The Tourist Information Center or TIC, is an independent organization located in Ulaanbaatar, and is the first such effort of its kind in Mongolia. We can provide you with reliable information about Mongolian tourism organizations (hotels, restaurants, tourist camps, tour operators, shops selling national products and souvenirs, museums, air and railway ticket offices, currency exchange facilities, guides and transportation) and tell you about routes that take in Mongolian sites of scenic and historical interest.

We are open everyday.

TIC in the Central Post Office, Ulaanbaatar:

Weekdays: 9.00 am - 9.00 pm

Weekends: 9.00 am - 8.00 pm

Public Holidays: 9.00 am - 4.00 pm

TIC at Chinggis Khaan Airport, Ulaanbaatar: During all International arrivals flight

TIC at International Railway Station, Ulaanbaatar: During all International arrivals
Phone: +976 11 311409 Fax: +976 11 311421 E-mail: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it  

"EVENTS 2007" tourist information brochure, to download (pdf, 9.63 MB).	"WHAT'S ON AUGUST?" monthly visitors guide, to download (pdf, 11.91 MB).

Mongolia

The establishment of the unified Mongol state put an end to the strife of Mongolian tribes and ensured favorable conditions for the formation of the Mongolian nation. Opportunities were provided for further development of the nomadic civilization, including the Mongolian language, culture and customs. Upon ascending the throne of the unified Mongol state, Chinggis Khaan undertook some steps to strengthen state power by issuing a code of laws called Ikh Zasag and establishing a system of 95 myangats /units, each consisting of one thousand/ that simplified the organization and administration of military and civil affairs; an optimal political system according to historians. The Mongolian people always proud of Chinggis Khaan and his honor of establishing Mongolian unified state. Also the world is still admiring his much kind of military tactics. Mongolian people and person, who respect Chinggis Khaan, will celebrate 800th anniversary of the proclamation of Mongolian Unified State, in 2006.

HOW TO GET THERE?
Visitors can arrive to Mongolian by air or train.
By Air:   
The majority of visitors arrive to Mongolia by air through Buyant Ukhaa International Airport Located 18 km to the southwest of Ulaanbaatar. Been reconstructed in 1990, immigration and customs formalities as well luggage delivery are very prompt. The international air transport is operated by MIAT Mongolian Airlines, Air Mongolia, Korean Airlines and Chinese Airlines and Russian Aeroflot.
-From Europe to Moscow (Russian Federation) then to Ulaanbaatar with Aeroflot (SU) or MIAT Mongolian Airlines (OM)
-From Europe, USA, East Asia, Australia &New Zealand to Beijing (China) with the major carriers and then to Ulaanbaatar with MIAT Mongolian Airlines (OM) or Air China (CA)
-From Berlin and Frankfurt (twice in a week) to Ulaanbaatar by MIAT Mongolian Airlines (OM)
-Via Moscow From Europe, USA, East Asia, Australia &New Zealand to Osaka (Japan)
-With major carriers and then to Ulaanbaatar with MIAT Mongolian Airlines (OM) or Air China (CA)
-From USA, East Asia, Australia & New Zealand to Seoul by major carriers and then to Ulaanbaatar with MIAT Mongolian Airlines (OM) or Korean Air (KAL)
MIAT Mongolian Airlines (OM), the national carrier of Mongolia, flies many domestic routes as well as flying to numerous foreign destinations, including Moscow, Beijing, Berlin, Frankfurt, Alma Ata, Irkutsk, Hohhot, Seoul, Osaka and Singapore. Its fleet of twenty-one aircrafts includes the Aerobus-310, the Boeing B727-200, and the Antonov (AN24, AN26, and AN30). For flight schedules check the official website: www.miat.com

By Train:
A simple way of expedition- transportation to Mongolia for visitors is travel by Trans Siberian Railway, whish stretches from Russian borders via Ulaanbaatar to the Chinese borders. Exploring Mongolia following the rail lines of the legendary Trans Mongolian and Trans Siberian Railways is more than a simple way of transportation it is an expedition in itself. Total distance by rail from Beijing to St Petersburg is 7,925 km. Travelers can join in Moscow (or St Petersburg) or in Beijing (or Hong Kong and Hanoi ). There are usually nine compartments in each carriage with four berths in each (twin share rail compartments are available ) for a supplementary price.

