Write it on the front
I am Kagi, a Mongolian cultural documentary photographer, partner and chief guide of Altai Echoes.
Over the past three years, I've taken nearly 100 academics, photographers, and travelers deep into the hinterland of Mongolia. On social media, people also often ask me:
● “Is Mongolia safe?”
● “When is the best time to go?”
● “What equipment do I need to bring?”
● “What if I don't understand the language?”
In this post, I'll answer 18 key questions in the most straightforward way.
If you're planning an in-depth trip to Mongolia, this article will save you at least 20 hours of searching time.
Part 1: Preparation before departure
1. Do I need a visa to Mongolia?
Answer: Look at your passport.
● 🇨🇳 Mainland China passport: Visa required (visa on arrival or advance application is possible)
● 🇹🇼 Chinese and Taiwanese passports: Visa required (visa on arrival or advance application is possible)
● 🇭🇰 Hong Kong SAR passport: 14 days free of tags
● 🇲🇴 Macau SAR passport: 14 days free of tags
● 🇸🇬 Singapore passport: 30 days free of tags
● 🇲🇾 Malaysian passport: 30 days free of tags
(The visa policy has changed a lot. For reference only, please refer to the latest policy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia)
Visa on arrival process:
1. Arrive at Ulaanbaatar Airport
2. Fill in the immigration card
3. Expenses (approximately 50 USD)
4. Wait 30 minutes
Suggestions: If you need to apply for a visa and have plenty of time, it's easier to get a visa in advance before you travel. If you sign up for an Altai Echoes itinerary, we'll help you arrange your visa.
2. When is the best time to visit Mongolia?
Answer: Depends on what you want to experience.
My suggestion:
● First time going: Select July-August (stable weather, rich experiences)
● humanities enthusiast: Selected June (Prairie Early Summer+ World Shaman Festival)
● photography enthusiast: Selected September-October (Autumn Gaoqi + Golden Eagle Festival)
● Ultimate Adventurer: Selected January-January (Frozen Lake Sougur, Winter Falconry Experience)
3. How much budget do you need for a trip to Mongolia?
Answer: Depends on how you travel.
Way to travel
Budget (8-10 days)
Features
Backpackers
RMB 5,000-8,000
Hostels, public transportation, do-it-yourself strategies
Public tours
RMB 8,000-12,000
Group of 30-40 people, sightseeing on horse
Civic Boutique Group
RMB 26,000-35,000
4-12 person group, photographer guide, in-depth experience
Private customization
RMB 50,000+
1-on-1 service, fully customized
Altai Echoes itinerary price:
● Price: HKD 11,800-38,800 (RMB 10,650-35,500)
● Includes: accommodation, transportation, tickets, meals, guide, photography guidance, visa fees
● Not included: flights to and from Ulaanbaatar, insurance, personal expenses
Why is it better than a public tour group?
1. ✅ 4-12 person small group (not a 30-40 person bus)
2. ✅ Photographer guide, proficient in Mongolian geography and culture (not an ordinary tour guide)
3. ✅ boutique accommodation + yurt (not a low end hotel)
4. ✅ Go deep into the prairie (not a scenic spot)
5. ✅ Travel experience in 30 countries, the founder personally designed the route and made the map (not an assembly line product)
4. What equipment do I need to bring?
Answer: Depends on the season and itinerary.
