Things To Do
in Höshööt
Höshööt, Mongolia is a small northern town set against wide steppe and rolling hills, offering a gateway feel to remote nomadic life. The town exudes rustic charm, with ger camps nearby and friendly residents eager to share stories. You’ll find a simple pace of life, where evenings glow with clear skies and distant bells from livestock.
Expect warm hospitality and a front-row seat to traditional rural Mongolian culture in a pristine, less-touristed setting.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the central square of Höshööt, where you can admire the stunning local architecture and the monument dedicated to Genghis Khan. Enjoy a traditional Mongolian breakfast at a nearby café, sampling dishes like buuz (steamed dumplings) and milk tea. As the sun rises higher, take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant streets, observing the daily life of the locals.
In the afternoon, visit the Höshööt Museum to learn about the rich history and culture of Mongolia, with exhibits showcasing ancient artifacts and local traditions. After exploring the museum, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, where you can taste savory khorkhog, a traditional Mongolian barbecue. Spend your afternoon wandering around the local market, where you can purchase handmade crafts and souvenirs, engaging with friendly vendors.
As evening approaches, find a cozy spot at a local restaurant for dinner, where you can savor traditional Mongolian dishes while enjoying the warm hospitality of the locals. After your meal, take a peaceful walk along the banks of the river, watching the sunset paint the sky in remarkable hues. Cap off your day with a cultural performance featuring traditional Mongolian music and dance, immersing yourself in the local artistic heritage.
Kick off your day with an invigorating breakfast before heading out to explore the picturesque countryside surrounding Höshööt. Join a guided horseback riding tour through rolling hills and lush meadows, where you can experience the stunning landscapes and connect with the majestic animals. Feel the freedom of the open air as you ride across the vast plains, taking in the sights and sounds of nature.
Stop for a picnic lunch in a serene spot, enjoying homemade delights while surrounded by the beauty of Mongolia's nature. After lunch, visit local nomadic families to learn about their traditional lifestyle, customs, and the art of herding animals such as sheep and goats. This unique cultural exchange offers a glimpse into the heart of Mongolia's nomadic heritage.
Return to Höshööt in the evening, where you can unwind at a local eatery and reflect on your day’s adventures. As twilight sets in, enjoy an outdoor barbecue dinner under the starlit sky, experiencing the warmth of Mongolian hospitality. Engage in storytelling and sharing experiences with fellow travelers and locals, creating memorable connections.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-8 |
| ☕️Coffee | $2-4 |
| 🧃Bottle of water | $0.50-1 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel room | $15-35 |
| 🚐Local transportation (short ride) | $1-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Genuine rural Mongolian hospitality and landscapes
- Quiet, uncrowded destinations and clear skies
- Limited facilities and language barriers in remote areas
- Seasonal travel constraints and variable road conditions
- "Сайн байна уу?" - Hello
- "Баярлалаа" - Thank you
- "Уучлаарай" - Sorry / Excuse me
- "Та англиар ярьдаг уу?" - Do you speak English?
- "Монгол хэл мэдэх үү?" - Do you know Mongolian?
Places to Visit in Höshööt
Visit one of these nice places.
A gentle bend in the river with soft light, perfect for golden-hour reflections and portrait shots of local life.
Expansive, unobstructed horizons ideal for wide landscape shots as the sun climbs over the hills.
Rows of traditional tents against the silhouettes of distant hills; great for dusk silhouettes and warm, lantern-lit scenes.
A modest viewpoint offering panoramic views of the plains and nearby lakes, especially dramatic during clear evenings.
Food in Höshööt
Höshööt Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Steamed dumplings filled with minced meat and onions; a staple found in family meals and modest eateries.
Must-Try!
Deep-fried meat pastries made with minced mutton or beef and onions, crisp on the outside and juicy inside.
Fermented mare’s milk, a traditional beverage often served at gatherings and farms.
Hearty stir-fried noodles with meat and vegetables, a comforting staple in cooler weather.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A small market where you can find fresh dairy, sheep milk cheese, handmade bread, and quick fried snacks from friendly vendors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly nod or handshake; elders are respected, and modest conversation is preferred in first meetings.
Ask permission before entering a nomadic home or ger; remove shoes if asked and avoid sudden interruptions.
Ask permission before photographing people or private camps; show respect for cultural practices and personal space.
Safety
Tipping in Höshööt
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Consider small tips for guides, drivers, and hospitality staff if you are happy with service.
Cash in Mongolian tögrög (MNT) is widely used in rural areas; some guesthouses may accept credit cards, but ATMs are sparse outside towns.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with cool nights; occasional short rain showers. Ideal for hiking, photography in long daylight hours, and visiting nomadic camps.
Very cold with strong winds and snow; plan for substantial layering and indoor activities; roads can be challenging—allow extra travel time.
Mild days with spring melt; landscapes turn lush, but late-season snow may linger in shaded areas; great for early-season photography.
Cooling temperatures and crisp air; golden grasses and fewer crowds; good for road trips and quiet hiking.
Höshööt at Night
Hiking in Höshööt
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short, scenic hike to a hill overlook with expansive steppe and lake views.
A 3–6 km trail along the river featuring rock formations, birds, and quiet riverside scenery.
Airports
How to reach Höshööt by plane.
The main international gateway for Mongolia; long-range travel to Höshööt typically requires road transfer or a domestic flight plus ground travel.
Small regional airport serving the Khövsgöl region; seasonal flights and limited schedules.
Domestic gateway serving northern Mongolia; convenient for fast connections to Ulaanbaatar and nearby towns.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant group, with a culture rooted in nomadic and semi-nomadic livelihoods.
Small numbers of other regional groups reside in or near Höshööt, contributing to a modestly diverse town dynamic.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A traditional and culturally significant sport; you may witness or participate in nearby festival events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Höshööt.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Options are limited but available in guesthouses—ask for dairy- and vegetable-based dishes, such as buuz with vegetables or noodle dishes; communicate clearly about meat-free needs and eggs/dairy.