Things To Do
in Choyr
Choyr is a small, remote soum in eastern Mongolia set against vast grasslands and open skies. The town offers a window into traditional nomadic life, with ger camps, hardy herding families, and a close-knit community. Visitors can experience authentic rural hospitality, seasonal migrations, and a sense of timeless isolation.
Its quiet pace makes it an ideal base for exploring nearby rivers, hills, and vast steppe landscapes.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the Choyr Museum, where you can immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the region. The museum showcases ancient artifacts and traditional Mongolian art, making it a perfect introduction to the area's heritage. After exploring the exhibits, take a leisurely walk through the nearby streets to admire the unique architecture that blends traditional nomadic elements with Soviet influences.
Enjoy a traditional Mongolian lunch at a local restaurant, sampling dishes like buuz (steamed dumplings) and khorkhog (barbecue). Post-lunch, head to the local marketplace where you can browse through stalls selling handmade crafts, textiles, and souvenirs, providing a glimpse into the daily lives of the locals. Engage with the vendors to learn about their crafts and perhaps pick up a unique piece as a memento.
As the sun sets, join a guided walking tour that highlights the stories and legends of Choyr, often overlooked by many tourists. The guide shares fascinating tales about the city’s past, while you stroll through the illuminated streets, capturing the ambiance of the evening. End the night with a warm drink at a cozy café, reflecting on the day’s discoveries.
Travel to a nearby nomadic family’s ger (yurt) to experience authentic Mongolian hospitality firsthand. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed with traditional milk tea and a variety of dairy products, essential staples in Mongolian cuisine. Participate in chores like herding livestock or preparing food, gaining insight into the nomadic lifestyle.
After a hearty lunch with the family, engage in traditional activities such as archery or horse riding, learning skills that are central to Mongolian culture. The hosts may also share folk tales and songs, enriching your understanding of their traditions. Spend some time helping the family in their daily routines, such as milking or tending to the animals, deepening your connection with them.
As night falls, join the family for a traditional dinner, enjoying dishes prepared with fresh ingredients from their farm. Sitting around the ger’s central stove, share stories and laughter, creating lasting memories. Before heading back, gaze at the magnificent starry sky, a sight that is truly captivating in the Mongolian wilderness.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| 💧Bottle of water (1.5L) | $0.50-1 |
| 🥟Plate of buuz (dumplings) | $3-6 |
| 🧥Warm clothing rental/purchase | $20-60 |
| 🚐Local transport (short taxi/bus) | $2-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Wide-open landscapes and authentic nomadic hospitality
- Low crowds and off-the-beaten-path charm
- Limited medical facilities and language barriers
- Infrequent public transport and unreliable connectivity in remote areas
- "Sain bainaa" - Hello / How are you?
- "Bayartai" - Thank you
- "Uuchlaarai" - Sorry / Excuse me
- "Tanii ner ni?" - What is your name?
- "Une heden ve?" - How much is this?
Places to Visit in Choyr
Visit one of these nice places.
Endless grassy plains with soft light and long shadows, ideal for wide-angle landscapes.
A line of traditional yurts along a glistening river, perfect for portrait and camp life photography.
Rolling hills with distant horizons and grazing families; golden hour shots shine here.
Minimal light pollution makes for dramatic starry skies and the Milky Way on clear nights.
Food in Choyr
Choyr Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Steamed dumplings filled with minced meat and onions; a staple you’ll find in homes and eateries.
Must-Try!
Crispy fried meat pastries often eaten with onions and fresh herbs.
Fermented mare’s milk, a traditional drink enjoyed by locals, especially in warmer months.
A whole animal roasted inside its hide over an open fire; a sharing dish often reserved for special occasions.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A small market offering dairy products, fresh meat, and handmade pastries; great for trying fresh milk tea and dumplings.
Family-run stalls serving grilled skewers, fried dumplings, and traditional milk tea.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a calm voice and a nod or handshake; use both hands when giving or receiving items.
Show deference to elders; ask permission before entering a ger and for photos.
Accept tea as a sign of hospitality; sip slowly and thank the host.
Wear practical, modest clothing; when visiting a homestead, avoid wearing overly revealing outfits.
Safety
Tipping in Choyr
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated for good service; consider rounding up or giving small tips to guides and hosts.
Cash in Mongolian tögrög is the most reliable; some guesthouses accept cards or USD in towns, but carry local currency when traveling to rural areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Long daylight hours, green pastures, and active outdoor life; occasional rain and dusty roads; temperatures typically range from 15–25°C.
Cooler days, clear skies, and harvest season; winds increase; temperatures between 5–18°C.
Harsh cold with strong winds; temperatures can drop well below freezing; snow cover and icy roads require warm gear.
Mild days with chilly mornings; possible late snow; gradually warming through the season.
Choyr at Night
Hiking in Choyr
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A gentle loop offering panoramic steppe views and time for photography.
Forest edge and riverbank trails near the soum's water source; popular for birdwatching and sunset photos.
Airports
How to reach Choyr by plane.
The primary international gateway to Mongolia; most visitors fly here first and then connect to domestic flights to eastern aimags.
Nearest regional airport serving eastern Mongolia; connect to Ulaanbaatar or other regional destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant ethnicity with strong nomadic traditions; many families maintain traditional ger camps.
A small mix of Buryats, Kazakhs, and other groups in some communities; language barriers can exist.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A deeply rooted sport in Mongolia; often experienced with local herders and during festivals.
Traditional Mongolian wrestling is popular at cultural events and gatherings; spectators learn the basics as part of the culture.
A customary sport in Mongolian culture; often practiced with traditional bows at events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Choyr.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are limited in rural areas; look for dairy-rich dishes, salads, and mushroom dishes; ask for vegetable dumplings or simple grain-based dishes, and communicate clearly to avoid meat-based broths.