Mongolia Travel Costs & Budget Guide 2025: How Much Do You Need?

Introduction

Mongolia is often considered a surprisingly budget-friendly travel destination, especially when compared to other adventure hotspots around the world. With vast open landscapes, unique nomadic culture, and unforgettable experiences like horse trekking across the steppe or sleeping in a traditional ger (yurt), travelers are often amazed at how affordable it can be to explore this remote country.

The local currency is the Mongolian Tugrik (MNT), and as of 2025, 1 USD equals roughly 3,400 MNT. This favorable exchange rate makes Mongolia attractive for international visitors, as many essentials such as food, accommodation, and transportation are relatively inexpensive compared to Western countries.

On average, daily expenses vary depending on your travel style:

• Backpackers can get by on as little as $25–40 per day, staying in hostels, eating local meals, and using public transport.
• Mid-range travelers usually spend around $60–120 per day, which allows for comfortable hotels, guided tours, and occasional domestic flights.
• Luxury travelers can expect costs of $150–300+ per day, covering high-end hotels, private drivers, and customized experiences across the country.

Whether you’re traveling on a shoestring budget or looking for comfort and convenience, Mongolia offers flexible options that suit every kind of traveler. Understanding the average travel costs in advance will help you plan your journey more efficiently and make the most of your adventure.

Average Daily Budget for Travelers

One of the most common questions visitors ask is: “Is Mongolia expensive to visit?” The answer depends largely on your travel style. Mongolia is flexible enough to accommodate both backpackers on a tight budget and luxury travelers seeking premium comfort. Below is an overview of the average daily budget in Mongolia for different types of travelers:

Travel Style	Average Cost per Day	What’s Included
Backpacker	$25–40/day	Hostel or guesthouse stays, simple local meals, public buses or shared minivans, occasional group tours.
Mid-Range	$60–120/day	Comfortable 3-star hotels, guided day tours, domestic flights between Ulaanbaatar and regional cities, restaurant meals.
Luxury	$150–300+/day	High-end hotels or boutique ger camps, private drivers, personalized guided tours, flight tickets, fine dining.

• Backpacker budget ($25–40/day): Mongolia is very affordable for backpackers. Street food, local restaurants, and guesthouses cost much less compared to Western standards. Public transportation between cities is cheap, although often slow and crowded. This style suits adventurous travelers who don’t mind basic amenities.
• Mid-range budget ($60–120/day): This is the most common travel style. At this level, you can enjoy a good balance of comfort and adventure—comfortable accommodation, English-speaking guides, and opportunities to explore the countryside with organized tours or domestic flights.
• Luxury budget ($150–300+/day): Travelers who want a seamless, comfortable experience can opt for high-end hotels in Ulaanbaatar, luxury ger camps in the countryside, private 4×4 drivers, and curated cultural or adventure tours. Mongolia is still relatively inexpensive compared to luxury travel in Europe or North America, making this an attractive option.

In short, Mongolia is not an expensive destination compared to many countries. Whether you’re on a shoestring or looking for premium comfort, you can plan your trip according to your budget without missing out on authentic experiences.

Major Travel Expenses in Mongolia

When planning your trip, it helps to know the main expenses you’ll encounter. Below is a breakdown of the biggest travel costs in Mongolia, including flights, accommodation, food, transportation, and tours.

Flights to Mongolia

Most international travelers arrive in Ulaanbaatar (ULN), the capital city, through Chinggis Khaan International Airport. Direct flights are available from major hubs such as Seoul, Tokyo, Beijing, Istanbul, and Frankfurt.

• Round-trip flights from Europe or North America typically cost $700–1,200, depending on the season.
• From Asia, prices are much cheaper, around $200–500 round-trip.
• To save money, book early (especially for summer) and check budget-friendly routes via Seoul or Beijing.

Accommodation Costs

Mongolia offers a wide range of lodging options, from simple hostels to luxury hotels and traditional ger camps in the countryside.

• Hostels & guesthouses: $8–15 per night (shared dorms, basic facilities).
• Mid-range hotels: $40–80 per night, often including breakfast and better amenities.
• Ger camps: $30–70 per night, depending on location and level of comfort.
• Luxury hotels: $100–250+ per night in Ulaanbaatar, offering Western-style comfort.

