10 best places to visit in mongolia

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10 Best Places to Visit in Mongolia

Renowned around the world for its endless steppe, nomadic culture, and of course, Genghis Khan, Mongolia is a breathtakingly beautiful place to explore that will delight nature lovers and outdoor aficionados alike.

While it is precisely for its wild and rugged landscapes and endless nothingness that people visit Mongolia, the landlocked nation also has a number of gorgeous alpine lakes for you to enjoy, as well as towering mountains and the desolate Gobi Desert.

Map of Mongolia

Hidden away among the vastness of the scenery are remote yurt camps for you to experience the time-honored traditions of Mongolian nomads and their famed generosity and hospitality. Plan your trip to this undiscovered Asian travel destination with our list of the best places to visit in Mongolia.

10. Karakorum and Erdene Zuu Monastery

Once the capital of the Mongol Empire, Karakorum is a fascinating place that is certainly worth a visit if you’re interested in learning more about the history and culture of the Mongols. Known to locals as Har Horin, the ancient city was visited by Marco Polo all the way back in the 13th century. Nowadays, however, the once-great city is but ruins, with endless sky and steppe in every direction.

The main sight is the majestic Erdene Zuu Monastery, which was built out of the remnants of the ruined city in 1585; the plethora of stupas lining its long wall certainly do look incredible. One of the earliest surviving Buddhist monasteries in the country, Erdene Zuu has three beautiful temples, with lots of lovely statues and carvings.

Besides this impressive sight, Karakorum has some smaller ruined stupas, buildings, and archaeological sites for you to wander around, although these are decidedly less spectacular.

9. Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur

Meaning ‘Great White Lake’ in English, Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur is aptly named, as its reflective waters beautifully mirror the skies and clouds above. Stretching into the distance, the lake’s tranquil waters are surrounded by gently rolling hills, and the idyllic scenery is perfectly complemented by the white yurts and scatterings of horses that line its shores.

Due to its remote nature, Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur is a very peaceful place to camp for a couple of nights. There are several great hikes you can do in the surrounding area, with Khorgo Volcano particularly worth a visit.

In addition, many people go horseback riding around the freshwater lake or climb to the top of one of the nearby hills for an even better look out over the gorgeous scenery.

8. Orkhon Valley

Lying almost slap bang in the middle of Mongolia, it’s in the scenic Orkhon Valley where the sacred mountain-forest of Otuken was believed to be. Ruling over the place where the ancestor spirits resided granted the ruler the divine right to rule on Earth. This meant that its possession was considered to be absolutely crucial to each Turkic state that rose, ruled, and declined amongst the steppe.

Consequently, a wealth of interesting historic sights and cultural landmarks litter its mountainous terrain. The eighth-century Orkhon monuments and the Tuvkhun Hermitage are the most impressive of the lot, alongside the ruins of Karakorum and Erdene Zuu Monastery.

There is something quite spiritual about traveling through the endless empty landscapes surrounding the valley; you barely see another soul for days other than the flocks of livestock and the herds of horses that meander across the steppe in between the occasional yurt.

7. Genghis Khan Statue Complex

Simply breathtaking, the gigantic statue of Genghis Khan atop his horse glimmers in the light as he imperiously looks out over all the steppe and mountains surrounding the complex. Towering to a height of 40 meters, the statue was built in 2008 to honor the 800th anniversary of the founding of the Mongol Empire. Its sheer size and scale are certainly fitting of the man who rose to rule such a huge swathe of territory and is a national hero in the country.

The Genghis Khan Statue Complex lies around 50 kilometers outside of Ulaanbaatar. Once you arrive, you’ll find souvenir shops, a restaurant, and an archaeological museum for you to check out. From the top of the horse’s head, you can enjoy some awesome views out over the surrounding countryside, and a close-up view of Genghis Khan gazing out towards the horizon.

6. Ulaanbaatar

Home to almost half of the country’s population, the sprawling city of Ulaanbaatar is Mongolia’s capital, as well as its cultural, administrative, and commercial heart. Located in the delightfully named Valley of the Golden Cradle, at the point where the Selbe and Tuul Rivers meet, the city is a strange yet intoxicating mix of urban and nomadic lifestyles.

While its downtown is a bit of an eyesore, with Soviet-era buildings lying alongside modern monstrosities, there are some enchanting old monasteries scattered about here and there: Choijin Lama and Gandantegchinlen are the best of the bunch and tucked away in the endless sprawl, you can still find a yurt or two.

When it comes to its museums and art galleries, Ulaanbaatar is truly blessed. It is well worth spending a couple of days trawling its extensive collections and artifacts: the Bogd Khan Winter Palace and Mongolia National Modert Art Gallery are particularly delightful to peruse.

5. Altai Tavan Bogd National Park

Covering a vast expanse of territory that includes everything from the Tavan Bogd massif to the glittering lakes of Dayan, Khoton, and Khurgan, Altai Tavan Bogd National Park will delight nature lovers and outdoor aficionados alike.

Located in the western corner of the country, the national park is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in Mongolia. The towering Tavan Bogd Mountains loom over the three large freshwater lakes that lie among them.

Due to its remote location, there is a very untouched and unspoiled feel about the place, with lots of wonderful fauna and flora to discover. You may be lucky enough to see ibex, brown bears, and grey wolves, with majestic golden eagles swooping overhead.

Besides the many stunning landscapes that lend themselves perfectly to hiking, rock climbing, river rafting, and skiing, the park is also a fantastic place to head if you want to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for nomad life: there are many Kazakh and Tuvan families that you can either visit or stay with.

4. Khovsgol Lake

One of the largest lakes in the whole of Mongolia, Khövsgöl is often nicknamed ‘the younger sister,’ due to its proximity to the famous Lake Baikal that lies around 200 kilometers to its northeast in Russia. Surrounded by a glorious national park of the same name that is home to lots of towering mountains and sweeping valleys, Khövsgöl Lake is set in a stunning location.

While its waters are relatively poor in terms of fish and marine life, Khövsgöl Lake remarkably contains almost 70 percent of the country’s freshwater and was formed over two million years ago.

In stark contrast to the glimmering lake, the national park boasts a wealth of wildlife. While hiking along its scenic trails, you can sometimes spot ibex, elk, and the occasional brown bear, with incredible views of the lake and its many dramatic landscapes also on display.

3. Hustai National Park

Lying just a short distance away from the capital of Ulaanbaatar, Hustai National Park is a fantastic place to head if you want to visit the renowned Mongolian steppe, while the beautiful Khentii Mountains add some variety to the scenery.

Traveling through the national park is an absolute delight as you pass small herds of wild horses making their way across the steppe with nothing else in sight other than faint mountains off in the distance.

The sheer expanse of nothingness is mind-boggling. While drinking in the magnificent scenery to your heart’s content is delightful, there’s always a slight feeling of relief when you finally come across a small cluster of yurts.

2. Gorkhi-Terelj National Park

One of the most popular places to visit in Mongolia, Gorkhi-Terelj National Park’s alpine scenery is impressive. Its glorious mountain peaks are home to picturesque valleys, roaring rivers, and craggy rock formations, with charming yurt camps found here and there. As such, there are a plethora of great outdoor activities for you to try out, with hiking, rock climbing, and river rafting all being popular pastimes.

Horseback riding through the epic scenery is an unforgettable feeling and really is a must if you want to have the quintessential Mongolian experience. Although parts of the park can get busy due to its popularity and proximity to Ulaanbaatar, most of its dramatic landscapes remain pristine and untouched.

With glacial lakes, hot springs, and a Buddhist monastery also on offer, Gorkhi-Terelj National Park really is a natural paradise just waiting to be explored.

1. Gobi Desert

The harsh, unforgiving climes of the endless Gobi Desert certainly aren’t for the faint-hearted; that’s what makes them so exhilarating to explore. With infinite dunes, ancient rock formations, and desolate desert stretching out before you, venturing into the Gobi Desert is the adventure of a lifetime.

Tucked away among this bleak yet strangely alluring landscape are a wealth of amazing natural sights, with rugged cliffs, plunging canyons, and cavernous caves all on show alongside picturesque desert oases and saltwater rivers.

While the main attractions are the incredible singing sand dunes of Khongor and the marvelous scenery of Yolyn Am and Dungeneegyn, you really can’t go wrong in the Gobi Desert (providing you stick to the path) as everything is just so majestic.

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Mongolia Bucket List: Top 10 Must-See Sights

• July 19, 2022
• By thenomadic

Mongolia’s Top 10 Destinations

Nearly every traveler knows it would be impossible to condense a country into ten definitive bucket list items. Yet this list of top 10 things to do in Mongolia demonstrates the array of cultural and adventure highlights to be found here. Some sites offer a deep connection with the people and their cultural traditions. Other destinations provide a dose of excitement or relaxation. Whatever you’re looking for in a journey, this vast country offers a unique experience to satisfy your search from diverse terrain to astonishing wildlife to pristine temples. Here are ten of the most incredible things to do in this rich country, yet there is still so much more to see and do.

Ulaanbaatar

The Orkhon Valley

Bayanzag (The Flaming Cliffs)

Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa)

Uvur Hoshoot (Uushgiin Deer Stone Complex)

Lake Hovsgol (Huvsgul)

Altai Tavan Bogd

Khorgo Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park

Gorkhi-Terelj National Park

Hustain Nuruu National Park

Travel to Mongolia with us!

Experience these majestic sites and historic landmarks with your own eyes. Browse through our various itineraries thoughtfully designed for adventure-seekers and culture-appreciators. Or, reach out to our travel experts to walk you through the planning process, help pick between journeys or curate a custom-tailored trip to Mongolia, just for you.

This post was constructed by independent blogger Setsen Altan-Ochir .

The 101 Best Places to Visit in Mongolia

Looking for Mongolia’s best places to visit ? This guide will tell you the best tourist attractions and historical landmarks listed by region.

• December 4, 2022

Live with an Eagle Hunter Family During this Eagle Festival Tour 2024

What is Mongolian Traditional Mounted Archery?

Table of contents.

With 2024 and 2025 being the years to visit Mongolia thanks to a relaxed visa policy for tourists, now really is the time to visit. (Check now if you need a  visa to visit Mongolia .)

Slightly smaller than the size of Alaska and with a population of 3.3 million, I love calling Mongolia home. Not only are the landscapes stunning, but so are the people, culture, and traditions. Especially if you’re interested in seeing and experiencing nomadic living firsthand.

Here, almost a quarter of the population still lives this way. Following their herds and moving across the steppe seasonally. Mongolia’s nomadic herders pack up their entire lives, sometimes on camels or yaks, and relocate to greener pastures, quite literally.

It’s an incredible thing to see and be a part of, but it isn’t the only thing Mongolia has to offer. Mongolia’s natural wonders and historical landmarks are some of the best, and most ancient, in the world.

There are pristine mountains and lakes, museums dedicated to the man, the myth, the legend – Genghis Khan himself, as well as Buddhist temples and sacred shrines that have remained untouched for centuries. You can be amazed by dinosaur eggs one minute and lost for words at watching cliffs change colors before your eyes the next. There really never is a dull moment and shortage of things to see here.

In this guide to Mongolia’s 101 best places to visit , I started with my favorite places to visit in and near Ulaanbaatar first. From there, I move east, central, south, north, and eventually west, picking out each of the best sights and attractions to visit across the country.

While many of these tourist attractions and landmarks are well-known, hopefully there are more than a few on this list that will surprise and delight you. You never know what will inspire a trip to Mongolia .

Ulaanbaatar

The best places to visit in Ulaanbaatar aren’t always the most obvious. Sure, you’ll have heard of some of these, but this city still has more than a few tricks up its sleeves. Here are my favorite things to do and see in Ulaanbaatar.

1. Gandantegchinlen Monastery

The “great place of complete joy” is just that, especially around 9 am when the monks start their daily chants. After listening to the monks chant your stresses away, pop into the main temple to see the 26.5 meter tall, gold leaf and gemstone adorned Avalokiteśvara. This also happens to be the largest indoor statue in the world .

2. Chinggis Khaan Museum

One of the best museums in Ulaanbaatar , visiting the Chinggis Khaan Museum should be on everyone’s list. With more than 11,000 artifacts sprawled over eight floors of exhibition halls, and covering 2,000 years of Mongol history, it’s to spend an entire day here. Go earlier in the day to avoid the crowds.

3. Sukhbaatar Square

Also known as Chinggis Square, Sukhbaatar Square marks the center of town, and life, in Ulaanbaatar. Head there in the summer to sit on the fake greens and people watch as Mongolians dressed in deels (traditional Mongolian robes) come here to take photographs and celebrate special occasions.

4. The Parliament Building

One of the most impressive and important landmarks in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s Parliament Building can’t be missed. Both the President and Prime Minster have their offices here.

Protecting the front of the building is one of the best Genghis Khan statues in the world. Come here on holidays to see special parades and military processions, especially on Genghis Khan’s birthday when the ceremony of the Nine White Banners takes place.

Genghis Khan’s birthday is celebrated on the first day of winter on the Lunar calendar.

5. Gobi Cashmere at the Galleria

Mongolia is famous for its cashmere and Gobi Cashmere is the best place to shop for cashmere in Mongolia. Not to mention, this is also the world’s largest cashmere store . So, there’s that. Drop in and pick up a cashmere sweater, or three, and don’t forget to try on a coat for good measure. Cashmere is one of the best souvenirs you can buy in Mongolia and this is the best cashmere store in Ulaanbaatar for doing just that.

6. State Opera and Ballet Academic Theatre

Opened in 1963, Mongolia’s opera house is a perfect example of a neoclassical building lost in time. The pink building is hard to miss when you’re in Sukhbaatar Square. From Swan Lake to Aida, purchase tickets to any of the theater’s many different shows on the  State Opera and Ballet Academic Theatre website .

7. Mongolian Grand Theatre of National Arts

Not to be confused with the other pink theater above, the Mongolian Grand Theatre of National Arts is where Mongolian heritage thrives. Here you can see folklore come to life, portraying the nomadic lifestyle, watch Mongolian contortionists, or simply watch a concert or orchestra performance.

8. Ulaanbaatar National Amusement Park

The only place to ride a rollercoaster in the city, the National Amusement Park is a cheap way to spend an afternoon in Ulaanbaatar on a sunny afternoon, especially with children. Visit the castle surrounded by a moat, ride the Ferris wheel and carousel, or just take a leisurely stroll through the park.

9. Black Market

Naaran Tuul, also known as the Black Market , is one of the best places to visit in Ulaanbaatar . The market sprawls in every direction and is hands down the best, and cheapest, place for buying souvenirs. It’s also where you want to come to buy a deel, the traditional robes Mongolians wear, as well as authentic herder boy horse riding boots, and more, to complete your new Mongolian look.

10. Central Dinosaur Museum of Mongolia

Ulaanbaatar’s dinosaur museum is a fun, quirky exhibition hall where you’ll find some of Mongolia’s greatest archeological discoveries. From a full-size Tarbosaurus Bataar skeleton to dinosaur eggs and plenty of Protoceratops skulls, the museum is great for kids and adults.