Summer (June-August) must-have list
clothing:
✅ Windproof jacket (windproof and rainproof)
✅ Grab a sweater (big temperature difference between morning and night)
✅ Quick-drying T-shirt×3
✅ Quick-drying pants x 2
● ✅ Hiking shoes (required! (Grassland road condition difference)
● ✅ Hat+sunglasses (UV resistant)
Camera equipment:
● ✅ Camera+ wide-angle lens (to shoot the prairie)
● ✅ telephoto lens (beat)
● ✅ Tripod (shooting the starry sky)
● ✅ Backup battery x 2 (prairie can be charged without electricity)
Daily necessities:
● ✅ Sunscreen SPF50+
● ✅ Lip balm (air dry)
● ✅ Wet wipes (bathing conditions are limited)
● ✅ Digestive medicine (eating and drinking habits)
● ✅ Charging treasure (grassland signal difference, power saving)
You don't need to bring:
● ❌ Blower (yurt without electricity)
● ❌ High heels (poor prairie road conditions)
● ❌ Too many clothes (not convenient to wash clothes)
Winter (November-February) must-have list
clothing:
● ✅ Down jacket (-40°C grade)
● ✅ Thermal underwear x 2 sets
● ✅ Fleece pants
● ✅ Windproof and waterproof outerwear
● ✅ Snow shoes (required! (Non-slip and warm)
● ✅ Thick gloves + hat + scarf
● ✅ Warm baby x 10
Camera equipment:
● ✅ Camera+backup battery x 3 (low temperature, fast power consumption)
● ✅ Thermal bag (to keep the battery warm)
● ✅ Tripod (take pictures of ice lakes and starry skies)
Daily necessities:
● ✅ Thermo cup (required!)
● ✅ Lip balm+hand cream (extremely dry)
● ✅ Sunglasses (highly reflective on snow)
5. What if I don't understand the language?
Answer: Don't worry.
Mongolian language situation:
● Official language: Mongolian
● English penetration rate: Ulan Bator 30%, grassland 5%
● Chinese penetration rate: almost zero
Altai Echoes' solution:
1. ✅ The guide is fluent in Chinese/English
2. ✅ Prepare commonly used Mongolian cards in advance
3. ✅ Using Body Language + Translate App
Practical Mongolian:
● Hello: Sain Bain UU (pronunciation: Sain Bain UU)
● Thanks: bayarlalaa (pronunciation: bayarlalaa)
● Goodbye: Bayartai (pronunciation: bayartai)
● Delicious: amttai (pronunciation: amttai)
● How much is it: (Pronunciation: hed ve?)
Part II: Experiences during the trip
6. What are the accommodation conditions in Mongolia?
Answer: Cities vs. grasslands, different places.
Ulaanbaatar (capital):
● ✅ Five-star hotels (Shangri-La, Kempinski,)
● ✅ Complete facilities (hot water, WiFi, air conditioning)
● ✅ Price: RMB 800-1,500/night
Prairie yurts:
● ⚠️ No separate bathroom (public toilet)
● ⚠️ No hot water (you can only wipe the bath)
● ⚠️ No electricity (solar power supply, power cut off after 8 p.m.)
● ✅ But! Beautiful starry sky, unique experience
Accommodation arrangements at Altai Echoes:
● City: Five-star hotel (2-3 nights) or three-star hotel (can be upgraded to five stars)
● Prairie: Premium Yurt (5-7 nights)
● Special arrangement: nomadic family room (1-2 nights)
Expected management:If you can't accept “no hot baths” or “public restrooms,” then an in-depth trip to Mongolia is probably not for you. But that's what life on the prairie really looks like — we're not here for a vacation, we're here to experience a different kind of lifestyle.
7. Is Mongolian food tasty?
Answer: Depend on your taste.
Traditional Mongolian food:
● 🥩 sheepmeat: Grilled whole lamb, hand lamb, lamb soup
● 🥛 dairy products: Milk tea (salty!) , milk crust, cheese
● 🍞 pasta: baozi, gyoza (influenced by China)
● 🍖 Air dried meat: Borts (winter reserve)
Taste characteristics:
● ⚠️ Very spicy (milk tea is salty)
● ⚠️ Very oily (lamb is fat)
● ⚠️ Few vegetables (grassland supplies are limited)
If you're not used to eating:
● ✅ Bring some snacks (instant noodles, cookies)
● ✅ Ulaanbaatar has Chinese restaurants, Korean restaurants, and Western restaurants
● ✅ Altai Echoes will prepare some Chinese meals
Special recommendation:
● ✅ Stone-grilled lamb(Khorkhog): Lamb grilled on a hot stone, charred outside and tender on the inside
● ✅ milk tea(Suutei Tsai): Although it is salty, it is very fragrant with milk crust
● ✅ Horse milk wine(Airag): Slightly sour and sweet, low alcohol content
8. Is Mongolia safe?
Answer: Very safe.
