Eastern Mongolia Travel Guide

Discover the wonders of Eastern Mongolia with our comprehensive guide, featuring top attractions, hiking trails, activities, local cuisine, accommodations, and travel tips.


Introduction to Eastern Mongolia

Eastern Mongolia is a pristine region that offers a unique blend of spectacular vistas, rich history, and diverse cultural traditions. This isolated part of Mongolia is a vast and wild land, characterized by rolling hills, endless grasslands, and soaring mountains. The semi-arid steppe that covers much of Eastern Mongolia is home to nomadic herders, who graze their livestock on the grasslands, and to a variety of wildlife, including rare species like argali sheep and Siberian ibex. Eastern Mongolia is also steeped in history and culture, with ancient archaeological sites, Buddhist monasteries, and traditional villages that showcase the vibrant heritage of the Mongolian people.

List of Places to Visit in Eastern Mongolia

Eastern Mongolia boasts a wealth of natural and cultural attractions that are worth exploring. Whether you’re a nature lover, a culture buff, or an adventure seeker, you’ll find something to suit your interests in this region. Here is a list of the top places to visit in Eastern Mongolia:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Sukhbaatar Square in Choibalsan city
  • Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex in Sumber, Dornod province
  • Choibalsan Museum in Choibalsan city
  • Dornod Mongol Hunting Museum in Choibalsan city
  • Batnorov Museum in Batnorov soum, Dornod province
  • The Old City of Baruun Urt in Baruun-Urt city, Sukhbaatar province
  • Uglugch Wall in Berkh soum, Khentii province
  • Kherlen Bars, a complex of petroglyphs in Munkhkhairkhan soum, Dornod province
  • Binder Temple, a Buddhist monastery in Binder soum, Dornod province

Natural Attractions of Eastern Mongolia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Khukh Lake in Choibalsan city
  • Tsagaan suvarga cliffs in Khukh soum, Dornogovi province
  • Gurvan Bogd National Park in Sukhbaatar province
  • Dayan Lake in Dayan soum, Khentii province
  • Terelj National Park in Ulaanbaatar city
  • Khustain Nuruu National Park in Tuv province
  • The Gobi Desert in Omnogovi province
  • The Onon-Balj National Park in Khentii province
  • The Eg River in Gurvanbulag soum, Khuvsgul province

Hiking/Biking Routes of Eastern Mongolia

Eastern Mongolia is a paradise for hikers and bikers, with a network of trails that traverse the rugged terrain and reveal breathtaking views of the landscape. Here are some of the most popular hiking and biking routes in Eastern Mongolia:

  • Chinggis Khaan Trail, which connects Khukh nuur and Binder soums in Dornod province
  • The Khar Zurkh Mountain Trek in Khentii province
  • The Baga Khentii Trek in Khentii province
  • The Khentii Wilderness Trek in Khentii province
  • The Ikh Nart Nature Reserve Trek in Dornogovi province

Best Things to Do in Eastern Mongolia: Activities and Tours

Eastern Mongolia offers a wide range of activities, from cultural tours to outdoor adventures. Here are some of the best things to do in Eastern Mongolia:

  • Visit traditional Mongolian nomadic families and experience their daily life
  • Go horseback riding on the steppe
  • Attend a traditional Mongolian festival such as Naadam
  • Learn to make Mongolian cuisine
  • Take a hot air balloon ride over the Gobi Desert
  • Try falconry with trained birds of prey at Berkhiin Khad Nature Reserve
  • Go fishing on the Eg River
  • Visit Buddhist monasteries and learn about their significance in Mongolian culture

Week-Long Itinerary for Eastern Mongolia

To make the most of your trip to Eastern Mongolia, we recommend the following itinerary:

Day Activity
Day 1 Arrival in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia
Day 2-3 Travel to Dornod and explore the petroglyphs and historical sites. Visit local families and experience their daily life.
Day 4-5 Trekking in Khentii province, visit monasteries and enjoy traditional Mongolia cuisine.
Day 6-7 Explore the Gobi Desert, ride camels, and visit local families.
Day 8 Return to Ulaanbaatar and departure.

