Three broad options
Lodging in Mongolia falls into a few broad types, and which one suits you depends on how much comfort you want, how much you want to meet local people and where in the country you are going. In Ulaanbaatar and larger towns, you will find hotels and guesthouses. In the countryside, the usual choices are tourist ger camps and stays with herder families, sometimes called homestays. Camping in your own tent is a fourth option for some trekkers. Availability, standards and opening seasons vary, so treat the descriptions below as general patterns rather than promises.
Tourist ger camps
A ger camp is a group of traditional round felt tents set up for visitors. Each ger usually has a few beds, a stove for heating and sometimes simple furniture, and there is typically a separate building for meals and another for toilets and showers. Camps are often placed near scenic spots such as lakes, dunes or parks, which makes them popular as a base.
Comfort varies widely. Some camps are quite basic, with shared facilities and limited hot water. Others are more upscale, with private bathrooms attached to the ger and better bedding. Many operate only in the warmer months, so check seasonal availability. A ger camp usually offers predictable meals and a bed, but less contact with family life than a homestay. If you are unsure what the dwelling itself is like, read about the Mongolian ger and its layout.
Guesthouses and hotels
In Ulaanbaatar and provincial centers, guesthouses and small hotels are common. Guesthouses are often informal, with dorm beds or simple private rooms, shared kitchens and staff who can answer practical questions. They tend to be popular with independent and solo travelers, who use them to meet others and gather information. Hotels range from simple to quite comfortable.
What to check before booking a town stay:
- Whether heating and hot water work reliably, particularly in cold months.
- Noise levels, since city streets and shared spaces can be loud.
- How far the place is from where you need to be, such as a bus station or an airport.
- Whether luggage can be stored if you leave for a few days.
In the smaller towns, options may be limited and standards modest, so a flexible attitude helps.
Homestays with herder families
A stay with a herder family offers the closest view of daily life. You usually sleep in a ger, share meals with the family and may see animals being tended, milked or moved. It can be a memorable experience, but it is simpler than a camp. Toilets are typically an outdoor pit or a screened spot, washing facilities are minimal, and privacy is limited because families live and work in a small space.
Arrangements are often made through a guide or driver, and it is worth asking how the stay is organized and whether the family has agreed to hosting. Respect matters: the family is not a performance, and the visit works best when guests follow house customs. See the notes on ger etiquette and on what to expect when visiting a herder family before you go. It is considerate to bring a small gift, and the article on tipping, gifts and small courtesies covers general ideas.
Camping
Some travelers carry tents, particularly for trekking or horse trekking. Wild camping is common in the countryside, but you should be aware of land use, grazing areas and protected zones, and follow local rules and Leave No Trace principles. Weather can turn cold and windy even in summer, so a tent suited to those conditions matters. Check whether a park or area requires a permit before pitching a tent.
How they differ
In rough terms:
| Type | Comfort | Local contact | Typical setting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist ger camp | Moderate, varies | Limited | Near scenic sites |
| Guesthouse or hotel | Varies by place | Mixed | Towns and cities |
| Herder homestay | Basic | High | Rural pastures |
| Own tent | Depends on gear | Low | Anywhere permitted |
Choosing sensibly
Many trips combine several types: a guesthouse in the capital, a ger camp near a major sight and a night or two with a family. If you have specific needs, such as a bad back, mobility limits or a requirement for hot showers, ask clearly and in advance, and keep expectations modest in remote areas. In summer, popular places can fill up, so booking ahead for the busiest weeks is wise. Whatever you choose, bring warm layers, a flashlight and your own toiletries, since even good camps can be colder and simpler than expected.