Most frequent questions about Mongolia

Question 1. What is the climate zone? 

Mongolia with its high altitude and its landlocked situation, has an extreme continental climate. It has very cold winters, with temperatures which can reach-30°C, and short, but warm summers, particularly in the Gobi Desert  reaching +40°C. 

Average temperature in most of the country is below zero from November to March and close to it in April and October. Winter nights of -40°C are common most years (minimum recorded -55°C at lake Uvs). Summer extremes reach as high as +40°C in the Gobi Desert and +33°C in the capital Ulaanbaatar.

Question 2. What food do Mongolians eat?

Due to the extreme climate of the country, Mongolian cuisine predominantly consists of dairy products, meat, and animal fats. The most common rural dish is cooked mutton whereas in the city, steamed or fried dumplings filled with meat are popular.  

Other common meals are: noodle stew (Tsuivan), noodle soup, steamed bun (mantuu) and rice dish. 

Question 3. Are there vegetarian or vegan meals? 

In Mongolia, over recent years, the number of vegans and vegetarians is increasing. There are many cafes and restaurants vegan and vegetarian dishes. However, in the rural areas, the choices are limited but it can be managed by field cooking or advanced notice based measures. You should inform us in advance of your food preferences so that we arrange your meals. 

Question 4. What is Mongolian currency and how can I withdraw cash? 

Mongolian currency is named Tögrög (MNT). Outside the city,  it is very much a cash-based society. You can use credit cards in most of the hotels, shops and restaurants in Ulaanbaatar and ATMs are widely available. As per the trip to countryside, we recommend you keep sufficient amount of cash for meals and souviners on the way.