WHEN TO TRAVEL to Mongolia

Location

Climate

Seasons in Mongolia: Low and high season

Mongolia has four distinct seasons, each with its own advantages and disadvantages for travelers. By understanding these differences, you can plan your trip according to your personal preferences and the type of experience you're looking for.

Low season: Winter and spring

Mongolia's low season generally runs from November to AprilThis is a region with very cold temperatures and a harsh climate. Temperatures can drop to -40°C in winter, making travel and outdoor activities difficult. However, the beauty of snow-covered landscapes and the opportunity to take part in winter sports such as skiing and snowshoe trekking can be assets for cold-weather enthusiasts. What's more, the low season also means fewer tourists and lower prices for accommodation and transport.

High season: Summer and autumn

High season in Mongolia is generally from May to OctoberThese are the months of the summer, with warmer temperatures and a milder climate. During these months, you can enjoy many outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and horseback riding. The lush green landscapes and abundant flowers are also a feast for the eyes. However, high season also means crowds of tourists and higher prices for accommodation and transport.

Major cultural events in Mongolia

If your main objective is to attend local cultural events, there are several festivals and celebrations throughout the year that are a must on your trip to Mongolia.

Naadam (July)

The Naadam festival is Mongolia's most famous and eagerly awaited cultural event. Held every year in July, it celebrates traditional Mongolian sports such as wrestling, archery and horse racing. The festival begins with a colorful parade of athletes, musicians and dancers through the streets of the capital, Ulaanbaatar. Sports competitions take place over three days, attracting spectators from all over the world.

Snow Camel Festival (March)

The Snow Camel Festival, also known as "Khomyn Tal", is held every March in Bayankhongor province. It aims to promote and preserve the culture of Mongolian camel breeders. Participants can enjoy various competitions such as camel racing, wrestling and archery, as well as demonstrations of traditional camel-breeding techniques.

Golden Camel Festival (October)

The Golden Camel Festival is another important event celebrating camel culture in Mongolia. It takes place every October in the Gobi Desert. The event features camel racing competitions, camel polo and other activities showcasing the skills of local breeders. The highlight of the festival is the presentation of the "Golden Camel" award to the region's best herder.

Genghis Khan's birthday (November)

The National Genghis Khan Day is an annual celebration commemorating the birth of the great Mongol conqueror. It takes place every year around November 14 and highlights Mongolia's rich history and national pride. Festivities include music and dance performances, handicraft exhibitions and traditional costume parades.

Holidays in Mongolia

In addition to festivals and cultural events, Mongolia has several national holidays that can also be interesting to experience during your trip. Here is a list of the most important public holidays:

• New Year's Day (January 1)
• Labour Day (May 1)
• Children's Day (June 1)
• Mongolian National Day (July 11) - commemorates the founding of the Mongolian state in 1206 by Genghis Khan
• Independence Day (December 29) - celebrates the end of Chinese domination in 1911

Mongolia, a country of vast wilderness, is attracting more and more visitors from all over the world, interested in its cultural traditions and breathtaking landscapes.

Immigration statistics for Mongolia

Thanks to its strategic geographical position and wealth of natural resources, Mongolia has always been a land of immigration. Even today, Mongolia's population continues to grow, rising from 2.9 million in 2010 to around 3.3 million in 2021. Official data show that the number of foreigners living in Mongolia has also increased in recent years. According to the Mongolian National Bureau of Statistics, the number of registered immigrants totaled almost 17,000 in 2018, an increase of 11 % on the previous year. Immigrants to Mongolia mainly come from China, South Korea and Russia.

Most popular visas in Mongolia

Mongolia offers different types of visa for foreigners wishing to enter its territory. The most popular are tourist, business and foreign worker visas.

Tourist visa

The tourist visa is intended for foreign visitors wishing to stay in Mongolia for tourism purposes. It is valid for a maximum of 30 days and can be extended once for a further 30 days. In 2018, around 529,000 tourist visas were issued by the Mongolian authorities, a significant increase of 10.7 % compared with the previous year.

Business Visa

The business visa is intended for foreigners visiting Mongolia to conduct business or work for a local company. This type of visa is generally valid for 90 days and can be renewed several times. According to official data, nearly 1,500 business visas were issued in 2018, representing an increase of 4.7 % compared with 2017.

Foreign worker visa

Finally, the foreign worker visa is reserved for people who are employed by a Mongolian company and meet certain specific conditions. This visa is valid for a maximum of 6 months and can be extended for a further 6 months. In 2018, around 2,000 foreign worker visas were issued by the Mongolian authorities.

International tourism figures for Mongolia

The tourism sector is growing rapidly in Mongolia, with a steady increase in the number of international visitors. According to Mongolia's Ministry of Environment and Tourism, nearly 529,000 foreign tourists visited the country in 2018, an increase of 10.7 % compared to the previous year. Other statistics reveal that revenues generated by tourism also increased, reaching a total of $471 million in 2018, up 12.5 % on 2017. The main sources of tourism revenue come from accommodation, transport, cultural activities and souvenir sales.

Visitors by country of origin

International visitors to Mongolia mainly come from Asia, Europe and North America. The top 5 countries from which the greatest number of tourists to Mongolia come are as follows:

• China representing around 36 % of total visitors,
• Russia : 24 %,
• South Korea : 11 %,
• UNITED STATES : 5 %,
• Japan : 3 %.

Tourism trends in Mongolia

Mongolia's tourism sector is booming, with numerous projects and initiatives aimed at promoting the destination to international travelers. Current trends include a growing interest in eco-responsible tourism, the organization of cultural and traditional festivals, and the development of environmentally-friendly accommodation facilities.