11. The Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum

Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike will find the Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum an interesting thing to do and see in Ulaanbaatar . Here, many of Mongolia’s most famous painter’s works can be seen in person. Learn about the famous Mongolian painter Balduugiin Sharav before moving on to see some of the most famous Buddhist artifacts in the world, including the red coral mask of Jamsran.

12. Mongolian National Modern Art Gallery

One of the best museums in Ulaanbaatar , the Mongolian National Modern Art Gallery is where you’ll find one of the most impressive collections of modern and contemporary Mongolian art in the world. Opened in 1991, the gallery is home to the most famous painting in Mongolian history, including “One Day in Mongolia” by Balduugiin Sharav.

13. Mongolian National Museum

As the largest museum in Mongolia, the Mongolian National Museum covers it all. More than 57,000 objects cover Central Asian history and the history of Mongols from prehistory to the end of the 20th century. Traditional dress exhibitions lead way into medieval ger recreations, eventually ending at a collection of modern historical objects, photographs, and documents.

14. Dashchoilin Monastery

Follow the sound of chanting to these circular, yellow structures, and you’ve found the spot. A hidden gem in Ulaanbaatar, you’ll find about 100 monks inside this often overlooked monastery. Almost 90% of Mongolians are Buddhist, so spend the morning learning about – and participating in – the importance of these practices in Mongolian culture.

15. Choijin Lama Temple and Museum

Built in 1904, the temple was active until 1937 when it was closed during the Communist repression against Buddhism. Only one of a few temple complexes in Mongolia the Communists didn’t destroy, today, Choijin Lama Temple is one of the best museums for Buddhist artifacts in the world. Inside, visitors will find religious instruments, thangka paintings, silk embroideries, wood carvings, statues, and the biggest collection of cham dance masks in Mongolia.

16. Bogd Khan Palace Museum

17. National Sports Stadium

Ulaanbaatar’s National Sports Stadium is most associated with Naadam, Mongolia’s biggest national festival. The festival’s opening ceremonies are held here annually each July 11 and tickets to the Nadaam opening day are some of the hardest tickets to get in town. With only 12,500 seats in the stadium, book a Naadam tour for the best way to secure tickets to this culturally important festival.

18. Mongolian Military Museum

On the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar, this often overlooked museum screams Sovietism. An interesting look into Mongolia’s military history and the weaponry they use, veterans and history buffs especially will find this museum interesting.

19. Mongolian Rail Museum

Also known as the Steam Locomotive Museum, according to Google Maps, these Soviet train cars are relics lost in time. This weird, free thing to do in Ulaanbaatar, is worth the detour from the Black Market to check out. The museum is currently closed, but the train cars are clearly visible from the street.

20. Mongolia Mounted Archery Camp

Mongolia’s mounted archers were once known as the fiercest warriors in history thanks to their archery skills and the ability to shoot with insane accuracy while galloping at full speed. It was thanks to these skills that Genghis Khan and his army were able to conquer and expand his empire so rapidly to reach from China to Europe. These days, this lost art is making a comeback in a big way. Join an indoor training session in Ulaanbaatar or turn on your warrior mode and schedule a full day or archery and horseback training outside of the city.

21. Eatopia Food Hall

Get to know a different side of Mongolian food by eating your way through some of the city’s best restaurants. Warm up with a bowl of ramen at Miso Ramen, chow down on some sushi at Noka Japanese, or sip on a classic cocktail at Cocktail Bar.

22. Zaisan Memorial Monument

Sitting at the base of Bogd Khan Mountain, the Zaisan Memorial Monument is one of Mongolia’s best Soviet monuments to visit. Celebrating a friendship between Mongolia and the former USSR, the details on the monument are spectacular. Look for Jugderdemidiin Gurragchaa, the first Mongolian to go to space, before taking in your own space views of a sprawling Ulaanbaatar below. Head to the Zaisan Memorial Monument at sunset for the best views in Ulaanbaatar.

23. Tsetsee Gun, Bogd Khan Mountain

No matter where you are in Ulaanbaatar, you can’t escape the views of Bogd Khan Mountain in the distance. Looming over the city, it’s Tsetsee Gun peak that calls out to true adventurers. Spend the day hiking these lesser-explored mountains in hopes of getting closer to Tengger, Mongolia’s sky god. Bogd Khan National Park also happens to be one of the oldest national parks in the world , established in the 18th century.

Day Trips from Ulaanbaatar

You’ll need a day away from the city to experience these monasteries, natural wonders, and other great tourist attractions in Mongolia .

24. Manzushir Monastery

A former gompa, meaning a Buddhist ecclesiastical fortification for learning, Manzushir Monastery dates back to 1733. Eventually destroyed by Communists in 1937, parts of the complex still remain and worth making a pilgrimage to today. Visiting the monastery is a great day trip from Ulaanbaatar, where avid hikers and trekkers can stretch their legs. Hikers up for a challenge can even cross over Bogd Khan Mountain to Tsetsee Gun Peak before continuing on into Ulaanbaatar.

25. Dambadarjaa Buddist Temple

Dating back to 1761, more than 50 monks can be found practicing at this ancient temple when you pay a visit today. The temple is an iconic landmark, recognized by the white stupas sitting on top. Only two old temples and two shrines are all that remain of the original 25 buildings where 1,500 lamas called home at the height of the temple’s presence. Daily chanting takes place from 10 am to 1 pm and readings of requested texts are offered until 1 pm.

26. Gorkhi-Terelj National Park

Gorkhi-Terelj National Park is one of Mongolia’s most-visited national parks , and for good reason. The park is only 55 km northeast (1.5 hours by car) from Ulaanbaatar making for an easy and exciting day trip. Inside the park, ride horses year-round, and climb atop a two-humped Bactrian camel, or brave the cold and go dog sledding in winter. Famous tourist attractions in and around Gorkhi-Terelj National Park include the Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue, Turtle Rock, Aryapala Temple Meditation Center, and the nearby 13th Century Complex.

27. Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue

Not only is the Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue Mongolia’s most iconic monument, it’s also the tallest equestrian statue in the world. Standing tall at 40 meters high, climbing to the top of the horse’s head to stare the Great Khan in the face makes it one of the most picture-perfect places to visit in Mongolia .

28. Aryapala Temple Meditation Center

Climbing the steps up to the Aryapala Temple Meditation Center is a sort of meditation all in itself. Because of this, the views from the top are the best you’ll find in all of Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. Head here in autumn to see a beautiful display of fall foliage or even in winter, when the park’s rolling hills and mountains are blanketed in a layer of pristine white snow. Don’t forget to look up when you’re at the temple, you never know what the temple be trying to tell you.

29. Turtle Rock

Legend has it there’s more than just a turtle to see at this rock – there’s buried treasure here, as well. In the summer find rock climbers and tourists alike scaling and crawling their way over and through this Gorkhi-Terelj National Park main attraction . Stop into the nearby store for an ice cream or water, or just a mid-day bathroom stop.

30. Terelj Luxury Hotel

The best hotel for a luxury stay in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, Terelj Luxury Hotel is not what you’d expect to find in Mongolia. Opulent and grandiose, the hotel is worth the splurge, even if it’s just for one night. Take a swim in the hotel’s indoor pool, book a spa appointment, and eat breakfast next to the river all while channeling your best Wes Anderson vibes.

31. Tuul Riverside Lodge

A stay at this small, sustainable yurt hotel is the best way to experience Mongolian living without having to travel deep into the steppe to do it. Book a private yurt and the boat transfer for your arrival into the hotel – this is what makes staying here so fun and unique.

32. 13th Century Complex

This 13th century village complex is an important historical sight for anyone interested in seeing what it was like to live in Mongolia during the days of Genghis Khan. Just like in the 13th century, don’t expect cell phone service, electricity, or running water. Instead, learn archery, how to write old Mongolian script, have a meal suitable for a khan, and simply enjoy the beautiful nature in the area.

33. Khar Zurkhnii Khukh Lake

From the 13th Century Complex, head northeast for another 149 km until you reach Khar Zurkhnii Khukh Lake. This beautiful lake in Khentti Aimag is surrounded by forest with statues and totems dedicated to Genghis Khan. It’s believed this is where Genghis Khan became the king of the Mongol tribes in 1189.

34. Aglag Monastery

Aglag Monastery is one of the most underrated and unique monasteries in Mongolia . Not your traditional temple complex, Aglag is both weird and wonderful. Start by walking the paths through the incredible stone statues before heading inside the monastery’s main temple. Inside the temple, it’s the beautiful thangka paintings will leave you mesmerized and the animal, half-hybrids with body parts that don’t match, that you’ll remember most after a visit here.

35. Hustai National Park

Hustai National Park is one of the last places in the world where you can find wild Przewalski’s horses, or takhi, as they’re called in Mongolian. Venture out into the park in search of this rare and endangered horse. Mongolia has the largest population of Przewalski’s horses in the world.

36. Amarbayasgalant Monastery

A UNESCO cultural heritage site, Amarbayasgalant Monastery was built between 1727 and 1736. Located near the Selenge River, it’s one of the three main monasteries in Mongolia. Built in honor of Zanabazar, the first Bogd Gegeen leader of Mongolian Buddhism, a sculptor and painter who lived from 1635 until 1723, it’s here where his mummified body remains.

37. Baga Gazariin Chuluu

Located in Dundgovi Province, 250 km south of Ulaanbaatar, Baga Cazariin Chuluu is one of the best places for hiking in Mongolia . This granite canyon has been molded over time into a place your eyes won’t believe exists, especially in Central Asia. Look for the ruins of a temple dating back to the 17th century while you’re here. Legend has it the water collected on these rocks can cure eye diseases. Look for the ladle where you can wash your eyes with this sacred water and test the legend for yourself.

Eastern Mongolia

The birthplace of Genghis Khan is one of the least discovered places in Mongolia, which is exactly what makes it so interesting to visit.

38. Buir Lake

On the border with Inner Mongolia, China, Buir Lake’s sandy beaches and surrounding wetlands make it one of the best places to visit in Mongolia . Birdwatchers and fishers will agree. The lake is home to 34 species of fish, 37 species of sedentary birds, and 199 species of migratory birds. While the lake also boasts 4 species of pearl oysters, it’s not advised to eat them. They are an essential part of this delicate and balanced ecosystem.

39. Dariganga National Park

Patrolled by three full-time and ten seasonal rangers, Dariganga National Park is one of the only national parks in Mongolia to be managed by a female ranger . Most travelers visit the national park for Ganga Lake. Because of the park’s location, volcanic craters, small lakes, and dunes can all be found here. As an area where aristocrats used to graze their animals, there are still tales of a Sain Er (meaning good man), similar to Robin Hood in the west.

40. Genghis Khan Birthplace Memorial

While there are plenty of mausoleums and memorials dedicated to Genghis Khan, this one in Dadal Soum in Khentii Province is the best. That’s because Temuujin, Genghis Khan’s real name, was born here in 1162. Legend says he was born near Burkhan Khaldun Mountain and in 1962 a large white stone monument was erected here for his 800th birthday.

41. Onon-Balj Basin National Park

Straddled between two of Central Asia’s most important ecosystems – the Siberian conifer forests to the north and the Daurian steppe to the south – Onon-Balj Basin National Park is one of Mongolia’s most important national parks . As the area where a young Genghis Khan was born and raised, you can feel the importance of this area. Outdoor lovers come here to climb the park’s mountains and camp along the banks of the Onon and Balj rivers.

42. Khan Khentii National Park

As a strictly protected area, visitors need special permission to visit this national park in eastern Mongolia. Inside the park, the sacred Burkhan Khaldun mountain is where Mongolians believe Genghis Khan was born and where his burial tomb still lays untouched and undiscovered. The mountain is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national monument in Mongolia.

43. Ikh Burhant

Built in 1864, this giant sculpted statue of Janraiseg, a God who sees in every direction and is known as a great protector, is one of the least visited, but also best tourist attractions in Mongolia . The statue, built into the ground, lays horizontally and is surrounded by 12 stupas and 20 smaller statues of Gods. The statue was built to protect Mongols from neighboring Manchuria.

44. Dornod Aimag’s Salt Lakes

In a country where more than 170 salt lakes can be found, the salt lakes in Dornod Aimag are the best to visit – and most impressive. Start by setting your GPS to Toson Khulstai and from there head across the province to Yakhi Lake and down to Dund Shavar Nuur.

45. "Heart" Island, Onon River

A lush, green part of Mongolia, the Onon River is one of the world’s longest rivers . Before it flows from the base of the Khentii Mountains into Russia, water flows around a Heart Island located right in the middle of the river. It’s unclear where exactly this heart island can be found, adding to the alure of this natural wonder.

46. Shiliin Bogd Mountain

This extinct volcano in eastern Mongolia sits 1,778 meters above sea level and has a 2 kilometer-wide, 300 meter deep crater. While the area is home to 220 extinct volcanoes, Shiliin Bogd Mountain is the most impressive and important. The mountain is a pilgrimage site for Mongolian men who believe it will improve their heavenly fortune. They climb the volcano at dawn to see the sunrise and make their offerings and say their prayers to the mountain.

Central Mongolia

Central Mongolia is often considered one of the best places in Mongolia for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities . The roads aren’t easy to navigate but taking the time to reach these remote tourist attractions is always worth it.

47. Sweet Gobi Geolodge

Located in the Mini Gobi, Sweet Gobi Geolodge is the best place to stay in Central Mongolia. The lodge’s private yurts can sleep from one two three people where travelers will find beds topped with satin sheets and cashmere quilts. The lodge has a dining yurt, compostable bathrooms, and a salon where women can get their hair washed for free. Hot towels and complimentary tea and coffee are delivered to each yurt throughout the day.

48. Elsen Tasarkhai

The best place to visit in Central Mongolia , the Elsen Tasarkhai dunes are the  best place for riding camels  and getting the full Mongolia experience. Giant dunes are surrounded by steppe, making for one of the most beautiful landscapes you’ll find anywhere. Hire a nomadic herder to lead you on an adventure through the dunes atop a Bactrian camel. This place doesn’t disappoint.

49. Erdene Zuu Monastery

Built atop the old capital city of Kharakhorum, Erdene Zuu Monastery is made from the stones and rubble from this important Silk Road stop. The oldest and most elaborate monastery left in Mongolia, Erdene Zuu dates back to 1586. At its peak, Erdene Zuu Monastery was home to almost 100 temples and 1,000 monks. Only three temples remain standing today, but the monastery still holds an impressive number of statues, tsam masks, and thangkas from throughout the monastery’s history.

50. Kharakhorum Museum

To see what the former capital city of Kharakhorum was like at its peak, stopping into the Kharakhorum Museum is a must visit place in Mongolia . The museum is great for history buffs, and anyone interested in seeing some of Mongolia’s best artifacts from excavations done around Kharakhorum. Coins, ceramics, a model of the ancient city, old Mongolian passports, sculptures, jewelry, and even a letter from one of the ancient Khan’s to the then Pope make this museum one of the best museums to visit in Mongolia .

