Discover Mongolia: Gobi Desert and the Nomadic Steppe

The flaming cliffs of Bayanzag, where dinosaur eggs were first discovered, sit alongside the singing sand dunes of Khongoryn Els in one of the world's great deserts.

Stay in traditional felt tents with herding families, milking horses and yaks by day and watching some of the world's clearest night skies after dark.

Mongolia's 'three manly games' of wrestling, horse racing and archery are held every July across the country, most spectacularly in the capital.

The world's coldest capital blends Buddhist heritage at Gandantegchinlen Monastery with Soviet-era architecture around Sükhbaatar Square.

June–September is ideal, especially July for the Naadam Festival; winters are extremely cold with temperatures well below freezing.

Citizens of the EU and many other nationalities can enter visa-free for up to 90 days.

Generally yes, though organized Gobi Desert tours with a driver and guide cost more than backpacking in neighbouring countries.

Most travel outside Ulaanbaatar requires a 4x4 vehicle with an experienced driver, as paved roads are rare across the countryside.