How to get to Mongolia?
How to Get to Mongolia for a Trekking Tour: Complete Travel & Planning Guide
Mongolia is one of the world’s last true wilderness destinations — endless steppes, snow-capped mountains, alpine lakes, desert dunes, and nomadic culture. If you’re planning a trekking tour in Mongolia, this guide combines everything you need to know: flights, land routes, visas, domestic transport, permits, best trekking regions, and practical preparation.
1️⃣ International Travel: How to Reach Mongolia
✈️ By Air (Fastest & Most Practical Option)
Most travelers arrive at:
🛬 Chinggis Khaan International Airport
Located about 52 km from the capital, this is Mongolia’s main international gateway.
🌆 Arrival City: Ulaanbaatar
All major trekking tours start or pass through the capital.
🌍 Direct Flight Connections
Common international hubs with direct flights:
- Seoul
- Beijing
- Tokyo
- Istanbul
- Frankfurt (seasonal)
Airlines Serving Mongolia
- MIAT Mongolian Airlines
- Korean Air
- Air China
- Turkish Airlines
🚆 By Train (Adventure Route)
You can travel via the famous:
🚂 Trans-Siberian Railway
Routes:
- Moscow → Ulaanbaatar (4–5 days)
- Beijing → Ulaanbaatar (~30 hours)
This branch is often called the Trans-Mongolian Railway and is ideal if your trekking trip is part of a larger overland adventure.
🚗 Overland from Neighboring Countries
Mongolia borders:
- Russia
- China
Main crossings:
- Erenhot ↔ Zamyn-Üüd
- Kyakhta ↔ Altanbulag
2️⃣ Visa & Entry Requirements
Visa policies vary by nationality.
Many EU and Asian passport holders enjoy visa-free stays (usually 30–90 days). Others must apply through a Mongolian embassy.
For trekking:
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
- Some remote areas may require special permits (your tour operator usually arranges this).
3️⃣ Getting from Ulaanbaatar to Trekking Regions
Once in Ulaanbaatar, trekking destinations are often remote. Travel options include:
🚙 4×4 Vehicles
Most common method for trekking tours. Mongolia has limited paved roads outside cities.
✈️ Domestic Flights
For far western regions (e.g., Altai Mountains), short domestic flights save time.
🚐 Organized Tours (Recommended)
Most trekkers book with local operators who provide:
- Guide
- Driver
- Cook
- Camping gear
- Permits
- Pack animals (horses or camels)
Independent trekking is possible but challenging due to:
- Lack of trail signs
- Remote terrain
- Limited English outside cities