Mongolia, with its vast, unspoiled landscapes and rich cultural heritage, offers some of the most exhilarating driving experiences in the world.
Key Takeaways
- Self-driving is perfect for seasoned off-road explorers.
- Hiring a local driver provides expert navigation and guidance.
- Motorcycle rentals offer a thrilling way to explore the terrain.
Whether you’re self-driving or hiring a local driver, the adventure and beauty you’ll encounter are unmatched. Here’s why Mongolia makes for one of the best drives in the world and where you should go once you get the keys.
How to Rent a Car in Mongolia: 4 Options from Self-Driving to Hiring a Driver
Self-Driving: Renting a 4×4 vehicle allows you to explore Mongolia’s diverse terrains at your own pace. This option is perfect for experienced drivers who enjoy the thrill of off-road adventures.
Hiring a Driver: For those unfamiliar with Mongolia’s challenging roads, hiring a local driver can be a wise choice. Local drivers are skilled at navigating the terrain and can also serve as guides.
Guided Tours: Many tour companies offer comprehensive packages that include a vehicle, driver, and guide. This option provides a hassle-free way to experience Mongolia’s highlights.
Motorcycle Rentals: For the more adventurous, renting a motorcycle offers a unique and thrilling way to explore Mongolia’s landscapes. Ensure you have proper riding experience and gear.
Why Mongolia Makes for One of the Best Drives in the World
Vast and Untamed Landscapes: Mongolia’s low population density means you can drive for hours without seeing another vehicle, offering a sense of solitude and freedom that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Diverse Terrains: From the towering dunes of the Gobi Desert to the lush valleys of the Orkhon and the rugged Altai Mountains, Mongolia’s varied landscapes keep every journey exciting.
Rich Nomadic Culture: Along your drives, you’ll encounter traditional ger camps and have the opportunity to experience the hospitality of Mongolia’s nomadic people, adding a cultural dimension to your adventure.
Where to Go Once You Get the Keys
Gobi Desert: Famous for its vast dunes and unique rock formations, the Gobi is a must-visit. Key sites include the Khongoryn Els dunes and the Flaming Cliffs.
Orkhon Valley: A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Orkhon Valley is rich in historical significance and natural beauty. It’s a great spot for those interested in Mongolia’s cultural heritage.
Lake Khuvsgul: Often referred to as the “Blue Pearl of Mongolia,” this pristine lake offers stunning scenery and opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and boating.
The 3 Best Day Trips in Driving Distance from Ulaanbaatar
Terelj National Park: Just an hour’s drive from the capital, Terelj offers beautiful rock formations, hiking trails, and the famous Turtle Rock. It’s perfect for a quick escape into nature.
Gorkhi-Terelj National Park: Known for its picturesque landscapes and the Aryabal Meditation Temple, this park is ideal for a day trip filled with outdoor activities and spiritual exploration.
Hustai National Park: Home to the reintroduced wild Takhi horses, Hustai offers a unique wildlife viewing experience just a short drive from Ulaanbaatar.
The 5 Best Driving Routes for Visiting Mongolia – and the Best Seasons to Travel Them
Central Route: Ulaanbaatar to Kharkhorin and the Gobi Desert. Best traveled from May to September when the weather is mild.
Northern Route: Ulaanbaatar to Lake Khuvsgul. Ideal for summer and early autumn, offering perfect conditions for outdoor activities.
Western Route: Ulaanbaatar to the Altai Mountains. Best in late spring or early autumn to avoid the extremes of summer and winter.
Eastern Route: Ulaanbaatar to the birthplace of Genghis Khan. Summer is the best time for this off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Southern Route: Exploring the Gobi Desert. Late spring to early autumn is ideal to avoid the harshest desert conditions.
Things to Know Before You Rent a Car and Drive in Mongolia
While driving in Mongolia is one of the absolute best ways to experience the country, it isn’t always the easiest. Keep these things in mind before deciding which car to rent in Mongolia, and which adventure is best for your travel style.
Navigating: Maps.me vs Google Maps
When it comes to navigating your way across Mongolia, Maps.me will be your best friend and all-around most reliable resource.
More accurate than Google Maps, with more dirt road routes mapped across the country and an offline feature that you’ll quickly realize, makes it an invaluable resource. Maps.me is the way to go when it comes to route planning and navigating here.
Don’t forget your car charger and put your phone on low battery mode to save energy during your trip. The worst thing that can happen is that you run out of battery right when you need it most.
There are Paved Roads and then there are Mongolian “Paved Roads”
Often in Mongolia, you find yourself on a road that isn’t even a road at all. Even the “paved roads,” as herders will call their countryside routes, are dirt paths worn by years of travel from the locals.
And, even when you are lucky enough to find yourself on an actual paved road, harsh winters and weather conditions will leave these roads in states that will make travel slow going.
It’s important to remember during your travels here that it’s not about the destination. It’s about the journey. (A motto that will save you a lot of heartache and frustration in this country.)
Fines and Getting Pulled Over
It’s not uncommon for checkpoints and toll roads to come up along your journey. Most of the time, guards will wave you through.
However, in the instance they don’t, you’ll have to show a few things: your International Driver’s License (or Vienna Conventions on Road Traffic country-compliant driver’s license) and the car’s registration.
As long as you show both, you should have no problems with the guards. In the instance that you do, call the company that you’ve rented your car from immediately to advise you on what to do in the situation.
Due to a language or other barrier, whatever issue you’re encountering may be resolved with the help of a local Mongolian speaker.
Finding Gas
Once you leave the city limits of Ulaanbaatar, keep this in mind: always get gas when you can, especially if you’re driving a vehicle that takes diesel fuel.
Fuel consumption should stay at a reasonable level in your car – as I mentioned before, your trip may be slower than you anticipate, which will at least help you not burn through fuel.
Keep in mind that the farther you go from Ulaanbaatar, the more unreliable the fuel sources are going to be. This means old or low-grade fuel is going to be all that’s available.
In this instance, Liqui Moly booster will be a great thing to have on hand to keep your car running smoothly during your road trip. Ask the company you rent your vehicle from about this. When you reserve your rental car, they’ll know exactly what you need.
Cash
Always have cash on you. Always. Always. Always.
Most ATMs in Ulaanbaatar will disperse a maximum of 500,000 to 800,000 Mongolian tugrik (MNT) at a time, which is roughly $175 to $280 USD.
Bring USD or euros with you, if possible, to avoid costly bank and ATM fees, and exchange at places like the ground floor of the State Department or your hotel or hostel before leaving the city.
Most gas stations, convenience stores, ger camps, and tourist attractions won’t accept cards, so the importance of carrying enough cash on you is vital.
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