Food and Drink Scene of Eastern Mongolia

Mongolian cuisine is hearty and satisfying, with a focus on meat, dairy products, and grains. Eastern Mongolia is no exception, with its own unique culinary traditions. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Buuz: steamed meat-filled dumplings
  • Khuushuur: fried meat-filled dumplings
  • Boodog: a whole goat cooked over hot stones
  • Shorlog: a stew made with mutton and vegetables
  • Bansh: a soup made with mutton and noodles

Local Beverages

  • Airag: fermented mare’s milk
  • Suutei tsai: salty milk tea
  • Tarag: yoghurt drink
  • Vodka: local high-quality vodka made from wheat or barley

Where to Stay in Eastern Mongolia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Eastern Mongolia offers a variety of accommodation options, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Here are some popular places to stay:

  • Dornod Guest House in Choibalsan city
  • Bumba Resort in Binder soum, Dornod province
  • Amarbayasgalant Monastery Lodge in Selenge province
  • Khukh nuur Resort in Khukh soum, Dornod province

What to Buy in Eastern Mongolia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Eastern Mongolia offers a variety of souvenirs, including traditional clothing, handmade crafts, and local products. Here are some must-buy items:

  • Deel: traditional Mongolian clothing
  • Morin Khuur: horsehead fiddle
  • Felted goods: handmade woolen items
  • Leather goods: boots, belts, and bags
  • Airag: fermented mare’s milk

Local Culture and Customs of Eastern Mongolia

Mongolian culture is rich and diverse, with a history that dates back thousands of years. Eastern Mongolia is home to a variety of cultural traditions and customs that are worth experiencing. Here are some highlights:

  • Nomadic lifestyle: Visit local families and experience their daily life
  • Traditional wrestling: Attend a wrestling competition during Naadam festival
  • Horse racing: Watch one of the most exciting horse races in the world, also during Naadam festival
  • Visiting Buddhist monasteries and meditate

Best Time to Visit Eastern Mongolia

The best time to visit Eastern Mongolia is from June to September when the weather is warm and pleasant. The steppe is lush and green, and the wildflowers are in full bloom during this season. The Naadam festival takes place in July, offering a unique opportunity to experience Mongolian culture and customs.

Do’s and Don’ts of Eastern Mongolia

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when traveling to Eastern Mongolia:

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions
  • Seek permission before photographing locals, their homes, or their livestock
  • Dress appropriately for cultural attractions and religious sites
  • Carry enough water and supplies when venturing out into the wilderness
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages

Don’t:

  • Touch sacred objects without permission
  • Disturb wildlife or their habitats
  • Leave trash or litter in natural or cultural sites
  • Enter a ger (a traditional Mongolian home) without permission
  • Smoke or use fire in restricted areas

Safety and Health

Mongolia is a safe country with low crime rates. However, it’s important to take precautions when traveling in remote areas. Here are some safety and health tips to keep in mind:

Safety in Eastern Mongolia

  • Travel with a local guide or agency
  • Inform someone of your travel plans and expected return time
  • Carry a map, GPS, and compass when venturing into the wilderness
  • Secure your belongings and documents
  • Be cautious when crossing rivers or driving on unpaved roads

Health in Eastern Mongolia

  • Pack a basic first aid kit and any necessary medications
  • Drink bottled or treated water to avoid gastrointestinal problems
  • Wear sunscreen and protective clothing to avoid sunburn
  • Take precautions against insect bites and ticks
  • Be aware of altitude sickness when traveling to high-altitude regions

Getting to Eastern Mongolia: Transportation Options and Logistics

The easiest way to get to Eastern Mongolia is by air or bus. There are several airports and bus stations in the region that connect with major cities in Mongolia, including:

Airports Near Eastern Mongolia

  • Choibalsan Airport (COQ) in Choibalsan city, Dornod province
  • Chinggis Khaan International Airport (ULN) in Ulaanbaatar city, Tuv province

Bus Stations Near Eastern Mongolia

  • Ulaanbaatar Central Bus Station
  • Baga Gazriin Chuluu Bus Station in Dornogovi province
  • Zamyn-Uud Bus Station in Omnogovi province

Other Options

  • Private vehicles - rented cars or vans with a driver
  • Hitchhiking is popular among locals and adventurous travelers

How to Get Around in Eastern Mongolia

To get around Eastern Mongolia, the most efficient way is to hire a local guide or driver, or join a tour group. Public transportation is available but often irregular and unreliable. There are no trains in the region, but buses and shared taxis are available.

Where to Go Next from Eastern Mongolia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Eastern Mongolia is a gateway to many other destinations in Mongolia. Here are some nearby places worth exploring:

  • The Central and Southern Gobi Desert in Dornogovi and Omnogovi provinces
  • Lake Khuvsgul in Khuvsgul province
  • Amarbayasgalant Monastery in Selenge province
  • Ulaanbaatar city in Tuv province

Conclusion

Eastern Mongolia is a picturesque and fascinating region that offers a wide range of attractions and activities for travelers. Whether you’re interested in nature, culture, history, or adventure, there is something for everyone in this pristine part of Mongolia. With its welcoming and hospitable people, delicious food, and unique attractions, Eastern Mongolia is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the endless wonders of East Asia.



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