Food & Drinks

Mongolia’s food is hearty, meat-based, and surprisingly affordable. Eating local can keep your budget low, while Western restaurants and cafes are more expensive.

• Street food & local eateries: $2–5 per meal (dumplings, noodle soups, fried rice).
• Mid-range restaurants: $8–15 per meal, often international cuisine.
• Cafes & bars: coffee $2–4, beer $3–5, cocktails $6–10.
• Upscale dining: $20–40+ per person, usually found in Ulaanbaatar.

Transportation Costs

Getting around Mongolia is part of the adventure. Distances are long, but options range from cheap public transport to private drivers.

• Public buses in Ulaanbaatar: about $0.20–0.30 per ride.
• Taxis in Ulaanbaatar: $2–5 per trip (metered taxis are safer than unregistered cars).
• Car rental with driver/guide: $80–120 per day, common for countryside tours.
• Domestic flights: $100–250 one-way, popular for reaching Khuvsgul Lake, the Gobi Desert, or western Mongolia.

Tours & Activities

Mongolia’s vast landscapes and unique culture mean that most visitors join organized tours to see the highlights. Prices vary depending on duration and comfort level.

• Naadam Festival tour (July): $100–250+, depending on inclusions.
• Gobi Desert tours: $80–150 per day, usually lasting 5–7 days.
• Lake Khuvsgul trips: $60–120 per day, with options for horse trekking and ger stays.
• Adventure activities: horse riding or trekking tours cost around $30–60 per day.

Mongolia Travel Costs by Category

The cost of traveling in Mongolia varies widely depending on your style—whether you prefer budget backpacking or luxury comfort. Below is a breakdown of Mongolia travel costs by category, comparing budget, mid-range, and luxury options.

Accommodation: Budget vs. Luxury

• Budget accommodation (hostels, guesthouses): $8–15 per night in Ulaanbaatar; countryside guest gers start from $20–30.
• Mid-range hotels & ger camps: $40–80 per night, offering private rooms, hot showers, and meals.
• Luxury hotels & lodges: $120–250+ per night, often international-standard in Ulaanbaatar or eco-luxury ger camps in the countryside.

Food: Street Food vs. Fine Dining

• Street food & local eateries: $2–5 per meal (dumplings, noodle soups, fried rice).
• Casual restaurants & cafes: $8–15 per meal; coffee $2–4, beer $3–5.
• Fine dining & upscale international restaurants: $20–40+ per person, typically only in Ulaanbaatar.

Transportation: Local Bus vs. Private Jeep Tours

• Local buses in Ulaanbaatar: $0.20–0.30 per ride, cheapest option for getting around the city.
• Taxis & ride-hailing apps: $2–5 per trip within the city.
• Private jeep with driver/guide: $80–120 per day (often split between travelers).
• Domestic flights: $100–250 one-way, convenient for long distances (e.g., Gobi Desert or Khuvsgul Lake).

Tours & Activities

• Budget activities: free walking tours in Ulaanbaatar, hiking, museum entry fees ($1–3).
• Organized tours: Gobi Desert trips or Lake Khuvsgul tours at $60–120 per day.
• Luxury tours: private itineraries with drivers, guides, and upgraded ger camps ($200–300+ per day).

Mongolia Travel Cost Comparison Table

Category	Budget Traveler	Mid-Range Traveler	Luxury Traveler
Accommodation	$8–15 hostel / guesthouse	$40–80 hotel or ger camp	$120–250+ luxury hotel
Food	$2–5 street food	$8–15 restaurants	$20–40+ fine dining
Transport	$0.20 bus / $2 taxi	$80/day shared jeep	$120–300/day private driver + domestic flights
Tours	Free–$30 local trips	$60–120/day group tours	$200–300+/day private tours

Money & Currency Tips

When traveling in Mongolia, it’s important to understand how the local currency and payment system works, as it can be quite different from other destinations.

