By Air
Mongolia`s state owned MIAT Mongolian Airlines operates the most extensive international flights into the capital, Ulaanbaatar (UB) from Berlin, Frankfurt, Moscow, Beijing, Seoul, Tokyo and Hong Kong with most modern Boeing airplanes.
The most common gateway to UB can be Beijing as Air China flies regularly from Beijing additionally. The second popular gate is Seoul, Korea as both MIAT and Korean Air operates flights as daily.
If you are coming from Europe, Moscow can be your choice and Russian Airline, Aeroflot flies between Moscow-UB-Moscow. Also Turkish Airline has been flying between Istanbul and UB for 6<sup>th</sup> year.
There is a new and great way to get to Mongolia for Australians for flying with MIAT through Hong Kong as MIAT has made a special agreement with Cathay Pacific.
Mongolia`s two privately owned domestic airlines Hunnu Air and Aero Mongolia fly secondlt international destinations including Ulan Ude and Irkutsk on Russia`s Baikal Lake and Manzhouli, China.

By Rail
The most common way to get to Mongolia by rail is Trans-Siberian Railway whether from Moscow (5 days) or Beijing (36 hours). Trans-Siberian Railway goes through Mongolia from Moscow stopping in Irkutsk and Ulan-Ude, before stopping in Ulaanbaatar and continuing to cities of China including Erlian and Beijing. Rail tickets are in options with two or four birth cabins. Trans-Siberian Railway tickets should be booked in very much advance since the tickets are in high demand in high season. Daily trains also run Irkutsk to UB.

Citizens of United States, Canada, Hong Kong and Japan are allowed to travel to Mongolia without visas up to 30 days. Other nationalities are required to get a visa before travelling to Mongolia from Mongolian embassies or honorary consuls. If you are required to get invitation to Mongolia for visa application, we will send you upon request. The following link has a list of Mongolian embassies, consulates and diplomatic missions broad: http://consul.mn/05dtg.php

Even as one of the highest and most landlocked countries in the world, Mongolia enjoys 260 sunny day days per year. The average temperature in Ulaanbaatar is -25°C (-13F) in winter and mid 20°C (68 F) in summer. The summer travel season goes from May 15 to October 15.  June is usually blistering hot and dry while August is cooler but wet. The rains bring grass and wildflowers, which delight photographers. Most travelers visit Mongolia in mid-July for annual Naadam Sports Festival. Crowds tend to be larger at this time so book ahead your tour packages in very advance. September and October are very pleasant months to see the Gobi. Spring (March to mid-May) can be challenging travel in Mongolia whereas one advantage is relatively ‘bug free’ with fewer mosquitos compared to the late summer. Our pre-departure information will provide details regarding the weather along with a suggested packing list.

Comparing to summer and Autumn season, very few travelers visit Mongolia in the off-season and for good reasons-from the mid-October until mid-April, the mercury rarely climbs above 0°C. During the coldest days of winter, the temperature can plummet to -30°C. Further, because of Mongolia`s high latitude (Ulaanbaatar 48° north), the daylights are short, with the sun setting around 4 pm in late December. Why travelers want to visit Mongolia in such a time? The reason is cost when hotel, airlines, and tour prices tend to drop. Also there are certain festivals are organized during the season such as Camel Festival in South Gobi and Ice Festival in Khuvsgul Lake in March to attract travelers who want to experience Mongolia in different types such as ice skating, see camel races when camels` coats are thick and shaggy. The Nation is in the element and most photogenic when they break out their huge sheepskin cloaks (deel), fox fur hats, and embroidered boots. The best place to ski is Sky Resort which is new and world standard resort closer to the Ulaanbaatar and on the way to Terelj National Park. Dog-sledding on frozen Tuul River is one of the highlight to do in Terelj National Park.  Winter is also the season to see the Kazakhs (in Bayan Ulgii) hunt using theur magnificent eagles. So as long as you are prepared yourself in warm clothes and well equipment, there are many ways to enjoy Mongolian winter. Our travel experts will be offering you the best winter travel packages.

For Mongolia consider clothing more practical than stylish. Travelers are recommended you bring sturdy hiking boots or walking shoes and a pair of sandals. A wide brimmed hat will keep the sun off your face. Light clothing, including shorts and t-shirts are acceptable as well as a light rain jacket or poncho is good idea in summer travel. A pair of long underwear even in summer is useful when you are going up mountains and will not take up much room in your luggage although you will need one or two smart casual outfits for Ulaanbaatar. In winter and cooler season, don`t forget a scarf, gloves, and woolen hat. Sunglasses and sun block are essential. Other items to pack include: lip balm, flashlight, notebook and pens, spare batteries, a small medical kit, your personal toiletries (including dental floss, which will prove invaluable after a meal mutton stew) and mosquito repellent etc.

Local time in Ulaanbaatar GMT+8 hours. The three western aimags (provinces) are one hour behind the capital.

Mongolia uses 220 volts 50 Hz. Formal electrical sockets are two round prongs similar to those used in Russia and Europe. Also you can charge your items while you are travelling in vehicles from place to another in cigarette lighter socket bringing your own devices.

Mongolia’s national currency is called tugrig and the exchange rate is about 2,400 tugrik to a US dollar. Major currencies can be exchanged at the hotels and pawnshops, and ATM. Most Asian and European currencies can be traded in Ulaanbaatar, but the US dollar is most reliable form of currency. You can make payment with your credit cards in Ulaanbaatar and cash is recommended in rest of the country.

Mongolia is renowned for its tip quality cashmere with boutiques and cashmere stores selling the sweaters and other knitted products. Other attractive products are woodcarvings and puzzles, secular and religious paintings and silver jewelry. Also a few CD`s of traditional and modern Mongolian music is recommended to bring back pleasant memories of your Mongolia visit. If you plan to shop for souvenirs, we recommend purchasing locally as many items as possible since your purchases will be a direct contribution to the local community.

Layering is the best plan to be ready for a wide array of Mongolian weather patterns. Safety Mongolia is devoid of any political, religious and ethnic sectarian conflicts and is considered one of the safest countries in the world for international travelers.

However, like in any other country, crimes do happen with Ulaanbaatar`s population jump in recent years and the hard scrabble existence of some, street crime such as aggravated assault has increased and precautions should be taken when walking alone in the city at night. Therefore, be careful of robbery or pickpockets in crowded areas such as State Department Store and Narantuul (black market) market etc. When travelling, don`t tempt by leaving valuables out in the open.

Visitors to Mongolia should be in good health and prepared to engage in a reasonable amount of physical activity. Bring your prescription medicine and a batch of anti-diarrhoeal, antacid and antibiotic medications. Diarrhoea and altitude sickness are the most common ailments. We strongly recommend that you consider getting standard emergency medical evacuation insurance as a means to protect yourself from unexpected accidents that can happen during any trip.Nothing is better than traveling with peace of mind knowing that you have prepared for the trip as much as possible in advance.

For any further questions or clarifications, feel free to email or chat with your Mongolian travel advisor. We wish you an enjoyable and memorable Mongolia travel with us!