Mongolia has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. The herders on the prairie are very friendly and enthusiastic, so you can walk on the prairie at night without worry.
Safety issues to be aware of:
1. ⚠️ Traffic safety: Poor road conditions in the prairie, driving fast, please wear a seatbelt
2. ⚠️ Plateau Response: Altai is 2,000—3,000 meters above sea level, pay attention to rest
3. ⚠️ Changes in the weather: The prairie weather changes, so prepare warm clothes at any time
4. ⚠️ animal safety: Do not approach horses, cows, or dogs casually
Altai Echoes safety measures:
● ✅ Experienced drivers (over 10 years old)
● ✅ Medical first aid kit (including plateau reaction drugs)
● ✅ Satellite phone (used when there is no signal on the prairie)
● ✅ Travel insurance (including altitude reactions and accidents)
● ✅ 24 hour emergency contact
9. What kind of photos can I take?
Answer: Depends on your skill and luck.
Must-see scenes:
1. 🌌 Starry sky in Altay: Galaxies, meteors (summer, best in September-October)
2. 🦅 The Hawk Hunter: Golden Eagles, Hasakh Traditions (October Golden Eagles Festival)
3. 🏇 Nadamu Congress: Horse racing, wrestling, archery (July)
4. 🏔️ Altai mountains: snowy mountains, grasslands, lakes
5. 🏕️ nomadic life: yurts, flocks, herders
6. ❄️ frozen lake: Kusugur Lake Blue Ice (January-February)
Photography tips:
● ✅ Starry sky photography: Tripod + Long Exposure (15-30 seconds) + ISO 3200
● ✅ portrait photography: Golden time (sunrise/sunset) + backlight
● ✅ animal photography: Telephoto lens (200mm+) + shutter priority
● ✅ landscape photography: Wide Angle Lens + Polarizer + 3-Point Composition
Altai Echoes' photography services:
● ✅ A photographer guide will guide you throughout the process
● ✅ Provide suggestions on shooting locations (private seats)
● ✅ Help you take professional portraits (including post-color correction)
● ✅ Providing photography lessons (Composition, Lighting, Post-production)
10. Are physical fitness requirements high?
Answer: See the specific itinerary.
Itinerary series
Physical strength requirements
Suitable groups
Representative products
A classic trip
⭐⭐⭐ - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Most people
Hawk Trail, Forest Sea Secret
Altai Adventure
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Has outdoor experience
Earth Psalms, Hawk Hunting
Kyoukou-dai
⭐⭐ - ⭐⭐⭐
possessor
Nadamu, Golden Sculpture Festival
General requirements:
● ✅ Able to ride continuously for 4-6 hours (poor grassland road conditions, bumpy roads)
● ✅ Suitable for 2,000-3,000 meters above sea level (Altay region)
● ✅ Can accept simple accommodation conditions (yurts, private rooms)
● ✅ Able to ride horses for 1-2 hours (there will be instruction, no experience required)
Incompatible people:
● ❌ Pregnant women
● ❌ People over 70 years old (unless they are in good physical condition)
● ❌ Severe heart disease or high blood pressure
● ❌ Recently had surgery
Special instructions：
● “Hawk Hunting” (EC-WWR-10) requires the highest physical strength (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) and requires horseback riding, hiking, and hunting at minus 40 degrees
● “The Land of Admonition” (FC-CPR-05) has minimal physical strength requirements (⭐⭐) and is suitable for parents/children
Part 3: In-depth experience
11. Can I stay with a nomadic family?
Answer: Yes! It was a most unique experience.
