The very best time to go to Mongolia

Famed for infinite steppe vistas, fascinating nomadic tradition, its thriving trendy capital and stunningly various landscapes, Mongolia is so much to absorb. Earlier than you determine on the place to go, you’ll must determine when to go – because the time of the yr you go to will largely form your journey. 

If you weigh up these all-important variables of climate, huge calendar occasions and peak season crowds versus off-season financial savings, selecting the optimum time to return is under no circumstances a simple process – that’s why we’re right here to assist!

Finally, the perfect time to go to Mongolia is a solution that lies with you, the traveler, and what your pursuits are. Are you right here to tick off bucket-list cultural occasions such because the world-renowned Naadam competition or the nation’s fascinating golden eagle searching festivals? Possibly you’re an out of doors fanatic, right here to trek on horseback or bike Mongolia’s wide-open lands in elegant climate? Or maybe you’re extra into snow sports activities and Mongolia’s unique winter festivals?

Given the temperature extremes in Mongolia – peaking at 45°C (113°F) and plummeting to -40°C (-40°F) – the climate is clearly a giant consider deciding the perfect months for a go to. However reality be instructed, anytime is an efficient time to go to Mongolia, with every season bringing distinctive, memorable experiences. However when you’re on the lookout for concepts, listed here are a few of our favourite instances to go to.

June to August brings wonderful climate and the Naadam Competition

The summer season is the height season, and rightly so. That is when the climate actually turns it on, making it adundantly clear why they name Mongolia “the Land of Blue Skies.” June, July and August are Mongolia’s warmest months, so that is the optimum time to hit the countryside. Beneath clear skies, you may expertise nomadic hospitality as you traverse the grassy steppe by horse, foot, bike or 4WD earlier than spending nights in ger (yurt) camps.

June is a very good time to go to, proper earlier than the primary vacationer season ramps up, that means you’ll get to benefit from the landscapes with smaller crowds, and get a taster for Naadam with a number of smaller mini festivals. However the primary occasion occurs in mid-July, when vacationers flock right here en masse from around the globe for the Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage–listed Nadaam Festival – a colourful three-day spectacle of conventional Mongolian video games. 

These embody distinctively native variations of horseracing, wrestling and archery – all traditions that date again centuries in Mongolia – set in opposition to a backdrop of a lot merrymaking. However that is additionally the time when issues get actually busy, so be sure you ebook lodging and transport months upfront. 

Additionally held in July is the Altai Nomad Competition in Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, that includes conventional Kazakh horse video games reminiscent of kokbar, involving a tug of battle with the carcass of a goat. August sees extra fantastic climate, however issues quieten down because the tail finish of the excessive season approaches. Right now you may attend the low-key Danshig Naadam competition, which mixes all of the anticipated conventional sports activities with spiritual ceremonies and cultural occasions.

Come from April to Might or September to October for eagle searching, finances journey and fewer crowds

We’re huge followers of touring within the shoulder season, not only for the possibility to expertise Mongolia via a much less touristy lens, but additionally for a extra relaxed tempo and decrease costs. Certain, the climate generally is a combined bag (come ready for 4 seasons in a single hour) however in a land famed for 250 sunny days a yr, you’ll nonetheless get loads of clear climate.

Round April and Might, Mongolia begins to thaw out from its winter deep freeze, as spring wildflowers bloom to paint landscapes that flip progressively greener as time progresses. Many ger camps open up for the season, permitting you to get pleasure from Mongolia’s far-flung, empty wildernesses earlier than vacationers sweep in for Nadaam. 

Late Might is an efficient time to go to the Gobi Desert, when the storms and cruel airborne sand have subsided. You’ll additionally keep away from the desert’s infamous freezing nighttime temperatures and scorching daytime warmth. September sneaks in some hotter climate, however by October, winter may be very a lot on the march.

However that is the time to go to when you’re right here for certainly one of Mongolia’s spectacular eagle festivals. Held within the first weekend of October, the Eagle Competition in Bayan-Ölgii is the big-ticket attraction, and also you’ll be handled to dazzling shows of falconry by grasp Kazak eagle hunters, placing their prized birds of prey to the check in a variety of competitions, from vogue parades to catching wild prey.

In late September there’s the extra low-key Altai Kazakh Eagle Competition, an equally thrilling occasion held over two days, combining eagle searching demonstrations with horse and camel racing.

November to March brings winter festivals, snow sports activities and excessive chilly

November is when issues begin to get actually chilly! However don’t let that cease you; as an alternative our recommendation is to wrap up heat and dive in. There are many highlights to absorb, together with cultural festivals and snow sports activities, and winter can convey worth reductions for flights and lodging, however not large financial savings.

February is especially good for conventional winter occasions, with each the Khatgal Ice Competition and Ulaanbaatar Winter Competition showcasing distinctive sports activities reminiscent of ice ankle-bone capturing (a captivating recreation of talent performed with animal bones), ice archery, and horse sledding competitions, alongside extra acquainted winter actions reminiscent of ice skating, ice fishing and canine sledding.

Tsagaan Sar, the Lunar New 12 months, can be in February, when chances are you’ll be fortunate sufficient to have a good time the festivities with native households. There’s additionally the Bulgan Camel Competition, the Gobi’s greatest occasion, when crowds flock to Ömnögovi for camel polo, camel races, camel shearing and different actions involving these prized beasts of burden. 

November to March can be the time to become involved in snow sports activities, together with downhill snowboarding at Ulaanbaatar’s Sky Resort. Canine sledding tours can simply be organized, together with long-distance skating on Khövsgöl Nuur lake.

One phrase of warning, nevertheless. December and January can convey not solely bitterly chilly temperatures to Ulaanbaatar, but additionally horrendous air pollution. If there are any months to keep away from, we might single out January, except you’re significantly hardy.