51. Erdenesiin Khuree Mongolian Calligraphy Center

Another one of Mongolia’s best places to visit , the Erdenesiin Khuree Mongolian Calligraphy Center is a great way to spend a few hours learning about Mongolia’s ancient script. Under the direction of Tamir Samandbadraa Purev, Mongolia’s best calligraphy artist, visitors can browse through life-size pieces of artwork while learning about the techniques used to create and preserve this style of writing. Children (and adults) can even sit and learn a few letters and simple phrases for themselves.

52. Monument for Mongol States

The Monument for Mongol States is a Soviet-style monument with great views overlooking Kharakhorum. While the view of Kharakhorum in front of the monument is what most people come here to find, it’s the view at the back of the monument that will blow you away. The Orkhon River flows through this beautiful valley where you’ll find semi-wild horses and incredible sunsets. Pack a picnic and eat lunch down by the river after taking in everything the monumnet has to offer.

53. Ursa Major Geolodge

With the UNESCO World Heritage Orkhon Valley sprawled out in front of you, there’s no such thing as a bad view at the Ursa Major Geolodge . Especially after the sun sets. Take in some of the best views of the Milky Way and Mongolia’s dark skies you’ll find anywhere in the world. While the lodge has the best telescope in the country, a MEADE LX 200 ACF, visitors will also learn how nomadic people use the stars to navigate through the vast steppes and deserts, determine the time and date, and predict weather.

54. Tövhön Monastery

As one of Mongolia’s oldest monasteries, Tövhön Hiid (Monastery) was built in 1653 for Öndör Gegeen Zanabazar, the first spiritual leader of Mongolian Buddhism. That’s not the only reason this place is one of Mongolia’s best tourist attractions, the views from the monastery are something special to see. Perched on a cliffside, you’ll have to hike 5 km up the mountain to see where two of the original temples and two stupas from the 17th century still stand.

55. Khar Balgas Ordu Baliq

Another must visit place in Mongolia and the Orkhon Valley, the Khar Balgas “Black City” of Ordu Baliq dates back to 744. At the time, the city was the capital of Uyghur Khaganate, a Turkic empire that existed for about a century between the 8th and 9th centuries. It was a destination of major importance to the Silk Road and parts of the city were solely devoted to crafts and trades.

56. Ugii Lake

A great place for birdwatchers and bird lovers, Ugii Lake is most known for the 150 species of birds found here. This includes several endangered species and rare migratory birds, including the Dalmatian Pelican, Swan Goose, Baikal Teal, Palla’s Fish Eagle, Lesser Kestrel, Siberian Crane, Great Bustard, and Relict Gull. While several yurt camps surround the lake, finding a spot to camp is the best way to spend the night at Ugii Lake.

57. Duut Resort Mongolia

Mongolia’s hot springs are one of its best kept secrets . A place that’s great for weary travelers, families, or just a weekend of rest and relaxation, Duut Resort is our favorite place to stay at the Tsenkher hot springs. Mongolia’s hot springs are rich in minerals and an enjoyable 86-degrees. Slipping into one of the resort’s hot spring baths is known to relieve fatigue, treat joint, and skin disease.

58. Fairfield Guesthouse and Café

The best place to stay in Tsetserleg , Fairfield Guesthouse has it all – comfortable rooms, a great café, and warm and hospitable hosts. Staying here means you can have a hot shower in the shared bathrooms, the best pizza and burgers in Arkhangai, and plenty of tourist attractions are just outside the door. Walk to the Arkhangai Aimag Museum for an interesting look into the history of the area or go out on a horse riding adventure with one of the local herders as your guide.

59. Arkhangai Aimag Museum

One of the most underrated museums in Mongolia , the Arkhangai Aimag Museum is a beautiful museum worth making any Central Mongolia itinerary. Housed in the former Zayain Gegeenii Süm monastery, a temple complex dating back to 1586, the museum would make the 1,000 monks who once lived here proud. Traditional Mongolian deels, paintings, and a room dedicated to Mongolian games keep traveler’s coming here.

60. Buyandelgeruulekh Monastery

This mountainside monastery is a hidden gem in Central Mongolia . Walk to the top of the steps, pay your respects inside the temple, and then keep walking to the giant boulders behind the temple. Climb the rocks, find the secret oovo (small rock shrine) and ground yourself as you take in the best views of Tsetserleg .

61. Taikhar Rock

This 20-metre tall granite rock is so much more than a rock. There are 150 writings in different languages covering the rock, the oldest being runic writing from the Turkish period of the 6th and 7th centuries. Legends surround the strange placement of the rock, saying a giant warrior named Bukhbilegt once threw it at a snake that was coming out from the ground.

62. Uurtiin Tokhoi Cliff

Once named Khuurtiin Tokhoi, or “the cliff of corpses,” today Uurtiin Tokhoi Cliff is a popular photo stop for tourists and locals. Driving to the Orkhon Valley Waterfall, the cliff can’t be missed, it’s a popular area for taking pictures and taking a break from the inevitably long car ride it takes to get here. From the cliff, it’s another two hours off-roading to the Orkhon Valley Waterfall, which is the water that flows here.

63. Orkhon Valley Waterfall

The Orkhon Valley Waterfall is a popular tourist spot in the summer for both Mongolians and visitors. The trip to get there involves several hours of off-roading and should only be done in a 4×4 vehicle. Once you’re at the waterfall, find the hidden hiking path that will take you down to get a better view from below. Visit in September for the best weather and to see the best fall foliage in all of Mongolia .

64. Khan Khujirt Med Wellness Resort

One of Mongolia’s best wellness resorts, Khan Khujirt Med Wellness Resort is a must visit when you’re traveling through central Mongolia. Book packages that are 7, 10, 14, or 21 days, or just stay for a night, and take advantage of all the spa treatments the resort has to offer. Go from the massage table to a mud bath and revitalize your mind and body in the healing waters and natural elements this part of Mongolia is known for.

65. Khuisiin Naiman Lake

The name Khuisiin Naiman Lake translates to the Eight Lake thanks to the eight lakes that make it up. These separate lakes – Shireet, Khaliut, Bugat, Khaya, Khuis, Mukhar, Duruu, and Bayan-Uul – are all connected via underwater canals. Several extinct volcanoes can also be found around the lake, which can only be reached by horseback. Cars are unable to make the difficult journey back here.

66. Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake

One of the most beautiful lakes to visit in Mongolia , Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake is 16 kilometers long and 10 kilometers wide. Because of the lake’s size, it’s easy to find great camping spots around the lake’s shores. The lake is part of Khorgo Terkhiin Tsagaan National Park and driving to the lake is like being transported to Iceland thanks to the volcanic rock and lava fields that make up this unique area. This is one of the most interesting roads to drive in Mongolia .

67. Khorgo Mountain

The Khorgo Mountain volcano crater is one of the most unique natural wonders you’ll find anywhere in Mongolia. That also makes it one of the best places to visit on a trip to Mongolia . A popular spot for hiking and picnicking, the mountain is close to Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake, so you’ll be able to experience both places together. The hike up the side of the mountain so you can peer down into the crater takes about 30 minutes and is clearly marked with signs and stairs.

68. Yellow Dog’s Hell Cave

Between the Khorgo Mountain volcano and Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake, most travelers miss the small roadside sign that says, “Yellow Dog Cave.” Stopping here gives travelers the chance to see something most other people miss, an underground cave and waterfall.

Southern Mongolia and Gobi Desert

Often the most popular place for tourists to travel in Mongolia , southern Mongolia has it all. Singing sand dunes, friendly camel herders, and natural wonders that will leave you breathless.

69. Ikh Gazariin Chuluu

The largest granite rock formation in Mongolia, this natural wonder is one of the best things to see in Mongolia . More than 40 caves can be found in the formation. Look for the cave locals call Olgii, mysterious books and sculptures were once housed inside. Crystal hunters will also appreciate this area – pure crystal, cloudy crystal, jade, chalcedony, fluorite, and bezoar can be found here.

70. Ongi Monastery Complex

Two of Mongolia’s oldest and most historical monasteries , Barlim Monastery and Khutagt Monastery, split the Ongi River to make up the Ongi Monastery complex. Both built in 1660, the 30 temples and 4 study centers were destroyed in 1939 and more than 200 monks were killed by the Communist Party of Mongolia. Today, one of the temples has been rebuilt and a small yurt museum stands proudly in front of it.

71. Gimpil Darjaalan Khiid

If you haven’t noticed by now, Mongolia is the land of monasteries . Buddhism was brought to Mongolia in 1271 by the Yuan Dynasty at a time when Mongolians believed in Shamanism. Though they converted to Buddhism, they briefly reverted back to Shaminism until Buddhism became the official religion of Mongolians in the 16th century. Gimpil Darjaalan Khiid (khiid meaning monastery) was one of the few monasteries to survive communist times and the current Dalai Lama even visited it in 1992.

72. White Stupa

If nature is your religion, Mongolia’s White Stupa, or Tsagaan Suvarga will be your shrine. This 400 meter long limestone formation used to be underwater. That means you’ll find marine fossils, clamshells, and more at this popular tourist destination. Head here at sunrise (no later than 6:30 am in the summer) for the best colors and light, photographers especially love this Mongolian natural wonder.

73. Gobi Caravanserai

When visiting Tsagaan Suvarga , be sure to book a night at Gobi Caravanserai , one of the best hotels in Mongolia. The hotel looks like something out of Star Wars, which is exactly why people love staying here. This minimalist eco-lodge is less than 10 minutes by car from the White Stupa and staying here means a hot shower (bathrooms are shared, not private), complimentary breakfast, and a night’s sleep without worrying about Mongolia’s often-times unpredictable elements.

74. Overnight Train from Ulaanbaatar to Sainshand

The overnight train from Ulaanbaatar to Sainshand is one of the most unique things you can do in Mongolia. As part of the Trans-Mongolian Railway, Sainshand is the train’s last stop going south. The train is a must-have experience because of the Soviet-vibes and the way it seemingly transports you to another time, and planet. Once you arrive in Sainshand, the surrounding desert is quiet, peaceful, and otherworldly. Use your time in Sainshand to disconnect from technology and connect with the earth, it has a lot of things to say here.

Contact us for help booking your train tickets in Ulaanbaatar .

75. Khan Bayanzurkh Mountain

Known as Wishing Black Mountain, and one of the most sacred mountains in Mongolia, Khan Bayanzurkh Mountain is one of the top sites to experience in southern Mongolia . Locals say if you climb to the top of the mountain and whisper it a wish, the mountain will grant it. Unfortunately, women are not allowed to climb to the top of the mountain, where there’s a sacred cairn, or ovoo, as it’s called in Mongolian. Women, children, and elders who can’t climb to the top will find a small temple 100 meters from the bottom of the mountain where they can sit, pray, and make wishes of their own.

76. Yolyn Am Valley

One of the most unique landscapes in Mongolia , driving through Yolyn Am Valley is like transporting yourself to Jurassic Park. The deep gorge was shaped by glaciers and ice fields millions of years ago and you’ll even find the remnants of such things when you visit. Hiking through the valley can be done without a guide, or you can hire one of the local herders sitting at the trailhead and cross the valley on horseback for a more adventurous experience.

77. Yolyn Am Ice Field

A hike through Yolyn Am Valley is one of the coolest ways to spend a day in southern Mongolia . Not only are the views beautiful, but because the valley leads to the Yolyn Am Ice Field, this is an absolute can’t miss experience. Thanks to the high gorge ice remains here year-round, which is a surprising break from the sweltering temperatures typically associated with southern Mongolia. Spend the day in the gorge before booking a yurt at one of the nearby yurt camps for the best experience.

78. Flaming Cliffs

If there’s one tourist attraction that shouldn’t be missed in Mongolia, it’s the Flaming Cliffs, or Bayanzag. Known as the Grand Canyon of Mongolia, these cliffs are famous for both their color and because dinosaur eggs were discovered here almost exactly 100 years ago. If you look carefully enough, you can still find 70 million year old dinosaur eggshells and unexcavated dinosaur skeleton fossils scattered around the cliffs. Camping is allowed next to the Flaming Cliffs for a small fee and witnessing sunrise here is a bucket list worthy travel experience .

79. Three Camel Lodge

Often called the best luxury hotel in Mongolia , the now 20-year-old Three Camel Lodge is Mongolia’s very first eco-lodge. The lodge is close to the Flaming Cliffs (about an hour’s drive by car) and sits on the side of small mountain. The private luxury yurts have private bathrooms with rainfall showers, a very nice touch for any hotel in Mongolia, and all meals are included in a stay. The food here is some of the best you’ll find at any restaurant in Mongolia and the chef only uses locally grown fruits and vegetables as well as locally sourced meat. At the end of the day, a whiskey at the Thirsty Camel Bar will have you checking ‘have a drink at the most remote whiskey bar in the world’ off your bucket list.

80. Bulgan Soum Tomato Harvest

Bulgan soum might not seem like much at first glance, but come fall, this is tomato central. The soum is known for both their greenhouses and green thumbs, and tomatoes from here are famous across Mongolia. Visit Bulgan Soum in September and help with the harvest so you can see and learn about Mongolia’s new agricultural and sustainability efforts firsthand.

81. Khongoryn Els

The most famous tourist attraction in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert , the ‘singing sands’ are worth the journey to get there. The singing sands get their name from the sounds the dunes make when the winds blow and it’s one of the only deserts in the world where snow accumulates on the dunes in winter. Climbing to the top of these dunes is no easy feat, which can take 45 minutes to an hour. Camel herders can be found around the dunes, but don’t expect to find wild camels in the dunes when summer temperatures reach 40 degrees or higher.

82. Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park

As the largest national park in Mongolia at 27,000 sq km, Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park is a must see and explore when you’re in this part of the country. The park is home to Khongoryn Els, but also mountains, rare and endangered animals, and dinosaur fossils. Block off a few days to roam and explore everything the park has to offer without being in a rush. You won’t regret it.

83. Khermen Tsav

Khermen Tsav is famous because it’s where the first dinosaur skeleton was discovered in Mongolia . But even before dinosaurs inhabited this part of Mongolia, scientists believe this area was underwater more than 200 million years ago. Here, red canyons meet giant dunes making for one of the best landscapes you’ll find anywhere. Don’t be surprised if you don’t run into any other travelers when you travel here, not many tourists know this place exists.

Northern Mongolia

Northern Mongolia is known for sprawling green landscapes, the harsh taiga, and its most famous tourist attraction – Khuvsgul Lake.

84. Khuvsgul Lake National Park

Recently added to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO,  Khuvsgul Lake  and the surrounding National Park are one of the most important protected areas in Mongolia .

