Mongolia is an unlikely tourist destination but one that proves
irresistible to lovers of wide-open spaces, untamed wilderness and
raw natural beauty. Outside of the capital, Ulaanbaatar, where over
half the population lives, visitors will encounter a land
blissfully unaffected by the modern world. It is a journey back in
time where nomadic lifestyles are perfectly in tune with the
natural rhythms of the landscape, and the people are renowned for
their warmth and hospitality.
Mongolia is three times the size of France and twice the size of
Texas, yet with fewer than three million people it is the most
sparsely populated country on earth. The main economic activity is
livestock tending, though the country's considerable mineral wealth
is beginning to be exploited.
Key attractions are the Gobi Desert with its astounding Khongor
sand dunes, the varied sights of Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, the
vast and pristine Khovsgol Lake near Moron, and Karakorum, former
capital of the Mongol Empire and home to Mongolia's most important
monastery. From desert steppes to snow-clad mountains, explorers
and adventurers come from far and wide to brave Mongolia on
horseback and embark on camel trekking, 4X4 excursions, rock
climbing expeditions and desert safaris.
Ulaanbaatar itself is more a functional centre with few must-see
attractions to speak of. One worthwhile site, however, is the
National Museum of History (with an entire floor dedicated to
Genghis Khan, founder of the Mongol Empire). Under his grandson
Kublai Khan, Mongolia became the world's first superpower, spanning
from modern-day Korea to Poland and encompassing 22 percent of the
globe at its peak. Ulaanbaatar is also the main transport hub for
Mongolia, with the only international airport, Chinggis Khaan
International Airport, located 12 miles (18km) southwest of the
city.
Following almost a century of Soviet domination, Mongolia became
a democracy in 1990, but was left with the consequences of the
USSR's anti-religious violence. The most destructive consequence of
that regime was the systematic eradication of the Buddhist faith.
Over 7,000 monasteries were destroyed, with only four surviving and
over 20,000 monks were killed. Today, Buddhism is once again
flourishing and people are rejoining the traditions that have
sustained them for centuries.
Key Facts
Language:
Mongolian is spoken by at least 95 percent of the
population and Russian is the most commonly spoken foreign tongue,
followed by English. (Korean and some European languages are spoken
by Mongolian expats who've worked or studied abroad.)
Passport/Visa:
Foreign passengers visiting Mongolia on business or on duty can
obtain a visa on arrival at Buyant-Ukhaa International Airport
(ULN) if they have confirmation from the Immigration Agency of
Mongolia or Consular department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
of Mongolia stating that a visa has been approved before departure.
They must have a completed visa application form, a passport photo,
arrive from a country without diplomatic representation of Mongolia
and have a sponsor in Mongolia who submits request to the Mongolian
Immigration Authority. Visitors or their organizing parties must
register at the Police Department within 10 days after arrival but
before departure. It is highly recommended that travellers'
passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the
intended date of departure from their travel destination.
Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated
by travel agents and official sources.
Currency:
Electricity:
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. European
two-pin plugs are standard.
Travel to Mongolia
Overview
There are few tarred roads in this rugged destination and the
main urban centre, Ulaanbaatar, is small, meaning visitors
shouldn't expect modern luxury. Rather, adventure seekers can
expect a natural beauty that is unaffected by the bustle, stress
and pollution of modern life. Every journey through the wilderness
here is an adventure into remote territory.
Mongolia is famous for its landscape, particularly the
ice-capped peaks of Bayan-Olgii, the roaring river mouth at the
Yolyn Am, the surreal white limestone cliffs at Tsagaan Suvarga and
the lush lakes in the Khuisiin Naiman Nuur Nature Reserve. Most
tourists come in the summer, whether for hunting, fishing, horse
riding or trekking,
A visit to Mongolia is incomplete without accepting local
hospitality and experiencing its traditions. The famous Nomadic
lifestyle of the Mongols exists as part of everyday life, and the
friendly people are proud to share their customs and heritage.