Mongolian Currency (MNT)

• The official currency is the Mongolian Tögrög (MNT).
• As of 2025, the exchange rate is roughly 1 USD ≈ 3,400 MNT, but rates can fluctuate.
• Notes are available in denominations from ₮20 to ₮20,000, so expect to carry a thick wallet if you withdraw larger sums.

ATMs & Credit Cards

• ATMs are widely available in Ulaanbaatar and major towns, and most accept international debit/credit cards (Visa, MasterCard).
• In the countryside and rural areas, ATMs are rare or nonexistent. Always withdraw enough cash before leaving the city.
• Credit cards can be used in high-end hotels, restaurants, and some stores in Ulaanbaatar, but cash is still king in Mongolia.

Currency Exchange

• You can exchange money at banks in Ulaanbaatar, currency exchange offices, or at the airport currency exchange counter.
• US Dollars are the most widely accepted for exchange, but Euros and Chinese Yuan are also commonly used.
• Avoid exchanging money with unofficial street vendors, as rates are worse and counterfeit risks exist.

Practical Tips

• Carry small denominations (₮1,000–₮5,000 notes) for local markets, taxis, and rural shops.
• Always keep emergency cash in case your card doesn’t work or you travel to remote areas.
• If you’re planning a countryside trip, calculate your daily expenses in advance and bring enough MNT.

Budget-Saving Tips for Mongolia

Mongolia is already more affordable compared to many destinations, but smart planning can stretch your budget even further. Whether you’re a backpacker or a mid-range traveler, these Mongolia budget travel tips will help you save money without missing out on unforgettable experiences.

Travel in the Off-Season

• Visiting in spring (March–May) or autumn (September–October) means lower accommodation rates, cheaper flights, and fewer crowds.
• The weather may be unpredictable, but you’ll save significantly compared to the peak summer season.

Choose Group Tours Over Private Tours

• While private tours give flexibility, they’re much more expensive.
• Joining a group tour for popular routes like the Gobi Desert or Lake Khuvsgul can cut costs by 30–40% since transportation and guide fees are shared.

Stay in Local Guesthouses or Ger Camps

• Instead of expensive hotels, choose family-run guesthouses in Ulaanbaatar or traditional ger camps in the countryside.
• Not only do they cost less, but they also offer an authentic cultural experience.

Bring Your Own Essentials

• Pack a reusable water bottle, snacks, and small essentials like sunscreen or medicine. Buying imported goods in rural areas can be pricey.
• Having your own supplies reduces both costs and hassle.

Book Domestic Flights Early

• Domestic flights in Mongolia (to Dalanzadgad, Khovd, Murun, etc.) can get expensive if booked last minute.
• Plan ahead and book at least 1–2 months in advance for the best deals.

Extra Money-Saving Tips

• Use local transport (bus, shared minivans) instead of hiring private jeeps whenever possible.
• Eat at local canteens (guanz) where meals cost as little as $2–5, instead of upscale tourist restaurants.
• Bargain politely when buying souvenirs at markets.

Example Travel Budgets for Mongolia

To give you a clear idea of how much money you’ll need, here are three sample itineraries based on different travel styles. These numbers include accommodation, food, transport, and activities, but exclude international flights to Mongolia.

Traveler Type	Duration	Daily Budget	Total Cost	What’s Included
Backpacker	7 days	$25–40/day	$300–400	Hostels or guesthouses, local buses, guanz meals, free/low-cost sightseeing
Mid-range Traveler	10 days	$80–120/day	$800–1200	3-star hotels or ger camps, some domestic flights, guided day tours, restaurants
Luxury Traveler	7 days	$250–350+/day	$2000+	Luxury hotels, private driver & guide, domestic flights, high-end dining, premium tours

Key Insights

• A backpacker can comfortably explore Mongolia on $40/day or less, especially if using public transport and eating local food.
• A mid-range traveler spends around $100/day, which allows for better accommodation, guided tours, and a mix of comfort and adventure.
• A luxury trip in Mongolia is still relatively affordable compared to Europe or the US. For around $2,000+ per week, you can enjoy top hotels, private guides, and exclusive cultural experiences.

FAQs About Mongolia Travel Costs