FESTIVALS & EVENTS
NAADAM Festival
When: July 11-13 (National Holiday; smaller regional festivals occur throughout summer).
What: Often called the "Three Manly Sports," Naadam features traditional wrestling, horse racing, and archery, showcasing the country’s historic skills and nomadic spirit.
Where: The largest Naadam is held in Ulaanbaatar, but smaller, more intimate festivals in rural areas like Arkhangai offer an authentic experience.
Why Visit: Witness colourful opening ceremonies, thrilling competitions, and a festive atmosphere.
DiSCOVER Mongolia
land of THE eternal blue sky
COUNTRY INFO
Mongolia hosts a stunning array of dramatic and varied landscapes. From mountain forests to vast tundra and steppe grasslands, desert dunes to freshwater lakes and river valleys, it’s a land overflowing with opportunities for the adventure tourist. Essentially a plateau nestled between China and Russia, Mongolia’s rugged and wild terrain makes it the least densely populated sovereign state in the world. Despite being larger than Germany, France, and Spain combined, the country is home to just over three million people, about half of whom live in Ulaanbaatar, the capital and only major city. In the countryside, Mongolia’s varied geography supports its traditional nomadic lifestyle, the wide open steppes being ideal for herding livestock.
Mongolia is a land of contrasts. While winter temperatures can fall as low as -40°C, summer highs regularly reach 30°C or more. And yet, despite its generally harsh environment, Mongolia boasts more than 250 sunny days per year, earning it the nickname “Land of the Eternal Blue Sky”. Being so far from any ocean, the country experiences an extreme continental climate, meaning it is cold and dry most of the year. However, the short summers (Jun-Aug) are warm and lush, transforming the steppe into an ocean of green grass criss-crossed by fast-flowing rivers. Autumn months (Sep-Oct) are mild and colourful, providing stunning golden hues in the countryside. Winters (Nov-Feb) are characteristically long and cold with minimal snowfall. Spring (Mar-May) weather offers a little bit of everything, with increasing wind and precipitation as things warm up again.
Mongolia’s people are deeply in touch with their roots, with approximately 30% of the population practising a traditional nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyle. Such families live in gers (yurts) and move seasonally across the vast countryside to graze their herds of horses, yaks, sheep, goats, cows, and camels. The rich and lively Mongol culture is perhaps most clearly appreciated during their many widely celebrated festivals and holidays, including Tsagaan Sar (Lunar New Year) and the Naadam Festival, centred on the “Three Manly Sports” of wrestling, horse racing, and archery. Though most famous for Golden Eagle hunting, Mongolia’s Kazakh minority in the far west also maintain their own unique ethnic and cultural identity and traditions.
Mongolia’s economy is a mix of traditional and modern sectors. Livestock herding and agriculture remain vital, employing a significant portion of the population. The mining industry has grown rapidly, with Mongolia exporting coal, copper, and gold to neighboring countries like China. While mining drives economic growth, tourism is an emerging sector, showcasing Mongolia’s unique cultural and natural treasures. Challenges like rural-to-urban migration, climate change, and economic inequality persist, but Mongolia continues to evolve as a dynamic economy in Asia. You support local Mongolians directly when you book a stay or Adventure with Fairfield.
With archeological remains dating back to the paleolithic, the territory of present-day Mongolia has been inhabited by a wide range of peoples and cultures across thousands of years. Nevertheless, the history of Mongolia as a nation is defined by the legacy of Chinggis (Genghis) Khaan, who united the nomadic Mongol tribes in the 13th century and created one of the largest empires in history, stretching from Europe to Asia. After centuries under the rule of the Qing Dynasty, Mongolia declared independence in 1921, becoming a satellite state of the Soviet Union. After 70 years of socialism, the peaceful Democratic Revolution in 1990 formally ended Soviet influence, transforming Mongolia into a parliamentary democracy. Today, Mongolia balances modern governance with a deep reverence for its historical and cultural heritage.
Buddhism is Mongolia’s predominant religion, having arrived from Tibet in the 16th century. Tibetan Buddhist monasteries can be found throughout the country, though many were damaged or destroyed during the socialist purges of the mid-20th century. Despite these attempts to suppress it, Tibetan Buddhism is reviving and continues to influence many aspects of daily life in Mongolia, often blending with older Central Asian shamanist practices and beliefs. Additionally, a significant proportion of Mongols follow no religion, while much smaller minorities profess either Muslim or Christian faith.
You're Probably Wondering
Mongolia is accessible by air or land, with the main entry point being Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar. Direct flights are available from many major cities such as Berlin, Beijing, Hong Kong, Seoul, Shanghai, Tokyo, Istanbul, and Moscow.
Another option for overland travelers is the Trans-Siberian Railway, which connects Ulaanbaatar to Russia and China. This iconic journey offers breathtaking views of the Siberian forests, Gobi Desert, and Mongolia's rolling steppes. If you choose this option it is important to research your journey thoroughly, with different visa and access requirements needed depending on your country of origin.
Road crossings are possible from both China and Russia at times, but infrastructure can be challenging, so it's best suited for seasoned adventurers or those on guided tours.
If you’re coming from Ulaanbaatar, you can get to Fairfield Arkhangai in Central Mongolia via long-distance bus or private car. The bus takes approximately eight hours, including a break for lunch and several toilet stops along the way. This is a reliable and economical option for travellers on a lower budget. Though more expensive, hiring a private driver allows you to travel in greater comfort and at your own pace, making stops at various points of interest along the way.
