Safety Tips & Health Advice for Traveling in Mongolia

Govi

Mongolia is one of the safest travel destinations in the world—friendly people, low crime rates, and peaceful countryside. However, the country’s vast wilderness, long distances, and extreme weather mean travelers should be well prepared. Here is everything you need to know to stay safe and healthy on your journey.


🦺 1. General Safety Tips

βœ” Mongolia is very safe

Crime against tourists is rare, especially in rural areas.

βœ” In Ulaanbaatar

  • Be mindful of pickpockets in busy areas
  • Avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar neighborhoods
  • Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps

βœ” Keep valuables secure

  • Use a money belt or zipper bag
  • Do not leave belongings unattended in public

πŸ›£ 2. Countryside & Off-Road Safety

Most of Mongolia is remote and off-road. Traveling with caution is essential.

βœ” Always travel with:

  • A local driver or guide
  • A reliable 4x4 vehicle
  • Spare tires & tools

βœ” Expect long driving hours

6–9 hours a day is normal on countryside routes.

βœ” Check distances realistically

Google Maps may not account for off-road terrain.

βœ” Fuel stations are limited

Vehicles fill up whenever possible.


🐎 3. Animal & Nature Safety

Nomadic animals roam freely—be cautious on foot and on the road.

βœ” Around livestock:

  • Don’t walk behind horses (kicking risk)
  • Don’t chase goats, sheep, or yaks
  • Avoid guard dogs near gers

βœ” Wildlife:

  • Wolves and bears exist, but avoid humans
  • Be cautious around marmots in plague-season areas (guides will advise)

βœ” Nature safety:

  • Don’t climb unstable rocks
  • Stay on known trails
  • Respect rivers—water levels can rise fast

πŸ”₯ 4. Weather & Climate Safety

βœ” In Summer:

  • High UV → Wear sunscreen & hat
  • Sudden storms → Carry a rain jacket
  • Heat in the Gobi → Drink water regularly

βœ” In Autumn:

  • Rapid temperature drops
  • Early snow in Altai & Khuvsgul

βœ” In Winter:

  • Extreme cold → –25°C to –40°C
  • Frostbite risk → Wear thermal layers
  • Keep electronics warm

βœ” In Spring:

  • Strong winds & dust storms in desert areas

Weather can change fast—always pack layers.


πŸ’§ 5. Health & Hygiene Tips

βœ” Water Safety

  • Drink bottled or boiled water
  • Avoid tap water
  • Brush teeth with clean water

βœ” Food Safety

  • Rural food is fresh but simple
  • Avoid raw meat
  • Inform your guide of allergies

βœ” Personal Hygiene

  • Carry hand sanitizer
  • Bring wet wipes (for remote areas)
  • Use sunscreen daily

🧳 6. Medical Preparedness

βœ” Bring personal medications

Pharmacies in rural areas are extremely limited.

βœ” Recommended items:

  • Pain relievers
  • Anti-diarrhea tablets
  • Allergy medicine
  • Motion sickness pills (long drives)
  • Band-aids & basic first aid
  • Rehydration salts

βœ” Health facilities:

  • Ulaanbaatar → modern hospitals
  • Rural areas → basic clinics

Travel insurance is strongly recommended.


β›° 7. Altitude & Trekking Safety

Some regions like Altai Mountains reach high altitudes.

βœ” Tips:

  • Drink plenty of water
  • Ascend gradually
  • Rest if you feel dizzy or fatigued
  • Listen to your guide

πŸ”Œ 8. Technology & Connectivity Safety

βœ” Electricity

  • Most ger camps have limited electricity hours
  • Bring power banks
  • Charge devices whenever possible

βœ” Connectivity

  • Countryside → little to no signal
  • Buy a local SIM card for UB & towns
  • Download offline maps

πŸ”₯ 9. Fire & Stove Safety in Gers

Ger stoves become very hot.

βœ” Safety rules:

  • Do not place clothing near stove
  • Keep children away
  • Use gloves when adding firewood
  • Open the door carefully—wind may blow ashes

🀝 10. Cultural Safety Tips

Respect builds trust and ensures a safe experience.

βœ” Ask before taking photos

Especially of families, elders, and shamans.

βœ” Do not step on the ger threshold

It is considered disrespectful.

βœ” Do not lean on center poles

They symbolize the strength of the home.

βœ” Accept food with right hand or both hands

A sign of politeness.

🚨 11. Emergency Tips

βœ” Emergency numbers:

  • Police: 102
  • Ambulance: 103
  • Fire: 101

βœ” If traveling off-road:

Your driver/guide will handle communication via:

  • Satellite phone (in remote areas)
  • Local networks when available

🌟 Why Mongolia Is a Safe Destination

βœ” Very low crime rate
βœ” Friendly, helpful locals
βœ” Wide open spaces with fresh air
βœ” Peaceful nomadic culture
βœ” Strong hospitality traditions

With basic preparation and awareness, you will enjoy a safe, smooth, and unforgettable journey across one of Earth’s greatest wilderness destinations.

