Travel and Tours

 

FLIGHT OPTIONS:

The most common way to get to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia is:

  1. Get to a gateway city.
  2. Fly from the gateway city to Ulaanbaatar.
  3. Take a taxi or transfer to the Novotel Ulaanbaatar (30 – 45 depending on traffic).

*Sometimes these are code shares.

About MIAT

MIAT Mongolian Airlines is Mongolia's flag carrier fully owned by the state. It is based at Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN) in Ulaanbaatar. In our experience, it is an excellent airline.

Tips:

  1. Check flights from your hometown to all these Gateway Cities to find the lowest cost.
  2. Try booking each flight separately, book to the Gateway City and then book a second ticket to the Destination City.
  3. Check flights on multiple days as many times non-weekend travel is cheaper.
  4. Check multiple booking sites, for example, Expedia (Expedia.com), SkyScanner (skyscanner.com), CheapoAir (cheapoair.com).

TRANSFERS TO AND FROM THE AIRPORT

The easiest way to get from Ulaanbaatar airport to the city centre is to book at transfer with a tour agent or take a taxi. Depending on your arrival time, the cost is MNT100,000 – 150,000 (USD30-45).

VISAS

Before making your travel plans you should check whether you need a visa to enter Mongolia as a tourist. We recommend that all nationalities check with the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Mongolia for visa requirements.

The government of Mongolia offers visa-free entry to many countries. The list was expanded in 2023 to exempt visa requirements for the nationals of an additional 34 countries including 32 European countries (the Schengen area and UK), Australia and New Zealand.

It is important to check early, so you are aware of anything you need to do. If you need a letter or other information from RacingThePlanet, let us know.

> Do also check the visa requirements of any countries that you plan to transit through.

ADDITIONAL TRAVEL IN MONGOLIA

In and around Ulaanbaatar

  • Gorkhi-Terelj National Park
  • National History Museum
  • Genghis Khan Statue Complex
  • Hustai National Park
  • Genghis Khan Square
  • Migjid Janraisig Sum
  • Gandantegchenling Monastery
  • Zanabazar Museum of Fine Art
  • Zaisan Memorial
  • Choijin Lama Temple Museum
  • Bogd Khaan Palace Museum of Mongolia

Across Mongolia

  • Southern Gobi Desert: Take a trip to the mesmerising Southern Gobi Desert.
  • Khuvsgul Lake: This pristine lake offers stunning views and various activities.
  • Terelj National Park: Known for its breathtaking landscapes, Terelj National Park attracts many visitors.
  • Orkhon Valley: Discover the historical and cultural significance of Orkhon Valley.
  • Flaming Cliffs: Uncover the secrets of the ancient dinosaur fossils at the Flaming Cliffs.
  • Elsen Tasarkhai Sand Dunes: Experience the beauty of the desert and enjoy camel riding at Elsen Tasarkhai Sand Dunes.
  • Hustai National Park: Witness the majestic wild horses, known as Przewalski's horses, at Hustai National Park.

TIPS & ADVICE ON TRAVEL PLANNING

Arrive a few days early if you can

We recommend that you arrive 1 or 2 (or more) days earlier if possible. This reduces unnecessary stress in case of any changes to your flights or lost luggage which is not uncommon (this does usually show up but can take a couple of days to catch up with you). It also allows time to recover from a long flight and acclimatise to the new environment and altitude.

You can leave on Sunday, 29 June at any time but you may want to choose an option that leaves in the afternoon on Sunday or on Monday to give you a few more post-race adventures.

Check your insurance

It is worth considering a flexible ticket and getting insurance to cover flight changes or cancellations as well as lost luggage in case of any changes you need to make or made by your airline.

Carry as much race equipment as possible

I can't stress enough how important this is to avoid any issues in case check-in bags are delayed or lost by airlines.

RECOMMENDED TOUR AGENT

We suggest Eventours for booking any additional nights in the hotel or tours in Mongolia. This is our local organiser we have worked with since 2018.

Contact: Uuriintuya at [email protected].