Mongolia is one of the last strongholds of truly nomadic cultures in the world. For thousands of years, pastoral herders have lived across the vast Mongolian plains, moving with their livestock according to the seasons. Many still live in traditional felt Ger tents, subsisting on the meat and milk of their animals, embodying a life as free as the endless Mongolian landscape.
In today's rapidly evolving world, Mongolia remains one of the few exotic destinations offering nature and culture lovers a unique experience. It boasts breathtaking, untouched landscapes, a vibrant nomadic culture, and centuries-old hospitality that has been preserved over time.
Air Travel from Australia to Mongolia
Mongolia, being landlocked, is accessible by both air and land. The primary international gateway is Chinggis Khaan International Airport (ULN), located 15 kilometers southwest of Ulaanbaatar.
Although there are no direct flights from Australia to Mongolia, you can reach Mongolia via the following connecting flights:
Hong Kong – Ulaanbaatar: MIAT Mongolian Airlines
Beijing – Ulaanbaatar: Air China
Seoul – Ulaanbaatar: Korean Air
Booking your tickets via popular flight aggregators like Skyscanner or Google Flights can help you find the best connections from Australia to Mongolia.
Useful Tips:
Transit Time: Expect a layover of several hours in Hong Kong, Beijing, or Seoul, depending on your connection. Make sure to plan your transit carefully to avoid long wait times.
Frequent Flyer Programs: Consider booking with airlines that offer frequent flyer points or travel miles. MIAT Mongolian Airlines, Korean Air, and Air China often have partnership programs that can benefit frequent travelers.
Train Travel from Australia to Mongolia
For the adventurous traveler, the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway offers an unforgettable alternative. Stretching over 7,925 kilometers, this is the longest continuous railway line on earth, connecting Ulaanbaatar with Moscow and Beijing.
Moscow to Ulaanbaatar: Approximately 5 days
Irkutsk (Baikal Lake) to Ulaanbaatar: About 24 hours
Beijing to Ulaanbaatar: Around 28 hours
This iconic journey takes you through diverse landscapes, from the vast Mongolian steppes to the remote shores of Lake Baikal and the Great Wall of China. Visit the official railway websites or forums like Seat61 for more information on schedules, routes, and tickets.
Useful Tips:
Booking in Advance: Train tickets can sell out quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. Be sure to book your tickets in advance through the official railway websites or trusted travel agencies.
Cabin Types: There are different cabin classes on the Trans-Siberian Railway, including first-class private compartments and more affordable second-class shared cabins. Make sure to pick the option that suits your comfort and budget.
Visa Requirements for Australians Traveling to Mongolia
If you're an Australian passport holder, you will need to apply for a visa to enter Mongolia. Here’s what you’ll need:
Documents for a Tourist Visa:
A passport valid for at least 6 months from the start of travel
Completed visa application form (download here)
One passport-size photo (3.5×4.5cm)
Copy of flight/train tickets
Letter of invitation from your host company in Mongolia
Visa fee (check with the Embassy of Mongolia in Canberra for current rates)
You can apply for your visa through the Embassy of Mongolia in Canberra. The visa officer may request additional documents to verify the purpose of your visit.
On Arrival Visa: Unfortunately, Australians cannot apply for an on-arrival visa in Mongolia, as it is only available for travelers from countries without a Mongolian embassy or consulate.
Transit Visa: If you’re transiting through Mongolia for up to 10 days, you can apply for a transit visa at one of the following borders: Chinggis Khaan International Airport (Ulaanbaatar), Sukhbaatar (Russia-Mongolia), or Zamiin-Uud (China-Mongolia). The required documents are:
Valid passport
Onward flight/train ticket
Visa application form
Passport-size photo
Visa fee (around USD 50)
Mongolian Embassy in Australia:
Address: 23 Culgoa Circuit, O’Malley, ACT 2606
Telephone: +61 (02) 6286 2947
Email: consul@mongolianembassy.org.au (visa and consular inquiries)
Useful Tips:
Processing Time: Visa processing can take anywhere from 5 to 10 business days, so make sure to apply well in advance of your travel dates.
Visa Extensions: If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, you can apply for a visa extension at Mongolia’s Immigration Office in Ulaanbaatar.
For more information on visas, visit Mongolian Tour Guide - Visa Requirements.
Mongolian Customs Regulations
You can bring foreign currencies into Mongolia without restrictions, but amounts over EUR 4,500 or USD 5,000 must be declared. You may only export the amount declared upon arrival. Importing or exporting local currency is prohibited.
Customs officials will often inspect for antiques, valuable minerals, fossils, metals, and hunting trophies when you leave the country. Hunters may import and export their personal hunting weapons, including ammunition. For more information, refer to Mongolia’s customs regulations.
Useful Tips:
Souvenirs: Be cautious when buying souvenirs, especially items made of rare minerals or metals. Make sure to get proper certification to avoid issues with customs when departing.
Declaring Currency: Always declare any large sums of cash you bring into the country to avoid penalties.
For more details on customs and travel information, see Mongolian Tour Guide - Customs Regulations.
Mongolia Weather: Best Time to Visit
Mongolia is known as the “Land of the Eternal Blue Sky,” with an average of 257 sunny days per year. The best time to visit Mongolia is during the summer, from early June to early September, when the weather is warm and ideal for exploring Mongolia’s vast and breathtaking landscapes.
For those who prefer fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, late September to October offers stunning autumn scenery. Alternatively, winter (November to February) offers the chance to experience Mongolia's famous Ice Festival or the Golden Eagle Festival, though temperatures can drop as low as -30°C.
Useful Tips:
Packing: If visiting in summer, pack lightweight clothing but also bring a jacket for cool evenings. If visiting in winter, thermal layers, a heavy jacket, and waterproof boots are essential.
Altitude: Some parts of Mongolia, such as the Altai Mountains, are at high altitudes. Be mindful of altitude sickness if planning to trek or travel to these regions.
Explore the best times and tips for visiting Mongolia on Mongolian Tour Guide - Best Time to Visit.
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