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The Blue Pearl Ice Festival is scheduled for the first weekend of March 2026 (March 2-3), taking place on the frozen surface of Lake Khuvsgul. This event has grown massively in popularity, so accommodation in the nearby village of Khatgal is likely already booking up as of December 2025. Expect temperatures to drop to -25°C during the events, which include horse sleigh racing and ice sumo. Domestic flights from Ulaanbaatar to Murun (the nearest airport) often sell out weeks in advance for this festival, so secure your transit by January at the latest.

Adoption of digital payments has surged in 2025, but it remains tricky for tourists without a local bank account. While apps like QPay and SocialPay are ubiquitous among locals (even in small countryside shops), they generally require a Mongolian bank account to link. However, a recent update allows some international cards to link to the “MonPay” app—download it before arrival to test compatibility. Despite this digital progress, cash remains absolute king outside Ulaanbaatar, so don’t rely solely on your phone or credit card once you leave the capital.

As of December 2025, 1 Euro buys approximately 3,650-3,800 Mongolian Tugrik (MNT), offering strong purchasing power for European visitors. Inflation has pushed local prices up slightly, with a decent restaurant meal in Ulaanbaatar costing 35,000-50,000 MNT (about €10-13). Exchange currency at banks or official exchange points (“Naiman Sharga” street in Ulaanbaatar has the best rates) rather than the airport, where rates are significantly worse. Keep your receipts if you plan to convert Tugrik back to Euros upon departure, as banks strictly require them.

Yes, several high-end “eco-lodges” have opened or renovated facilities in the South Gobi near the Flaming Cliffs and Khongor Sand Dunes throughout 2025. These new camps offer ensuite bathrooms, 24-hour electricity, and premium bedding—luxuries that were previously non-existent in remote areas. Expect to pay €250-400 per night for these premium ger experiences. Demand is high for the upcoming 2026 summer season, so if you require ensuite facilities rather than shared bathhouses, you should be booking these specific camps 4-6 months in advance.

Absolutely, cash is non-negotiable once you leave Ulaanbaatar. While larger tourist camps accept Visa or Mastercard, the credit card terminals often fail due to poor signal, and small shops, nomadic families, or drivers deal exclusively in Tugrik. Carry a mix of small notes (1,000-5,000 MNT) for tips and small purchases, and larger notes (20,000 MNT) for fuel or meals. Withdraw all the cash you need in Ulaanbaatar before departing for the countryside, as ATMs in provincial towns are notoriously unreliable or run out of money.

Domestic carriers like Aero Mongolia and Hunnu Air are very strict with weight limits, typically allowing only 10kg-15kg of checked luggage and 5kg for carry-on. Excess baggage fees are charged per kilogram and can add up quickly, though the per-kg rate is reasonable (usually €2-4). If you are carrying heavy photography gear or winter clothing, pre-book extra weight through your tour operator or arrive at the airport early to pay the fee. Soft duffel bags are preferred over hard-shell suitcases, as they fit better into the smaller cargo holds of the Fokker and ATR aircraft used on these routes.

Never step on the threshold when entering a family’s ger—step over it with your right foot first. The threshold represents the household’s spirit, and stepping on it is considered a grave insult to the host. Once inside, move clockwise (to the left) and do not lean against the central wooden pillars, which support the roof and symbolize stability. If offered food or drink (usually milk tea or airag), accept it with your right hand (or both hands), even if you only take a small polite sip.

It is challenging but becoming easier; traditional Mongolian diet is 90% meat (mutton/beef) and dairy. In Ulaanbaatar, you will find plenty of vegan and international restaurants, but in the countryside, options are severely limited to potatoes, carrots, and flour products. Bring your own protein supplements, nuts, and instant oat packets if you are traveling extensively in rural areas. Tell your tour guide explicitly “makh iddeg-gui” (I don’t eat meat), but be prepared that “meat-free” might sometimes just mean they picked the big chunks of mutton out of the soup.