How to Find Hotels in Mongolia

Mongolia is a land-locked country between China and Russia, often referred to as the "Land of the Blue Skies" because of its numerous sunny days. Half of Mongolia's population live as nomads, even throughout the very cold winters and rainy summers. Mongolia is divided into 21 different provinces that all have their own capitals and governments. Read on to learn how to find accommodations in Mongolia.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Passport
• Visa

Book Accommodations

1. Book accommodations through the Mongolian Tourism Board via phone at 011 ([phone] or visit the Web site. See the Resources section below for a link.
2. Stay at one of the guest houses in the capital, which can cost a nominal fee. Come early, as they often become crowded.
3. Spend nothing on accommodations by camping anywhere along the roads. This is accepted because of the nomad population.

Find Transportation Options

4. Fly into the capital of Mongolia, with flights often leaving from Berlin, Frankfurt or Moscow.
5. Book a flight on Korean Air from Seoul to connect to Mongolia but always purchase a refundable ticket as flights into the country are not always reliable.
6. Take the train from Beijing into Mongolia for a moderate fee. The trip takes 26 hours but guests have access to a sleeper car.
7. Rent a Russian jeep or a four-wheel-drive vehicle, as there are few paved roads outside of the capital city.

Know Your Destination

8. Transfer currency to the Togrog, also called the Tugrik, to use within Mongolia.
9. Understand that the national language of the country is Khalkha Mongol, but Turkish and Russian are also spoken.
10. Be sure to acquire a travel visa before entering Mongolia.

Visit Local Attractions

11. Visit the open air market, Narantuul, for the lowest prices on everything including nice cashmere blankets and locally made paintings.
12. Blend in with the local tradition by ordering mutton, a staple of one's diet in Mongolia.
13. Visit Ulaanbatar, the capital of Mongolia, located on the Tuul River. Often described as a town that seems stuck back in time, it is where tourists and residents alike must visit to purchase necessary provisions.
14. See the four Holy Peaks that surround the capital city and are supposed to mimic the four points of a compass. The mountains are a good spot for wildlife viewing and hiking, but permits to enter can be picked up at the entrance to the Bogdkhan National Park.

Tips & Warnings

• Save money by booking a package deal online.
• When in Mongolia, never refuse a gift as it is considered rude. Also when receiving items or gifts, do so with the right hand palm facing up.
• All phone numbers include the United States international prefix "011." When calling internationally outside the United States, substitute that "011" with "00."
• All country codes are within parentheses and begin with a "+" sign.
• When camping near the nomad groups, avoid their dogs which can sometimes have rabies.

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