How Much Does a Mongolia Trip Cost?
Mongolia is one of the world’s most spectacular destinations — and also one of its best-value adventure travel experiences. Whether you’re dreaming of eagle festivals in the Altai Mountains or galloping across the endless steppe, understanding the true cost of a Mongolia trip will help you plan with confidence.
Flights to Ulaanbaatar
The vast majority of international flights into Mongolia land at Chinggis Khaan International Airport (ULN) in Ulaanbaatar. There are no direct flights from Europe, North America, or Australia, so expect at least one connection — typically through Seoul (Incheon), Beijing, or Moscow.
Return flights from Europe generally range from €600–€1,100, while North American travellers can expect to pay $900–$1,500 USD. Booking six to eight months in advance, particularly for October departures (Golden Eagle Festival season), can save you several hundred dollars. Korean Air, MIAT Mongolian Airlines, and Air China are the most common carriers.
Tour Costs
Organised tours offer the easiest way to experience Mongolia’s highlights, especially in remote western regions where logistics are genuinely challenging. Prices vary enormously depending on duration, group size, and the level of service.
A well-run 7–10 day small-group tour for the Golden Eagle Festival typically costs between $2,500–$4,500 USD per person, including accommodation, internal transport, guides, and most meals. Private custom expeditions understandably cost more — expect $5,000–$9,000+ for fully bespoke two-week itineraries with dedicated vehicles and expert local guides.
Budget-conscious travellers who speak Mongolian (or travel with someone who does) can piece together independent trips for significantly less, but for most Western visitors, the expertise, safety, and access that a reputable tour company provides is genuinely worth the premium.
Visa Fees
Citizens of many countries — including the United States, EU nations, UK, Japan, and South Korea — can enter Mongolia visa-free for stays up to 30 days. If you do require a visa, a standard 30-day tourist visa costs around $53 USD when applied for at a Mongolian embassy, or slightly more through an agent.
Always confirm current requirements for your nationality before travel, as policies change periodically.
Accommodation
Ulaanbaatar has a reasonable spread of accommodation options. Budget guesthouses run $15–$30 per night, mid-range hotels $60–$120, and the best hotels in the city — places like the Shangri-La or Kempinski — charge $150–$300+ per night.
Out in the countryside, most travellers stay in ger (yurt) camps. These range from very basic family camps (think simple washing facilities, outdoor toilets, and home-cooked meals) to surprisingly comfortable semi-luxury operations with en-suite bathrooms. Expect to pay $40–$100 per person per night for decent ger camp accommodation with meals included.
Food and Drink
Mongolian food is hearty and filling — mutton, beef, noodles, and dairy feature heavily. In Ulaanbaatar you’ll find everything from local canteens serving tsuivan (stir-fried noodles) for less than $3 to proper restaurants where a meal for two with drinks costs $30–$50.
On tour, meals are generally included. If you’re exploring independently, budget $15–$30 per day for food in the capital, considerably less in rural areas.
Internal Flights and Transport
Getting from Ulaanbaatar to western Mongolia — where the Golden Eagle Festival takes place near Ölgii — requires either a domestic flight (around $150–$250 one way) or a very long overland journey. Most tours include these flights. Budget for occasional domestic flights if you’re planning an independent itinerary.
Hiring a driver and 4WD vehicle is the standard way to get around once outside the capital. Expect to pay $80–$150 per day for a vehicle with driver, which is far more practical than trying to use the limited public transport network in rural Mongolia.
Miscellaneous Costs
Don’t forget to budget for: travel insurance (essential — see our full guide), SIM card (~$5–$10), souvenir cashmere products (a beautiful local purchase), entrance fees to national parks (~$3–$10), and tips for guides and drivers. A reasonable all-in daily budget for independent travellers is $80–$150 USD once you’re on the ground.
What Does a Mongolia Trip Actually Cost?
For a well-organised 10-day Mongolia trip including international flights, a reputable tour, and reasonable spending money, budget $5,000–$7,000 USD per person from Europe or North America. This is not a cheap destination to reach, but once you’re there, the value — in terms of experiences, remoteness, and authentic culture — is extraordinary.
Mongolia rewards those who plan carefully and invest in quality. The landscapes, the people, and the sheer wildness of it all make every dollar spent feel like money used well.