Khuvsgul Lake is the world’s second largest freshwater lake and is considered a ‘sister lake’ to Lake Baikal in the north. The lake freezes over completely in wintertime and the annual Ice Festival is one of the  best festivals in Mongolia . In summertime, the lake is a popular place for locals who come for kayaking, fishing (with a fishing permit), horseback riding, and hiking. Fishing permits can be purchased from park rangers or at local guesthouses.

85. Khuvsgul Lake Shipwrecks

One of the last places in the world where you’d expect to find sunken military ships is Mongolia. But in Khuvsgul Lake, a few remain. Rent a glass-bottomed kayak and go out in search of the few that remain close to shore – seeing them from above is a surreal experience.

86. Dinosaur Bay, Khuvsgul Lake

Khuvsgul Lake is the only place in Mongolia where you can go scuba diving and Great Sea Resort is the first PADI certified dive center in the country. The best time to go diving in Khuvsgul Lake is August, when the water is at its warmest. Otherwise, expect to wear thick wetsuits, gloves, and hoods when diving here. Popular dive sites include Dinosaur Bay, where dinosaur statues greet you under the surface.

87. Mongolian Taiga

As the home of the Tsaatan Tribe, Mongolia’s famous reindeer riding tribe, the Mongolian Taiga is one of the best places to visit in Mongolia . Getting there takes some patience, and a few different modes of transportation, including by horseback. Once you’re there, expect to find yourself in one of the last truly wild places in the world. Life here revolves around the herds of reindeer and surviving in this vast forest on the Siberian border can be tough. Spend a few days learning from the Dukha people who live here, ride reindeer, live in a teepee, eat reindeer cheese, and sip on reindeer milk tea. These are some of the most things you can do in Mongolia.

88. Mongolia’s Taimen Sanctuaries

In Mongolia, taimen are the king of fish. These Siberian giant trout, or Siberian salmon as they’re often called, are the world’s largest trout like salmonid . Though they’re found in Russia and China, Mongolia is the best place in the world for taimen fishing thanks to protected sanctuaries and strict fishing policies. There are only four rivers in Mongolia where international anglers may legally fish, including the Delger River, and special permits are issued only by two fishing outfitters, Fish Mongolia or Mongolia River Outfitters.

89. Khoridol Saridag Mountains

Snowcapped mountains and the famed Khoridol Pass, one of the most dangerous roads to travel in Mongolia , the Khoridol Saridag Mountains are a can’t miss place in Mongolia for adventure lovers and thrill-seekers . The 150 km long range is home to Delgerkhaan Uul, the range’s highest peak at 3,093 meters, as well as the 2,961 meter Ikh Uul peak and equally impressive 2,702 meter Uran Dösh Uul.

A city with many different pronunciations, Mörön is the capital of Khusgul Province. Most travelers arrive here by plane from Ulaanbaatar. The 1.5 hour flight eliminates an otherwise 12 hour drive from the capital. Lovers of Soviet architecture will love the Mörön Stadium Wrestling Palace and visiting the market is a great way to meet and mingle with locals and pick up any gear you might have forgotten before adventuring this far north.

91. Tsagaannuur

Tsagaannuur is the main town of the Darkhad people, also known as Mongolia’s reindeer riders and Tsaatan Tribe. Located on the shores of Dood Tsagaan Lake, to reach the Tsaatan Tribe from Tsagaannuur you’ll need to go by horseback for two days. It’s absolutely necessary to hire a guide to help navigate the difficult terrain and manage the horses, don’t be fooled, this is no easy horse trek. Travelers coming to this area will need to acquire a border permit in Mörön before beginning this adventure. This is also the best place in Mongolia to learn about authentic Mongolian shamanism .

92. Selenge Soum

Located on the banks of the Selenge River, Selenge Soum is the heart and soul of Mongolia’s northern provinces. This is where 45% of Mongolia’s grain is grown and more than 570,000 livestock roam. Here you’ll find hot springs, the petroglyphs of Duut Khad, and the vast endlessness of Saikhanii Khutul National Park. Saikhanii Khutul National Park is famous for inspiring General D.Sukhbaatar to start the Mongolian Revolution of 1921 which helped Mongolia claim their independence from China.

93. Eruu Hot Springs

A sacred place where even animals come to heal, the Eruu hot springs are a must visit place in Mongolia . For anyone interested in natural healing, a dip in the Eruu hot springs shouldn’t be missed. The springs reach 42 degrees and are easy to visit in winter. They are rich in carbonate, sulphate, and sodium, and are known to cure joint and nerve pain.

Western Mongolia

You know what they say, west is best and that’s certainly not untrue for seeing some of the most beautiful and hard-to-reach landscapes in Mongolia .

94. Khyargas Lake

One glimpse at Khyargas Lake and many travelers don’t believe this is Mongolia. One of the few saltwater lakes in the country, this is a great place for travelers thanks to the natural springs on the northern part of the lake. Visit the eastern shores to see the Khetsuu Khad rock cliff proudly sticking out of the water, a sight that looks more like it belongs in Baja, Mexico than Mongolia.

As the capital of the Bayan-Ölgii Aimag (Province), Ölgii is the center of life in the west. Sitting at an altitude of 1,710 meters, the city is predominantly Kazakh. This means travelers get a totally different travel experience than they’ll find in the rest of Mongolia. Speaking of Kazakhs, did you know Mongolia and Kazakhstan don’t actually touch? They’re only separated by 50 kilometers by Russia and China. Ölgii is most famous for the annual  Golden Eagle Festival  held here each October.

96. Altai Tavan Bogd National Park

The best place to visit in western Mongolia , Altai Tavan Bogd National Park is known for its stunning views, incredible natural wonders, and towering mountains. The park is home to nomadic Eagle Hunters and ethnic-Kazakh herders who will show you a completely different side to Mongolia. Argali sheep, ibex, red deer, moose, snow leopard, snow cock, and golden eagles all live in the national park. It’s one of the most popular areas for snow leopard conservation and research projects in the world .

97. Burkhan Buudai Mountains

A unique red and orange rock and snow-covered mountain formation in the Gobi-Altai Province, the Burkhan Buudai Mountains are one of the most unique mountain ranges in Mongolia . Don’t miss the Thousand Tombs of Khyar Lake and Uert White Gate for the most spectacular views – and photos.

98. Tolbo Lake

Taking the AH4 paved highway from Ölgii and Khovd City, travelers can visit this popular tourist attraction in the heart of the Altai Mountain range. The best time to visit is mid-July, when temperatures are at their warmest, otherwise travelers face the risk of encountering unpredictable snowstorms and blizzards – which makes for a great travel story but not the most pleasant travel experience.

99. Potanin Glacier

The longest glacier in Mongolia is also the most popular for tourists and locals to visit. Potanin Glacier stretches 14 kilometers through Altai Tavan Bogd Mountain and is difficult to reach, a 4-wheel drive vehicle and experienced off-road driver are recommended. The glacier is steadily shrinking and is at risk of disappearing. Meaning, get here now before it’s too late.

100. Malchin Peak

With an elevation of 4,050 meters, Malchin Peak is one of the best mountains for climbers and trekkers to visit in Mongolia . Translating to Herder Peak, it’s one of Altai Tavan Bogd National Park’s ‘Big Five Peaks.’ Climbers don’t need technical experience to take on this mountain and, if you’re lucky, you’ll even run into some nomadic Eagle Hunters along the way.

101. Friendship Peak

While Khüiten Peak, also known as Friendship Peak, is located on the border with China and is one of the least accessible mountains on earth , you can still get a glimpse of the mountain from below. Named for being the point where Mongolia, China, and Russia meet, Khüiten Peak is the tallest mountain in Mongolia at 4,374 meters above sea level.

Author: Breanna Wilson

Hi! Sain uu! I’m Breanna, an American travel writer and adventurer living in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia for more than 5 years. I’ve written for and been featured in Condé Nast Traveler, CNN, Forbes, and the New York Times, among others. Read more of my Mongolia travel articles here .

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Home » Travel Guides » Mongolia » 15 Best Places to Visit in Mongolia

15 Best Places to Visit in Mongolia

There was a time when Mongolia could have ruled the world.

Up here, high on the plateaus that sweep out from the glacial Altai Mountains, the mighty Mongolian Steppe has played host to hordes of riders and footmen, all commanded by that now-mythic figure: Genghis Khan.

However, the prophetic Turkic empire from the east wasn’t to be.

As the hordes fragmented and returned to their respective sectors of Asia, this wild and barren world on the roof the continent returned to its old ways.

Nomads roamed the hills; yurts appeared on the banks of mountain lakes with the coming and goings of the seasons; eagle hunters patrolled the plains; snow leopards stalked, and forever the sand dunes of the Gobi shifted and shifted.

Today, Mongolia is once more meeting the world, only this time the world is going there.

Going there to feel the energy of bustling Ulaanbaatar. Going there to trace fabled Xanadu. Going there to experience the cold of the passes and meet the hardy folk of the rolling wilds.

Lets explore the best places to visit in Mongolia :

1. Karakorum

Set deep between the undulating green hills and stony ridges of the Orkhon Valley, the fabled ancient city of Karakorum is now the stuff of myth and legend.

But follow the sporadic cobbled lanes that weave around the mountains in the very heart of Mongolia, and you’ll discover that it did certainly exist.

Ruined grain silos and stone turtles, kiln smelting houses and crumbling ancient stupas still spot the ground; an aging testimony to the former might of this Mongol capital on the steppe.

Today, it’s the place to come to walk in the footsteps of totemic figures like Genghis Khan, and to see interesting Buddhist monasteries next to gorgeous Yuan Dynasty temple shrines.

2. Terelj National Park

The rising peaks and ochre-hued ridges of the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park shoulder their way above the horizon just north of Ulaanbaatar’s concrete sprawl.

The reserve represents one of the most accessible examples of Mongolia’s backcountry (thanks to the proximity to the capital), with pine-studded mountain valleys and sculpted rock formations all peppering the vistas.

The southern portion of the park is well-suited to visitors.

There, you’ll discover nomad camps and camel farms.

Meanwhile, the north includes the alpine Khagiin Khar Lake and a series of bubbling hot springs to boot.

3. Lake Khovsgol

A great dash of blue that hides between the shale peaks and rocky foothills of the Sayan Mountains, Lake Khovsgol is the second-largest body of water in all of Mongolia.

It filters down from the Russian border in a streak of deep blue, its grassy banks rising and falling, peppered with the occasional wind-blasted pine tree, and sometimes giving way to pebble coves where locals relax in the summer.

The whole site is now encompassed by a national park, which was instituted to protect the waters here.

And what waters they are! It’s said that Lake Khovsgol is filled with drinkable water that needs no treatment, and the geological history of the spot goes back a whopping two million years.

4. Altai Tavan Bogd National Park

The mighty Altai Tavan Bogd National Park rises like a bulwark against the tristate join of China, Russia, and Kazakhstan.

It bars the way to Siberia and snow-dusted Xinjiang with a series of more than five rugged peaks that rise to a whopping 4,000 meters above sea level or more.

Hardy creatures make their home here, in the form of hoofed ibexes and Tuvan nomad tribespeople.

The latter’s yurts pepper the banks of pretty Dayan Nuur by summertime, and it’s possible to watch the legendary eagle hunters do their thing in the low-lying plains.

The reserve is also known for its ancient petroglyphs and mysterious Turkic sculptures.

5. Orkhon Valley

Once the home of the great Khans and the epicenter of power that fueled the onslaught of the Mongol Horde across Asia and Europe, the Orkhon Valley has been trodden by totemic names like Genghis and Kublai.

Today, this rich history is honored with a UNESCO World Heritage Tag, which also celebrates the deeper traditions of nomad living; still seen today, when white-fabric yurts pop up between the gallery pines.

Of course, Orkhon is now a major attraction, and travelers flock to see the ruins of legendary Karakorum, seek the fabled palaces of Xanadu, wonder at frozen waterfalls, and find serenity in the rustic Buddhist monasteries.

6. Khustain Nuruu National Park

If you’re lucky, you should just be able to spot some of the uber-rare Dzungarian horses galloping over the grassy knolls and rock-ribbed ridges of the Khustain Nuruu National Park.

These are one of the most iconic creatures of the steppe, and are only known to reside below the rising peaks close to Ulaanbaatar (even if they have had to be reintroduced to the area by conservationists). Once you’ve paid the meagre entrance fee, be sure to hit the managed walking routes, or opt for a heart-thumping 4X4 ride over the hilly peaks and troughs.

Yurt accommodation is available for those who want to do multi-day walks.

7. Ulaanbaatar

With its sterile concrete sprawl and reflective glass skyscrapers, endless neighborhoods of Soviet-style blocks and constant need for expansion, Ulaanbaatar is pretty much everything you expect Mongolia not to be.

It’s brash, bold, big and loud, and comes packed with designer outlets and all-new shopping malls.

But there’s a certain crude charm to be found below the bright lights too, whether that’s in the 19th-century palace of Bogd Khaan, built by the Mongolian masters, the fascinating National Museum of Mongolia, the wide squares where locals chatter, or in the shadow of Genghis Kahn’s great monument.

Olgii is overshadowed by the hulking and sinewy massifs of the great Altai.

They dominate the horizon all around the town, and loom as if to demand the attention of any who pass this way.

It’s only once you’ve managed to get over the breathtaking and haunting panoramas that you can begin to properly enjoy this provincial capital of Bayan-Olgii.

And what treats there are to enjoy! Wander around and discover the mysterious Turkic Standing Stones (thought to be a whopping 12,000 years old), seek out ancient petroglyphs, or gasp at the feats of eagle hunters in the yearly Altai Kazakh Eagle Festival (in September).

9. Khorgo Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park

Dominating the wild reaches of the Mongolian north-west, this beautiful swathe of protected land has plenty of awesome sights in its arsenal.

Look up and you’ll see the splintered caldera of Khorgo Volcano: an extinct mountain that once ravaged the surrounding valleys with its pyroclastic flows and ash plumes.

Today, climbing the 2,240-meter-high peak is possible, and it reveals wonderful panoramas of the volcanic ridges and lakes that spread out all around.

And talking of lakes, this is the home of Lake Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur, where marsh deer and chitals wander between the rock-built yurts of nomad herders.

10. Khangai Nuruu National Park

Not to be confused with its similarly-named brother to the west – the Khustain Nuruu National Park – this huge area of land in the depths of the Orkhon Valley is one of the largest in the nation (even if it hardly comes close to the vastness of the Gobi, but more on that later). It’s quintessential steppe from beginning to end.

You’ll see the sweeping grasslands rise and fall as they roll out into the distance.

You’ll wonder as streams break through the bluffs and crash as waterfalls into ice-cold plunge pools.

You’ll ride horses with nomads, and sleep in traditional yurt villages as the fire crackles nearby.

Talk about experiencing the real Mongolia!

11. Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park

The point where the snow-dusted steppe crashes into the sand sea of the sweeping Gobi Desert is a place unlike anywhere else on earth.

It can be found in the southern depths of Mongolia, hemmed in by an amphitheater of ice-caked peaks.

Inhospitable and bitterly cold, hardly any humans make their home here.

