So when is the best time to visit Mongolia?

It depends on what you want to do. Are you an adventure-seeker with a love of the great outdoors? Then our group and handcrafted journeys which explore the wild side of Mongolia might be for you. Or do you want to explore the cultural highlights of the country and experience the legendary Mongolian hospitality close up ? There are opportunities galore for travel to Mongolia which features festivals and homestays to fit the bill.

There are many festivals held throughout the year. From the ‘three manly sports’ of Naadam (archery, horse racing and wrestling) to the celebration of nomadic life and the special relationship Mongolia enjoys with the horse, there are plenty of opportunities for visitors to experience these and other aspects of Mongolian culture.

Do you want blue skies and dry days? Or does the magic of winter appeal? It is said that you can experience all seasons in one day in Mongolia! Although most people travel in the summer when ‘the Land of the Blue Skies’ lives up to its name, there is much to see out of season. The country bursts into life in the Spring as the flowers blossom and lambs and foals gambol across pastureland. (It is also James’ favourite season!) The Autumn brings a palette of beautiful colours to the forests and foliage – this is the time to ride through the Terelj National Park and appreciate the cooler temperatures and the breathtaking scenery. The spectacular snowscapes and frozen lakes and rivers of the North provide a dramatic backdrop for the Ice Festival at Lake Khovsgol in the Winter.

At Camel Track, we pride ourselves on our adaptable and flexible itineraries that cater for all our guests’ preferences. To help you decide when is the best time for you to visit Mongolia, we’ve come up with this handy seasonal guide:

SPRING IN MONGOLIA – March – May

Tourist popularity: There are not many tourists about

Weather: Dry but very windy

Seasonal highlights: Nauryz, after the hard winter the country comes to life with spring flowers in bloom and young animals on the plains

SUMMER IN MONGOLIA – May – August

Tourist level: This is the most popular time to visit Mongolia

Weather: Warm to hot days with rain possible

Seasonal highlights: Naadam, bright blue skies

AUTUMN IN MONGOLIA – September, October

Tourist numbers: Not very crowded

Weather: Clear and cool

Seasonal highlights: Eagle Festival, the camels look great in their new coats and the autumn colours of the landscape are breathtaking

WINTER IN MONGOLIA – November – February

Tourist numbers: This is the quietest time of the year, but Winter tourism is a growing area

Weather: Dry, but bitterly cold

Seasonal highlights: Tsagaan Tsar, Thousand Camel Festival, Ice Festival

Once you have decided when is the best time for you to visit Mongolia, take a look at the trips we offer. We can organise private handcrafted holidays for you or you might like our small group tours - these can vary from cultural journeys offering a comprehensive introduction to Mongolia combining variety, flexibility, relative comfort, relaxation and a range of optional activities, to active adventures which explore the wild side of Mongolia. Trekking and camping are ideal exploratory activities for remote regions and seldom visited communities.

Whichever time of year you are considering visiting Mongolia, we will be able to guide you on the most suitable type of journey, ideal accommodation and of course, designing your travel to be just right for each individual.