However you choose to travel, contact us in advance and we can help you book your tickets or arrange a private car.
IMPORTANT: Fairfield Arkhangai is located in the town of Tsetserleg, which happens to share a name with another town in the north of the same province… Therefore, it is essential if you are taking a bus it is going to Erdenebulgan (Ар.Эрдэнэбулган /аймгийн төв/)
If you are taking a private car, ensure your driver is going to Tsetserleg, the provincial capital of Arkhangai Aimag (province), usually just referred to as ‘Arkhangai’.You can get to Fairfield Hovd from Ulaanbaatar via bus, private driver, or a short flight.
Driving to Hovd takes about 20 hrs with a private driver. If travelling this way, we recommend making the journey over three days to allow time to enjoy the many scenic and cultural stops en route. The bus from Ulaanbaatar to Hovd is significantly cheaper, driving approx. 26 hours through the night and making only necessary stops for meals and toilet breaks.
Flying is certainly the fastest option at approx. 1hr 10min flight time. Flights to Hovd are usually scheduled on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. We can arrange to pick you up from the airport upon request.
However you choose to travel, contact us in advance and we can help you book your tickets or arrange a private car.
Car Travel:
Mongolia’s vast and rugged landscapes make getting around an adventure in itself. The vast majority of Mongolia's official road network are simple cross-country tracks, so you can expect a predominately off-road adventure when travelling by car. Roads can be rough, so hiring experienced drivers or booking guided tours is recommended for safety and convenience.Taxis are available in Ulaanbaatar and other regional cities. Contact us and Fairfield can book you a driver to help you get around Mongolia.
Bus Travel:
To ride a bus in Ulaanbaatar you will require a U-Money bus card. U-Money cards can be purchased topped up at kiosks/convenience stores at major bus stops. Enter the bus through the front door and tap the card at the fare collection machine next to the driver. We recommend using Google maps or similar to track your travel as the bus will have no foreign language information available. Depart the bus through the central or back doors. Ensure you tap your card on the machine by the door as you exit the bus.Long-distance bus routes are available between Ulaanbaatar and major regional locations. This is an economical option for travellers on a lower budget. Contact us and Fairfield can help you book bus tickets and confirm your travel in advance.
Flights:
Domestic flights are available in Mongolia to some provincial destinations. Flights carry between 25-120 people depending on the type of aircraft and route flown. There are two or three flights per week to the most popular provincial destinations e.g., Dalanzadgad, Muron, and Hovd. Contact us and Fairfield can help you book domestic flights and confirm your travel in advance.Craving greater adventure?
We can help you organise travel by mountain bike, motorcycle, horse, and even camel! Contact us to plan your adventure now.
Mongolia allows visa-free tourist travel for citizens of 61 countries, with differing regulations regarding length of visit. For up-to-date visa information and to check your country’s requirements please visit the Mongolian Consulate website: https://en.consul.mn/visa/c/83
A tourist visa is required for passport holders of countries not exempt from visa requirements. Tourist visas typically allow for a 30 day stay in Mongolia. It is often possible to extend your stay in Mongolia by another 30 days through an application with Immigration Agency of Mongolia in Ulaanbaatar. Ensure you have your passport, confirmation of accommodation, and proof of ongoing travel with you to complete the application for extension. Contact the Mongolian Consulate or your country’s Mongolian Embassy for further information. If you require a formal letter of invitation please contact Fairfield.For seamless travel, it's advisable to confirm visa requirements and apply well in advance of your trip. Additionally, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your stay.
By far the most commonly spoken language in Mongolia is Mongolian (chiefly the Khalkha dialect). Multilingualism is growing, particularly in major urban centres, with many younger people speaking at least some English and/or Korean. However, foreign-language speakers in the countryside are rare.
In the west and north of the country, Mongolia’s Kazakh and Tuvan peoples also maintain their own native languages, often in addition to Mongolian.
Mongolia's official currency is the Mongolian Tugrik (MNT). Banknotes are available in denominations ranging from 10 to 20,000 tugriks. Ulaanbaatar and large towns have banks where you can exchange foreign currency, while ATMs and cashless payment options are rapidly becoming more available across the country. However, some rural areas operate on a cash-only basis, so it’s essential to carry enough cash when traveling outside urban centers.
Credit cards are increasingly accepted in Ulaanbaatar and at larger businesses. We recommend bringing with you both a Visa and Mastercard option for payment as different businesses/banks vary in cards accepted.
Tipping in Mongolia is not routinely expected, but is practised on occasion. If you choose to tip, please be thoughtful to avoid undermining cultural norms and economic expectations. Ask the Fairfield team if you are unsure.
Mongolian cuisine reflects its nomadic heritage, with meat and dairy being key components. Popular dishes include buuz (steamed dumplings), khuushuur (meat-filled pastry), khorkhog (meat cooked with hot stones), and tsuivan (stir-fried noodles with mutton). Meals are often simple, hearty, and protein-rich.
In Ulaanbaatar, international restaurants cater to diverse tastes, but options are more limited in rural areas. Dairy products like airag (fermented mare’s milk) and aruul (dried curd) are among the staple traditional offerings in the countryside. For beverages, try Mongolian milk tea (suutei tsai) or vodka, a common celebratory drink. Consider carrying spare snacks if you’re traveling through remote regions as food options can be sparse.In Mongolia, power plugs and sockets (outlets) of type C and type E are standard, but universal powerpoints are also common. The standard voltage is 220 V at a frequency of 50 Hz.
