Minus 30°C, black ice on the capital's ring road, and a heating system that becomes your best friend. A winter driving survival guide for the brave.

Mongolia in winter is not for everyone. But for those willing to dress in six layers and carry a shovel, it offers a version of the country that summer travellers never see — frozen rivers you can drive across, empty snow-covered steppe, and hospitality from nomadic families that becomes even warmer as the temperature drops.

The Cold Facts

Ulaanbaatar is officially the world's coldest capital. January averages hover around -25°C, with wind chill taking it further. Your rental vehicle will be pre-heated; we recommend the Airport branch pickup so the car is warm before you're even out of arrivals.

The Escalade's heated seats were working overtime. The driver's seat warmer went from luxury to survival equipment somewhere around kilometre 150.