Why should I choose Mongolia?

Located in the landlocked plateau of Central Asia between Russia and China, Mongolia’s considerable size includes a fabulous array of pristine landscapes, and a nomadic people whose lives in many ways are unchanged from the days of Genghis Khan and the mighty Mongol Empire. Here, the nomadic herders still depend on nature for survival; the hearty Mongols cherish priceless treasuries like wide-open space, untouched wilderness, and fresh air and water dearly.

Why should I choose Siberia?

By taking Trans-Siberian train, you will experience a lot about matchless sceneries, Lake Baikal, friendly Buryat people and their culture. Siberia is a home to the Buryat people who follow the Tibetan Buddhist religion and live on the eastern side of the lake herding goat, camel, cattle and sheep. Meet people who are very friendly and hospitable during your travel through Siberia. You will see gorgeous Lake Baikal, which is beautiful any time of the year. Lake Baikal is the largest freshwater lake in the world with an average depth of 744.4 meter and contains 20 percent of the world´s surface fresh water. At 1,642 meters, Lake Baikal is the deepest among the clearest lakes in the world. It is more than 25 million years old, also the world´s oldest lake. Baikal is home to more than 1,700 species of plants and animals. Lake Baikal was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

Why should I choose Selena Travel Mongolia LLC?

The Selena Travel Mongolia team is made of the most experienced and energetic travel professionals of Mongolia, who aim to fulfill all travel needs and dreams of each of the clients travelling with us. Selena Travel Mongolia LLC is the leading and most experienced tour operator in Mongolia with the official recognition from the Ministry of Nature, Environment and Tourism of Mongolia, a trusted member of PATA, JATA and Mongolian Tourism Association. With Selena Travel, you will have memorable, safe and fantastic tour throughout your wonderful Trans-Siberian journey.

How safe is to travel Mongolia?

Mongolia is one of the safest destinations in the World. Mongolia has lowest crime rates in the world as compared to the U.S and European countries. However, there might be some pickpocket on the street and inside the big bazaars.

How safe is to travel Siberia?

It is safe and reliable to travel through Siberia. Many of tourists have been travelling by Trans-Siberian train tour. However, you should be careful with your personal belongings in a train, train station and other places. There might be some pickpocket.

When is the best time to travel to Siberia?

Lake Baikal is beautiful any time of the year. So, visitors who wants to travel in the winter can also come to the lake Baikal and Mongolia. It is suitable to travel in summer from June to end of September both in Siberia and Mongolia. During the summer time it is nice and cool with breezes at the lake Baikal.

Do I need a visa for my trip in Siberia?

Yes. Everyone visiting Russia needs a visa, and there's no visa upon arrival currently in Russian Federation. Therefore, travelers have to obtain their Russian visa from their nearest embassy or consulate well in advance. Citizens of following countries do not need a visa: Argentina (90 days), Bosnia (90 days), Herzegovina (90 days), Brazil (90 days), Chile (90 days), Colombia (90 days), Croatia (3 months, invitation required), Cuba (30 days), Hong Kong (14 days), Israel (90 days), Macedonia (90 days), Montenegro (90 days), Nicaragua (90 days), Peru (90 days), Serbia (30 days, only biometric passports), Thailand(30 days), Turkey (30 days) and Venezuela (90 days).

Do I need a visa for my trip in Mongolia?

Mongolian visa not required by every tourist visiting the country, as due to some mutual agreements citizens of several countries need no Mongolian visa. If you are taking a Selena Travel tour, your Mongolian visa invitation is included in your Mongolia package tour.

Do I need a visa for my trip in China?

Foreigners who visit China are generally required to apply for a visa before departure, but some aliens need not if they come to Mainland China, for example, ordinary passport holders from Singapore, Brunei and Japan enjoy visa free access for up to 15 days.

Which currencies are available to use in Russia?

In Russia, you need to have Russian currency called Ruble in Russia. $1 equals to 30 Ruble. You can always change your currency in Russian banks.

How is food in China?

Chinese cuisine has a very high reputation worldwide and represents the magnificent culture of the Chinese nation's almost five-thousand-year old glorious history. China's very varied cuisine is considered as one of the top three in the world. The main food in China is usually rice and wheat. Millet, corn, buckwheat, potato, sweet potato and many kinds of legumes are also common.

How is the electricity and sockets of Siberia?

Electrical sockets in Siberia (Russia) are one of the two European standard electrical socket types: Euro plug and Schuko. If your appliance's plug does not match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into.

What type of sockets do Chinese use?

The electricity in China is generally 220V, 50HZ, AC. If you travel to China and wish to bring electric devices for use during your stay, a transformer, which can be bought in China for CNY100-200, is necessary. Most of the hotels in China have both 110V and 220V electrical outlets in the bathrooms, though in guest rooms usually only 220V sockets are available. As the shape of a socket varies between countries, a portable plug adaptor may also be necessary.

How is the drinking water in Siberia?

It is to totally okay to use tap water in Siberia. However, boiled or bottled water is required in Siberia also.

Mongolia is located in the landlocked plateau of Central Asia between China and Russia. Territory of Mongolia covers an entire area of 1,566,500 km that takes the 15th place with its size in the world. Mongolia stretches about 2,400 km from the west to the east and about 1,260 km from the north to the south. The total length of the country's border is 8,156 km. The total area of Mongolia is larger than the combined areas of Great Britain, France, Germany, and Italy.