Those that do come dressed in tough cashmere-hair jerkins, and spend their days wandering the plains with ger tents in tow.

Travelers who brave the wilderness of Gobi Gurvansaikhan will get to see natural wonders like the singing dunes of Khongoryn Els, and the chiseled gorges of the Yolyn Am.

So, saddle up the camel and explore…

12. Erdenet

You might have heard of the legendary archers of Erdenet, who are famous throughout the steppe for their quick aim and accuracy.

What you might not know is that their home is one of the few built-up, urban spots in Mongolia, and, with 75,000 people, the second-largest town overall.

In fact, Erdenet started life as a mining service center; its raison d’être the great open-faced copper quarries nearby.

Today, it’s clean and developed, has central gardens, some good museums (dedicated to mining, of course), and access to the mysterious Buddhist shrines of Amarbayasgalant Monastery to the north-east.

It’s easy to write Moron off as just the gateway to Lake Khovsgol and the popular summertime pastures of the northern steppe.

And while it’s true that this provincial city certainly deals with its fair share of passing tourists on their way to those attractions, it’s also got a decent scene of its own.

There are schools and pretty parks; a clutch of good Mongolian eateries, and a medley of Buddha statues and eye-wateringly beautiful architecture at the nearby Danzadardscha Khiid Monastery.

What’s more, Moron remains one of the few domestic cities accessible on direct flight routes from Ulaanbaatar.

You’ll find Khovd clutching the roadways as they weave north-westward to Olgii and the windswept, snow-doused heart of the Altai Mountains.

It’s a charming place with all the amenities you could need as a traveler: hospitals; shops; earthy guesthouses that won’t break the bank.

But it’s more than that too – it’s also the gateway to the great waters of Khar Us Lake.

These spread out under the snowy peaks of Jargalant Mountain, offering trails for horse riders and marshlands laden with gulls.

You can also go and find petroglyphs marking the caves of Baatar Khairhan, or sip healing waters from the local mineral springs in the hills.

15. Tsetserleg

Tsetserleg has an enviable location between a duo of rocky bluffs, right in the middle of Mongolia as a whole.

Sleepy, quiet, and slow, the town is a provincial capital that’s known for its pretty neighborhoods of low-rise cottages.

These can be seen sweeping down a single hillside; a mosaic of colorful timber facades that glints in the sun of the steppe.

Most will come here as a stepping stone to the unmissable Khangai Nuruu National Park to the south.

Others will linger and enjoy the Mongolian cookhouses, the wool emporiums and the clutches of local yurt villages.

15 Best Places to Visit in Mongolia:

• Terelj National Park
• Lake Khovsgol
• Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
• Orkhon Valley
• Khustain Nuruu National Park
• Ulaanbaatar
• Khorgo Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park
• Khangai Nuruu National Park
• Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park

Mongolia Travel Guide

By Jessie Festa. This guide to Mongolia travel contains affiliate links to trusted partners.

Looking for an in-depth Mongolia travel guide ?

Then you’re in the right place!

This vast and enchanting country, nestled between Russia and China, offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, nomadic traditions, and hospitable people, Mongolia beckons adventurous souls seeking an escape from the ordinary.

Geographically diverse, Mongolia boasts a landscape that ranges from sprawling grasslands and vast deserts to majestic mountains and crystal-clear lakes.

The Gobi Desert , a mesmerizing expanse of endless sand dunes and rugged cliffs, offers a surreal experience like no other.

On the hand, the Altai Mountains in western Mongolia captivate visitors with their snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and abundant wildlife.

Then there is Lake Khuvsgul – aka the “Blue Pearl of Mongolia” – which draws travelers with its pristine waters and surrounding forests.

One of the most striking aspects of Mongolia is its nomadic heritage, a way of life that has endured for centuries. The nomadic people, known as herders, live in traditional felt-covered gers (similar to yurts) and graze their livestock on the vast grasslands.

Immersing yourself in this unique culture offers a chance to witness their timeless traditions, such as horseback riding, eagle hunting, and the art of making dairy products like airag (fermented mare’s milk) and aaruul (dried curd).

The capital city, Ulaanbaatar , serves as a gateway to the wonders of Mongolia. Bustling with energy, it blends modernity with a hint of the country’s ancient past. Explore the National Museum of Mongolia to delve into the rich history and culture of the region, or visit Gandan Monastery to witness the beauty of Buddhist architecture and observe the rituals of the monks.

Venturing beyond the city, you’ll discover a wealth of natural and historical treasures. The Orkhon Valley , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to ancient ruins, including the legendary Karakorum , once the capital of the Mongol Empire.

For nature enthusiasts, Mongolia presents a playground of adventure. Embark on a multi-day trek through the Khentii Mountains , exploring hidden valleys and encountering rare wildlife such as the elusive snow leopard.

You can also hike to the top of the majestic Khorgo Volcano in the Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park for panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, or indulge in a horse trek across the vast steppes, forging a deep connection with the land and its nomadic inhabitants.

Mongolia’s festivals provide a colorful window into its vibrant culture. The Naadam Festiva l, held annually in July, showcases the “Three Manly Games” of wrestling, horse racing, and archery. It is a celebration of athleticism, skill, and national pride that dates back centuries.

The Eagle Festival , held in the western part of the country, allows you to witness the ancient art of eagle hunting and experience the bond between hunters and their magnificent golden eagles.

Mongolia’s charm lies in its untouched landscapes, its rugged beauty, and the warmth of its people. Traveling through this land of open spaces and vast skies, you’ll be enchanted by the genuine hospitality and generosity of the Mongolian people, whose nomadic spirit is deeply rooted in their DNA.

Whether you seek adventure, cultural immersion, or a spiritual connection with nature, Mongolia has it all. So pack your bags, embrace the unknown, and let the Land of the Blue Sky captivate your heart and soul. Get ready for an unforgettable journey through a land where time seems to stand still and the spirit of the nomad roams freely!

Keep reading to dive into resources that will help you with planning a trip to Mongolia in Asia .

Note: This guide to Mongolia travel contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Mongolia Map

Use this Mongolia travel map to begin planning your trip!

Click here for an interactive version of the above map.

Mongolia Travel Tips

Get advice on planning the perfect trip to Mongolia.

18 Best Places To Visit In Mongolia

Altai Mountains Mongolia: How To Have An Unforgettable Trip

The Perfect 2 Week Mongolia Itinerary

10 Festivals In Mongolia Worth The Trip

Best Time To Visit Mongolia

Asia Travel Tips

This Asia travel advice can help you plan the perfect trip.

24 Best Places For Solo Travel In Asia

Top Mongolia Tours

Book a Mongolia tour and get to know the culture through a local. A few top-rated Mongolia tours, each departing from Ulaanbaatar, include:

• Genghis Khan Statue with Terelj National Park & Aryabal Temple
• Cooking Class in a Traditional Ger Home in Ulaanbaatar Suburbs
• 4-Day Essencence on Mongolia Tour
• Full-Day Tour of Ulaanbaatar with Museum & Black Market
• Bogd Khan National Park Hiking Day Trip

Click here for a full list of Mongolia tours .

Mongolia Hotels

Click here to browse hotels in Mongolia!

Prefer self-contained stays? 

Click here to check out unique local rentals!

You can also use this map to search for local stays. It’s currently set to Ulaanbaatar, but you can easily change it to your preferred Mongolian destination:

Mongolia Travel Insurance

It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo or with a group on a Mongolia tour. When visiting Mongolia — or any other country in the world — make sure to get travel insurance to protect your health and safety.

In my opinion, the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

With coverage, you’ll have peace of mind as you embark on your Mongolia itinerary.

Click my referral link here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

Mongolia Travel Guide FAQ

Below, find answers to frequently asked questions about traveling Mongolia .

Q) What is Mongolia best known for?

Mongolia is known for its diverse landscapes, nomadic culture, rich history – including Genghis Khan and the Mongol Empire – and world-renowned tourist attractions like the Gobi Desert.

Q) Is Mongolia safe?

According to Travel-Safe Abroad , the risk of being the victim of a violent crime in Mongolia is low. That being said, you should be careful of pickpockets and other scams in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar.

Q) Is Mongolia an expensive country?

While someone’s opinion on a country being cheap or expensive is relative, in general, Mongolia is considered a very budget-friendly country to travel through. Budget travelers can expect to spend around $30 to $50 per day, while mid-range travelers may spend approximately $70 to $100 per day.

Q) What is the best time to visit Mongolia?

While you can visit Mongolia any time of year, summer (mid-June to late August) is typically considered the best time to visit. This is when you’ll experience warm temperatures and pleasant weather and can attend the famous Naadam Festival in July.

Q: Do I need a visa to visit Mongolia?

It’s recommended to view your country’s Mongolia International Travel Information page for the most up-to-date information on entry and exit requirements. You can also contact the Embassy of Mongolia.

Q: How do you get to Mongolia?

International airlines fly into Buyant-Ukhaa International Airport in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia. From there, it is about an hour drive to the heart of the city, depending on traffic.

Q: Are credit cards accepted in Mongolia?

Credit and debit cards are often accepted in big cities, like Ulaanbaatar; however, you’ll definitely want to bring cash when visiting the countryside.

Q: What is the local currency in Mongolia?

The tugrik (MNT) is the national currency of Mongolia.

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Top 10 Places to Visit in Mongolia

With a vast territory and a rich history, Mongolia offers so much to see and explore.

Amicus Travel Mongolia has listed for you the top 10 attractions or must-visit attractions in Mongolia. Check out our published tour on web, or contact us for a  customized  tour.

1. Ulaanbaatar

Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia- Mostly described, as sunny, peaceful and open, and a city of contrast where modern life comfortably blends with Mongolian traditional lifestyle. Wide streets are flocked by modern cars, while horsemen and cattle are still common scene.

2. Terelj National Park

Terelj National Park is one of the most visited and interesting national parks of Mongolia, which is natural beauty, forested alpine mountains and interesting rock formations very well known. Highlights: Turtle Rock, Meditation temple Ariyabal and visit local nomadic families. During the summer there are great opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, flower and bird watching.

3. Gobi Desert

One of the most popular travel routes in the Gobi has a unique natural landscape; high mountains, springs, forests, sands, steppes and a rich animal kingdom. Highlights: the picturesque gorge of Eagle valley, towering sand dunes; Khongor, Moltsog Els and Bayanzag flaming cliffs; the sites of numerous important dinosaur fossil discoveries.

4. Khuvsgul Lake

Khuvsgul Lake is known as the second clearest water lake in the world after Baikal Lake in Russia. The lake is 136 kilometers long, 36 kilometers wide, 262 meters deep. Khuvsgul lake is surrounded by majestic mountains covered with thick pine and larch forests where the unique wildlife of the region flourishes. There is you can see reindeer breeders who live in the mountain forests close to the lake.”

5. Genghis Khan Statue Complex

The statue is currently the biggest (40m high) equestrian statue in the world. It is connected with Ulaanbaatar by a paved road with 54km.There is a recreation area, restaurants, and souvenir shops occupy the base structure. From here, visitors use an elevator or walk to the head of the horse through chest and back neck of the horse, where they can have farseeing and good panorama view over the complex area.

6. Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape

Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape is registered by UNESCO in the World Heritage List as representing evolution of nomadic pastoral traditions spanning more than two millennia. Highlights: Kharakhorum, Erdene Zuu Buddhist monastery, Orkhon waterfall, Tuvkhun monastery, and Khushuu tsaidam. Read more

7. Khorgo, Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park

The Khorgo – Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur (Terkh White Lake) National Park is amazingly beautiful scenery of mountains, cliffs, rapid rivers, lakes, extinct volcanoes and fantastic caves green forests and pastures, where the long haired yaks and horse thrive.  The Khorgo Mountain is extinct volcano which lies east of the Lake Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur beautiful lake with crystal clear fresh water.

8. Khentii province, Birthplace of Chinggis Khan

Temuujin (Chinggis Khan) was the founder of the Mongolia Empire, which became the largest contiguous empire in history after his demise. After founding the Mongol Empire and being proclaimed “Genghis Khan,” he started the Mongol invasions that resulted in the conquest of most of Eurasia.  Highlights: There are many monuments and historical places involved with Genghis Khan. Read more …

9. Western Mongolia

Far western part of Mongolia is the most beautiful, but the least travelled destination. It is home to the world rare wild species, numerous ethnic groups and snow capped majestic mountains. Kazakh people, famous for their hospitality and generosity, take pleasure in poetry and music. Highlights: Kazakh people, Eagle hunters, Golden Eagle festival, hiking and climbing at Mt Khuiten Peak.

10.  Amarbayasgalant Monastery

The Monastery is one of the four leading important monasteries of Mongolia. The construction of the monastery temples, towers and other buildings, completed in 1737, represents the creative work and great craftsmanship of that period of time. 10 of the 37 temples were completely destroyed. The restoration of the monastery has recently almost been completed with the aid and assistance of UNESCO.”

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The Best Places to visit in Mongolia

In a country where nearly 30% of its population lives a nomadic lifestyle, a trip to Mongolia is a must for anyone seeking a wild adventure. If experiencing the local lifestyle first hand is not enough to entice you to Mongolia, its diverse landscapes just might. From the mountains of the north to the Gobi desert in the south, this vast, stunning country is awash with dramatic mountain scenery and spectacular deserts, with a fascinating and ancient culture

There is so much to see and do in this country in the heart of Asia. With our unrivalled expertise in this destination, we’ve put together  the best places to visit in Mongolia in one simple list for you.

Altai Mountains

Home to Palaeolithic remains, Scythian graves and an incredible collection of Bronze Age petroglyphs, the stirring landscapes of the Altai Mountains stretch for some 900 kilometres. They are known as the ‘Golden Mountains’ in the local Kazakh dialect. The region is studded with large lakes and numerous glaciers that provide home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna. 

Wild boar, Mongolian gazelle and brown bears occupy the surrounding foothills and its landscapes have achieved World Heritage importance for its preservation of endangered snow leopards and Siberian ibex. Four of the range’s five highest peaks sit amongst Mongolia’s towering vistas, with Küiten Uul only just being beaten to the top spot by Belukha peak on the Kazakhstan-Russia border, which comes in at 4506 metres.

Elsen Tasarkhai

Elsen Tasarkhai literally translates to ‘an isolated torn-off piece of sand’ so it’s no surprise these sand dunes, 280km west from Ulaanbaatar, have been christened with this name. Stretching 80km along the Tarna River, littered with shrubbery and surrounded by Mount Khugnu Khan and Mount Ikh Mongol, the sand dunes seem completely out of place. Hike across the dunes which are inhabited by Maral stags, wolves, deer and fox.

Hustai National Park

Hustai National Park, established in 1992, is one of the best known National Parks in Mongolia. Its borders stretch from the Khentii Mountains to the Altanbulah region of Mongolia. The park houses historical stone stupas and over 200 Takhi horses. The unique horse, which is the only truly wild horse left in existance, shares the park with 44 species of mammal, 217 species of bird, 16 species of fish and over 450 species of vascular plants.

