Paragliding in Mongolia: a pilot's guide
The last blank space on the map
Mongolia is one of the last big blank spaces on the paragliding map. Most of the country has never been flown, the airspace is wide open, and you can hike up almost any hill and launch. This guide covers what visiting pilots need to know: the season, the conditions, airspace and permits, safety, and how to fly here respectfully.
Hike & fly and vol-biv
Most of Mongolia is unexplored in paragliding terms. There are no crowded launches, no queues and no well-worn XC routes, which makes it a place for pilots who like to explore: hike & fly, vol-biv and self-supported trips. Many visiting pilots pick a mountain or hill they like, hike up, and fly top-to-bottom or a short XC.
When to go
The flying season runs from mid-June to mid-September. Autumn, winter and spring are mostly unflyable because it is simply too cold.
Spring
Strong winds and very active air, with strong, punchy "bullet" thermals.
Summer
Close to binary: some days the air is very stable, on others it is too unstable and overdevelopment builds quickly. Watch the sky closely and land early when the clouds start to build.
Conditions and altitudes
Typical launch elevations are around 1,600 m ASL, and cloudbase is usually 3,500 to 4,000 m. The climate is dry and continental, so bring warm layers for high flights and early starts.
Airspace
Mongolian airspace is mostly Class G (uncontrolled). Controlled airspace is limited to the areas around the major and regional airports. As anywhere, check your route against current airspace data before flying XC.
Visiting pilot permit
The Mongolian Paragliding Association (MPGA) requires a visiting pilot permit and a fee. The permit is there to help you: if local authorities question your flying, the MPGA advocates for you, and it gives general help and a fallback if something goes wrong.
Apply for the MPGA visiting pilot permit →
Safety: the reality of remote flying
Infrastructure is sparse, and that is the most important thing to understand before you fly here. Even a very short XC from the launch nearest Ulaanbaatar can put you in complete wilderness, and if you land out it can be a long walk back. Carry water, warm layers and a way to communicate, agree a retrieve plan before you launch, and fly within your margins: rescue services are far away.
Local customs: flying with respect
Mongolians believe that natural features such as rivers, mountains and forests have a spirit and deserve respect. Nomadic families are famously hospitable and it is very hard to make them angry, but visitors do get into trouble for a few things:
Never wash clothes or dishes with soap in rivers or lakes.
Never relieve yourself on a mountain top. Sacred site or not, it is a cultural taboo.
Respect the ovoo. On passes and hilltops you will find ovoo, stone cairns often wrapped in blue scarves. Locals walk around them clockwise three times and say a prayer. It is not mandatory, but you are welcome to do the same and pray for a safe flight. Never stand on an ovoo, take anything from it, or do anything that could look mocking or disrespectful.
Getting help from local pilots
The local pilot community is small and very welcoming. If you are coming to Mongolia, reach out to any club or pilot you find a contact for; nearly everyone is happy to help guests. You are also welcome to contact me, Darma, directly.
If you want to fly completely solo without local help, that is possible too. Just read the safety and customs sections above carefully.
Guided expeditions
If you would rather focus on flying while someone else handles logistics, permits and retrieves, we run guided paragliding expeditions in Mongolia for pilot groups.
Frequently asked questions
Can you paraglide in Mongolia?
Yes. Mongolia has a small but active local pilot community, mostly uncontrolled (Class G) airspace, and vast unexplored terrain for hike & fly and XC.
When is the best time to paraglide in Mongolia?
Mid-June to mid-September. The rest of the year is mostly too cold to fly, and summer days can swing between very stable air and quick overdevelopment.
Do I need a permit to fly in Mongolia?
Visiting pilots need a visiting pilot permit from the Mongolian Paragliding Association, which comes with a fee. The association supports you if local authorities have questions.
How high is cloudbase in Mongolia?
Usually 3,500 to 4,000 m, with typical launches around 1,600 m ASL.
Is Mongolia good for hike & fly and vol-biv?
Very. Most of the country has never been flown, so pilots often pick a hill, hike up and fly. Plan carefully, though: landing out can mean a long walk back from the wilderness.
Can I fly solo in Mongolia without a guide?
Yes, but infrastructure is sparse and some cultural norms matter. Contacting a local club or pilot is the easiest way to start.
Where do I fly into?
Most visitors arrive at Chinggis Khaan International Airport near Ulaanbaatar.