HOW TO GET AROUND:
By air:
MIAT Mongolian Airlines operates scheduled and charter domestic flights (An-24) throughout Mongolia’s 21 provinces. Also Aero Mongolia, Hangard, and Blue Sky run flights. Most flights have their hum in Ulaanbaatar, so getting from one destination to another inside Mongolia often requires a touch-down in UB. Some delays in scheduling are to be taken into account in preparing tourist itineraries. A round  trip to Dalanzadgad or Moron costs 142 USD.

By road: 
Mongolia’s road network, including both state and local roads, is total approximately 49,000 kilometers. They connect Mongolia’s 211 cities and towns, as well as its 160 smaller villages. There are 11,063 km of state road 38,187 km of local roads in Mongolia. Most of the roads in Mongolia are gavel or earth. Only 1,670 km of state and local roads are paved, while an additional 3,820 km of state and local roads are classified as “improved” gravel and earth road. The majority or roads to tourist camps are in reality just tracks laid out across the steppes by the jeeps that ply those routes with regularity. Thus the time required for a given distance will vary considerably, depending on the quality of the road, as well as variables like the weather, the type of vehicle used, and so forth. For example, a trip to from Ulaanbaatar to Kharakhorum, which is a distance of approx 360 km, will probably take 4 hours. A trip of equal distance through back-country roads could take a full day or even longer. The best means of travel in much of Mongolia is the horse or the camel.

VISA INFORMATION  
Any foreign visitor whishing to enter Mongolia must have a valid passport and visa.
Mongolian visas are issued by Mongolian Diplomatic Missions abroad or upon arrival at a special request.
For all information related to consular matters (e.g.: visas, citizenship, etc.), please contact in person by telephone or E-mail the nearest diplomatic or consular mission of Mongolia. (Mongolian diplomatic or consular missions abroad)
The visa issuing rules have been eased since 1997. Practically a 30-days tourist visa can be obtained from any Mongolian Embassy abroad (see the list) within 24 hours for approximately US$ 40.00. Additional fees are charged for urgent visa.
Alternatively, those who travel from countries with no Mongolian mission present can get visa either from the Mongolian Embassy in Beijing or Moscow, or at the arrival points: Buyant Ukhaa International Airport in Ulaanbaatar, Dzamyn Uud Railway Station on southern border or Sukhbaatar Railway station on the northern border
Visitors staying longer than 30 days are required to apply for registration with the Office of Immigration, Naturalization and Foreign Citizens.
Visitors planning to stay for more than 180 days should obtain a long-term residence permission. Please beware that that procrastination with visa extension may result in several visits to the Ministry of External Relations and up to $ 5.00 fine for each day after visa has expired.
Visitors are also advised to obtain proper transit visa from China or Russian. There were cases when foreigners who failed to secure two-time transit visa were denied entrance to these countries on their way back home from Mongolia.
NOTE: USA citizens can travel now to Mongolia without visa, as a respective agreement was signed in 2001.

NECESSARY DOCUMENTS FOR VISA
The following materials are required to obtain Mongolian visa:
1.    Valid passport
2.    One passport sized photo
3.    Application form (Click here to download the Application Form, Application Form-Tourist)
4.    Travel itinerary (if the visit is for more than 7 days)
5.    -Preferably, either an official invitation of the receiving entity-state, government, NGO, business entity or a request, of the sending country and the organization.
-Or, for tourist wishing to stay over one week up to 90 days, a letter of invitation from a travel agency.    
  

Attractive sightseeing

Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar, capital of Mongolia, is located in the northern-central region of the country along the Tuul River and surrounded by majestic 4 mountains. It is a modern city of approximately 800.000 residents which is located 1351 meters above sea level and has a surface area of 135,800 hectors.
The main places to visit include Sukhbaatar Square, Gandan Monastery, The National History Museum, The Museum of Fine Arts, Janraisig Temple, Choijin Lama Monastery, The Art Gallery, Opera and Drama Theatres, Bogd Khaans Palace Museum, Zaisan memorial and Cashmere Factory Outlets.

