Why I Chose Mongolia for My Summer Vacation
For my 2025 summer holiday, I skipped all the other tempting destinations and chose Mongolia for one reason — the stars.
With endless grasslands, pollution-free skies, and crystal-clear air, Mongolia offers some of the best stargazing in the world.
Back in February, while searching for summer destinations, I stumbled upon an article about “stargazing tours in Mongolia,” and my mind was made up instantly.
Mongolia, located in the northern latitudes, has significant temperature swings even in summer. While the days can feel like spring or autumn, the week I visited saw daytime highs of up to 32°C (89°F). At night in Terelj National Park, the air was chilly, so a jacket was a must. I brought a leather jacket and ended up wearing it every night.
How to See the Best Stars in Mongolia
The secret to stargazing in Mongolia lies in picking the right dates.
Even with clear skies, a full moon can wash out most stars. I chose a week in July when the moon wouldn’t be visible, and it paid off.
Over my 6-day trip, I saw two nights of perfectly clear skies filled with stars — and even spotted three shooting stars.
The rest of the nights were cloudy, and one evening brought a sudden downpour with thunder and lightning. Mongolia isn’t always cloudless; luck plays a big role.
📌 Tips for Planning a Stargazing Trip to Mongolia
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Check the lunar calendar – Avoid the full moon for the clearest view of the stars.
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Expect unpredictable weather – Even in a dry climate, clouds can appear.
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Prepare for long nights – Staying up late requires stamina; don’t sleep early or you’ll regret it.
The Magic of Mongolia’s Night Sky
The beauty of Mongolia’s stargazing experience lies in its scale.
The Milky Way stretches from one end of the horizon to the other, and stars are so dense they feel like a glowing ceiling above you.
I’ve loved stars back home in Korea, but this was the first time I truly felt surrounded by them. This will likely remain the most unforgettable night sky of my life.
Mongolia’s Charm and the Reality Check
Mongolia is captivating, but it’s not the most comfortable travel destination.
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Few paved roads – Most are rough, off-road tracks.
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Long drives – 6–8 hours in a car per day is normal.
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Physical endurance needed – I highly recommend visiting while you’re still young and active.
Personally, I loved the rugged roads, vast landscapes, and even the loneliness. But if you’re looking for a relaxing, easy trip, Mongolia might be challenging.
Why You Should Go Stargazing in Mongolia Now
These days, Mongolia travel photos and videos are popping up all over social media.
That’s proof it’s becoming a trending destination.
But it’s still not crowded, which makes now the perfect time to go.
When it gets more popular, the sheer magic of its untouched skies might fade.
✨ One sentence for star lovers:
“The stars I saw there may never appear to me again in my lifetime.”
Final Thoughts
If you want to see the stars, go to Mongolia.
If stargazing is your goal, Mongolia is worth every bit of discomfort.
Go while you’re still young enough to embrace the adventure, stand under the clearest skies, and feel the night filled with countless stars.