A New Bridge in the Sky
In a significant development for India-Mongolia relations, Hunnu Air has launched the first-ever direct, non-stop flights between New Delhi and Ulaanbaatar. The weekly service, which commenced on September 28, 2026, operates every Monday, drastically
cutting down travel time. What was once a gruelling 13 to 18-hour journey with layovers in cities like Beijing or Hong Kong is now a comfortable five-and-a-half-hour flight. This long-awaited connection, operated on a modern Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, makes Mongolia a genuinely viable holiday destination for the first time. The flight departs Delhi in the morning, arriving in Ulaanbaatar in the afternoon, making for a convenient start to a week-long adventure.
More Than Just a Flight
This air route is more than a convenience; it's a strategic and cultural milestone. The initiative, announced during Mongolian President U Khurelsukh's state visit in October 2025, aims to bolster the multifaceted partnership between the two nations. For years, leaders have referred to Mongolia as India's 'spiritual neighbour' due to shared Buddhist traditions, and this flight makes that connection tangible. It is expected to significantly boost tourism in both directions. Mongolians can now more easily visit India's Buddhist pilgrimage sites, while Indian tourists gain access to Mongolia’s unique landscapes and heritage. Beyond tourism, the link is anticipated to facilitate medical travel, business, and trade, allowing for faster and cheaper cargo movement.
Welcome to the Land of Eternal Blue Sky
So, what awaits in Mongolia? Forget crowded cities and familiar tourist trails. Mongolia offers something far more profound: space, silence, and a connection to a raw, untamed wilderness. It's a country of vast, fenceless steppes, the stark beauty of the Gobi Desert, and a culture deeply rooted in its nomadic heritage. This is the land where Genghis Khan forged the largest contiguous empire in history, and that epic spirit is still palpable in the landscape and its people. For travellers accustomed to the hustle of modern life, the sheer scale and quietness of the Mongolian countryside can be a meditative, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
First Stop: Ulaanbaatar
Your journey will begin in the capital, Ulaanbaatar, a fascinating blend of Soviet-era architecture, modern buildings, and traditional gers (yurts). Don't miss the Gandantegchinlen Monastery, an active and peaceful centre of Mongolian Buddhism. For a dose of history, the National Museum of Mongolia provides an excellent overview of the nation's past, from prehistory to the Mongol Empire. The city's central point, Sükhbaatar Square (also known as Genghis Khan Square), is a vast plaza perfect for people-watching and understanding the city's civic heart.
Beyond the Capital's Edge
To truly experience Mongolia, you must venture into the countryside. A short drive from the capital is Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, known for its stunning rock formations, including the famous Turtle Rock, and alpine scenery. For a deeper dive into the wild, Hustai National Park is home to the last truly wild horses, the Takhi or Przewalski's horse. No trip is complete without staying in a traditional ger camp, offering a unique opportunity to experience the legendary hospitality of nomadic families under a star-filled sky.
Essential Tips for Indian Travellers
The best time to visit is during the summer months from June to August when the weather is pleasant and the famous Naadam festival takes place. While some initial reports mentioned visa-free travel, it's important to note that Indian citizens currently require a visa. Thankfully, Mongolia offers a straightforward e-visa process for tourists, typically processed within 48 hours for stays up to 30 days. The local currency is the Mongolian Tögrög (Tugrik). While vegetarian food is available in Ulaanbaatar, options can be very limited in the countryside, so it's wise to plan accordingly.
