Where to Stay in Ulaanbaatar
A regional guide to accommodation across the country
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Regions of Ulaanbaatar
Each region offers a distinct character and accommodation scene. Find the one that matches your travel plans.
The heart of Mongolia's capital offers the country's greatest concentration of accommodation options, from international chains to boutique hotels. This area provides easy walking access to museums, restaurants, government buildings, and Sukhbaatar Square, making it ideal for first-time visitors and those with limited time.
Located near Chinggis Khaan International Airport and featuring newer developments, this district offers modern hotels favored by business travelers and transit visitors. The area is less central but provides easier access to the airport and southern countryside destinations.
Just 70km from Ulaanbaatar, this scenic mountain area features the country's most accessible ger camps and resorts. It offers a taste of countryside accommodation while remaining close enough to the capital for easy transfers, making it popular for short stays and day trips.
Home to ancient Karakorum and the historic Orkhon Valley, this region offers a mix of tourist ger camps and basic guesthouses in Kharkhorin town. Accommodation here serves as a base for exploring Mongolia's most significant historical sites and the beautiful Orkhon Valley UNESCO World Heritage area.
Mongolia's vast southern desert features scattered ger camps near major attractions like the Flaming Cliffs, Khongoryn Els sand dunes, and Yolyn Am canyon. Accommodation is remote and rustic, with camps typically offering the only lodging options for hundreds of kilometers, making advance booking essential.
Mongolia's 'Blue Pearl' in the far north offers ger camps along the pristine lakeshore, ranging from basic family-run operations to more comfortable tourist camps. This remote region requires significant travel time from Ulaanbaatar but rewards visitors with stunning alpine scenery and cultural encounters with Tsaatan reindeer herders.
The vast grasslands of eastern Mongolia remain one of the country's least-visited areas, with minimal tourist infrastructure. Accommodation consists mainly of basic hotels in aimag centers like Choibalsan and Baruun-Urt, plus occasional ger camps, making this region best suited for adventurous travelers comfortable with rustic conditions.
This region along the Russian border includes Mongolia's second and third-largest cities, Darkhan and Erdenet, offering more developed accommodation than most provincial areas. The region serves as a transit zone for travelers heading to/from Russia or Lake Khövsgöl, with Soviet-era hotels and newer properties catering to domestic business travelers.
Mongolia's most remote and mountainous region offers minimal accommodation infrastructure, with basic hotels in Ölgii and Khovd, and very few ger camps. This area requires serious commitment to reach but offers unique Kazakh culture, eagle hunting experiences, and dramatic alpine scenery for intrepid travelers.
Located 100km west of Ulaanbaatar, this park is famous for its wild takhi (Przewalski's horses) and features several well-maintained ger camps. It's popular as a one or two-night stop for travelers wanting to see wildlife while remaining relatively close to the capital.
Accommodation Landscape
What to expect from accommodation options across Ulaanbaatar
International hotel chains in Ulaanbaatar include Shangri-La, Best Western, Ramada, and Novotel, primarily concentrated in the central business district. These properties offer reliable international standards, English-speaking staff, and amenities like fitness centers and business facilities. Several regional chains and Mongolian hotel groups like Tuushin Hotel Group operate multiple properties across the capital, offering consistent mid-range standards at more competitive prices than international brands.
Locally-owned guesthouses and small hotels dominate Mongolia's accommodation landscape outside international chains. In Ulaanbaatar, these range from family-run guesthouses in residential districts to boutique hotels in converted Soviet buildings. Many are operated by families who also run tour companies, offering integrated travel services. Provincial aimag centers typically feature one or two state-owned hotels dating from the Soviet era, often minimally renovated, alongside newer private guesthouses. English proficiency varies significantly, with younger owners and staff in Ulaanbaatar generally more comfortable with foreign guests.
The ger (yurt) is Mongolia's signature accommodation experience and an essential part of any countryside visit. Tourist ger camps feature traditional felt tents with wooden frames, furnished with beds, a stove, and basic furniture, arranged around central dining and bathroom facilities. These range from basic camps with pit toilets and no showers to luxury operations with en-suite bathrooms, solar power, and gourmet meals. Some camps offer 'glamping' experiences with heated floors, modern amenities, and designer interiors while maintaining traditional exteriors. Homestays with nomadic herding families provide the most authentic experience, though facilities are extremely basic—expect to sleep on the floor, use outdoor pit toilets, and eat traditional dairy products and mutton. Some operators also offer mobile ger camps that move seasonally, following traditional nomadic patterns.
Booking Tips for Ulaanbaatar
Country-specific advice for finding the best accommodation
If visiting during Naadam Festival (July 11-13), book Ulaanbaatar accommodation as early as possible—hotels fill up completely and prices skyrocket. Consider staying slightly outside the city center or arriving a few days before/after the festival dates for better availability and rates. Many hotels require minimum 3-5 night stays during this period.
Most tourist ger camps don't have independent booking systems and are best reserved through Ulaanbaatar-based tour operators who can arrange complete packages including transportation, meals, and activities. This also ensures someone meets you at the camp, as many are difficult to locate independently. Walk-in availability exists but is risky during summer peak season.
Ger camp pricing varies significantly in what's included—some rates cover only accommodation, while others include all meals, activities, and transfers. Always clarify whether three meals daily, hot water availability, electricity hours, and transportation from Ulaanbaatar are included. The cheapest option isn't always the best value once you factor in meal costs and remote locations.
For stays of a week or more in Ulaanbaatar, serviced apartments or Airbnb rentals often provide better value and more space than hotels, particularly for families or groups. Many include kitchens, washing machines, and multiple rooms. However, ensure buildings have reliable heating if visiting between October and May, as winter temperatures drop to -40°C.
Most countryside ger camps operate only from May/June through September/October, closing completely during harsh winter months. Even in shoulder seasons, facilities may be limited with reduced staff and services. Always confirm a camp is actually open before booking, especially in May, early June, or after mid-September, as opening and closing dates vary by location and weather conditions.
When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability across Ulaanbaatar
For July-August travel, especially around Naadam Festival, book Ulaanbaatar hotels 2-4 months in advance and ger camps 1-3 months ahead. Popular camps in Terelj, Khövsgöl, and the Gobi can fill up completely during peak weeks. Prices are at their highest and flexibility is minimal.
June and September offer more flexibility, with 2-4 weeks advance booking usually sufficient for most properties. Prices are 15-30% lower than peak season, and you'll have better selection. Some ger camps may have limited availability early June or late September as they open/close for the season.
October-May requires minimal advance booking for Ulaanbaatar hotels, with significant discounts available (30-50% off summer rates). However, countryside ger camps are largely closed, limiting options outside the capital. Winter travelers should book heated accommodation and confirm properties are fully operational during extreme cold periods.
For summer travel to Mongolia, booking 6-8 weeks in advance provides good selection and reasonable prices, except during Naadam when earlier booking is essential. Ulaanbaatar has enough accommodation capacity that last-minute bookings are possible outside festival periods, but countryside ger camps benefit from advance reservation to ensure availability and proper logistics coordination.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information for Ulaanbaatar