Nomadic Family Lodging Experience:
● 🏕️ Stay in a real house (not a tourist attraction)
● 🥛 Drink milk tea cooked by the herdsman's mom (sour milk tea + milk peel)
● 🐑 Help herd sheep, milk milk, and drain cow dungles (fuel)
● 🌙 Sit around the fire and chat at night (translated by a guide)
● 🍖 Participate in making traditional food (stone-grilled lamb, air-dried meat)
Precautions:
1. ⚠️ Respect local customs (don't step on the door when entering a room)
2. ⚠️ Don't take pictures casually (get consent first)
3. ⚠️ Bring some small gifts (candy, stationery, tea leaves)
4. ⚠️ Don't waste food (herders cherish food)
5. ⚠️ Don't touch the stove (sacred place)
Arrangements by Altai Echoes:
● ✅ Contact nomadic families in advance (our long-term partners)
● ✅ Full translation by the guide (Kagi is fluent in Mongolian)
● ✅ Prepare gifts and tips (respect local traditions)
● ✅ Provide cultural background explanations (why can't you step on the door? Why are fireplaces sacred?)
12. What is the Damascus Conference?
Answer: The biggest traditional festival in Mongolia is known as the “Olympics on the Prairie”.
The three types of Nadamu (three works for boys):
1. 🏇 horse racing: Fast and furious on the prairie (5-30 km)
2. 🤼 wrestling: Mongolian wrestling, wearing traditional clothing (Zodog)
3. 🏹 archery: Traditional archery competition (both men and women can participate)
time:
● National Nadamu: July 11-13 every year (Ulaanbaatar)
● Region Nadamu: July-August (local time varies)
See suggestions:
● ✅ National Nadamu: Large scale, strong sense of ceremony, many visitors, commercialization
● ✅ Region Nadamu: Smaller scale, fewer visitors, more realistic, more grounded
Altai Echoes' arrangement (Prairie Heartbeat FC-CSR-05):
● ✅ Take you to places like Nadamu (not Ulaanbaatar)
● ✅ Watch with a local (not a tourist area)
● ✅ In-depth explanation of Mongolian culture (why do wrestlers imitate hawks?)
● ✅ Participate in interactive experiences (archery, take pictures in traditional costumes)
Special experiences:
● 🏇 Watch Kids Horse Racing: Horseback riding competition for children aged 5-12 (the most shocking scene)
● 🤼 Wrestling championships: Watch the top wrestlers face off
● 🎪 opening ceremony: Traditional song and dance, horse tou performance
13. What is the Golden Eagle Festival?
Answer: The traditional Hawk Hunting Festival, the most impressive falconry in the world.
time:End of September-beginning of October every year (Urege, Altay region)
content:
● 🦅 Hawk Hunters show off golden eagle hunting skills: Herding hawks, chasing rabbits, catching foxes
● 🏇 Horse riding hawk chase competition: The jockey casts hawks on horseback
● 🎪 Traditional Hazak songs and dances: Horse piano, Tobura music
● 🏆 Selection of the best hawk hunter: Based on the speed, accuracy, and obedience of the Golden Eagle
Why is it worth visiting:
1. ✅ Only Mongolia and the Khazaks in the world have this tradition
2. ✅ The Golden Eagle spreads its wings over 2 meters and dives at a speed of 300 kilometers per hour
3. ✅ Very few visitors, very small (less than 500 people)
4. ✅ The background is the snowy mountains of Altay, which is visually shocking
Photography suggestions:
● ✅ Telephoto lens (200mm+, 400mm at best)
● ✅ Shutter speed 1/1000s+ (capture the Golden Eagle flight)
● ✅ Continuous shooting mode (10 or more shots per second)
● ✅ Early seat reservation (arrival at 7 a.m.)
Arrangements by Altai Echoes:
● Takanonori (FC-WAF-08): flight version, 8 days, HKD 38,800
● Long Song of the Earth (FC-WAR-10): Road version, 10 days, HKD 29,800
14. Can I ride horses?
Answer: Yes! Also, it is a must-experience item.
