some coverage for medical incidents. Choose your level of protection and enjoy benefits such as 24/7 assistance and coverage for risky activities. Pricing ranges from $80 to $420 per traveller per month.
• SafetyWing: Flexible and comprehensive coverage at an affordable price, ideal for younger travellers or digital nomads. Covers unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. Pricing ranges from $45 to $160 per traveller per month.

Frequently asked questions