Winter Camping in Mongolia: The Ultimate Guide to Snow Adventures

When most people think of Mongolia, they picture endless summer steppes or golden deserts. But winter? That’s where the magic truly begins. Mongolia transforms into a frosted wilderness—icy lakes, snowy dunes, steaming hot springs, and the warmth of nomadic hospitality all await. Travel to Mongolia in winter to explore the land of nomads at its most interesting time.

For the adventurous traveler, winter camping in Mongolia is an incomparable experience—blending raw nature with deep cultural resonance.

This blog offers you:

• Ten unforgettable winter camping highlights in Mongolia
• Comparisons with world-famous winter destinations
• A featured vehicle breakdown—especially why the Toyota Land Cruiser 78 with Alucab Hercules rooftop tent is a game-changer
• FAQs and practical advice for making your trip as epic and safe as possible

Why Winter Camping in Mongolia Stands Out

• Unparalleled solitude & wild landscapes: Unlike busy resorts in Lapland or the Rockies, here you’re alone on frozen lakes or snowy dunes—truly immersed in nature.
• Nomadic warmth in subzero conditions: Expect hot milk tea, hearty meals, and smiles even when the thermometer dips below –30 °C and you experience Mongolian winter temperatures.
• Cultural immersion, not commercialization: Ride camels through snowy Gobi, camp with reindeer herders, and share food in a ger—this is authentic, not ‘tourist everywhere.’
• Versatile landscapes in one journey: Frigid forests, desert dunes blanketed in snow, steppes, hot springs—you’ll find them all in a single trip.

10 Highlight Winter Camping Experiences in Mongolia

1. Ice Driving on Lake Khuvsgul

Feel the thrill of driving a 4×4 across this massive frozen lake, surrounded by pristine taiga. Unlike guided tours in Abisko, Sweden, here it’s rugged, wild, and yours alone.

2. Dog Sledding in Terelj & Khuvsgul

Gliding through pine-wrapped trails behind huskies is magical. Unlike polished tours in Lapland, this feels raw, authentic, and landscape-first.

3. Camel Trekking in the Snowy Gobi

Witness the rare sight of snow-covered dunes and fluffy Bactrian camels—a winter wonder unlike anywhere else except Antarctica, minus the logistical nightmare (and price).

4. Camping Inside a Ger (Yurt)

Stay in a traditional ger with a central stove that melts the cold away. Unlike novelty ice hotels in Scandinavia or Canada, this stay is warm, cultural, and centuries-old.

5. Ice Fishing on Frozen Rivers and Lakes

Drill a hole in silenced nature and wait in meditative peace. In Mongolia, you often have the entire ice to yourself—a different breed of solitude compared to Yellowstone or Canadian lakes.

6. Blue Pearl Ice Festival (Lake Khuvsgul)

Take part in horse sled races, ice carving, archery, and more—set against dramatic mountains. It feels more local, cultural, and intimate than Northern Lights festivals in Iceland or Lapland.

7. Living with the Tsaatan Reindeer Herders

Stay deep in the taiga, where reindeer and tradition rule. Far more remote and less commercial than visiting the Sámi in Scandinavia. The Tsaatan life in high altitudes and in the coldest region of Mongolia. Their tipping tents are unique for winter camping in Mongolia and quite smoky.

8. Horseback Riding Across Frozen Steppes

It’s not just a ride—it’s a cultural journey that recalls Mongolia’s equestrian heritage and nomadic identity.

9. Soaking in Tsenkher Hot Springs

Warm your core after a day winter camping in Mongolia in the cold. Unlike the developed onsens of Japan or Iceland, this one is rustic, natural, and peaceful.

10. Nomadic Winter Feasts in Ger Camps

Shared mutton stews, fermented teas, and laughter inside a ger—this is hospitality you feel deep in your bones, not something served in luxury lodges. Visiting a nomadic family inside their ger will warm you up during winter camping in Mongolia.

Vehicle Feature: Winter Camping with the Right Rig

Avis Mongolia Adventure Rentals

Avis Mongolia offers a fleet of rugged rental 4x4s—like the Toyota Landcruiser 76, 79, and Prado—with optional camping gear such as rooftop tents and outdoor sets.