Characteristics of Mongolian horses:
● ⚠️ Shorter than an ordinary horse (1.2-1.4 meters tall)
● ⚠️ Gentle but wild (raised on grasslands, semi-wild)
● ⚠️ A “prop horse” (real work horse) that is not a tourist attraction
● ✅ Extremely strong endurance (can run continuously for tens of kilometers)
Horseback riding experience:
● ✅ Run freely on the prairie (not circling)
● ✅ Sheep herding with herders (real nomadic life)
● ✅ Horse riding to the glacier (Hawk Trail 8 km horseback riding)
● ✅ Horseback hunting (hawk hunting, winter experience)
Safety tips:
1. ⚠️ Must wear a helmet (we provide it)
2. ⚠️ Don't suddenly scare horses (shouting loudly, moving fast)
3. ⚠️ Listen to the guidance of a guide (Kagi grew up on a small horse)
4. ⚠️ Don't open the rope easily (even when the horse stops)
Arrangements by Altai Echoes:
● ✅ Provide professional horse riding equipment (helmet, protective gear)
● ✅ The guide will accompany you all the way (Kagi is a professional jockeys)
● ✅ Adjust the difficulty level according to your riding experience (from slow walking to fast running)
● ✅ Provides horse riding instruction (how to get on a horse, control direction, stop)
Horseback mileage (various products):
● Hawk Trail (CL-WSF-08): 10km + 8km glacier horseback riding
● Earth Psalms (EC-WSR-10): 10km + 8km
● Hawk Hunting (EC-WWR-10): 10km (winter snow riding)
● Forest Sea Secret (CL-NSR-07): 10km
● Nadamu (FC-CSR-05): 10km
15. Can I see wild animals?
Answer: An opportunity, but no guarantee.
Animals you may encounter:
● 🦅 Golden eagle: Altai region (September-October Golden Eagle Festival)
● 🐺 wolves: Deep in the prairie (at night, very rare)
● 🦌 idiocy: Altai Mountains (morning/dusk)
● 🐫 Wild Rakko: Gobi region (extremely endangered)
● 🦊 foxes: Prairie (early/dusk, winter hunting target)
● 🦌 Nashika: Taiga Lin (Forest Sea Secret Land, Reindeer Song)
● 🦅 Prairie eagle: Grassland (common in summer)
● 🐿️ Drought: Prairie (in summer, can stand and observe)
Observation suggestions:
● ✅ Most likely to be seen early in the morning and at dusk (animal activity time)
● ✅ Keep quiet and don't scare animals
● ✅ Telephoto lens (300mm+, best 600mm)
● ✅ Follow the guide's instructions (Kagi is familiar with animal behavior)
Special experiences:
● Forest Sea Mysteries (CL-NSR-07): Visit the deer tribe of the Chatans
● Hawk Hunting (EC-WWR-10): Personal participation in winter hunting for hawks (foxes, rabbits)
Note:
Wild animals are not zoos; it's normal not to meet them. If your goal is to “see animals,” I recommend going to Africa. The appeal of Mongolia lies in the surprise you “may encounter” rather than the animal shows you “guarantee to see.”
16. What is Shaman culture? Can I experience it?
Answer: Yes! But it requires respect and understanding.
Introduction to Shaman culture:
● Shamanism is the oldest religion in Mongolia (even earlier than Buddhism)
● Shaman is the intermediary of the “God of Communication with Heaven and Earth”
● Core belief: Everything has a spirit (mountains, water, trees, and animals all have souls)
World Shaman Congress (Shaman's Place FC-CPR-05):
● Time: June 12-16 every year
● Location: Prairie near Ulaanbaatar
● Content:
○ 🔥 Vulcan Festival: Shaman dancing fire, praying for blessings
○ 🎪 Ritual: Shaman enters and leaves the state of God
○ 🌙 Spiritual dialogue: Satan prays for the participants
○ 🎶 Traditional song and dance: Huma, horse tou
Precautions:
1. ⚠️ Respect faith (no ridicule, no questioning)
2. ⚠️ Don't take pictures casually (especially when the ceremony is in progress)
3. ⚠️ Don't touch Shaman's magic weapon
4. ⚠️ Keep quiet (when the ceremony is in progress)
Arrangements by Altai Echoes:
● ✅ Provide cultural background explanations (history and beliefs of Shaman culture)
● ✅ Full translation by a guide (Kagi learns about Shaman culture)
● ✅ Arrange a conversation with a shaman (if you wish)
● ✅ Respect local traditions (participation is not forced)
17. What special experiences do you have on a winter trip?
The answer: extreme, shocking, and unforgettable for life.