Gorkhi-Terelj  National Park
Gorkhi Terelj National Park formed in 1993 and covers 293168 ha area of the southern Khentii mountain range. Terelj, about 80 km northeast of Ulaanbaatar, is one of the most visited protected areas. It is a picturesque place with high cliffs eroded in Mesozoic granites creating a covered mountains and grasslands carpeted with perennial wildflowers and edelweiss.

Manzshir, The Monastery of Manjusri
Manzushir Monastary is located in the luxuriant valley of the Bogd Khan Mountain in Tuv aimag. It was established in 1733 with 20 temples and 300 monks. Destroyed in 1932, the only remaining temple has been restored and a museum at the site tells the story of the monastery.  

Gunjin sum (The Princess Temple)
The National Park is the tomb of Manchu princess. It is located at Baruunbayan, about 30 kilometers north of the village of Terelj, in Terelj Valley. A sanctuary, surrounded by a wall of white stones, was built near the tomb according to Manchu customs. At one time, the interior included a temple hall and the funerary vault, housing a saddle wood coffin containing the remains of the princess. Inside the vault, were statuettes of divinities, jewel boxes, precious stones, vases and vowels in Chinese porcelain, which belonged to the deceased. The wall was taken down in 1941 and its bricks used to build a primary school. The treasures disappeared under strange circumstances and have never been traced.

Hustai National Park
Hustai National Park was established in 1993; the park is about 100 km southwest of Ulaanbaatar and borders the Khan Khentii Protected area. This beautiful 50620 ha reserve protects the takhi, Mongolian wild horses or best known Prejwalski’s horses which are the last remaining species of truly wild horse in the world. Covering landscapes of the park are concerned to steppe and forest steppe zone.

Tel: 317570, 321426

The sanctuary of Eej Khad
It is about 100 kilometers south of Ulaanbaatar, near Mount Avdarkhangai in Sergelen soum. This rock, to which the Mongols attribute special powers, has long been the object of a popular cult. According to legend, the spirit of the rock is that of a virtuous shepherdess, who used to come here to graze her flock of lambs. She became a spirit after her death and turned to stone along with her animals. Avoid walking on the nearby white stones as they are the ‘Mother’s flock’ The pilgrims line up to greet the ‘Mother’, and will ask her to grant three wishes, whispering them into her ear. Only the most faithful will have their wishes granted.

Monument to Tonyuquq 
One of the better example of the Turkic remain in Mongolia can be found about 17 km past Nalaikh, on the road towards Janchivlan. The site in a fenced –off area with a few decapitated statues includes a block of stone dedicated to Tonyuquq and inscribed with long text in the runic characters of the Orhon Turks,  the Turkish nobleman  was born in China between AD 650; he became a general and then counselor to the Turkish khan Qultuq Elterish (681-691), Qappagan (691-716), and lastly Bilge (716-743) of whom he was also the father in law.  

EASTERN MONGOLIA
Eastern Mongolian vast steppes are the region where Great Chinggis Khaan was born and are one of the most unspoiled and unexplored mysterious areas in Mongolia. Rich in places of historical, ethnographical, natural value, The Dornod Mongolian Steppe is famous for its rare fauna, flora, dramatic sunrise and sunsets. And these steppes are home to rich wildlife, especially thousands of white tailed gazelles and other species, which make it “Mongolia’s Serengeti” 
 

USEFUL INFORMATIONS

•    REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION:  Americans living or traveling in Mongolia are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Mongolia.  Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.  The U.S. Embassy is located at Micro Region 11, Big Ring Road, Ulaanbaatar.  The telephone number is (976) 11-329-095, the Consular Section fax number is (976) 11-353-788, and the Embassy’s web site is http://ulaanbaatar.usembassy.gov. The Consular Section can be emailed directly at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it . The Consular Section is open for American Citizens Services Monday and Thursday from 1-3 p.m., except on U.S. and Mongolian holidays.