Testimonial

What Client Say About us

Maria Doe

Traveller

Exceptional Northern Mongolia Experience with Lunas Tours Our journey through Northern Mongolia was truly unforgettable thanks to 'Lunas Tours'. Traveling through the Khuvsgul region, Darkhad Valley, and remote northern landscapes, we experienced pristine nature, rich nomadic culture, and deep local traditions that few tours can offer. The tour was extremely well-organized, with careful planning for long distances, changing weather, and remote conditions. We especially appreciated the authentic experiencesβ€”staying with local families, learning about reindeer herders’ lifestyles, and enjoying the peaceful beauty of Mongolia’s northern taiga. The team’s strong local knowledge, cultural sensitivity, and respect for nature made the journey both safe and meaningful. This was not just sightseeing, but a true cultural and natural immersion. We highly recommend 'Lunas Tours' to travelers who want to explore Northern Mongolia in a responsible, authentic, and well-guided way.

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Micheal and Debby from Nederland

Traveller

Outstanding service by Guide Luna & Driver Eba – Lunas Tours Our trip in Mongolia was exceptional thanks to our guide Luna and driver Eba. Luna was incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and caring. She explained Mongolia’s history, culture, and traditions with passion and clarity, and always made sure everyone felt comfortable and well-informed throughout the journey. Driver Eba was equally impressive. His driving was safe, smooth, and reliable even on challenging roads and long distances. He handled every situation calmly and professionally, making us feel secure at all times. Together, Luna and Eba worked as a perfect team. Their coordination, friendliness, and attention to detail turned our trip into a truly memorable experience. We highly recommend them to anyone traveling in Mongolia with Lunas Tours.

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Sarah

Australian traveler

Amazing experience with Lunas Tours – Mongolia Our journey with Lunas Tours was truly unforgettable. From the very beginning, everything was well-organized, flexible, and thoughtfully planned. The team showed deep knowledge of Mongolia’s culture, history, and nature, and they always made sure we felt safe and comfortable. What we appreciated most was Lunas Tours’ personalized approach and support for local communities. Staying with local families, experiencing authentic food, and exploring Mongolia’s breathtaking landscapes made this trip very special. We highly recommend Lunas Tours to anyone who wants a genuine, meaningful, and well-guided travel experience in Mongolia. 🐎

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John

American traveller

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Lunas Tours gave us an authentic and unforgettable Mongolian experience! Professional guides, great organization, and strong support for local communities. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Mongolia.

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Vaiopoulos Nikos

Greece Traveller

Luna Khaliunaa Mongolian Guide provide for me and my company one of the best travel experience we ever had. Mongolia was awesome thanks to her! Ever consider visit Mongolia Lunas' Tours should be your only choice.

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Garry's family

Canadian family

Perfect family tour with Guide Luna & Driver Eba Our family had a wonderful experience traveling in Mongolia with Lunas Tours in winter - 2025, especially thanks to our guide Luna and driver Eba. Luna was incredibly kind, patient, and attentive to our children. She explained Mongolian culture and history in a way that was easy and interesting for both adults and kids, making the journey educational and fun. Driver Eba made us feel completely safe throughout the trip. His careful driving, calm attitude, and readiness to help at any moment gave us great peace of mind, especially while traveling with children and luggage. Thanks to Luna and Eba, our family felt comfortable, well-cared-for, and truly welcomed. This was not just a tour, but a meaningful family memory. We highly recommend Lunas Tours for families visiting Mongolia.

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Minje & Dunhe

Korean family

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Adrian Lee

Singaporeans

Our trip to Mongolia with Lunas Tours was an absolutely unforgettable experience. Traveling through the heart of Central Mongolia β€” from the breathtaking Orkhon Valley to the remote beauty of the Eight Lakes (Naiman Nuur) β€” gave us a true glimpse into the soul of this vast and peaceful land. Special thanks to our amazing guide Luna, whose deep knowledge, kindness, and professionalism made the journey smooth and meaningful, and to our skilled driver Eba, who safely navigated the mountain passes and rugged trails with calm confidence. The Orkhon Valley, with its wide open grasslands, wild horses, and traditional herder families, was a highlight β€” we felt connected to Mongolian history and nomadic culture. The horseback trip to the Eight Lakes was truly magical, surrounded by pine forests, sparkling lakes, and the peaceful sound of nature. Visiting Erdene Zuu Monastery, the first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia, was another memorable experience. The blend of ancient architecture and the serene spiritual atmosphere made it a powerful reminder of Mongolia’s rich history and culture. Finally, the hike up to Tuvkhun Monastery, perched high in the Khangai mountains, was both peaceful and inspiring. The view from the top was breathtaking, and it gave us a sense of tranquility that words cannot describe. We are deeply grateful to Luna and Eba for taking such good care of us throughout the journey β€” from comfortable accommodations to delicious meals and flexible travel arrangements. Their warm hospitality made us feel like family. Thank you, Lunas Tours, for organizing such a perfect balance of adventure, culture, and nature. We will definitely recommend your company to friends and family in Singapore who are seeking an authentic Mongolian experience. – On behalf of travelers from Singapore

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