Characteristics of Mongolia in winter:
● ❄️ Extremely cold: 20-40°C below zero
● ❄️ frozen lake: Kusugur Lake freezes 1 meter thick
● ❄️ The wonders of blue ice: The surface of the lake has a dreamy blue color
● ❄️ Snow field hunting: Falconer's Winter Hunting Season
Winter products:
1. Song of the Reindeer (CL-NWR-07) - Winter Fairy Tale
● Time: December 15-24
● Highlights:
○ ❄️ Frozen Lake Sugur
○ 🦌 Japanese deer sledding
○ 🏔️ The wonders of blue ice
○ 🏕️ Winter herdsman camp
● Price: HKD 24,800
2. Hawk Hunting (EC-WWR-10) - Winter Hunting
● Time: end of January, November 15-21
● Highlights:
○ 🦅 Real hunting experience
○ ❄️ Snow Field Chase
○ 🎣 Ice lake fishing
○ 🏔️ Frigid Challenge
● Price: HKD 23,800
Winter experiences:
● ✅ Ice lake walking: Walk on a 1-metre thick surface of ice
● ✅ Lan Bing photography: Take a picture of the dreamy blue ice
● ✅ Red deer sledding: On a sleigh pulled by a deer
● ✅ Ice lake fishing: Catch a fish in a hole on the ice
● ✅ Snow field hunting: Follow the Falconers as they hunt
● ✅ Extreme cold survival: Learn to survive at 40 degrees below zero
Precautions:
1. ⚠️ extreme cold (required preparation professional equipment)
2. ⚠️ High physical strength requirements (especially hawk hunting)
3. ⚠️ Poor accommodation conditions (heating by stove)
4. ⚠️ Not suitable for the elderly, children, pregnant women
18. What kind of people are suitable for Mongolia?
Answer: This is the most important question.
Suitable for people visiting Mongolia:
1. ✅ I want to escape the city and find myself
2. ✅ I like photography and pursue a unique perspective
3. ✅ Interested in nomadic culture
4. ✅ Can accept poor accommodation conditions
5. ✅ Have some outdoor experience (or desire to challenge)
6. ✅ Respect local culture and traditions
7. ✅ Willing to “slow down” and experience life
People who are not suitable for visiting Mongolia:
1. ❌ Pursue a comfortable vacation (to Maldives)
2. ❌ I just want to check in and take pictures (go to Japan)
3. ❌ Unable to accept “digital detox” (Prairie No Signal)
4. ❌ Very demanding food (Mongolian food is monotone)
5. ❌ Physical fitness range (long-distance driving, horseback riding, hiking)
6. ❌ Unlawful Acceptance of Cultural Differences
One last question:
“What do you get when you go to Mongolia?”
ANSWER:
● Not an internet celebrity photo
● Not a good friend in the circle of friends
● It's not a sense of accomplishment of “just visiting here”
but rather:
● ✅ Rethink your life under the stars
● ✅ Find peace of mind on the prairie
● ✅ Experience a real encounter in a nomadic family
● ✅ Find your own feedback between heaven and earth
● ✅ Understand the meaning of “slow” (prairie time vs. city time)
● ✅ Learn to “let go” (phone, work, anxiety)
● ✅ Experience “symbiosis” (man and nature, man and animal, man to person)
Write at the end
I've been writing this guide for a whole week.
I hope it helps you make a more informed decision:Is Mongolia right for you or not?
If you've read 18 questions, you still want to go --
Well, the Altai Mountains are waiting for you.
Altai Echoes | Northern Ridge
Between heaven and earth, find your own echoes
[See all 2026 itineraries]
Artist: Kagi
Altai Echoes partner and chief guide, Mongolian cultural documentary photographer, has led nearly 100 travelers deep into the hinterland of Mongolia in the past three years
