Planning your Mongol Rally: Everything you need to know


Planning your Mongol Rally: Everything you need to know: The Mongol Rally isn’t your typical road trip. It’s a daring adventure where teams of intrepid explorers drive small, often unsuitable vehicles thousands of miles across challenging terrain, from Europe to Mongolia. It’s a test of endurance, resourcefulness, and a spirit of adventure, all while raising money for charity.
What is the Mongol Rally?
The Mongol Rally is a long-distance driving challenge, not a race. Participants must navigate their way across vast distances, often through remote and sparsely populated areas. They face mechanical breakdowns, difficult road conditions, and the challenges of navigating in unfamiliar cultures. The journey is as much about the experience and the people you meet as it is about reaching the finish line.
When Does Mongol Rally Start?
The Mongol Rally traditionally starts in the UK, though the specific starting point can vary slightly from year to year.
As for the finish line, it has moved around a bit over the years. While it was originally in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, it’s now typically in a location further west. For example, the 2024 finish line was in Kazakhstan.
The Mongol Rally usually starts in July.
Keep in mind that this information can change, so it’s always best to check the official Mongol Rally website for the most up-to-date details about the start and finish locations, as well as the start date for any given year.
Mongol Rally Official Website
Key Aspects of the Mongol Rally


- The Vehicles: Teams must use small, impractical vehicles, typically with a 1-liter engine or less (though there are some exceptions). This adds to the challenge and the humor of the event.
- The Route: There’s no set route. Teams are free to choose their own path, adding to the adventure and requiring careful planning and navigation.
- The Charity: Each team is required to raise money for charity, making the Mongol Rally a force for good as well as an incredible adventure.
- The Adventure: The Mongol Rally is all about the adventure. It’s a chance to push your limits, experience different cultures, and create unforgettable memories.
- The Community: The Mongol Rally fosters a strong sense of community among participants. Teams often help each other out along the way, sharing resources and experiences.
Why Participate in the Mongol Rally?
- The Challenge: It’s a true test of your resourcefulness and resilience.
- The Adventure: Experience an once-in-a-lifetime journey through diverse landscapes and cultures.
- The Camaraderie: Join a community of like-minded adventurers.
- The Charity: Make a difference by raising money for worthy causes.
- The Story: Have an incredible story to tell for the rest of your life.
Who Participates in the Mongol Rally?


People from all walks of life participate in the Mongol Rally, united by a thirst for adventure. It’s a great opportunity for individuals, groups of friends, or even families to challenge themselves and experience something truly unique.
Many Mongol Rally teams do cross Iran during their journey!

While there’s no set route, Iran is a popular choice for several reasons:
- Geography: Iran is strategically located between Europe and Central Asia, making it a logical stopover on the way to Mongolia.
- Culture: Iran offers a rich cultural experience, with historical sites, beautiful landscapes, and welcoming people.
- Roads: Iran has a well-developed road network, making driving relatively straightforward (compared to some other countries on the route.)
- Visa: It’s generally easier for most nationalities to obtain a visa for Iran compared to some other Central Asian countries.
However, it’s important to note that the situation can change, and it’s always crucial for teams to check the latest travel advisories and visa requirements before planning their route.
If you’re considering participating in the Mongol Rally and are interested in including Iran in your itinerary, here are a few things to keep in mind.
- Visa: Apply for your Iranian visa well in advance.
- Carnet de Passage: This document is required for bringing your vehicle into Iran.
- Insurance: Make sure you have appropriate travel and vehicle insurance.
- Culture: Respect local customs and traditions.
- Driving: Familiarize yourself with Iranian driving regulations.
Crossing Iran can be a highlight of the Mongol Rally, offering a unique and rewarding experience. With proper planning and preparation, it’s definitely a feasible and enriching part of the adventure.


