🏕️ Self-Drive Mongolia with a Rooftop Tent: Pros & Cons

Why a Rooftop Tent Is a Game-Changer for Self-Drive Travel in Mongolia

Mongolia is vast, raw, and breathtaking. But the remote terrain can challenge even seasoned adventurers. One of the best ways to experience this rugged landscape? A 4×4 with a rooftop tent.

At Gobi.Rent, we specialize in rooftop tent car rental in Mongolia, combining comfort and mobility for unforgettable journeys across the steppe and desert. But is it right for everyone?

Let’s explore the pros and cons so you can decide if this is the perfect fit for your Mongolian road trip.

Pros of Rooftop Tent Car Rental in Mongolia

1. Freedom to Camp Anywhere

With a rooftop tent, Mongolia becomes your campground. You can sleep:

• In the Gobi Desert under the stars

• Alongside glacial rivers

• On endless grassland plains
  No need for hotel bookings or rigid itineraries.

2. Built-In Comfort & Convenience

Our rooftop tents are quick to set up and include:

• Comfortable foam mattresses

• Rain-proof and wind-resistant shells

• Mosquito mesh and ventilation
  No more hunting for flat ground or worrying about tent stakes.

3. Safety from Wildlife & Weather

Sleeping off the ground protects you from:

• Insects and snakes

• Mud or flash floods

• Curious animals like marmots or stray dogs

4. Saves Time & Money

• Avoid hotel or ger camp fees

• Cook your meals at scenic campsites

• Skip the detours to towns just for accommodation

5. Perfect Match for Mongolia’s Terrain

At Gobi.Rent, our vehicles like The Ibex (Toyota Land Cruiser 79) and The Snowleopard (Land Cruiser 76) come fully equipped with:

• Rooftop tent

• Kitchen gear

• Off-road tools (air compressor, traction boards, spare tires)
  They’re designed specifically for Mongolian overlanding.

Cons of Rooftop Tent Travel in Mongolia

1. No Showers or Toilets

While you gain flexibility, you lose access to modern amenities. Wild camping means:

• No running water. You can rent our vehicle with a portable shower.

• No toilets (unless you bring a portable one). You can rent a toilet tent and use the spade to set it up.

Tip: Plan to stay at a ger camp or hotel every few days for a refresh.

2. Weather Dependency

Though rooftop tents are weather-resistant, high winds and heavy rain can make setup less fun.

• Our hardshell rooftop tents are much better than soft shell rooftop tents in the wind. Park with the hardshell facing the wind.

• Late autumn and early spring can get cold—bring a proper sleeping bag.

3. Requires Some Setup

Though faster than ground tents, you’ll still need to:

• Park level

• Open the tent

• Climb up/down the ladder (a consideration if mobility is a concern)

4. Can’t Leave Base Camp Set Up

If you want to stay in one spot but drive elsewhere during the day, you’ll have to pack up the tent each time.

Solution: Consider adding a small pop-up tent for basecamp flexibility.

What’s Included in Gobi.Rent Rooftop Tent Vehicles?

When you book a rooftop tent car rental in Mongolia with Gobi.Rent, you get everything you need for the journey:

•  Toyota Land Cruiser 76 or 79

• Rooftop tent for 2–3 people. Additional ground tents can be rented upon request.

• Full camping kitchen (gas stove, pots, utensils, cooler box)

• Camping chairs, table, and lighting

• Off-road gear (compressor, maxtrax, shovel, jack)

• GPS navigation + offline maps

• Fuel jerrycan, spare tire & tool kit

Everything is tested and curated for Mongolia’s remote terrain.

Best Places in Mongolia for Rooftop Tent Travel

Some of our favorite rooftop camping spots include:

• Khongor Sand Dunes – Sleep beside golden dunes in the Gobi

• Orkhon Valley – Overlook rivers and volcanic cliffs

• Baga Gazriin Chuluu – Camp among granite formations

• Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake – A peaceful alpine lake in the west

Need a route idea? Check out our guide to Getting to the Gobi Desert.

Final Verdict: Is Rooftop Tent Travel Right for You?

If you’re looking for:

• Total independence

• Breathtaking camp spots

• Flexible and budget-friendly travel
  …then rooftop tent car rental in Mongolia is the way to go.

It’s not luxury—but it is adventure, freedom, and connection with nature on a level most travelers never experience.

Want to learn more about why going solo beats joining a group? Read: Why a Self-Drive Tour Beats a Guided Tour in Mongolia

Ready to Camp on the Roof of the World?

Whether you’re crossing the Gobi or circling volcanic lakes, Gobi.Rent makes self-drive Mongolia safe, supported, and unforgettable.

Book your rooftop tent 4×4 today and contact us for custom itineraries and availability.