Top tips for travelling mongolia on a budget
Mongolia features on many people’s bucket lists. As well as being one of the last unexplored landscapes, the nomadic culture of this beautiful country is a fascinating draw for travellers. Travelling to Mongolia doesn’t have to be a once in a lifetime, one-off excursion. With some careful planning and budgeting, you can take in the sights and sounds of Mongolia time and time again. Read our top tips for travelling Mongolia on a shoestring.
Go solo when touring
Seeing the best of Mongolia is possible thanks to the extensive range of quality tours and excursions available from several operators. Tours can be budget-busting though. People with less money to play with may wish to embrace the benefits of touring solo. Touring independently is an economical, creative and enjoyable way to fit in all you want to do and see. Travel blogger Pamela MacNaughtan offers her advice for going solo when touring:
“It’s also possible to tour Mongolia solo. Many people do this and have the time of their life. You can use jeep shares, ride cross country on horseback, rent or buy an old Russian vehicle or take locals buses. Either way, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet and hang out with nomads, and soak in the breathtaking scenery.”
Not quite ready to travel attractions and complete activities on your own in Mongolia? Our flexible trips and itineraries give you the best of both worlds. We deliver Trans-Mongolian trips for people wishing to travel independently with a little help and advice along the way.
Live like a local
Doing as the locals do will help you explore the Mongolian culture and see the very best of the country. Living like a local is more affordable than seeing and enjoying the country as a tourist. Embracing local life is also great for people wanting to enjoy a more authentic travel experience.
One of the best ways to live like a local and stay within budget is to book a homestay with a Mongolian family. Many Mongolian homestays take place in traditional accommodation called gers. A stay in a ger with a nomadic family provides a cheaper option when compared to hotels. A homestay also gives you the perfect environment to learn about Mongolian culture and more specifically nomadic families’ lifestyles.
Enlisting a local guide will help you go off the beaten track. Eating Mongolian delicacies is another way to have an amazing culinary adventure without breaking the bank.
Enjoy the natural world
Mongolia is a great location to be your most adventurous. The country is packed full of natural wonders that can be explored on foot, by bike, or even on horseback.
There are plenty of hiking opportunities thanks to the vast grassy hills and soaring mountains, and you don’t need a lot of experience or specialist equipment to trek Mongolia’s most beautiful rural landscapes. All you need is some basic hiking and camping gear, a good level of fitness and moderate orienteering skills. Trekking is an excellent way to see Mongolia at its best, and better yet, it costs very little to do! Discover more tips for independent trekking in Mongolia.
