Latest travel updates on Coronavirus (COVID19) here
Travel is a relatively new industry in Mongolia. Which is exactly why adventurers looking to ‘get off the beaten track’ love it. The massive yet scarcely populated country is the perfect launchpad for horseback riding (which Mongolia is famous for), hiking, cycling and numerous watersports. In fact, one-fifth of the country is registered national park—a ratio the government is looking to increase! It should also come as no surprise the historically nomadic people love camping, and overnighting in a remote yurt is basically a Mongolian right of passage. Happy trails!
Mongolians tend to be very hush-hush regarding sexual orientation. Consequently, public displays of affection will likely cause a stir. However, the population tends to be very adaptable and attitudes are quickly changing. Homosexuality was legalized in 2003 and Ulaanbaatar’s first LGBT centre opened in 2007.
Gay Activity: Legal
Lesbian Activity: Legal
Gay Marriage: Not recognized
Right to Change Gender: Ambiguous
Same-Sex Adoption: Single only
The local LGBT scene is fairly quiet and gay men and women don’t have many options when it comes to meeting places. According to Lonely Planet, popular LGBT hotspots change frequently so please take our recommendations with a grain of salt—things may have changed since publishing. It should be noted Mongolia has hosted annual Pride celebrations since 2013.
There are no gay villages in Mongolia.
Since 2013, Pride celebrations have taken place in Ulaanbaatar. Visit the local LGBT centre’s Facebook Page for updates and details.
Ulaanbaatar—D.d / h.z
Ulaanbaatar—18cm
Every Wednesday is lady’s night at 18cm.
Otherwise known as The Blue Pearl of Mongolia, this picture-perfect lake is an excellent place for horseback riding.
One-third of all Mongolians have settled down in the country’s quickly developing capital. Be sure to begin your adventure at The National Museum of Mongolia to better understand the country’s past and present.
Directly connected to Ulaanbaatar by a single paved road, this gorgeous national park is the perfect spot to kick start an unforgettable adventure.
The world’s sixth largest desert is also one of its most beautiful. And to see her at her best, we recommend riding a camel to Khongoryn Els’ rolling dunes.
All visitors should align their tour with one of Mongolia’s famous festivals, of which there are many. Nadaam (meaning ‘Games’) in July is a three-day event full of wrestling, horseback riding and archery. Meanwhile, The Golden Eagle Festivals in September and October celebrate the country’s Khazak connection. Both festivals also offer the opportunity to enjoy plenty of regional fare including infamous airag—fermented mare’s milk. Bottoms up!
Best Time to Visit: June through September—the weather is warm and pleasant. Nadaam is also in July and is usually a highlight of most travelers’ visit.
Electricity: C- and E-type sockets
Time Zone: Hovd Standard Time (GMT+7) & Ulaanbaatar Standard Time (GMT+8)
Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements: Out Adventures requires proof of full Covid-19 vaccination from all guests, following recommendations by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For more details please see our Covid-19 FAQ.
Other Vaccinations: Based on the entry requirements for Mongolia, there are no other vaccinations needed. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, you should consult your doctor or a travel medical clinic, as Out Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations.
Visas: If your passport is from Canada or the USA, you can stay up to 90 days without a visa. However, if you’re staying longer than 30 days you must register with Mongolian Immigration within seven days of arrival. There may be exceptions.
LGBT Rights in Mongolia
Mongolians tend to be very hush-hush regarding sexual orientation. Consequently, public displays of affection will likely cause a stir. However, the population tends to be very adaptable and attitudes are quickly changing. Homosexuality was legalized in 2003 and Ulaanbaatar’s first LGBT centre opened in 2007.
Gay Activity: Legal
Lesbian Activity: Legal
Gay Marriage: Not recognized
Right to Change Gender: Ambiguous
Same-Sex Adoption: Single only
Gay Mongolia Travel
The local LGBT scene is fairly quiet and gay men and women don’t have many options when it comes to meeting places. According to Lonely Planet, popular LGBT hotspots change frequently so please take our recommendations with a grain of salt—things may have changed since publishing. It should be noted Mongolia has hosted annual Pride celebrations since 2013.
There are no gay villages in Mongolia.
Since 2013, Pride celebrations have taken place in Ulaanbaatar. Visit the local LGBT centre’s Facebook Page for updates and details.
Ulaanbaatar—D.d / h.z
Ulaanbaatar—18cm
Every Wednesday is lady’s night at 18cm.
Best Places to Visit in Mongolia
Otherwise known as The Blue Pearl of Mongolia, this picture-perfect lake is an excellent place for horseback riding.
One-third of all Mongolians have settled down in the country’s quickly developing capital. Be sure to begin your adventure at The National Museum of Mongolia to better understand the country’s past and present.
Directly connected to Ulaanbaatar by a single paved road, this gorgeous national park is the perfect spot to kick start an unforgettable adventure.
The world’s sixth largest desert is also one of its most beautiful. And to see her at her best, we recommend riding a camel to Khongoryn Els’ rolling dunes.
All visitors should align their tour with one of Mongolia’s famous festivals, of which there are many. Nadaam (meaning ‘Games’) in July is a three-day event full of wrestling, horseback riding and archery. Meanwhile, The Golden Eagle Festivals in September and October celebrate the country’s Khazak connection. Both festivals also offer the opportunity to enjoy plenty of regional fare including infamous airag—fermented mare’s milk. Bottoms up!
More Info
Best Time to Visit: June through September—the weather is warm and pleasant. Nadaam is also in July and is usually a highlight of most travelers’ visit.
Electricity: C- and E-type sockets
Time Zone: Hovd Standard Time (GMT+7) & Ulaanbaatar Standard Time (GMT+8)
Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements: Out Adventures requires proof of full Covid-19 vaccination from all guests, following recommendations by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For more details please see our Covid-19 FAQ.
Other Vaccinations: Based on the entry requirements for Mongolia, there are no other vaccinations needed. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, you should consult your doctor or a travel medical clinic, as Out Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations.
Visas: If your passport is from Canada or the USA, you can stay up to 90 days without a visa. However, if you’re staying longer than 30 days you must register with Mongolian Immigration within seven days of arrival. There may be exceptions.
In light of Covid-19, we’ve spent a significant amount of time and resources enhancing our health & safety practices. Here’s a look at what’s new.
Read MoreOur all-gay Mongolian adventure will see us traverse the rugged countryside like Genghis Khan at the height of the Mongol Empire. But to reach the region’s more remote destinations we’ll need to slumber in traditional gers (also called “yurts”). Read on for everything you need to know about this unique ‘glamping’ experience.
Read MoreIn perhaps our most interesting Q&A to date, we got in touch with our local Mongolia guide, Tuul (pronounced “Toll”). The mother of four provides insight into the country’s nomadic lifestyle, traditional vs modern views on gender roles, local attitudes surrounding LGBT life and some of the best destinations and festivals visitors need to check out.
Read More