•    This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated March 21, 2005, to update sections on Country Description, Entry/Exit Requirements, Safety and Security, Crime, Medical Facilities and Health, and Traffic Safety and Road Conditions, Aviation Safety Oversight, and Special Circumstances.

•    Local hospitals generally do not contact the Embassy about ill or injured Americans in their care; hospitalized American citizens who need Consular assistance from the Embassy will need to specifically request the doctor or hospital to contact the Embassy in Ulaanbaatar. 
•    Sanitation in some restaurants is inadequate, particularly outside of Ulaanbaatar.  Stomach illnesses are frequent.  Bottled water and other routine precautions are advisable.
•    Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

•    MEDICAL INSURANCE:  The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.  (See Medical Facilities and Health Information)  Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.

•    TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS:  While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.  The information below concerning Mongolia is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
•    Driving in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar can be extremely difficult due to poorly maintained streets, malfunctioning traffic lights, inadequate street lighting, undisciplined pedestrians, and a shortage of traffic signs.  There has been a dramatic increase in the number of vehicles on the roads in recent years, but the knowledge and skills of the driving population have not kept pace with the growth of automobiles.  There are many metered taxis in Ulaanbaatar.  There are a few car rental companies operating in Ulaanbaatar, but safety and maintenance standards are uncertain and rental vehicles should be utilized with caution.  Another alternative is to hire a car and driver from local tourist companies.  Public transportation within the capital is extensive, cheap, and generally reliable, but it is also extremely crowded (see Information on crime above) with the result that pickpockets often victimize foreigners.  There are few paved roads outside of the capital, and driving can be hazardous, particularly after dark.  For specific information concerning Mongolian drivers permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, contact the Embassy of Mongolia at 2833 M Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20007, telephone (202) 333-7117.
•    SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:  Traveler’s checks denominated in U.S. dollars are accepted at some hotels and may be converted to dollars or T ugrugs at several banks.  Credit cards can be used at a variety of hotels, restaurants, and shops in Ulaanbaatar.  Outside of the capital, travelers should have cash.  Cash advances against credit cards are available at commercial banks such as Trade and Development Bank and Golomt Bank.  International bank wire transfers are also possible.  There are a handful of VISA and Maestro/Cirrus ATM machines in Ulaanbaatar, but they do not always function and are not reliable.  ATM machines do not exist outside the capital.
•    American citizens are encouraged to carry a copy of their passports with them at all times, so that, if questioned by local officials, proof of identity and citizenship are readily available.  U.S. consular officers may not always receive timely notification of the detention or arrest of a U.S. citizen, particularly outside of Ulaanbaatar.
•    Severe fuel shortages and problems with central heating and electrical systems may cause seriously reduced heating levels and power outages in Ulaanbaatar and other cities during the winter.  Smaller towns in the countryside may have no heat or electricity at all.  The Embassy advises all American residents in Mongolia to be prepared to depart if there is a complete energy failure.

CRIME:  Over the past few years there has been a significant rise in street crime in Mongolia, particularly in Ulaanbaatar, the capital.  Violent crime is increasing, and it is not advisable to walk alone through the city after dark.  The most common crimes against foreigners are pick pocketing and bag snatching.  There are reports of organized groups operating in open areas and usually after dark that surround, grab and choke an individual in order to search the victim’s pockets.  Thieves have also sliced victims’ clothing in attempts to reach wallets, cell phones and other valuables.  U.S. citizens who detect pick pocket attempts should not confront the thieves, as they may become violent.  Caution is advised when using public transportation and in crowded public areas, such as open-air markets, the Central Post Office and the Gandan Monastery.  Crime sharply rises before, during and after the Naadam Summer Festival in July and throughout the summer tourist season.

Travelers should be extremely cautious at these specific locations:
•    Chinggis Khan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar: tourists arriving and departing from this airport are frequently targeted for robbery and pick pocketing by organized groups.
•    The State Department Store:  tourists are targeted by organized pick pocket gangs at the entries/exits/elevators and the area surrounding the store.
•    Naran Tuul Covered Market :  Organized criminal groups look for and target foreigners for robbery and pick pocketing.

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