Climate in Mongolia
Mongolia has an extreme continental climate with long, freezing
winters and short summers, when most precipitation falls. The
country receives an average of 257 cloudless days a year.
Rainfall is highest in the north, which averages between 20 and
35 centimetres per year, and lowest in the south, which receives 10
to 20 centimetres. Parts of the Gobi region in the far south rarely
receive any precipitation at all.
Eastern Mongolia's climate and landscape have more in common
with northeastern China than Central Asia, as winds are less violet
and temperatures are less severe than in the west.
The high season runs from June to August, and conditions are
mostly warm and dry. Winds, dust storms and frigid temperatures
characterise the low seasons (October to April), while weather in
the shoulder seasons (May and September) can be changeable.
Health Notes when travelling to Mongolia
No particular immunisations are required for travel to Mongolia,
though standard vaccinations such as hepatitis A and B, typhoid,
and rabies are recommended. Vaccines for meningococcal disease are
recommended for extended stay or prolonged contact with the local
population. Traveller's diarrhea is the most common complaint, and
altitude sickness may be experienced in the Altai, Hangayn, or
Khangai Mountains. There have been no infectious outbreaks reported
in the last few years.
It is advisable to only drink boiled or filtered water in
Mongolia, and to avoid raw and unpeeled fruits and vegetables. Long
clothes will prevent bug bites and related illnesses. Medical
facilities in Mongolia are limited, so travel insurance with
evacuation provisions is recommended. There are some private
hospitals suitable for foreigners in Ulaanbaatar, and travellers
should be prepared to pay up front and claim back later. Some
Western medications are not available, so visitors are advised to
pack important medication, accompanied by a doctor's note
explaining the need and purpose.
Safety Notes when travelling to Mongolia
Travellers to Mongolia should not be unduly concerned about
their personal safety. As in every city, they should exercise
caution in Ulaanbaatar, especially at night, as theft has been
known to occur. They should also watch out for pickpockets at the
airport. Travellers will need to be careful when using public
transport, or when driving around Mongolia, as there are few paved
roads, road conditions can be poor, and visibility (especially at
night) is often less than ideal. There are occasional protests and
demonstrations, which should be avoided where possible.
Customs in Mongolia
The most important aspect of Mongolian social etiquette is the
ideal of hospitality. Mongolians are famously welcoming of
foreigners, although they expect that visitors reciprocate by
showing respect for Mongolian culture, and by being enthusiastic
and compliant guests. This means guests should accept food and
drink (even alcoholic drinks) when they are offered, though it is
not required that people drink the beverage. Travellers who enjoy
'roughing it' will probably find more success in Mongolia if they
maintain their personal appearance, as dirty clothes, long hair,
and unkempt beards are generally frowned upon.
Friends of the same gender will often hold hands or put their
arms around one another and Mongolians are quite physically
affectionate too. Vodka-drinking is a feature of Mongolian culture,
and being able to 'hold your liquor' is probably the shortest route
to social acceptance. Although there are some harsh standards of
conduct, and high expectations placed on Mongolian women, these do
not apply to foreigners.
Duty Free in Mongolia
Travellers to Mongolia may bring with them up to 200 cigarettes,
50 cigars and 250g of tobacco, one litre of vodka, two litres of
wine, and three litres of beer. Pornographic materials and
narcotics are prohibited.
Communication in Mongolia
The international access code for Mongolia is +976. The outgoing
code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for
the United Kingdom). Visitors can purchase local prepaid SIM cards
for unlocked phones; many pubs, coffee shops, guesthouses and
restaurants in Ulaanbaatar offer free WiFi.
Passport/Visa Note
Foreign passengers visiting Mongolia on business or on duty can
obtain a visa on arrival at Buyant-Ukhaa International Airport
(ULN) if they have confirmation from the Immigration Agency of
Mongolia or Consular department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
of Mongolia stating that a visa has been approved before departure.
They must have a completed visa application form, a passport photo,
arrive from a country without diplomatic representation of Mongolia
and have a sponsor in Mongolia who submits request to the Mongolian
Immigration Authority. Visitors or their organizing parties must
register at the Police Department within 10 days after arrival but
before departure. It is highly recommended that travellers'
passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the
intended date of departure from their travel destination.
Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated
by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for a minimum of
six months from the arrival date in Mongolia. No visa is required
for stays of up to 90 days. For stays of more than 30 days,
visitors must register with Mongolian Immigration within seven days
of arrival.
Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for a
minimum of six months from the date of arrival in Mongolia. A visa
not required for stays of up to 30 days. Visitors who plan to stay
for more than 30 days in Mongolia must register with the Office of
Immigration, Naturalization and Foreign Citizens within 48 hours
upon arrival.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British citizens must have a passport that is valid for a
minimum of six months from the arrival date. They will need a visa
to enter or travel through Mongolia as a visitor. A Mongolian visit
visa is usually valid for a stay of up to 30 days within six months
from the date of issue.
Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for a
minimum of six months from the date of arrival in Mongolia. A visa
is required.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months
from the date of arrival in Mongolia. A visa is required.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for a
minimum of six months from the date of arrival in Mongolia. A visa
is required.
Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for a
minimum of six months from the date of arrival in Mongolia. A visa
is required.
Travel Advisories
Health Information for Travelers to Mongolia
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Mongolia, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Mongolia. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Mongolia, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:
Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
People who are taking long trips or moving to Mongolia
Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Mongolia, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Mongolia. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Mongolia, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:
Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
People who are taking long trips or moving to Mongolia
Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Mongolia, so your behaviors are important.
Eat and drink safely
Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.
Eat
Food that is cooked and served hot
Hard-cooked eggs
Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
Food served at room temperature
Food from street vendors
Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
Unpasteurized dairy products
”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
Bottled water that is sealed
Water that has been disinfected
Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
Carbonated drinks
Hot coffee or tea
Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
Tap or well water
Ice made with tap or well water
Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine
Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.
Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Mongolia. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
If your travel plans in Mongolia include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.
Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
Do not dive into shallow water.
Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.
Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
Go to a doctor right away.
Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.
Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Mongolia’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
Wear a seatbelt at all times.
Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Mongolia may be poor.
Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
If you choose to drive a vehicle in Mongolia, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance
If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Mongolia for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
Currency
Overview of the Attractions in Mongolia
There are few tarred roads in this rugged destination and the
main urban centre, Ulaanbaatar, is small, meaning visitors
shouldn't expect modern luxury. Rather, adventure seekers can
expect a natural beauty that is unaffected by the bustle, stress
and pollution of modern life. Every journey through the wilderness
here is an adventure into remote territory.
Mongolia is famous for its landscape, particularly the
ice-capped peaks of Bayan-Olgii, the roaring river mouth at the
Yolyn Am, the surreal white limestone cliffs at Tsagaan Suvarga and
the lush lakes in the Khuisiin Naiman Nuur Nature Reserve. Most
tourists come in the summer, whether for hunting, fishing, horse
riding or trekking,
A visit to Mongolia is incomplete without accepting local
hospitality and experiencing its traditions. The famous Nomadic
lifestyle of the Mongols exists as part of everyday life, and the
friendly people are proud to share their customs and heritage.
Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape
The Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape is located in central
Mongolia, about 225 miles (360km) west of the capital Ulaanbaatar.
This fascinating area was inscribed in UNESCO's list of World
Heritage Sites in 2004, lauded as a living exhibit of nomadic
pastoral traditions dating back well over two millennia. The trip
to the site through the desolate interior is a pleasure in and of
itself, but the crowning jewel of the region is the ruins of
Karakorum, the historical centre of the Mongol Empire under Genghis
Kahn. Once the most powerful and wide-reaching empire in the world,
visitors to the Orkhon Valley will have the opportunity to explore
the possible ruins of the famed Xanadu Palace.
