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Mongolia Gay Travel

Gay hikers will experience 'the road less travelled' in Mongolia.

Travel is a relatively new industry in Mongolia. This 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. One-fifth of the country is registered national parks—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!


Quick Facts

  • Capital City: Ulaanbaatar
  • Currency: Mongolian tögrög (MNT)
  • Languages: Mongolian
  • Best Time of Year to Visit: June–September

LGBT Rights in Mongolia

Gay Mongolia Travel

Best Places to Visit in Mongolia

More Info

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 regarding 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.

Gay Villages in Mongolia

There are no gay villages in Mongolia.

Pride Festivals in Mongolia

Since 2013, Pride celebrations have taken place in Ulaanbaatar. Visit the local LGBT centre’s Facebook Page for updates and details.

Best Gay Bars in Mongolia

Ulaanbaatar—D.d / h.z

Ulaanbaatar—18cm

Best Lesbian Bars in Mongolia

Every Wednesday is lady’s night at 18cm.

5. Khovsgol Lake

Otherwise known as The Blue Pearl of Mongolia, this picture-perfect lake is an excellent place for horseback riding.

4. Ulaanbaatar

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.

3. Gorkhi-Terelj National Park

Directly connected to Ulaanbaatar by a single paved road, this gorgeous national park is the perfect spot to kick start an unforgettable adventure.

2. Gobi Desert

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.

1. Nadaam and the Golden Eagle Festival

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: We’re dedicated to ensuring our tours are safe for everyone, but it is our belief that each traveler has a responsibility to protect themselves and their fellow travellers from COVID-19. As of May 1, 2023, Out Adventures no longer requires guests to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination on most of our tours. If vaccination is a requirement for entry, or on select cruises, this will be communicated at the time a trip is confirmed to depart. Before booking, we recommend that you read our COVID-19 Information Page and our COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions to understand what we’re doing to minimize risk, and what will happen if you contract COVID-19 before or during an Out Adventures tour.

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. 

Last updated on Sept 24, 2021. Disclaimer: The information provided was accurate at the time of publishing, but cannot be guaranteed.
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 regarding 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.

Gay Villages in Mongolia

There are no gay villages in Mongolia.

Pride Festivals in Mongolia

Since 2013, Pride celebrations have taken place in Ulaanbaatar. Visit the local LGBT centre’s Facebook Page for updates and details.

Best Gay Bars in Mongolia

Ulaanbaatar—D.d / h.z

Ulaanbaatar—18cm

Best Lesbian Bars in Mongolia

Every Wednesday is lady’s night at 18cm.

Best Places to Visit in Mongolia

5. Khovsgol Lake

Otherwise known as The Blue Pearl of Mongolia, this picture-perfect lake is an excellent place for horseback riding.

4. Ulaanbaatar

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.

3. Gorkhi-Terelj National Park

Directly connected to Ulaanbaatar by a single paved road, this gorgeous national park is the perfect spot to kick start an unforgettable adventure.

2. Gobi Desert

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.

1. Nadaam and the Golden Eagle Festival

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: We’re dedicated to ensuring our tours are safe for everyone, but it is our belief that each traveler has a responsibility to protect themselves and their fellow travellers from COVID-19. As of May 1, 2023, Out Adventures no longer requires guests to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination on most of our tours. If vaccination is a requirement for entry, or on select cruises, this will be communicated at the time a trip is confirmed to depart. Before booking, we recommend that you read our COVID-19 Information Page and our COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions to understand what we’re doing to minimize risk, and what will happen if you contract COVID-19 before or during an Out Adventures tour.

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. 

Last updated on Sept 24, 2021. Disclaimer: The information provided was accurate at the time of publishing, but cannot be guaranteed.


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Reviews

Some from our travellers

Brian B & Frank M

Wonderful adventure trip, and a unique travel experience

Mongolia: Golden Eagle Festival & Expedition
Rating:

Wonderful adventure trip, and a unique travel experience. You’ll see and do things that might be out of your comfort zone, but worth it 100%. Loved the Eagle Festival.

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Jack W & Rick K

Mongolia is a very interesting and welcoming place, culturally diverse, with stunning landscapes

Mongolia: Golden Eagle Festival & Expedition
Rating:

Mongolia is a very interesting and welcoming place, culturally diverse, with stunning landscapes. It’s a great way to escape the “Ruts” of western life. Out Adventures takes every precaution to ensure the safety and comfort of their clients while providing stimulating adventures.

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Jeff C

This trip was SO different

Mongolia: Golden Eagle Festival & Expedition
Rating:

This trip was SO different, off the beaten path, down to earth, and well organized.

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Kevin K

Great way to see an up-and-coming country

Mongolia: Golden Eagle Festival & Expedition
Rating:

Amazing non-touristy destination. Not for everyone. Great way to see an up-and-coming country.

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Christo S

Be ready to roll with the punches, and experience beauty in desolation.

Mongolia: Golden Eagle Festival & Expedition
Rating:

The trip was off the beaten track, and culturally eye-opening. Be ready to roll with the punches, and experience beauty in desolation.

ACCOMMODATIONS:
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Howard H

The trip was very well organized

Mongolia: Golden Eagle Festival & Expedition
Rating:

The trip was very well organized with great guides. We all felt very cared for.

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