Camping in Mongolia: Places & Things to Remember

Wild Camping trips are one of the major contributors in Mongolian tour. Tourists love camping and this country has a couple of unbelievable camping sites to keep the bars of Mongolian tours high. From the panoramic views of the lake to the unreal sand dunes, you can set up camps easily, however, you might need to know some of the important details before executing your "let's go for camping in Mongolia" plan. Save yourself some research time and read these details about places to camp and things to remember before you go camping. Thank us later!
 

Best time to visit Mongolia for camping

Camping in Mongolia, Orkhon Valley

Being in the far end of the borders of China and Russia, Mongolia does not receive a very warm summertime as compared to many western countries. Camping will be extra fun if the weather is favorable, we advise you to visit Mongolia between May and Mid-October for an exciting camping experience. The weather will be pleasant, warm, and dry, by the end of October, you will notice the onset of winter and you wouldn’t like camping on snow, or would you?

See also Mongolia Weather
 

Pro tips for setting up a tent

We care about your camping craze and you have to know better if you want a memory of your lifetime. Follow these tips if you don’t want to mess up setting up tents, however, there are many places where you can rent tents.
 
• Note this down; do not set up tents under a tree, ever. In case it is the time for storms, it might get dangerous due to falling branches.
• It is important to avoid riverbeds that are dried because there can be spring surges during heavy rain.
• It is safest to keep away from any body of water at least 100 meters. Find a covered place for your bed, and ideally a spot on your bed where the morning sun shines early. That dissipates the nocturnal cold.
• If you find the right spot while camping in Mongolia, admire the night sky: it is especially spectacular in camping sites, as there is hardly any "rain pollution" caused by bigger cities.
 

Places to consider for wild camping

While the country's second-largest lake is attracting a lot of tourists, it is still in pristine condition and is spectacular in the brilliant surrounding mountains. The place will serve the purpose right, and you will get a clear sky view for stargazing. You will not find any boat traffic that blends into the lake's pristine picture much as the surrounding soothing thermal springs do.
 

2. Amarbayasgalant Monastery

Near the Selenge River in northern Mongolia, you'll find this Buddhist temple, which is one of the country's three highest. For the initially 40 temples, only 28 are left today, they are developed primarily in Chinese style and bear influences from both Mongolian and Tibetan. People often make pre-booking for camping in the site and it is perfect in terms of exploring history and culture.

 Read more about 6 Famous Temples in Mongolia
 
It is a remarkable rock formation south of Ulaanbaatar some 400 kilometers (249 mi) away. The prominent cliffs are 30 meters (98 ft.) high and about 100 meters (328 ft.) long and resemble the remains of an ancient town from afar. Tourists mostly love visiting the nearby renowned Khevtee Bosoo Agui Cave and the Bronze Age rock paintings. Imagine camping in Mongolia and visiting this site to explore all these beauties.
 
The Orkhon Valley, located west of Ulaanbaatar, is of considerable historical importance as it is the cradle of the nomadic way of life and the former center of influence for the Mongols. In addition to the soft, green hills on the banks of the River Orkhon, there are various monuments too, such as the former capital the Karakorum and the prominent waterfall of Ulaan Tsutgalan. The camping sites that are close to the waterfall have a different vibe.
 
You can easily reach this park by road, as the National Park is just northeast of Ulaanbaatar. It is renowned for its picturesque mountainous scenery, spectacular rock formations, rivers and woodland, Khagiin Khar glacial lake and Yestii hot springs. These will definitely give you a lot to experience and enjoy in this camping site of Mongolia.
Camping in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park
Camping in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park
 

6. Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes

A perfect place for camping, such prominent dunes, and 280 kilometers (174 mi) west of Ulaanbaatar, are part of the sand dunes of Mongol Els and extend with a width of about 5 kilometers (3 mi) over an 80-kilometre (50 mi) range. However, you must carry some of the important items like mosquito repellent, a source of light, and clothing according to the season you are visiting.  A picturesque and highly diverse landscape surrounds you, a vivid combination of steppe, valleys, woodland and desert.
 

7. Hilly Grassland near Ulaanbataar

This location is a perfect place to start the Mongolian adventure and has a lot to offer for people looking for camping in Mongolia. Mongolia is known for its beautiful grassland, and this place completely serves the purpose right. The view is breathtaking in its own way and serves as a major source of attraction for the tourists. Traveling will not be a problem because the place is simply two-hour drive from the capital city.
 

Things to remember before plan camping in Mongolia

We will begin with the most basic things you need to keep in mind before you start the camping trip. Some of these factors are extremely necessary to keep in mind if you want to have a comfortable camping trip.
 

Choose the best tent

First, your tent has to be waterproof and windproof. It gets windy in the evening especially in the Gobi desert.

Read more about 7 Tips for Traveling to Deserts in Mongolia
 
Second, the wind stable tents are highly recommended. You will be able to quickly set up in a minute, using a hand pump.

Third, as there are many mosquitoes in the area of water, your tent must provide protection for the mosquitoes.
 

Clothing and equipment for camping

Always choose quality when comes to the price of appliances. After all, in remote areas, you should be able to count on it and not be worried about its life expectancy. You can also purchase camping gear from the capital before leaving for the camping site because having your own validated equipment is better. Now, your garments should be sturdy enough to compensate for temperatures below freezing and you should even wear these comfortable clothes.
 
These tips and selective places for camping in Mongolia will definitely make things easier for you. Planning a trip is a messy thing and it is very little you can do if you have less information about that place. As for Mongolia and researching the best camping site, this compile might just answer the question you were troubled with for too long.

 You May Like:

Mongolia Horse Riding - Cost, Places & Tips

Places & Tips for Trekking in Mongolia

Top 7 Things to Do in Mongolia in Winter

Things to Do in Mongolia
- Last updated on May. 17, 2021 -