A car trip across Mongolia

Why Visit Mongolia: The Land of Eternal Blue Skies

Mongolia offers travelers an unparalleled adventure through vast steppes, dramatic landscapes, and rich nomadic culture. As the birthplace of Genghis Khan, this landlocked nation provides a unique glimpse into traditional Central Asian life that’s rapidly modernizing.

Key attractions for car travelers include:

• Authentic Mongolian gers (traditional yurts) dotting the landscape
• Vast steppes stretching to the horizon
• Herds of yaks and sheep with nomadic herders
• Complete freedom from rigid travel schedules
• Remote locations accessible only by vehicle

Car travel offers the ultimate flexibility to explore Mongolia’s remote regions at your own pace, though proper preparation is essential for navigating the challenging road conditions.

Mongolia’s Road Conditions: What to Expect

Mongolia’s road infrastructure presents unique challenges that require careful planning and preparation. The country’s roads are notoriously difficult, with locals often joking that there are three types of roads: good roads, bad roads, and Mongolian roads.

Types of Roads in Mongolia

• Paved roads: Limited to major routes and city connections, often requiring toll payments
• Dirt tracks: The majority of roads, varying from well-maintained to nearly impassable
• Mountain passes: Including challenging routes with colorful names reflecting their difficulty

Road Tolls and Fees

• City entry and exit fees: Approximately $0.50 USD (1,000 MNT)
• Paved road tolls required for asphalt surfaces
• National park and reserve entry fees for vehicles
• Bridge tolls in certain aimags (provinces)

Important note: Paved roads may have significant potholes without warning signs, so drivers often navigate around obstacles using oncoming traffic lanes or roadside areas.

Driving Requirements and Car Rental in Mongolia

Essential Documents for Driving

• International Driving Permit (IDP) – mandatory for foreign visitors
• Mongolian driving license (for residents)
• Valid passport with entry stamp
• Vehicle registration and insurance documents

Car Rental Restrictions

Mongolia has specific requirements for car rentals:

• All rental vehicles must come with a local driver
• Self-drive rentals are not available to tourists
• Driver may not speak your native language fluently
• Local drivers are familiar with road conditions and navigation

Mongolia Traffic Laws and Driving Culture

Speed Limits

• Urban areas: 60 km/h maximum
• Rural roads: 80 km/h maximum
• Highways: 100 km/h maximum
• Passenger buses and freight vehicles: 50 km/h urban, 70 km/h rural
• School transport: 50 km/h maximum
• Towing vehicles: 40 km/h maximum

Driving Restrictions and Permits

• Border zones: 30 km strip along Chinese border requires special permission
• National parks: Entry fees required for vehicles and overnight stays
• Environmental protection areas: Limited access with permits

Common Driving Challenges

Travelers should be prepared for unique driving conditions:

• Frequent use of horns and informal traffic patterns
• High-beam headlights used regularly, even during daylight
• Pedestrians crossing roads at unofficial locations
• Significant penalties for drunk driving (up to 3 years imprisonment)
• Traffic police actively monitoring violations with increasing enforcement

Police require clean license plates at all times, even if the vehicle is dirty from off-road travel.

Vehicle Services and Fuel Costs in Mongolia

Fuel Prices and Availability

• Gasoline costs over $1 USD per liter
• 95-octane fuel can be difficult to find in remote areas
• Plan fuel stops carefully for long-distance travel

Automotive Services

• Wheel balancing: Not commonly available or practiced
• Car washes: Expensive service, approximately 1,800 rubles per vehicle
• Repairs: Basic mechanical services available in cities

Best Mongolia Road Trip Routes and Destinations

Orkhon Valley – Top Recommended Route

The Orkhon Valley offers the most scenic and accessible car travel experience in Mongolia:

• Diverse landscapes combining steppes and forested slopes
• Rivers and waterfalls for scenic photography
• Guest houses with modern conveniences
• Yurt camps with air conditioning and heating
• Opportunities to observe traditional nomadic lifestyle

Cultural Experiences Along the Route

• Observe yak herding and traditional animal husbandry
• Meet nomadic families and their livestock
• Photography opportunities with camels and horses
• Experience traditional Mongolian hospitality

Alternative Routes: Soviet-Era Sites

History enthusiasts may enjoy exploring abandoned Soviet military installations scattered throughout Mongolia. These sites offer insight into the country’s 20th-century history and provide unique photography opportunities for adventurous travelers.

Essential Travel Tips for Mongolia Car Adventures

What to Pack

• International Driving Permit (mandatory)
• Emergency repair kit and spare parts
• Extra fuel containers for remote areas
• Warm clothing for temperature variations
• GPS device and physical maps

Best Time to Visit

• Summer (June-August): Warmest weather, best road conditions
• Fall (September-October): Clear skies, fewer tourists
• Winter: Extremely cold, challenging driving conditions

Welcome to Mongolia, the land of endless horizons, dramatic landscapes, and unforgettable adventures! Remember to secure your International Driving Permit before departure, or you might find yourself exploring this magnificent country by camel instead. Safe travels across the steppes!