On the Eastern border of the scenic Orkhom Valley, lies the ancient city of Kharkhorin. Kharkhorin was the power centre and capital of Gengis Khan's Mongolian Empire, before his grandson Kublai Khan moved his court to Beijing. 

This 13th century city was later destroyed by Ming troops but some relics still remain, including two charming granite turtles, symbols of longevity in Mongolian culture. The Khans showed great tolerance to all religions allowing mosques, Christian churches and Buddhist monasteries to be built almost side by side, including a 16th century monastery Erdene Zuu monastery, which is still standing today.

Lake Khuvsgol

Referred to as the 'Blue Pearl', Lake Khuvsgol is a 100-mile long pristine alpine lake in the north of Mongolia. Lying at an altitude of 1645m the lake's water has collected in a rift valley. The water in the lake is some of the purest in the world. The lake has long been sacred to the Mongolian people and they call it 'Dalai Ej', the 'Mother Sea'. 

Today it is part of a National Park area in the Khuvsgol Region where camels of the Gobi and reindeer of the taiga are often seen. Five Mongolian ethnic groups - the Buriat, Khalk, Darhat, Urianghai and Tsaatan - live in the vicinity and Shamanism has a strong influence on the local culture.

Located along the extreme western region of Mongolia, Ölgii is the capital of the Bayan-Ölgii Aimag (province), a predominantly Kazakh region of Mongolia. Lying at an altitude of just over 1700 metres, the city’s dramatic location is sandwiched between the peaks of the Altai Mountains and the waters of the Khovd River. This makes it an ideal gateway city to the impressive landscapes of the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. 

This region was home to the Kazakhs long before the founding of modern Mongolia in 1911 and it was a centre of Islamic teaching and culture before the religious purges of the 1930s. Known for its Kazakh embroidery and Kazakh music, the city also plays host each year to the famous Golden Eagle Festival, which sees up to 80 eagle hunters showcasing their heritage.

Orkhon Valley

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the rolling pasture land of the Orkhon Valley contains numerous fascinating archaeological remains, many dating back to the 6th century. The valley was continuously occupied throughout the ages and was settled successively by the Huns, Turkic peoples, the Uighurs, the Kidans, and finally the Mongols.Here, you can witness the nomadic pastoral traditions that have remained unchanged for centuries providing a truly authentic insight into life in rural Mongolia.

The Guransaikan National Park justly boasts an amazing collection of flora and fauna, some of which are sadly endangered. Bayanzag was renamed the 'Flaming Cliffs' by US paleontologist Roy Chapman Andrews, who was the first man to find dinosaur eggs in the area in the 1920's, due to the reddish colour of the soil highlighted by the setting sun . It is a wildly stunning sight. 

A visit here will allow you to see prehistoric fossils, ever shifting sand dunes and majestic mountains. Yolyn Am Canyon is truly a unique phenomenon. The canyon has thick ice in its shaded parts year round. A protected area, the canyon offers a great chance to see soaring vultures, effortlessly rising on the thermals.

Tavan Bogd National Park

A spectacular tableau of snow-capped mountains, alpine lakes and beautiful valleys, Mongolia’s Tavan Bogd National Park is home to the highest peaks in the country. Covering around 630,000 hectares and sacred to the local Kazakh people, it stretches from Russia and along the Chinese border, providing a rich haven for snow leopards, wolves and golden eagles. 

Dominated by the towering presence of Küiten Uul (4374 m), the highest of the ‘Five Saints’ that gives the park its name, it also boasts several waterfalls, no fewer than 34 glaciers and three large freshwater lakes. Inhabited for around 12,000 years, its rocks and valleys are filled with tens of thousands of petroglyphs that constitute a large part of the extensive Petroglyphic Complexes of the Mongolian Altai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Terelj National Park

The Alpine scenery and fantastical rocks of Terelj National Park formed the homelands of Genghis Khan and his hordes. The rock formations of the park are fascinating, while the 250 plus bird species make it an enchanting place to relax. Many wild animals roam these mountains, including Moose, Brown Bears and Ibexes. 

Nomadic tribesmen still drive their herds around these pastures, while living in felt Gers just like their forebearers. Within the park there is the opportunity to do some horseback riding on the many trails, or just walk amongst and enjoy the flora and fauna.

The Mongolian Gobi

The Mongolian Gobi, a vast zone of desert and semi-desert occupies almost 30% of Mongolia's vast territory. The Gobi desert is often imagined to be a place of unbearable heat and shifting sand dunes, whereas the reality is quite the reverse. The Mongolian Gobi has vast plains, majestic peaks and mountain ranges, sand dunes and sandy valleys. The Gobi is blessed with an eternally clear sky, golden sands, blue mirages, and an endless expanse of Mongolian steppe lands. 

This is one of our favourite places to visit in Mongolia. During your visit you can stay in the small village of Saihan-Ovoo, and see how the locals live in this environment. You can also visit the nearby Ongi Monastery, standing on the majestic banks of the Ongi river, and take the chance to walk up the sacred mountain.

Ulaanbaatar

Built on the banks of the Tuul Gol river, Ulaanbaatar is by far Mongolia's largest city. Its centre is largely dominated by soviet style skyscrapers, and it’s a rather modern, bustling city where a grand 45% of Mongolia’s entire population reside. The city is surrounded by picturesque mountains and wide sweeping vistas.

 It’s not advisable to visit Ulaanbaatar in winter; it’s known as one of the coldest capitals in the world. While here (preferably in summer) be sure to visit the Mongolian Buddhist Gandantegchinlen Monastery, the impressive Sukhbaatar Square and the Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan. There are also some interesting museums to take in and of course, Mongolia’s most recognisable landmark, the giant Genghis Khan Statue Complex, which you can peek out the top of and take in the views astride the great Khan himself. 

Located along the slopes of Kharkhiraa Mountain, to the southwest of the vast, shimmering waters of Lake Uvs, Ulaangom is the capital of Uvs Province. Around 120 kilometres south of the Russian border, the city is believed to trace its origins back to the latter years of the 17th century, when the region was home to a number of grain plantations. 

The birthplace of Mongolia’s last two communist leaders, before the country attained independence in 1990, Ulaangom had a reputation for lawlessness following independence, when cattle raids between Uvs and the Tuvan Republic in neighbouring Russia made the region particularly dangerous. Peace returned with the building of border fences and today the city provides a chance to enjoy the birdlife of the Uvs Nuur Basin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Related tours

The Most Beautiful Spots In Mongolia

Mongolia is a diverse land with many beautiful places to discover, from the capital Ulaanbaatar, to its sweeping natural wonders. Whether you want to take in some culture or see what Mother Nature has to offer, you’ll find it in any one of these top places to visit.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips , compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips .

Ulaanbaatar

Ulaanbaatar is the capital of Mongolia with about 1.3 million residents. It’s a fascinating city that combines old and new beautifully. Visitors will find a vibrant city brimming with modern buildings, shopping, art, a thriving nightlife scene and restaurants; a contemporary contrast to the timelessness of the country’s vast scenery outside it.

Situated on the borders of Russia and China in western Mongolia, Altai Tavn Bogd National Park features five of the tallest mountain peaks in the country. From glaciers to lakes to a 10-meter waterfall and archaeological sites that include the UNESCO World Heritage Site Petroglyph Complexes of the Mongolian Altai, the area is rich in natural wonders.

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Amarbayasgalant Monastery

Not yet a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Amarbayasgalant Monastery, with its 28 temples and incredible surroundings, is on the tentative list, meaning that it could very well be on its way to being nominated. Nestled in the Ivon Gol River Valley, a verdant, hilly landscape, the natural theatre around is is nothing short of amazing. In addition to the compound, there are also some lovely sculptures to look out for in the green baize of the scenery.

Erdene Zuu Monastery

Located a little over a mile from Kharkhorin, the Erdene Zuu Monastery once had somewhere between 60 to 100 temples at its peak. Established by Altai Khaan in 1586, the monastery is now open to visitors who can roam the grounds and take in the scenic beauty of the 16th-century temples. For a small fee, they can also take a guided tour of the interiors.

Gorkhi-Terelj National Park

Located northeast of Ulaanbaatar, Gorkhi-Terelj National Park is a natural treasure and outdoor adventurers’ paradise. Its stark, sweeping landscape and numerous natural attractions draw tourists from all over the world who want to explore the unspoiled land, often on horseback or camels.

Dornod Mongolia Steppe

Located in eastern Mongolia, the Dornod Mongolia Steppe is a large, protected grassland ecosystem; one of the largest on earth. The vast landscape is impressive enough, but it also sees about 40,000 Mongolian white-tailed gazelles migrate through the area each year, making it a wildlife photographer’s dream.

Gobi Desert

The fifth largest desert in the world, the Gobi Desert spreads across both China and Mongolia, specifically the southern portion of the country. It is a stunning site and a great contrast to most other parts of Mongolia; be sure to visit the vast Khongor Sand Dunes while you’re here.

Lake Khövsgöl

‘The Dark Blue Pearl’; is how Lake Khövsgöl is often described. A gorgeous fresh water lake that is frozen for almost half of the year, these deep waters are surrounded by forests of pine trees, verdant meadows, and, of course, an abundance of wildlife such as reindeer, moose, ibex and yaks.

Orkhon Valley

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape should definitely be on your list of beautiful places to explore when visiting Mongolia. Situated in central Mongolia, southeast of Ulaanbaatar, the area is steeped in history. The landscape is home to architectural ruins that date all the way back to the 6th century, including Kharkhorin, Genghis Khan’s capital in the 13th and 14th century.

Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve

The Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve is a smaller area of 200 square meters located approximately 80 miles southeast of the capital. Situated in the Tuv province, this landscape is full of rivers, lakes, mountains and wetlands. Because the area is made up of such diverse landscapes, it is also home to some incredible wildlife, much of which is endangered; therefore, the reserve is a protected site.

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The 15 Best Places to Visit in Mongolia

It is not very easy to visit all the scenic destinations of Mongolia that has a vast land area, ranks as the 18 th biggest country in the world, in just several days. Auto transportation will be your best friend to experience the beautiful land views across the country and you’ll love this opportunity to meditate and relax during the road trips. Another options are air transportation and train that has various schedules which depends on the tourist season and policy of local monopoly companies. Most of the time, it is quite challenging to get tickets after April, so we suggest you to book your tickets as soon as possible. Hope this article will be helpful for those who want to know best places to visit in Mongolia and heal your spirit through the most beautiful spots of wonderful nature, wild animals and unique nomadic lifestyle in short time, no matter if you are a leisure traveler or a tourist. 

Life is SHORT and the world is WIDE

1. Places to visit in Mongolia- Khugnu Tarna National Park - Ugii Lake

The taiga and steppe plants grow in this area and represents three different natural zones. This is a magnificent place with mountains, forests, steppes, Gobi-type desert and mineral water sources all in one location and pleasant for many activities such as hiking, mountain climbing, horse and camel riding.

2. Places to visit in Mongolia- Legendary Orkhon Valley – Kharkhorin city

This is very important must-see cultural landscape to travel through history of 13th century of Mongolia and you can visit 8 important sites by trekking, horse trekking or driving through the nature. Kharkhorin was a political, economic, administrative and religious center and one of the largest forum of civilizations at the same time.

Distance from Ulaanbaatar: 365 KM

Best Time to Visit: between May to September (tourist season)

Ideal Trip Duration: 2-4 days Highlights: Tuvkhun monastery, Turkish Memorials of Khosho Tsaidam, the ruins of Khar Balgas ancient city, Kharkhorum museum, Erdene Zuu monastery, Shankh Western monastery, the Palace at Doit Hill, the ancient towns of Talyn Dorvoljin, Har Bondgor and Bayangol Am, deer stones and ancient graves, the sacred mountains of Hangai Ovoo and Undor Sant, Khuisiin Naiman Lake Activities Available: sightseeing, bird watching, trekking, photographing, family visiting, horse and camel riding

3. Places to visit in Mongolia-  Manzushir Monastery – Bogd Khan Mountain 

4. places to visit in mongolia- mongol nomadic show.

This is a great opportunity to learn about the unique Mongolian nomadic lifestyle through visiting family, experiencing their life and riding an ox-cart through the steppe. You will make many memories that you will want to remember and share with others.

Best Time to Visit: between June-September Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 days Highlights: opportunity to feel and experience the Mongolian lifestyle and culture in one place, Mini Naadam event for tourists, “Mongol Nomadic” cultural program Activities Available: photographing, horse-riding, camel-riding, yak-riding, chariot, camel cart, cattle cart, attending Mini Naadam event, being involved in cultural activities such as building a ger, making dairy products, etc.

5. Places to visit in Mongolia- Khustai National Park

This is the biggest and the most well protected National Park in the country, its 50,620-hectare reserve protect Mongolian wild horse - the takhi and the reserve’s steppe and forest-steppe environment. It’s worth spending at least one night in the park, as you are most likely to see takhi and other wildlife at dusk or dawn. Many of them are endangered species of wild animals, flowers and birds in the world.

6. Places to visit in Mongolia- Zorgol Khairkhan Mountain

This place for suitable for those who enjoy to hike around the mountain, ride a horse through the green steppe, camp and picnic while watching the beauty of nature. Here you can visit 3 different caves, small lake near the mountain and visit central Khalkha family (the largest subgroup of Mongolia) . In history, it is said that Genghis Khan used to go for hunting around this mountain.

Distance from Ulaanbaatar: 150 KM Best Time to Visit: between May to September (tourist season) Ideal Trip Duration: 1-2 days Highlights: Zorgol Khairkhan Mountain - granitic rock formation with its red reflects, Princess Lake, beautiful sunrise, Mongolian steppe Activities Available: trekking, picnicking, camping, photographing, family visiting, horse-riding near the mountain and lake

7. Places to visit in Mongolia- Tolbo Lake

8. Places to visit in Mongolia- Terelj National Park - Chinggis Khan Statue Complex - XIII Century Park

It is one of the most visited areas in Mongolia due to its magnificent scenery and its proximity to Ulaanbaatar. Terelj National Park is picturesque place of high cliffs of granite, rivers and forests and part of Khan Khentii National Park – the biggest one in the north eastern area.

9. Places to visit in Mongolia-  Gun Galuut Nature Reserve

This is a local protected area for conservation of global threatened species and the harmonized complex of high mountains, steppes, rivers, lakes and wetlands that is a home land of rare creatures, a paradise of birds. One of the main attraction is Kherlen, the longest river of Mongolia and Tsengiin Burd wetland, where water and wetland birds lay their eggs. Here you can experience both special interest and adventure tours through interesting activities such as rafting, kayaking, fishing, riding horse and yak, watching bird and wild sheep-argali with binoculars or telescope.

