Drinking water in Mongolia
When exploring the vast steppes, arid deserts, and bustling city streets of Mongolia, staying hydrated is key to enjoying your adventure. But as any seasoned traveler knows, not all water is created equal—and Mongolia presents its own set of quirks when it comes to safe drinking water. Whether you’re planning to camp in the Gobi, stay with a nomadic family, or settle into a hotel in Ulaanbaatar, here’s what you need to know about drinking water in Mongolia.
What’s the Water Situation in Mongolia?
Mongolia may be known for its pristine landscapes, but clean drinking water isn’t always as accessible as it seems. While surface water sources like rivers and lakes are plentiful, they’re often unsafe to drink without treatment. Groundwater, on the other hand, is more reliable and supplies most of the drinking water in cities.
In Ulaanbaatar, the capital city, water is pumped from deep underground and distributed across the city, but aging infrastructure and pollution mean that what comes out of the tap isn’t always trustworthy.
Can You Drink the Tap Water?
Let’s cut to the chase: tap water in Mongolia is not safe to drink straight from the faucet. Even in modern apartments and hotels in Ulaanbaatar, it’s best to boil the water or use a proper filter before drinking. While it’s fine for brushing your teeth or taking a shower, avoid gulping it down.
Most locals either boil their water, use jug-style filters, or install under-sink pipe-attached filters to clean their tap water.
Water in Hotels and Restaurants
Here’s the good news—hotels in Mongolia are generally well-equipped. Most provide electric kettles so guests can boil tap water in their rooms. Higher-end hotels may also offer complimentary bottled water. In Ulaanbaatar, restaurants typically serve filtered or bottled water, and many offer free water with meals.
Out in the Countryside
If your travels take you into Mongolia’s famous ger (yurt) camps or rural areas, the water situation becomes trickier. Many families rely on wells or nearby rivers. In most cases, you’ll be offered boiled water for drinking, especially at tourist camps. Still, always ask whether the water has been boiled or bring your own supply of bottled water when heading into remote areas.
You can buy bottled water at most countryside stores, though options may be limited. Expect to pay MNT 1500-2000 for a 0.5L bottle and MNT 2000-3000 for a 1L bottle.
At Airports and Train Stations
Before hopping on a train to the countryside or catching a domestic flight, stock up on water. Bottled drinks are sold at kiosks and cafes in stations and airports, but prices are a bit higher than in regular shops. You can also find hot boiled water in some cafeterias—handy if you have instant noodles or tea on hand.