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Mongolia FAQ

Q: When is the best time to travel to Mongolia?

From June to September end is the best season to travel to Mongolia. You can see much more things in and out the city during our pleasant summer. You will see real nomads and you will have an opportunity to visit, learn, and interact with them.

Q: How to get to Mongolia?

Visitors can arrive to Mongolia by airplane or train. Those who are taking train to Mongolia can come via both China and Russia. Visitors coming by air can take flight from Seoul, Moscow, Beijing, Berlin, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Irkutsk (Russia), Hailar (China), and other cities.

Q: What things should I bring?

You should bring items of a personal nature such as laundry, camera, warm and light clothes, travel items, and little souvenir for kids. This gift will be useful when we visit nomads, or local people during your trip in Mongolia and Siberia.

Dreaming of vast steppes, nomadic traditions, and untouched wilderness?

Mongolia, the Land of the Eternal Blue Sky, offers a travel experience like no other. Whether you're riding horses across the Gobi Desert, meeting eagle hunters in the Altai Mountains, or exploring the vibrant capital of Ulaanbaatar, this guide answers all your questions.

From visa requirements and safety tips to the best time to visit and cultural etiquette, we cover everything you need for a seamless journey. Wondering about food, currency, or how to interact with nomadic families? We’ve got you covered.

1. Why Visit Mongolia?

Nestled between Russia and China, Mongolia is a vast, untouched paradise of pristine landscapes and rich nomadic traditions. Here, the descendants of Genghis Khan continue their ancient way of life, herding livestock across endless steppes, deserts, and mountains. Experience:

Nomadic culture unchanged for centuries
Unspoiled wilderness with crystal-clear air and water
Adventures from horseback riding to desert treks

2. Is Mongolia Safe to Travel?
Yes! Mongolia has one of the lowest crime rates globally, far safer than many Western nations. However, watch for pickpockets in crowded areas.

3. When is the best time to travel to Mongolia?

June to September offers:

Mild weather (15°C–25°C / 59°F–77°F)
Naadam Festival (July) – Mongolia’s biggest cultural event
Nomadic encounters in full swing

4. How to Get to Mongolia?

By Air: Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN) in Ulaanbaatar serves as Mongolia's primary international gateway.

USA: San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Denver, Washington, Houston, New York
China: Beijing, Hong Kong, Hohhot, Guangzhou, and Manzhouli.
South Korea: Seoul and Busan
Japan: Tokyo (Narita) and Osaka
Turkey: Istanbul
Germany: Frankfurt
Kazakhstan: Almaty

Airlines operating these routes include MIAT Mongolian Airlines, United Airlines, Air China, Korean Air, Turkish Airlines, Aeroflot, and Hunnu Air.

By Train: The Trans-Mongolian Railway offers scenic routes connecting Mongolia with Russia and China

From Russia: Trains from Moscow to Ulaanbaatar via the Trans-Siberian Railway, take approximately 5 to 6 days.
From China: Trains from Beijing to Ulaanbaatar, typically take around 24 to 30 hours.

5. What things should I bring?

Packing Essentials :

Layered clothing (cold nights, warm days)
Sturdy footwear for rugged terrain
Camera to capture stunning landscapes
Small gifts (pens, toys) for nomadic families
Multi-band (or dust cover hat) – for protection against wind, sun, and dust from sand
Sun Cream

6. Do I need a visa for my trip to Mongolia?

Visa-free for many countries - check it out here
Selena Travel provides visa support for booked tours

7. Which currencies can I bring to Mongolia?

You can bring US dollar, Euro, Chinese Yuan, Korean won, and Japanese Yen etc. Then you can change it into Tughrik- Mongolian currency. Mongolian Tugrik (MNT) – Exchange Rates as of April 2025:

1 US Dollar (USD) ≈ 3,501 MNT
1 Euro (EUR) ≈ 3,843 MNT
1 Japanese Yen (JPY) ≈ 23.78 MNT
1 Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) ≈ 450 MNT
1 Chinese Yuan (CNY) ≈ 479 MNT
1 Russian Ruble (RUB) ≈ 41 MNT

Click here for Official Daily Foreign Exchange Rates

8. How is the food in Mongolia?

Meat-heavy cuisine (lamb, beef, horse)
Dairy products (curd, airag – fermented mare’s milk)
Best restaurants in Ulaanbaatar

9. How is the electricity and sockets of Mongolia?

Mongolia operates on 220V voltage and 50Hz frequency, and the power outlets typically use the European-style two-pin plugs (Type C and Type E/F). If you're traveling there from a country that uses a different voltage or plug type, you might need a plug adapter and possibly a voltage converter.

10. How is the drinking water in Mongolia?

Water quality in Mongolia is relatively good compared to Asian countries. Tap water is generally safe, but bottled water is recommended.

11. Where is Mongolia?

Landlocked between Russia & China
1.5 million sq km (larger than France, Germany, UK & Italy combined)
8,156 km (5,067.90 miles) of borders

12. Why Choose Selena Travel Mongolia?

As Mongolia’s leading tour operator, we offer:

Expert guides with deep local knowledge
Membership in PATA, JATA & Mongolian Tourism Organization
Customizable, safe, and authentic tours

13. Can I make my own trip itinerary?
Want a personalized trip? Visit our Tailor-Made Tours section and design your dream adventure with our experts!

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