Traveling To Mongolia During The Winter
Traveling To Mongolia During The Winter
Most tourists would wait for the summer to explore the nomadic lifestyle in Mongolia. Little do they know, the vast green steppes of Mongolia turn into an endless sea of white plains and hills during the winter.
Even with temperatures averaging around -25 degrees Celsius (-13 degrees Fahrenheit), the rich culture and gorgeous landscape leave a lot for tourists to discover.
The mere idea of traveling to a land known for their harsh winters is more than enough to deter even the most daring of travelers. On the upside, tourists visiting during the low season will enjoy competitive prices and the feeling of being truly immersed in a snow globe of nomadic culture.
Want to plan your trip to Mongolia during the winter? Check out this full winter itinerary!
What To Wear For A Mongolian Winter
The first thing to prepare for when planning your trip to Mongolia is how to stay warm in sub-zero temperatures. Ironically enough, after arriving in Mongolia you may find that you have overpacked. For most travelers, the weather in Mongolia is nowhere near as extreme as they originally thought.
Even if you have under-packed, a lot can be bought from the central department store in Ulaanbaatar. They have anything from brand name hiking goods to yak/camel wool socks, gloves and scarves. Layering up is key when traveling through Mongolia, be sure to pack thermals, fleece, and a good coat to help keep warm.
Despite the weather, it does not stop locals from going about their day. Children can even be found outside hitchhiking from their schools in Ulanbaataar back to their homes hundreds of kilometers away in the dead of winter.
You can find more in-depth information on what to wear for a Mongolian Winter here!
Getting Around Mongolia
Mongolia is one of those few countries in the world wherein order to travel properly you will need to hire a driver. Other than the Trans-Siberian railroad linking Beijing to Moscow via Ulaanbaatar, there are few connections to cities elsewhere in Mongolia. Buses are an option, but unless you are just wanting to just go from major city to major city, you will miss a lot of the rugged enchanting beauty of the steppes.
I was able to get in contact with Batbaatar Sumyabazar, a local driver who works for Mongolia Trecking. Hiring him for 25 USD a day, he drove into the depths of the Mongolian wilderness, giving an authentic experience well off the beaten path. It is important to note that this is not a luxury vacation. Even with a 4 wheel drive off-road vehicle, be prepared for the car to break down and expect delays.
The inconveniences, as aggravating as they may be, is an opportunity to experience true Mongolian hospitality. Stranded on the side of the road, you will see locals giving anything to help strangers, even inviting you into their homes to be sheltered from the cold.
In Ulaanbaatar and wanting to find a cool day trip? Be sure to visit the Genghis Khan Statue!
Where To Stay In Mongolia
Other than the hostels and hotels in the capital, accommodation can be hard to come by in the Mongolian wilderness. With the frigid winter nights, camping is not an option either. When traveling with Batbaatar we had a clear itinerary mapped out, but due to car trouble and snowstorms some days we were behind schedule.
The driver would simply drive as far as he could until it became pitch black outside. Stopping by a nearby mini market, he would then step inside for a few minutes asking for any available room. Fortunately, all negotiation of prices was his responsibility and the experience brought about the unique opportunity to see how Mongolian people truly lived.
One of the main reasons people travel to Mongolia is for the opportunity to stay in a yurt. Unlike joining a tour which would bring travelers to a fake tourist camp in the countryside, nomadic Mongolian families were quick to offer us a place to stay free of charge.
The whole family cooked, ate, watched tv, and slept in one communal living space. As a guest, they make you feel welcome and part of the family, even refusing the slightest bit of money for their trouble.
While in Ulaanbaatar I stayed at Golden Gobi Hostel.
What To See During A Mongolian Winter
Contrary to what many may think, there is just as much to do in Mongolia during the winter as there is during the summer. The main difference is that there are fewer tourists and that you will need to bundle up with a bit more clothing. There are still plenty of temples to visit, mountains to explore, and frozen lakes to slide across.
During the first week of March Khovsgol Lake annually hosts the Ice Festival, a week full of ice sculpture competitions, raindeers, and traditional sports. Unlike the mountainous regions of Central Asia, Mongolia’s roads are just as good during the winter as the summer, leaving the country’s most beautiful destinations open to visit and adorned with a blanket of white snow.
Heading north to Russia? You won’t want to miss out on visiting Irkutsk!
Adventure Awaits
Traveling to Mongolia during the low season is a trip that will surely leave you with a memory that will rank among the best trips in your life. The mere uniqueness of the landscape and warmness of the people is enough to make you want to plan your next trip back to Mongolia.
The downside is that when being a solo traveler in Mongolia, it is difficult to find people to help shoulder the costs of hiring a driver to venture out to the more remote places of the country. If you, however, don’t mind the bite of the winter then Mongolia is sure to give you the experience of a lifetime.
For more information on traveling to Mongolia during the winter check out Lonely Planet or this bloggers experience.