10. Places to visit in Mongolia-  Magnificent Khuvsgul Lake

This is the most popular destination for local travelers, surrounded with a beautiful taiga forest that you can experience only in Khuvsgul province. Mongolia is a land-locked country, locates far from the sea, so locals love travelling to grassland-forest and lake areas because of these 2 factors: only 11% of the land are is covered with forest and Khuvsgul Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes of the country. Also, winter view of the lake soul fulfilling beautiful and it is a great opportunity to visit the biggest Ice Festival and enjoy many different winter activities and sports. In summer, there’s a plenty of ideas to try such as taking a boat or a ship, tasting local smoked fish, visiting Tsaatan tribe and reindeers. We even have a joke says ‘If you haven’t visited there at least once in a year, consider yourself a loser’. So this means this is a must-visit destination for you.

Distance from airport: 100 KM Best Time to Visit: between June-August, March, winter Ideal Trip Duration: 3-4 days and more Highlights: home to wild animals and birds, 800 species of trees and plants, Munkh Saridag peak (3491m), Tsaatan tribe, Reindeer herding, Shamanism, 4 islands, Biggest Ice Festival in Mongolia in March, the biggest ship in the country Activities Available: sightseeing, camping, trekking, climbing, horse riding, trekking, biking, boating, kayaking, family visiting, photographing

11. Places to visit in Mongolia-  Golden Gobi

Mongolian Gobi is one of the most unique and biggest desserts in the world. Here you can experience a real freedom as if you are far removed from somewhere and enjoy riding a camel, hiking in the golden sand to see the beautiful nature view, star gazing in the peaceful night and visiting some mysterious spots that was created by nature thousands of years ago.

Best Time to Visit: between May-October, March Ideal Trip Duration: 3-4 days and more Highlights: Bactrian camel – herding, “Thousand Camel Festival” in March, home to birds and wild animals, Yol Valley - Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park - East Saikhan Mountain, deep ice field, some endangered species like the argali sheep, snow leopard and Siberian ibex, Bayanzag - area where dinosaur bones, eggs and fossils were found, Khermen Tsav - reaches +60 o C in summer, one of 9 wonders of Gobi, mud rocks in unique shapes, resembles unfinished artistic architecture and well-designed red brick buildings of ancient cities, astonishing view and sunset, Khongoryn Els - one of the largest and most spectacular sand dunes in Mongolia, Baga Gazriin Chuluu, Ikh Gazriin Chuluu – unique rock formations Activities Available: camel riding, sightseeing, family visiting, bird watching, wildlife watching, photographing, trekking

12. Places to visit in Mongolia- Buir Lake – Menen Steppe

Menen Steppe is one of the biggest steppes in the world which has kept its native land and there are a plenty of pasture plants, antelopes, wolves as well as rare animals and Buir Lake is the lake with the most fish and most types of animals and birds in Mongolia. If you love trekking in the vast steppe land and camping near the beautiful lake, this will be a nice choice for you!

Best Time to Visit: March-October Ideal Trip Duration: 3-4 days and more Highlights: Buir Lake, plenty of pasture plants, antelopes, wolves as well as rare animals, sand embankment, lake were the most fish and most types of animals and birds live in Mongolia, only border crossing near water, Mongolian steppe Activities Available: photographing, trekking, bird watching, camping.

13. Places to visit in Mongolia-  Uvs Lake – Khyargas Lake

Uvs is the 'sea' of western Mongolia , it is frequented by a range of seabirds, even though the nearest ocean is 3,000 km away. Khyargas Nuur National Park, based on a salt lake amid desert and scrub grass, provides an attractive summer home for birds but sees little tourist traffic. These 2 lakes will be interesting destinations for you to compare the different lake-views and experience its unique surroundings.

Flight frequency: 6 times per week in peak season, twice a week in low season Distance from airport: 30 KM to Uvs Lake, 100 KM to Khyargas Lake

Best Time to Visit: May-September Ideal Trip Duration: 3-4 days and more Highlights: important wildlife habitat, nine strictly protected areas, 173 bird and 41 mammal species, the basis of 2,900 sites containing burial mounds (kurgans) and stone tablets (steles), Altan Els Strictly Protected Area, Airag Lake, springs, Khetsuu Khad Activities Available: sightseeing, photographing, trekking, bird watching, camping.

14. Places to visit in Mongolia- Khar-Us Lake

Khar Us lake is the perfect habitat for wild ducks, geese, wood grouse, partridges and seagulls, including rare relict gulls and herring gulls – and by late summer a billion or two of everyone’s friend, the common mosquito, but a paradise for bird-watching and photographing activity.

Best Time to Visit: March-June Ideal Trip Duration: 3-4 days and more Highlights: the second largest freshwater lake in Mongolia, the perfect habitat for wild ducks, geese, wood grouse, partridges and seagulls, including rare relict gulls and herring gulls, Ulaagchiin Khar Nuur Lake - Otgon Tenger Mountain, unique nature scenery, Nomadic Culture Festival, perfect spot for photographing, Durvud tribe Khoton Tribe Activities Available: sightseeing, photographing, trekking, bird watching, camping.

15. Places to visit in Mongolia-  Altai Tavan Bogd National Park

This can be one of the most adventurous and scenic destinations for travelers because of its unique natural formation and isolated location, you’ll experience another world of Mongolia with beautiful snow-caped mountains, totally different lifestyle of Kazakh tribe, eagle hunting, wonderful lakes in the mountains and most importantly it’s a real challenging spot for adventure seekers who love mountaineering and horse trekking in harsh weather. I am sure this will be one of your highlights travelling to Mongolia.

Best Time to visit for a short trip: May-October Ideal Trip Duration: 3-4 days and more Highlights: Khuiten Uul ('Cold Peak') 4374 m, Nairamdal ('Friendship', 4180 m), Malchin ('herder', 4050 m), Bürged ('Eagle', 4068 m) and Olgii ('Craddle', 4050 m), Khurgan Lake, Khoton Lake, Dayan Lake, Golden Eagle Festival in October Activities Available: photographing, family visiting, mountain-climbing, trekking, horse riding, camping, watching eagle hunters.

Hope you’ve found your favorite place to visit when travelling to Mongolia among all these destinations and you might have started searching the ways and planning your tours to Mongolia.

Beautiful Places in Mongolia are almost alive. When you visit them, you can feel their breath. 

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17 things to know before traveling to Mongolia

Aug 20, 2023 • 7 min read

Use these tips on health, safety and etiquette to plan your trip to Mongolia © Henn Photography / Getty Images

A land defined by boundless steppes, blue skies and roving nomads, Mongolia is perfectly set up for adventure and cultural immersion. Memorable experiences are a given, but travel in the world’s least-densely-populated country comes with its own challenges, so it pays to level-up on your Mongolia knowledge before you come.

On my own Mongolia adventures, I’ve wild-camped in a lightning storm; got queasy on fermented horse milk; broken down multiple times on epic drives ; had my pocket picked; crashed a Kazakh wedding; been thrown from two horses; and – perhaps my biggest faux pas – tried to cross part of the Gobi desert in a Toyota Prius. (Spoiler: I got stuck!)

Experience is the mother of wisdom, so here are some tips to help you make fewer mistakes on your own trip. However you choose to explore this fascinating country, remember that Mongolians are famously hospitable and predisposed to help strangers in need – even if things do go wrong, someone will eventually put you back on the right track.

1. Organize your tour well before you travel

Mongolia’s travel season is fleeting, stretching from late May to late August, so the best drivers, guides and vehicles are soon snaffled up. In the past, it was possible to rock up to Ulaanbaatar in summer and ask around at guesthouses to find space on a tour, but with the suspension of the Trans-Mongolian Railway, fewer travelers are passing through. Booking tours ahead is the way to go. 

2. Don’t be too ambitious with your Mongolia itinerary

A common mistake is to try to see too much of Mongolia in one go, which can turn your trip into a wearisome, bone-rattling driving safari. It’s better to focus on just one area of the country, or schedule a stop of at least two nights in each destination so you can slow down and enjoy the majesty and serenity of the Mongolian landscape.

3. Book domestic travel tickets through local Mongolian agencies

Schedules for domestic flights and rail travel often change at the last minute. If you book through a local travel agent in Mongolia, they’ll be able to sort you out if your flight is canceled or delayed. If you miss a connection or are running late, a good tour operator might even be able to hold the plane for you for an hour or so.

4. If you plan to drive yourself, avoid July and August

The summer travel season from July to August coincides with the time when the grassy tracks of the steppe become waterlogged and the risk of getting stuck rises exponentially. If you intend to drive yourself, it’s better to come in the shoulder season in June or September for firmer ground. If you come at the height of summer, stick to the paved roads that fan outwards from the capital, or hire a car and a local driver who knows the local driving conditions.

5. Download podcasts and audiobooks for those long road trips

Mongolia is three times the size of France , and most roads are bumpy tracks, which translates to low average speeds even in a modern 4WD. Expect to spend hours bouncing along through vast, unchanging landscapes – beautiful but somewhat repetitive. This terrain is crying out for a good soundtrack; preload your audio player with good tunes or a selection of audiobooks or podcasts to help the miles pass. 

6. Bring sanitary supplies and medication

While you can pick up most health essentials in the capital, once you’re out on the steppe you’ll find that personal sanitary supplies and medication are much harder to find. Make space in your pack and come prepared with everything you need.

7. Spice up your mutton with condiments

Ulaanbaatar has a buzzing dining scene, but out in the wilds, you’ll subsist mostly on mutton dumplings (buuz) , fried mutton pancakes (khuushuur) , mutton with pasta chunks (tsuivan) , or just plain boiled mutton (makh) . On a long expedition this can get boring, so remember to pack a bottle of sriracha, horseradish, gochujang, piri-piri sauce, or any other condiment that you like to use to zhush up your food.

8. Boil or purify water from streams and lakes

Rural Mongolia may look pristine, but even crystal clear water can contain microbes, contaminants or impurities. Boiling water for at least one minute can kill most harmful microorganisms, or you can use water purification tablets or a portable filtration system to cut down on energy use.

9. Pack camping gear to save money (and if heading out west)

In Mongolia’s most popular destinations, you can stay overnight in fixed ger (yurt) camps set up for tourists, but in remote western areas such as Bayan-Ölgii province, it’s a good idea to carry your own tent and camping gear, as ger camps are few and far between. Ulaanbaatar is full of shops selling outdoor equipment, in case you didn’t bring your own gear from home. 

10. Bring gifts when visiting nomad families

It’s customary to bring something for your hosts when staying with local people in Mongolia. Popular gifts include food, candies, cigarettes and bottles of alcohol. Taking along souvenirs or photographs from your own country is another great way to foster cultural exchange.

11. Climb a hill to get a mobile phone signal

In recent years, cell phone coverage in Mongolia has become much more widespread, with fewer dead zones, though there are still some off-grid spots. If you’re in the countryside and don’t have a signal, usually all you need to do is climb the nearest hill and you’ll be back online.

12. Think twice about riding that horse

Falling off a horse is one of the most common accidents to befall foreigners in Mongolia. If you are keen to get in the saddle, make sure your travel insurance covers it, and consider getting some practice before you leave home. Be extra careful in remote areas such as the Gobi , as horses tend to be more skittish, often a result of mixing different herds to make up the numbers for the tourist season.

13. Observe ger (yurt) etiquette

There are special rules for staying in Mongolia’s most famous form of accommodation. Inside a ger , it’s polite to wait until you’re seated and have been served tea before engaging in conversation with your hosts. It’s also disrespectful to throw trash into the central stove; instead, place it in front and your host will dispose of it. 

14. Be vigilant when walking around central Ulaanbaatar

While Mongolia is generally a safe place to travel, tourists have been known to get robbed in Ulaanbaatar. Back in 2012, I had my wallet picked from my back pocket outside the Ulaanbaatar Department Store – a rookie mistake! Also take extra care when crossing the street – Ulaanbaatar is choked with cars and pedestrians get no special treatment from motorists.

15. Use official taxis after dark

In Ulaanbaatar there are two types of taxis – official taxis and the unofficial kind, essentially regular cars prowling the streets for fares. While unlicensed cabs are generally safe by day, you should stick to official taxis at night. Two useful taxi apps are UBCab and ABA taxi Mongolia , each with their own registered drivers.

16. Use what3words to find places and points of interest

Mongolia has adopted the popular what3words navigation system, where locations are mapped using unique combinations of three words. This makes it easier to locate sites and attractions in a country with few named roads and landmarks. The current edition of the Lonely Planet Mongolia guidebook lists what3words locations next to every point of interest.

17. Get a GPS tracker device

The vehicle version of the hikers’ GPS device, a GPS tracker will provide an extra level of safety when adventuring into the great Mongolian emptiness. If you drive with a tracker, any tour company or support office in Ulaanbaatar can locate your whereabouts if you get lost or your vehicle runs into difficulties. 

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Top 10 places to visit in Mongolia

Mongolia is home to mesmerizing landscapes that will stay with you long after you leave. The second least densely populated country in the world, Mongolia is located in East Asia and spans 1,564,116 square kilometers. In Mongolian countryside, you can find untouched natural wonders as well as many other beautiful places. Here are ten of the best places to visit in Mongolia.

1. ULAANBAATAR

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital, is also the city’s cultural and commercial hub, home to nearly half of the population. The city’s history can be traced back to 1639 when it was founded as a nomadic Buddhist monastery. Nowadays, Ulaanbaatar is a modern metropolis with a population of over 1.3 million people, although it still retains its Mongolian heritage and culture. There are several lovely old monasteries strewn about the place: Choijin Lama and Gandantegchinlen are the finest, and they’re hidden away in the endless sprawl. Terelj National Park is just 2 hours drive away.

2. ALTAI TAVAN BOGD NATIONAL PARK

The  Altai Tavan Bogd National Park  is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Western Mongolia. Located in the westernmost part of the country, the park is home to five of Mongolia’s tallest mountains, including  Khüiten Peak , which is the country’s highest point at 4374 meters. The park also contains glaciers, rivers, and lakes, as well as a variety of wildlife including  snow leopards , ibex, deer, eagles, and vultures. The Tavan Bogd Mountains, which tower over three large freshwater lakes, are a magnificent sight.

The magnificent scenery of the Altai Mountains stretches for 900 kilometers and is home to Palaeolithic remains, Scythian tombs, and an amazing collection of Bronze Age rock carvings. They are known as the “Golden Mountains” in the local Kazakh language.

3. MONGOLIAN GOBI DESERT

The desolate, harsh conditions of the  Gobi Desert  are not for the faint-hearted; this is what makes them so thrilling to explore. Venturing into the Gobi Desert is like visiting a dreamscape full of endless sand dunes, ancient rock formations, and bleak desert stretching out in every direction.

The  Gobi Desert  is one of the most inhospitable places on Earth, and yet it is home to a surprisingly diverse array of wildlife. The desert spans over 500,000 square kilometers, making it the fifth largest desert in the world. Despite its arid reputation, the Gobi Desert is actually quite lush, with grasslands, shrubs, and even trees.

