Cheapest and Most Expensive Times To Visit Mongolia
Searching for the cheapest and most expensive times to visit Mongolia? This guide has you covered and will help you plan when to visit based on your travel budget.
Most Expensive Time to Visit Mongolia
The most expensive time to visit Mongolia is during its peak travel and festival seasons, when tourism demand and prices surge across flights, hotels, and tours.
Summer (June to August)
June through August marks Mongolia's peak season, with warm weather and ideal conditions for exploring the steppes, Gobi Desert, and cultural sites.
July is especially costly due to the Naadam Festival (July 11–13), when hotel rates—particularly in Ulaanbaatar—can double.
Cheapest Time to Visit Mongolia
The cheapest time to visit Mongolia is during the shoulder seasons—spring and autumn—when tourist numbers drop and prices fall.
Spring (April to early June) and Autumn (September to October)
These shoulder seasons offer lower prices for accommodations and tours, while still providing mild, pleasant weather and scenic landscapes.
Visiting in May or September to October provides quieter experiences and cost savings while avoiding extreme weather.
Price Summary Table for Mongolia Travel
Time Period
Price Level
Why It Matters
June – August
$$$ Very High
Peak summer season; warm weather, festivals (Naadam), full demand
July (Naadam Festival week)
$$$$ Highest
Naadam festival (July 11–13); hotel rates—especially in Ulaanbaatar—double
April – early June
$ Low
Spring shoulder season; mild weather, lower tourist demand, better prices
September – October
$ Low
Fall shoulder season; beautiful autumn scenery, quieter, more affordable
How To Save Money When Visiting Mongolia
Travel during shoulder seasons. Aim for April to early June or September to October to benefit from lower prices and fewer crowds.
Book early for summer. If visiting in summer is essential, especially for Naadam, reserve flights, hotels, and tours as early as March to secure reasonable rates.
Choose less-traveled times. Avoid July entirely if your goal is to save—this is the most expensive period due to festival demand and inflated hotel rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it expensive to vacation in Mongolia?
No, Mongolia is actually quite affordable once you get there. Flights can be on the higher side, but the cost of accommodations, food, and activities is significantly lower than what you’d spend in the US. Budget guesthouses and local hotels are usually under $30–$50 a night, and even mid-range hotels rarely go over $80. If you're okay with hostels or yurts (called "gers"), you can spend even less.
Meals are cheap—local dishes like buuz (dumplings) or khuushuur (fried meat pies) can cost just $2–$5, and restaurant meals average around $6–$10. Admission to national parks or museums is also inexpensive, usually under $5. Guided tours to the Gobi Desert or other major attractions can add up a bit, but they're still much cheaper compared to similar tours in places like the US or Europe.
How much would I need to vacation in Mongolia for 1 week?
A one-week vacation in Mongolia (excluding flights) can cost anywhere from $400 to $1,000 USD, depending on your travel style. Budget travelers who stay in hostels or gers, eat local food, and join shared tours can easily stay closer to the $400–$600 range. Mid-range travelers who opt for private accommodations, restaurants, and more flexible tours will likely spend around $800–$1,000.
Daily costs can break down like this:
• Accommodations: $20–$80 per night
• Meals: $10–$20 per day
• Local transport or tours: $25–$100 per day
• Park or attraction fees: typically under $5 each
How much do flights cost to Mongolia from the US?
Round-trip flights from the US to Mongolia typically range from $1,000 to $1,800 USD. Prices can vary based on the time of year, how far in advance you book, and whether you’re flying from a major hub like Los Angeles, New York, or Chicago. Flights often involve layovers in cities like Seoul, Istanbul, or Beijing.