Iran Mongol Rally 2025
If you are considering doing a Mongol rally in Iran or you need any tourism service here is the best place to stop, Our team is proud of itself for 8 years of experience to provide service for the Mongol Rally in Iran.
Traveling to Iran to do Mongol rally you require 3 or sometimes 4 things:
- Iran Visa
- Carnet De Passage
- Accommodation with Parking
- Iran Tour (Optional)
We can offer you the best quote and also the best roads and places where you can have a perfect experience in Iran.
Please pay attention this pricing is our special offer to Mongol Rally and NOT for all people who want to drive through Iran
| Iran Visa | 50 Euro per person (75 euro for non-Mongol Rally) |
| Carnet De Passage | 700 Euro to 850 Euro per car Depends on the value of the car |
| Accommodation | 25 Euro per person per night Sheared Double Room |
| Tour guide | 50 Euro per day (100 euro for non-Mongol Rally) |
| Driver guide | 100 Euro per day (200 euro for non-Mongol Rally) |
NOTE 1: All hotels that we are going to book for you included breakfast and parking, having parking in Iran, especially at night is very important and we strongly suggest you park your car in the parking.
NOTE 2: Carnet de passage price depends on the model and value of your vehicle and also which border and which date you are entering Iran.
NOTE 3: If you need just an Iran visa or just hotel booking or just Iran Carnet de passage to cross, all services separately are available.
Note 4: Cheap hotels in Iran for Mongol rallies are available and we can book any hotel or hostel that you prefer, But according to our experience we book some that we are sure that they are OK and nothing goes wrong. Do not forget safety should be your priority in Iran.
Note 5: For American, English and Canadian guides are required and these nationality visa fees will be 150 Euro per person.
Note 6: Please be sure that you will be at the border before 08:00 am and meet our representative.
Note 7: You should have insurance for your car which the price according to the car and time of stay in Iran will be different and you should pay it in cash before leaving the custom.
Note 8: Average stay to cross Iran is between 4 to 7 days and if you want to spend more time in Iran, pricing and possibility should be discussed.
Note 9: To exchange the money there are some people at the border which try to do the exchange for you which most of the time they will give you an awful rate.so you are always welcome to contact our experts for a free consult to get the real rate and even change your money with the highest rate at the border (This service is just for people who are using our service).
- The first easiest and cheapest border to cross is Azerbaijan.
- The second easy border can be Armenia.
- And the most expensive one is the Turkey border.
What is our itinerary suggestion for Mongol rally route in Iran?
We can tailor-make your itinerary according to your time and interests for more information please contact our experts.
Here is some sample brief itinerary:
| Sample Itinerary | Iran in 4 days |
| Day 1 | Enter to Iran with Azerbaijan border and drive to Rasht city 173 KM (Almost 3 hrs drive) /Overnight in Rasht |
| Day 2 | In the morning after breakfast drive to Tehran via Qazvin city 350 Km ( Almost 5 hrs drive)/Overnight Tehran |
| Day 3 | After breakfast have a quick tour in Tehran and drive to Sabzevar city 660 km (Almost 7 hrs drive)/Overnight Sabzevar |
| Day 4 | Sabzevar to Bajgiran border and exit to Turkmenistan |
OR
| Sample Itinerary 2 | Iran Mongol Rally tour in 9 days |
| Day 1 | Enter to Iran from Turkey border (Bazargan) drive to Tabriz for 270 KM (Almost 4 hrs drive)/overnight in Tabriz |
| Day 2 | Tabriz to Tehran 627 KM (Almost 7 hrs drive)/Overnight Tehran |
| Day 3 | Tehran city tour/Overnight Tehran |
| Day 4 | Tehran to Isfahan 450 KM (Almost 5 hrs drive) |
| Day 5 | Isfahan city tour / Overnight Isfahan |
| Day 6 | Drive to Yazd with a stop at Naein city 312 KM (Almost 4 hrs drive)/Overnight in Yazd |
| Day 7 | Yazd city tour/Overnight in Yazd |
| Day 8 | Early check out and drive from Yazd to Sabzevar 737 KM (Almost 9 hrs drive)/Overnight in Sabzvar |
| Day 9 | Sabzevar to Bajgiran border and EXIT |