Amarbayasgalant Monastery
The Amarbayasgalant Monastery (the 'Monastery of Tranquil
Felicity') is one of the few Buddhist temple complexes in Mongolia
that wasn't completely destroyed by the Soviets in 1937. Located in
Mongolia's northern province of Selenge, the monastery is situated
in a beautiful and unusually fertile valley, in the shadows of the
sheer cliffs of Mount Burenkhan. The monastery itself was built
between 1727 and 1736 and conforms to a Chinese style of
architecture characterised by intricate symmetrical patterns. It is
surrounded by wild plains and cherry groves and, most
interestingly, scattered among the cherry trees are Turkic-era
graves of various geometric shapes, dating back to the 3rd
century.
Petroglyphic Complexes of the Mongolian Altai
The Petroglyphic Complexes are home to the largest,
best-preserved and oldest collection of rock art in north Asia, and
the petroglyphs themselves document over 12,000 years of Mongolian
culture. The earliest images date from the Late Pleistocene era
(about 10,000 BC), and depict a cultural landscape where the
surrounding valleys provided a habitat for hunters of big game.
Fascinatingly, the rock art images then extend into the Scythian
and Turkic Periods, and show the transition firstly to a herding
culture, and then to the horse-dependent, nomadic kind of lifestyle
for which Mongolia is famous. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the
Petroglyphic Complexes of the Mongolian Altai provide visitors with
an enthralling and authentic cross-section of 12 millennia of
Mongolia's history.
At Three Camel Lodge, travelers sleep in yurts in the middle of Mongolia’s Gobi Desert. Views just outside of the round, tent-like dwellings feel zapped in from the age of Chinggis Khan: herders driving goats across the steppe, a lone woman trotting by on
In an extraordinary celestial phenomenon, Mongolia witnessed a rare auroral event recently that transformed its skies into a deep, blood-red hue. The stunning colouration was the result of a significant solar storm's initial impact on Earth, leaving spectators in awe
Mongolian Airlines has operated its first 100% health passport-verified flight. The long-haul charter flight from Johannesburg to Ulaanbaatar required all passengers to test negative and upload their results within
Aruba, the Pacific Islands, Bhutan, Timor-Leste and Mongolia have all been added to the UK quarantine-free travel list. Guests arriving from the countries will no longer be expected to self-isolate for two weeks from Saturday.
Travel to Mongolia when the coronavirus (COVID-19) is over. Because Mongolia has been overshadowed for many years by its powerful neighbors, China and Russia. Despite the exceptional growth in international tourism, the country has escaped the trampling boots of thousands of travelers.
While the coronavirus crisis has restricted most global travel, a typical day sees Jacqui Kenny spend the morning in Arizonian desert, lunch in Kyrgyzstan and the evening wandering streets in Mongolia. So how does Kenny do it? Well, she's had some practice. New Zealand-born, London-based Kenny runs a popular Instagram account @streetview.portraits -- under the pseudonym "The Agoraphobic
Mongolian yurts in the Gobi desert, an eco-lodge near a live volcano and rooms overlooking an African watering hole offer adventures and family bonding time.
The scene is like something out of a Western movie. More than a dozen teepees are spread out along a bubbling creek that winds through a wide, grassy valley. Men in traditional garb move between the simple structures, tending to animals. Women cook around an open fire. But instead of Native Americans in feathered headdresses, the occupants of this remote encampment deep in the wilderness of northern Mongolia are Mongolian deel-wearing Tsaatan
The name ‘Namib’ translates as “vast place”, which is apt given that Namibia is one of the least crowded destinations on the planet. Only Greenland, the Falkland Islands, Mongolia and Western Sahara (in that order) have fewer people per square kilometre.
In the high mountains of northwestern China, the village of Hemu is a place where time stopped long ago. Located on the western shores of Kanas Lake in the Alti Mountains of Xinjiang province, where maps show a collision between China, Kazakhstan, Russia and Mongolia, Hemu developed quite literally in a fish bowl
Mongolia, a country of 3 million people slightly smaller than Alaska, is one of the most sparsely populated places in the world. You can go hours, even days, without seeing another human while
Travelers often overlook Mongolia for its bustling neighbors, China and Russia. But in Mongolia—one of the world’s most sparsely populated countries—by venturing into the wild with epic horse rides through the valleys, climbing up to Buddhist villages and temples
