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Mongolia - Nomadic by Nature
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Mongolia is a landlocked nation in north-central Asia that was formerly known as Outer Mongolia. Its shape is essentially oval, with a maximum distance of 782 miles (1,259 km) from north to south and a length of 1,486 miles (2,392 km) from west to east. The land area of Mongolia is roughly comparable to that of Western and Central European nations, and it is located in a similar range of latitudes. Ulaanbaatar, also known as Ulan Bator in Mongolian, serves as the nation's capital.
Located in the interior of eastern Asia, far from any ocean, landlocked Mongolia is bordered by China to the south and Russia to the north. Long, frigid winters and brief, cool-to-hot summers are characteristics of the nation's distinctively continental climate. Upland steppes, semideserts, and deserts make up the majority of its strikingly diverse landscape, however in the west and north, wooded high mountain ranges alternate with basins dotted with lakes. With an average elevation of about 5,180 feet (1,580 meters) above sea level, Mongolia is primarily a plateau. The Mongolian Altai Mountains (Mongol Altain Nuruu), a division of the Altai Mountains system, are located in the southwest and contain the highest peaks. Seismic activity can occur anywhere in the nation, and some earthquakes can be very destructive. The low population density, however, limits their impact.
For those who want to avoid the crowds that are typical in many Asian tourist spots, Mongolia is the place to go. With less than two inhabitants per square kilometer, it is the most sparsely inhabited sovereign state in the entire world. It's possible to drive for days without seeing another person outside of Ulaanbaatar, the country's capital and the place where over half of the population resides.
The Gobi Desert is one of the first images of Mongolia that many tourists have who have never visited there. Although this is a beautiful area, getting there require long travel distances and a harsh environment. There are many better options available for elder travelers to enjoy the vastness and emptiness of the Mongolian environment.
Let's get around
Taxis
By waving your hand to your side and indicating that you need a ride, you can hail a taxi pretty much anywhere in the city (and in the countryside, provided that someone is driving by). Although they are not authorized taxis, these are the most typical vehicles used for getting around the city. Have your destination ready to show the driver on a map like Google Maps or Maps.me (an app that lets you access a local map even if you don't have a cell connection); expect to pay roughly 1,500 MNT per kilometer and that your driver won't understand English.
You can utilize applications like 1991 TaxiCaller and UBCab in the city if the idea of getting into a weird Mongolian car gives you the willies. There are no ride-hailing services like Uber, Lyft, or Yandex in Mongolia.
The City's Public Transportation
Due to a lack of routes and other public transportation choices (the city has no subway), buses inside the city are frequently crowded. You cannot pay for a bus ride with cash; instead, you must acquire a refillable smart card called a U Money Smart Card for 3,600 MNT. A single ride costs 500 MNT. Your U Money Smart Card can be purchased and refilled inside V Point, Circle K, or CU convenience stores, as well as at bus kiosks located throughout the city. Keep in mind that bus and route numbers will be displayed in Cyrillic.
Mongolia's Public Transportation
From Ulaanbaatar, buses can be taken to other cities across the nation. For instance, a bus to Moron will cost only 32,000 MNT for the entire 14-hour journey.
Renting a car
In Mongolia, renting a car is fairly affordable, especially from businesses like Sixt Mongolia.
You can rent a car for your journey and trek your way across Mongolia at your leisure for roughly $45 to $75 per day, depending on your model - you'll want to go for something solid, as the roads in Mongolia aren't exactly forgiving.
Once you leave the city, it can be very challenging to find your way around the country because the roads aren't always well-maintained. Unless you're an experienced off-road driver, renting a car with a driver is typically the best option for getting around the country with the least amount of hassle and typically for the same price.
Employed Drivers
Would you rather drive a Toyota Land Cruiser than a Toyota Delica? Or do you want the complete Russian UAZ-452 Furgon experience? If you think about it (and have some buddies you can split the expense with), hiring a private car and driver will run you approximately $65 per day, including gas.
When something goes wrong, which I can virtually guarantee will, drivers are always adaptable, laid-back, and prepared to fix their own cars. Although it's likely that they won't speak English, you'll pick up the essential phrases you need to survive your journey quickly. You should also never undervalue the power of sign language or Google Translate.
The cost of the trip includes the driver's meals and accommodations, but it's polite to offer to pay for one or more meals so that they can dine with you and get to know you better. Drivers are typically amusing people who will quickly start to feel like family.
Few things to know
1. What is the currency and conversion in Mongolia?
Since 1925, the tugrik (MNT), the nation of Mongolia's official currency, has served as the unit of exchange.
1 USD = 3,493.06 MNT2. What is the language in Mongolia?
Khalkha Mongolian, the name of the four Khalkha provinces that were carved out of this territory in the 17th century, is the correct name for Mongolian, the official language of the sovereign nation of Mongolia.
3. Are there many ATMs and Money Exchange?
ATMs in Mongolia
The Ulaanbaatar and rural branches of Golomt, Trade & Development Bank, Khan Bank, and XacBank all have ATMs. A lot of stores and malls also have ATMs. You can withdraw up to T800,000 each day from these ATMs, which often work and accept Visa and MasterCard. However, the amount may vary depending on your home bank. Try the XAAH Bank ATMs if you can't get your hands on a chip card at most ATMs. You could also go to the Trade & Development Bank's headquarters on Peace Avenue.
Currency Exchange in Mongolia
Local businesses only accept money from the area. Commercial banks and Bureau de Change situated on the streets and in hotels are among the authorized institutions in Ulaanbaatar to exchange foreign cash. Prices vary a little bit and are probably cheaper in hotels. You can find authorized exchange sites at:
- Flower Center, Peace Avenue & Baga Toiruu intersection- The Ard Theater is located in Baga Toiruu, next to the Trade Development Bank's main office.- Any significant bank, including Trade and Development Bank, Khaan Bank, Golomt, and XacBank.4. What is the time zone in Mongolia?
The Mongolian Standard Time (UTC+08:00) is the recognized unit of time in Mongolia.
5. What is the climate in Mongolia?
With four temperature changes, little precipitation, and distinct regional differences depending on latitude and elevation, Mongolia has a distinctly continental climate.
6. What is the telephone code in Mongolia?
The International Telecommunication Union has allocated Mongolia the country dialing code +976.
7. What is the emergency service in Mongolia?
In order to handle emergency calls for the entire city of UB, including emergency (calls 101–105), ambulance (calls 103), and police (calls 102) calls, IEWCU was founded in 2010.
8. What is the driving mode in Mongolia?
In Mongolia, drivers use the right lane and overtake on the left. Traffic travels on the right side of the road. On your left, oncoming traffic is moving in your direction. A summary of all nations with left-hand traffic is also available here.
9. What is the electricity voltage in Mongolia?
230V50Hz and 230V supply voltage are used in Mongolia.
Some highlights in Mongolia
Airlines that fly to Mongolia
These are some of the airlines flying to Mongolia from around the world. Major airlines offer direct flights to Mongolia from all over the world. There are also several connecting flights to Mongolia depending on what countries you depart from and which airline you are flying with. In some airlines, you may consider having layovers too.
How long do flights to Mongolia take?
A flight from the Philippines to Mongolia takes 5 hours and 28 minutes in total.
This implies that a commercial airliner flies at an average speed of 500 mph, or 805 km/h, or 434 knots. A further 30 minutes are added for takeoff and landing. The precise time may change based on the wind.