• Insurance & Reliability: Avis vehicles are maintained to international standards, plus optional add-ons like collision and theft protection.
• Gear Packages: Choose rentals with rooftop tents, cooking gear, and camping amenities built-in.
• Pricing: Land Cruiser 76 rentals start around USD 101–150/day depending on season.
• Real Trip Feedback: Travelers rave about well-maintained vehicles, camping equipment, and 24/7 support.

Explorer.Company’s Go-To Winter Rig

If you want comfort and capability in one package for winter camping in Mongolia, check out Explorer.Company’s 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser 78 “Troopy”, designed for overland comfort:

• Automatic transmission, twin diesel tanks, roof-mounted Alu-Cab Hercules rooftop tent with interior heater
• Extras like max-trax, air compressor, shower, awning, water canister, table/chairs, all expedition-ready gear

This setup offers warm, self-contained camping—even when it’s severely cold outside.

Vehicle Comparison – Why Land Cruisers Win

Feature	Toyota Landcruiser 78 Troopy (Explorer.Company)	Avis Landcruiser 76/79 w/ Rooftop Gear
Comfort & Warmth	Heated roof tent, cozy interior, expedition kit	Basic tent and gear, no built-in heating
Convenience	Auto, built-in storage, turnkey expedition setup	Manual, add-ons optional, more assembly needed
Reliability	Built for remote travel with accessories	Solid choice, cheaper, but less feature-rich
Pricing	Premium—includes gear, comfort, and autonomy	Moderate—pay per item, flexible rentals

FAQ: Answering Your Top Winter Camping Questions

1. Is Mongolia safe for winter camping?

Yes—with the right gear and preparation, it’s remarkably safe. Be sure to rent well-maintained 4×4 vehicles, bring insulated gear, and always check weather and ice conditions.

2. What should I pack for Mongolia in winter?

• Sub-zero sleeping gear, thermal layers, insulated boots, gloves, and a warm hat
• Ice basics: a drill for ice fishing, fire-starting tools, compact stove
• Vehicle essentials: recovery kit, extra fuel, spare tire tools, GPS/offline maps

3. Can beginners do winter camping here?

Definitely—with experienced guides, proper vehicle setup, and cautious planning. Avoid remote routes on day one. Be prepared for getting stuck in snow or snow storms on your way to winter camping in Mongolia.

4. Can foreigners drive in Mongolia?

Most tourists drive freely with an International Driving Permit (IDP). However, some travelers report being asked for a local license. Renting with Avis or Explorer.Company ensures support if needed.

5. Is renting a car with gear expensive?

During the winter months small rental cars are not suitable for the harsh environment. Rent only highly reliable 4x4s that cost between 200-400$ per day for winter camping in Mongolia. Adding a rooftop tent or camping kit can cost USD 40–100$/day extra, but is worth the convenience.

6. What navigation should I use?

Google Maps works in cities. For outback routes, use Maps.me for reliable offline navigation but for traveling in winter a much safer option is to book a fully organized private self drive tour with or without guide from an expert self drive tour provider like Explorer.Company to ensure you are traveling on the best and safest routes. The easiest way to travel is with two vehicles with winches as you will be able to assist each other in case you get stuck in snow.

7. Any advice from other travelers?

Yes—carry recovery gear, know vehicle basics, and don’t rely solely on support in remote areas.

8. Which activities can I do in Mongolia during winter?

You can go ice fishing on one of many frozen lakes in Mongolia during winter. For mountaineers hiking up one of Mongolia’s peaks is a major highlight – cold, wild, rough.

Final Thoughts

Winter camping in Mongolia is not just travel—it’s adventuring in one of earth’s most untouched winterscapes, with history and nomadic warmth woven into every cold-breath moment.

Whether you’re driving across a frozen lake, sleeping in a ger under star-dusted skies, or sipping tea in a ger with locals, the experience is deeply elemental.

For comfort and capability during winter camping in Mongolia, Explorer.Company’s Troopy with Alu-Cab tent offers unmatched warm camping. For flexible, reliable rentals, Avis Mongolia remains a solid and popular choice.