Tourism in Mongolia

Tourism in Mongolia is still relatively young on the international stage. Throughout its socialist period from 1924 to 1992, Mongolia remained largely closed off to the outside world. The first travel company in Mongolia was established in 1954. Under the socialist government, tourism was highly restricted until 1990, with only one state-owned travel company catering to tourists mainly from socialist countries, overseen by government offices.

Following the 1990 Democratic Revolution and the subsequent collapse of the USSR and other socialist regimes in 1989, Mongolia's tourism sector began to expand. Since then, significant developments in law, social policies, and the economy have fostered the growth of the travel industry in Mongolia, supported by governmental initiatives.

In 2018, Mongolia welcomed 529,000 tourists, marking a 12.7% increase compared to the previous year when 469,000 tourists visited in 2017.

Tourism Development and Resources

Tourism has become increasingly vital to Mongolia's national economy, providing not only crucial foreign currency earnings but also much-needed employment opportunities. The government has prioritized tourism development, aiming to increase foreign visitors and bolster its economic contributions.

The majority of Mongolia's leisure visitors hail from seven key international markets: France, USA, UK, Japan, Germany, Italy, and Korea. The country's main attractions are its stunning natural scenery and rich traditional culture.

Travel guidebooks and the internet serve as primary sources of information for prospective visitors. On average, tourists stay 14.8 nights, with popular destinations including the Gobi Desert and Terelj National Park.

Mongolia stands out as a unique and relatively unexplored travel destination, offering a captivating blend of pristine natural landscapes, nomadic lifestyles, and cultural richness. Although Mongolia's travel organizations have existed for over half a century, private sector-led tourism is a more recent phenomenon, spanning approximately two decades. Currently, Mongolia boasts 403 travel companies, 320 hotels, and 647 resorts and tourist camps, all supported by graduates from over 56 educational institutions specializing in tourism and hospitality.

Tourist Attractions in Mongolia

Mongolia's rich historical heritage is predominantly linked to Chinggis Khaan, drawing considerable interest from international tourists. The traditional nomadic lifestyle, centered around livestock herding and dwelling in traditional gers, is a major attraction.

As global interest in ecotourism has surged, Mongolia's strategic geographical position and abundant ecotourism resources have led to a growing demand for such experiences.

In the Central region, renowned for its cultural, historical, and religious tours, there are also popular spots such as sanatoriums and hot springs.

The Western region offers diverse eco-tourism opportunities, including bird and snow peak watching, wildlife and botanical research, trophy hunting, and photo safaris. Its mountainous terrain appeals to adventurers keen on climbing, mountaineering, hiking, trekking, jeep and bike riding.

Historical tourism thrives in the Eastern region, which features monuments like the Khuduu Aral, where the great Mongolian leader Chinggis Khaan was enthroned.

In the Northern region, mountain climbing, water sports, and fly fishing are prominent. Rafting and kayaking provide unique ways to explore Mongolia's extensive network of rivers, spanning 45,000 kilometers, and Lake Khuvsgul.

The Gobi Desert offers a wide array of attractions, including dinosaur fossil expeditions, visits to renowned monasteries, and picturesque journeys amidst diverse wildlife such as ibex, snow leopards, lynxes, wild asses, gazelles, saigas, Gobi bears, foxes, wolves, and steppe foxes

Tourism Season in Mongolia

Mongolia's tourism industry is significantly influenced by its climate, typical of landlocked temperate countries. The country experiences a highly continental climate characterized by warm summers and long, dry, and bitterly cold winters, resulting in a relatively short tourist season.

Recommended times to visit Mongolia are often dictated by weather conditions. Spring typically sees average daily temperatures ranging from -3°C to +12°C during the day and -10°C to +2°C at night, with signs of winter sometimes lingering until mid-March in certain years.

The most pleasant time for tourism in Mongolia is generally from May 1st to August 31st. Specifically, from May 15th to June 20th, the weather is mild, ideal for those who prefer cooler temperatures. Average daily temperatures during this period range from +14°C to +25°C, dropping to +3°C to +9°C at night. However, occasional snowfalls and a lingering spring chill can surprise visitors until around May 20th. The end of June through early August is considered the warmest period, particularly noticeable in the Gobi Desert where daytime temperatures range from +25°C to +38°C and nighttime temperatures from +7°C to +18°C.

From July 15th to August 10th marks Mongolia's rainy season, though it is not as intense as in some other countries, often manifesting as brief showers or drizzles. During the summer, from July 11th to 13th, Mongolia celebrates its most important holiday, Naadam, observed nationwide with festivities.