When traveling, the cost often plays a significant role in deciding which destinations make the cut. Many travelers are constantly on the lookout for budget-friendly options that offer unique experiences and stunning scenery. If you’re seeking adventure on a shoestring budget, look no further than Mongolia. This country, which lies halfway between China and Russia, is home to a long and storied history, a captivating nomadic culture, and expansive, rocky landscapes. Several sites also rank it among the most affordable tourist destinations in 2024, and here are a few reasons why.
1. Low Cost of Living
When compared to other countries around the globe, Mongolia’s cost of living is quite inexpensive. Numbeo, a website that evaluates consumer prices across nations, reports that a domestic beer costs $1.59 and that an inexpensive restaurant lunch in Mongolia averages $4.35. You can get a local transportation pass for $7.25 monthly or a one-way ticket for $0.14. A bed in a hostel can be even less expensive than a simple hotel room, which can cost as little as $15 per night. Although costs could differ by region and time of year, it’s clear that a vacation to Mongolia won’t break the bank.
2. Free or Cheap Attractions
Mongolia has a lot of natural and cultural attractions that are either free or cheap to visit. For example, you can explore the vast and beautiful Gobi Desert. You can see dunes, rock formations, dinosaur fossils, and rare wildlife here. Khustain Nuruu National Park is a great place to visit the world’s last truly wild horses, the endangered Przewalski’s horses. Living among Mongolian nomads—who tend to their flocks of horses, camels, yaks, and sheep in traditional felt tents—called gers—is another option. There are a few options for where to spend the night: with a nomadic family or on an affordable tour that covers everything from lodging to meals and activities.
3. Cheap Flights
Mongolia is not a very popular tourist destination, meaning there is less demand and competition for flights. This can result in lower airfares, especially if you book in advance and look for deals. According to Skyscanner, the cheapest round-trip flights from the US to Mongolia in 2024 start from $1,200. You can also find more affordable flights from nearby countries such as China, Russia, South Korea, and Japan, directly connecting to Mongolia’s capital city, Ulaanbaatar.
4. Favorable Exchange Rate
Mongolia’s currency, the tugrik, has depreciated against the US dollar and other major currencies in recent years due to various economic and political factors. This means your money will go further in Mongolia, as you can get more tugriks for your dollars, euros, pounds, or other currencies. According to XE, a website that provides currency exchange rates, 1 USD is equivalent to 3,418 MNT, 1 EUR is equivalent to 3,709 MNT, 1 GBP is equivalent to 4,332 MNT, and 1 AUD is equivalent to 2,254 MNT, as of January 2024.
5. Unique Experiences
Since Mongolia is not your average tourist hotspot, you will encounter unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Wrestling, archery, and horse racing are just a few sports and cultural events during the Naadam Festival, which is open to the public. The 40-meter-tall Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue, depicting the great Mongol emperor and his horse, is another must-see attraction. From it, you can take in breathtaking views of the countryside.