Things To Do
in Nalayh

Rusting equipment, concrete structures and miner memorials create dramatic, industrial-completion photo opportunities—best in soft morning or late-afternoon light.

Rolling grassy hills and wide skies are ideal for sweeping landscape shots, sunrise and sunset panoramas, and capturing grazing livestock.

Candid cultural photography of daily life: dairy selling, food preparation, and traditional textiles—ask permission before photographing people closely.

Photograph nomadic riders, herds and traditional tack against open-steppe backdrops—action and portrait opportunities with local riders and children.

Steamed meat dumplings (usually mutton or beef) commonly found at markets and restaurants—order fresh at lunch; available at local eateries and ger camps.

Must-Try!

Pan-fried meat pies similar to a deep-fried turnover—crispy and greasy, sold at market stalls and celebrations; a great on-the-go snack.

Traditional Mongolian barbecue (meat cooked inside an animal carcass or with hot stones) may be available at special-host events or tourist ger camps—ask ahead for demonstrations.

Fermented mare’s milk, a tangy local alcoholic drink offered in many rural households and ger camps—try a small amount if comfortable with new flavors.

A polite Mongolian greeting is appreciated—use a friendly 'Sain baina uu' and show respect for elders; remove your hat when entering a ger or home if hosts indicate.

Enter clockwise, avoid stepping over people or the central hearth, and accept a offered seat or bowl; it’s polite to accept a small cup of tea or airag if offered.

Small gifts like tea, sweets or practical items are appreciated when visiting nomadic households; present gifts with both hands and accept hospitality graciously.

Always ask permission before photographing people, especially inside homes or during family events; some may expect a small fee for portrait shots.

Tipping is not mandatory in Nalaikh; small tips are appreciated in guesthouses, for guides, and at tourist-focused services. For taxi and food stalls rounding up is common; give tips discreetly and thank people verbally.

Cash (Mongolian tögrög, MNT) is the most widely accepted form of payment—carry enough for markets and rural services. Larger shops and some restaurants accept cards, and mobile payments are growing but not universal; ATMs are available in larger towns and in Ulaanbaatar.

Warm days (15–25°C / 59–77°F), cool nights, and abundant wildflowers make summer the most comfortable time to visit; roads are mostly passable and outdoor activities like horse riding and hiking are ideal.

Short, crisp days and spectacular golden grasslands—temperatures fall quickly, and early snow is possible late in the season; a good time for photography with clear air.

Long, very cold winters (often below −20°C / −4°F) with snow and strong winds; many services run reduced hours and outdoor activity becomes challenging—visit only if well equipped for cold.

Variable weather with thawing ground and occasional mud; temperatures slowly rise but nights remain chilly—wildlife and lambing season offer unique rural scenes.

The main international airport serving Ulaanbaatar; the most common gateway for visitors. Ground travel to Nalaikh is by road—arrange a taxi or shuttle from the airport or transfer through Ulaanbaatar.

Previously Ulaanbaatar’s primary airport for domestic flights; services have changed after the opening of the new international airport. It may still handle some domestic or charter flights—verify current operations when planning travel.