Region in South Gobi, Mongolia
Gobi Desert
Southern Mongolia's desert is one of Asia's classic overland trips: dunes, red cliffs, canyons and camels. Roads are rough and distances huge, so tours via Ulaanbaatar are the usual way.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$687–1,240Comfortable, one person · ₮2.5M–4.5MDetails
- Value for money79/100Better value than 78% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goJun–SepWarmest: Jul, 30°CDetails
- Internet86 MbpsFixed broadband, Mongolia medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDo not drink tap water here.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: rareDetails
- Getting aroundTour jeep or van with driverYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashBring enough tugrik cash from Ulaanbaatar; ATMs are only in Dalanzadgad and a few towns.Details
Where to stay in Gobi Desert
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Dalanzadgad | Provincial capital with airport, shops and 4x4 hire |
| Khongoryn Els and Yol Valley | Singing dunes and canyon, most ger camps |
| Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs) | Red cliffs and dinosaur fossil sites |
Apps that work in Gobi Desert
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: Facebook Messenger
- Toki: Train and intercity bus tickets, data SIMs
- Taxis: No ride apps. Book a registered tour or driver in Ulaanbaatar or Dalanzadgad; agree the route and price in writing.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Mongolia.
- Mostly cash Bring enough tugrik cash from Ulaanbaatar; ATMs are only in Dalanzadgad and a few towns. Cards rarely work in camps.
- Currency: Tugrik (MNT). US$1 ≈ ₮3,636.87 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Khan Bank and Golomt Bank ATMs accept foreign cards; fees vary by bank. Few ATMs outside provincial centres.
- Tipping: Not traditional, but tour drivers, guides and cooks expect a tip at the end of a trip; 10% in tourist restaurants.
- Paying by phone: Local QR wallets (QPay, SocialPay) need a Mongolian account; foreign contactless cards work widely in Ulaanbaatar.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Temporary visa waivers for many nationalities run until 31 December 2026; others apply for an e-Visa at evisa.mn.
- Staying over 30 days: register with the Immigration Agency within 7 days. Hotels and landlords register guests by app.
- Make sure your passport is stamped on entry; foreigners may only use specific land crossings with China and Russia.
Emergency numbers
Police 102 · Ambulance 103 · Fire 101
Plugs
Type C, E, F · 220 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Mobicom and Unitel sell tourist SIMs at Chinggis Khaan airport and city shops; passport required. Large rural areas have no signal. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Mongolia
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.