Winter Wonders on the Mongolian Steppe: Why Visit During Low Season
While many travelers favor Mongolia's warmer months, winter transforms the vast steppe and Siberian borderlands into a breathtaking frost-covered wonderland.
Mongolia's winters are intensely cold—with temperatures dropping to -40°C in January and Ulaanbaatar recognized as the world's coldest capital—yet the country remains highly accessible. Enjoy crowd-free experiences, alongside the lowest accommodation and tour prices of the year.
Don't let the cold deter you. From unearthing woolly treasures in Ulaanbaatar to thrilling dog-sled rides across the wilderness, Mongolia's low season reveals a spectacular array of unique winter experiences.
Woolly Winter Shopping
For intrepid shoppers braving the chill, Naran Tuul Market (what3words: itself.reckoned.wildfires) in Ulaanbaatar offers bargains on traditional felt boots, vests, mittens, housewares, furniture, hats, stoles, and even retro 1980s ski suits. Stay vigilant: prices are unlisted, bargaining is essential, and beware pickpockets and scams.
Mongolia supplies over a third of global cashmere, herding around 20 million goats that produce about 9,000 tons annually, according to industry experts. Locals incorporate this affordable luxury into daily wear.
Stock up on essentials at the State Department Store before heading countryside: cashmere socks, sweaters, long underwear, winter parkas, leather and fur boots—often discounted at season's end.
Nearby, Bodio's Yak House (what3words: overtime.highlighted.trail) features yak-wool items like woven cardigans and breathable 'yak down' socks.
The Gobi Cashmere Factory Store (what3words: bibs.sized.mergers) boasts an extensive range of jumpers and cardigans with frequent end-of-season deals (note limited sizes). Goyo Cashmere (what3words: sapping.beams.dice) in the Shangri-La Hotel mall offers affordable turtlenecks, trousers, hats, gloves, and scarves.
You might also like: Road-tripping Mongolia's Gobi Desert
Snowy Excursions on the Steppe
Experience Mongolia's finest frosty landscapes by venturing beyond Ulaanbaatar into Töv Province, reachable via local tour operators. Nearby, the Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex (what3words: regions.technician.freshens) features a 40m stainless-steel monument erected in 2008 by Mongolian, Russian, and South Korean engineers.
Approach under Mongolia's 250 annual sunny days, where winter light illuminates the emperor's commanding gaze. Consider a shaman blessing arranged by your tour.
Gorkhi-Terelj National Park (what3words: upland.florists.nuance), just 15-20 minutes from the statue and two hours from Ulaanbaatar, offers serene winter scenery. Highlights include Turtle Rock, a striking formation against blue skies and rugged mountains.
Also visit Gandan Khiid (what3words: upstarts.gangs.shuffle), or Aryaval Meditation Centre, a peaceful Buddhist monastery bustling with monks in summer but serenely empty in winter, frequented only by local families and offering panoramic views.
Mongolian Wildlife
Winter draws wildlife enthusiasts to spot black vultures, red foxes, jackals, grey wolves, rabbits, reindeer, wild horses, and goats.
Dog-sledding provides an exhilarating close-up of frozen terrains—a staple of nomadic life. Local camps deploy nine-dog teams guided by trainers' verbal commands. It demands balance and embraces playful pups.
After gliding over frozen rivers and snowy paths, retreat to cozy ger tents for steaming suutei tsai (salty milk tea) and hearty buuz (steamed mutton or beef dumplings).
You might also like: Drive a beat-up car to Mongolia and help save the world
Winter Eats
Mongolian cuisine emphasizes hearty meats and fats for warmth. Buuz dumplings excel in sub-zero conditions, alongside herb-roasted mutton, beef barbecue, Chinggis Khan beer, vodka, and airag (fermented camel milk).
Sample authentic flavors at Zochin Cafe (what3words: lend.trending.possible) on Peace Avenue: barbecues, mutton broth, cabbage soups, dumplings, and fusion like vegetable stir-fry or teriyaki beef rice. Expect bold saltiness.
Make It Happen
Base yourself in Ulaanbaatar at Khuvsgal Lake Hotel (what3words: summit.palettes.mostly) for value and frosty Sukhbaatar Square views. In the countryside, Resort World Terelj (what3words: takers.single.imitating) provides heated four-star comfort in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, with a restaurant serving Western and Mongolian dishes until 11pm.
Pack essentials unavailable locally: ski masks, disposable hand/sock warmers, thermal gloves for winds (especially dog-sledding), and breathable merino or synthetic base layers (avoid cotton).
Roads are manageable with minimal snow. Limit walks to 20 minutes in Ulaanbaatar; taxis are plentiful. For steppe tours, book with specialists like Nomadic Trails.
