Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
»
Meal at a fancy restaurant: US$25-40
»
Horse trek with professional outfitter per day: US$200-400
»
Land Cruiser with driver per day: from US$150
Opening Hours
Operating hours in Ulaanbaatar are generally consistent, but are only loosely followed in
the countryside.
Banks
9am-6pm Monday to Friday. Main branches remain open on weekends.
Restaurants
10am-8pm (to 10pm in UB) Monday to Saturday. Some remain open on
Sunday.
Shops
9am-6pm (to 10pm in UB) Monday to Saturday. Large markets remain open on
Sunday.
Arriving in Mongolia
Chinggis Khaan airport
(Ulaanbaatar;
Click here
) In July an airport bus service connects
the terminal with downtown, with a stop by the National Library. Private taxis are risky
(some may overcharge). It's best to organise a pick-up from the airport through your
guesthouse or hotel. A taxi should cost US$18-25.
Ulaanbaatar train station
(
Click here
) The station is close to the city centre - from here
you can catch a public bus or walk. Like the airport, it's best to organise a pick-up. A taxi
should cost US$3-6 to most downtown areas.
Getting Around
Public transport is slow and destinations are limited. Most visitors hire a guide and driver
for countryside tours. Jumping on a tour at the last minute is very difficult so streamline
your trip by booking a tour several weeks prior to arrival.
Bus
The provincial capitals are accessible by bus and services run daily to most cities.
Connections to the western aimags are less regular.
Car
The main way to get around the countryside. Hiring a car and driver is actually cheap-
er than hiring a car without a driver. Drive on the right. A 4WD is essential for most destin-
ations outside the capital.
Train
Useful for getting in and out of the country but unnecessary for domestic travel. The
lone exception is for a side trip to Sainshand (for Khamaryn Monastery). Best for trips to
Zamyn-Üüd for travellers heading to the Chinese border.
