Lonely Planet Review

This professionally run guesthouse, owned by a German and Austrian couple, offers beautiful and spacious accommodation in dorms, gers and private rooms. The brightly-painted cafe, specializing in down-home Austrian meals and pastries, is another attraction. The catch is the isolated location in a scruffy corner of town, far from the centre.

For overland travellers with their own vehicle, the Oasis makes an excellent base. You can store your vehicle or make repairs as needed. There is a well-tended garden in the yard and a sunny deck where you can relax with a book and a cold drink from the cafe. All the rooms are pleasantly decorated with Mongolian art and furnished with hardwood tables, chairs and beds. The European owners are experienced travellers themselves and can assist with logistics and trip planning. Motorcycles are available for hire. While the guesthouse itself is just about perfect, the surrounding neighbourhood is an eye-sore of gas stations, scruffy yards and busy boulevards. There is really nothing of interest within walking distance, but an affordable 10-minute taxi ride will get you to the city centre .