The two main attractions in the Gobi Desert are Khongor’s incredible singing sand dunes and Yolyn Am and Dungeneegyn’s marvelous scenery. However, you can’t go wrong anywhere in the Gobi Desert as it is all so majestic– just be sure to stick to the path!

4. KHUVSGUL LAKE

Khuvsgul Lake is one of the most beautiful places in Northern Mongolia and is often referred to as the “Blue Pearl” of the country. Located in the northwest,  Khuvsgul Lake  is surrounded by mountains and forest steppes. The lake itself is over 70 kilometers long and 15 kilometers wide, and has a depth of up to 262 meters.

Khuvsgul Lake is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking available in the summer months. In the winter, the lake freezes over and becomes a popular spot for ice fishing and dog sledding.

Although Khövsgöl Lake lacks fish and marine life, it contains almost 70 percent of Mongolia’s freshwater. It was formed over two million years ago and is surrounded by a national park full of wildlife like ibex, elk, and brown bears. The views from the scenic trails are incredible, with picturesque landscapes of the lake on display.

5. KARAKORUM & ERDENE ZUU MONASTERY

Karakorum is ancient city of the Mongol Empire from 1235 to 1260, and it was here that Genghis Khan proclaimed himself the “Great Khan” of all Mongols. The city was later abandoned, and now only ruins remain. However, these ruins are still worth visiting as they offer a glimpse into the country’s rich history.

The ruins of grain silos, stone turtles, kiln smelting houses, and crumbling ancient stupas are still visible; a testament to the former power of this Mongol capital. Today, it’s a popular destination for those interested in walking in the footsteps of figures like Genghis Khan or checking out interesting Erdene Zuu Monastery and gorgeous Yuan Dynasty temple shrines.

6. KHUSTAIN NURUU NATIONAL PARK

Khustain Nuruu National Park is Mongolia’s first and only national park dedicated to the protection of the endangered Takhi, or Przewalski’s horse. These horses are the last remaining wild horses in the world, and they are native to the steppes of Mongolia.

The national park is located in the central part of Mongolia and covers an area of 1,600 square kilometers. It is home to a variety of plant and animal life, including the Takhi, red deer, argali sheep, Beech martens, and black kites.

The park also offers a unique opportunity to experience traditional Mongolian life. Visitors can stay in a ger (traditional Mongolian dwelling) and take part in activities such as horse riding, archery, and camel riding.

7. KHORGO TERKHIIN TSAGAAN NUUR NATIONAL PARK

This gorgeous stretch of conserved territory, which runs the length of the Mongolian northwest and is home to some amazing sights, has been a defining feature of the region since ancient times. The fractured caldera of Khorgo Volcano, an extinct volcano that once spread devastation throughout the valleys with its pyroclastic flows and ash clouds, can be seen from up high.

If you climb to the 2,240 meter-high peak today, you will be graced with a breathtaking view of volcanic ridges and lakes in every direction. This is also the home of Lake Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur, where you can see marsh deer and chitals roaming freely between the yurts of local nomad herders.

8. ERDENET CITY

Erdenet is the second largest city in Mongolia with a population of over 130,000 people. It is located in the north of the country and is an important mining center. Erdenet is known for its copper mines, which produce around one third of Mongolia’s total copper output.

It’s beautiful and bustling, with well-kept gardens in the heart of town, some excellent museums (dedicated to mining, of course) and easy access to the fascinating Buddhist temples at Amarbayasgalant Monastery to the north-east.

9. ELSEN TASARHAI

The sand dunes in Elsen Tasarkhai, which translates to ‘an isolated torn-off piece of sand,’ are quite the site. 280km west from Ulaanbaatar, these 80km long dunes along the Tarna River are a stark contrast to the Mount Khugnu Khan and Mount Ikh Mongol that surround it. Hike across the dunes and you may encounter some of its inhabitants: Maral stags, wolves, deer or foxes.

Ölgii is the capital of the Bayan-Ölgii Aimag (province), which is mostly Kazakh in Mongolia. The city’s stunning backdrop, which is sandwiched between the peaks of the Altai Mountains and the waters of the Khovd River, makes it a great starting point for seeing the magnificent scenery of Altai Tavan Bogd National Park.

The region has been home to the Kazakhs for centuries, long before modern Mongolia was founded in 1911. It flourished as a centre of Islamic teaching and culture until the religious purges of the 1930s. Today, it is known for its traditional Kazakh embroidery and music. Each year, up to 80 eagle hunters from all over Central Asia converge on the city for the famous  Golden Eagle Festival  – an event that celebrates their shared heritage.

OTHER FAMOUS PLACES IN MONGOLIA

• Terelj National Park
• Orkhon Valley (unesco world heritage site)
• Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park
• Khongor Sand Dunes
• Khan khentii national park

WHERE TO TRAVEL IN MONGOLIA?

If you’re wondering the above question , you’re not alone. Mongolia is a vast and largely unexplored country, making it a bit of a challenge to plan a trip. But that’s part of the appeal!

There are limitless possibilities for adventure in Mongolia. Whether you want to explore the untouched wilderness of the Mongolian steppe, go horseback riding through the Altai Mountains, or visit the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, there’s something for everyone.

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Top Places To Visit in Mongolia

A journey to Mongolia is a high priority for everybody desperately seeking a wild adventure and magnificent scenery. Mongolia is a country where roughly 35% of the people live a nomadic lifestyle. Mongolia is home to majestic mountains, natural beauty, and the rich history of the Mongol empire. If witnessing the nomadic pastoral traditions of Mongolians is not enough to attract you to visit Mongolia, the country's various natural wonders and archaeological sites will be.

From the Northern Mountains to the Gobi desert, the southern portion, this enormous and fascinating place is saturated with magnificent flaming cliffs, towering sand dunes, fascinating national parks, and extinct volcanoes. Several of the ancient sites in Mongolia are declared as UNESCO world heritage sites.

Situated in Asia, Mongolia is the place you must visit if you love scenic natural beauty, ancient culture, and diverse landscapes. In this blog, we have discussed and compiled a list of the 10 best places to visit in Mongolia.

List of Places To Visit in Mongolia

Gobi desert.

• Gorkhi- Terelj National Park

Altai Tavan Bogd National Park

• Genghis Khan Statue Comples

Orkhon Valley

Tuvkhun monastery, hustai national park, erdene zuu monastery, khuvsgul lake.

• Amarbayasgalant Monastery

In between Mongolian Altai, Khangai ranges, and the Himalayan Plateau, the Gobi Desert basin stretches over southern Mongolia and northwest of China. Long trips can be traveled by car on this landscape in either direction: northward towards the Hangayn and Altai mountains range, east towards the Energy Center and Sukhbaatar, or south towards the highest sand dunes Khongryn Els.

The Gobi Desert is a massive desert. Majestic mountains and sand dunes are strewn across the enormous and wonderful Gobi, which is flanked by barren plains and rare red canyons that conceal dinosaur bones. Gobi people are resilient camel breeders who are eager to demonstrate their precious animals to visitors.

There are a few fascinating monasteries in the desert, including the mystical Khamaryn Khiid adjacent to Sainshand. This monastery is located near a large energy hub that draws visitors from all over the world because of its restorative capabilities.

A portion of it is situated in southern Mongolia, near the Chinese border. Desert plains, sand dunes, red-rock cliffs, and unusual rock formations dominate the area. The Flaming Cliffs, an amazing, old sandstone cliff system, is one of the most popular tourist sites in the desert. There have been some significant fossil discoveries there.

Also worth seeing are the Tsagaan Suvraga (commonly identified as "White Stupas"), which are unusual wind-eroded formations.

Climb Mongolia's tallest and most attractive singing dunes, the Khongor sand dunes.

If you're traveling towards the Gobi via Ulaanbaatar, make a pit stop at Baga Gazriin Chuluu on the way.

How To Reach The Gobi Desert

You can travel via paved roadways, the journey to this spot in Mongolia from Ulaanbaatar takes approximately 8 hours. A domestic aircraft flight takes about an hour, but flights are not frequent unless it is peak season. It is encouraged to travel by car or jeep and stop at all of the beautiful places along the way.

When To Visit Gobi

Autumn and hot springs seasons are the best times to visit. It is suggested to plan your trip in April-May and September-October. Summer may be pleasant, although the average temperature is 34°C, with temperatures occasionally reaching 40°C.

Gorkhi Terelj National Park

Terelj National Park has stunning mountains, magnificent rock formations, attractive valleys, wild horses, and a river. It also includes a plethora of experiences such as horse riding, rock climbing, seeing a Buddhist monastery on a sacred mountain, staying in a traditional tent, and exploring nomadic people's homes.

Horseback riding across the spectacular terrain provides an adventure that is a must-do if you wish to get the true Mongolian adventure. Khagiin Khar Lake (a glacier lake), Yestii Hot Water Springs, and a Buddhist monastery are among the other places of interest.

Gorkhi Terelj National Park is one of the wonderful national parks to experience Mongolian landscapes in all their splendor without having to go far from the country.

How To Reach Gorkhi Terelj National Park

By vehicle, the national park is only 55 kilometers away from Ulaanbaatar city and takes only an hour to reach there. On the route, stop by the gigantic steel statue of Chinggis Khan on the horseback in the middle of the steppe.

When To Visit Terelj

The Terelj National Park is a truly excellent location to visit in Mongolia and is open for tourists all year round. Plan your trip in the winter season and it will be worth spending money and time.

Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, located in western Mongolia, near the Russian border and Chinese border, contains five of Mongolia's highest Altai mountains peaks. The location is rich in natural beauties, from glaciers to large freshwater lakes and archaeological sites, including the "Petroglyph Complexes ", UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Altai Tavan Bogd National Park in Mongolia will thrill outdoor enthusiasts and eagle hunters alike, covering a huge spectrum of terrain that encompasses everything from the Tavan Bogd mountain to the dazzling lakes of Dayan, Khoton, and Khurgan.

Since the area is remote and far from the populated locations, the national park feels pure and unspoiled, with plenty of fascinating species and flora to uncover. You can see the Siberian ibex and brown bears. There will be a sight of spectacular golden eagles gliding overhead.

Aside from several gorgeous sceneries that present themselves as excellent for bird watching, rock climbing, and river rafting, the national park is also one of the wonderful places to visit or stay with Kazakh and Tuvan families if you wish to develop a deeper knowledge and admiration for nomads life. You can enjoy activities such as Golden Eagle Festival, eagle hunters meetings, bird watching, horseback riding, and other cultural activities.

How To Reach Altai Tavan Bogd National Park

This spot is located western province of the country, It is recommended to fly to the capital of Bayan-Ulgii, which takes around 2.5 hours. Then, reach the Altai Tavan Bogd by renting a jeep or a car to reach the destination.

When To Visit Altai mountains

It is recommended to visit in the months of June-August, and September-October. The Golden Eagle Festival, which takes place near the Altai Tavan Bogd in October, is worth experiencing.

Genghis Khan Statue Complex

The massive horse-riding statue of Genghis Khan glints in the sunlight as the statue majestically appears over the grasslands and mountains surrounding the complex, which is simply stunning. The 40-meter-high statue was erected in 2008 to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the Mongol Empire's foundation. Its enormous grandeur and magnification are befitting of a ruler who rose to dominate such a vast region of land and is regarded as a national hero in his homeland.

Around 45 kilometers of Ulaanbaatar is the Genghis Khan Statue Complex which is the largest horse statue in the world currently. The complex is one of the best places to visit in Mongolia. You will also discover souvenir shops, a cafe, and an archaeological museum to visit once you arrive at the destination. You can also see ancient items from the period of Chinggis Khan in the art galleries.

How To Reach Genghis Khan Statue Complex

It takes around 1 hour to reach the complex from Ulaanbaatar. You can rent a car from Ulaanbaatar and drive via the paved roads to reach the destination.

When To Visit the Statue

The complex is open throughout the year for travelers to visit in Mongolia. You can plan a one-day trip to explore the magnificent statue surrounded by majestic mountains.

Orkhon Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its historical and cultural aspects. You can find and see ancient scriptures from the 8th-century. If you like nature, the Eighth Lakes (Naiman Nuur) and Orkhon waterfall should provide you with a spectacular spectacle. The ancient city of the Uighur flourished here.

The region is famous for its beautiful sceneries and significant historical sites. Buddhist monasteries, mansion ruins, and other ancient artifacts may be found in the Orkhon Valley.

The Orkhon River has been the Orkhon Valley's backbone. The majority of the area's historical landmarks are situated alongside the river's edge.

One of the most notable attractions in the area is the Erdene Zuu monastery. It is thought to be Mongolia's oldest surviving Buddhist monastery. Karakorum city remains are located next to the monastery. From 1235 to 1260, this ancient city served as the Mongol Empire's capital and stands as one of the best places to visit in Mongolia.

How To Reach Orkhon Valley

The distance between Orkhon Valley and the capital city is about 510 kilometers. You can easily get there via paved road on a car or a jeep.

When To Visit Karakorum and Orkhon valley

It is recommended to visit the spot during summer days, late autumn, and early spring.

This monastery is on the borders of the provinces of Uvurkhangai and Arkhangai. It's on a flat stony location near the top of the Shiveet-Ulaan Peak, surrounded by natural woodland and rock cliffs.

From the mountain's edge, visitors climb 5 kilometers to the monastery. The 14-year-old Zanabazar founder Jebtsundamba khutuktu Bogd founded the monastery in 1648. In 1651, he first discovered this lovely spot and built a tiny wooden hut for meditation.

Mongolian craftsmen constructed the monastery, and all of the structures feature excellent workpieces.

The Communists nearly completely demolished it, as they did other monasteries around the country. Today, there are distinctive rock formations known as the womb and cradle, which represent rebirth, as well as four temples and two stupas.

Climbing to steep heights and seeing the amazing beauty of untamed nature in the surrounding places is great fun that will leave you feeling relaxed and energized.

How To Reach Tuvkhun Monastery

The easiest way to reach the destination is from Kharkhorin, which is about 75 kilometers from the monastery. You can drive to the monastery by road. Once you reach there, you will have to hike for 5 kilometers to reach the mountain top.

When To Visit the Monastery

The best time to visit the monastery is from July to October.

Situated around 130 kilometers south of Ulaanbaatar, the park is Mongolia's strictly protected area. If you want to see the famous Mongolian steppe, it is a great spot to explore, and the lovely Khentii Mountains give some diversity to the picture.

Traveling through the national park is a real treat, as you see small groups of untamed horses galloping across the steppe with nothing but distant mountains in front.

The Przewalski's wild horses are the park's greatest showpiece. In the 1990s, they were brought back to the park, and there are now around 220 takhi (Przewalski horses) in the park. Hustai is the unique spot in the world where these horses can be found.

However, the park's main attraction is not the Przewalski horses. You can also observe other species such as red deer, sheep, and foxes.

How To Reach Hustai National Park

The easiest way to reach the destination is from Ulaanbaatar which is situated about 130 kilometers and a 2.5 hours drive.

When To Visit Hustai National Park

The national part is always open for visitors. You can plan and visit the destination in any month of the year.

The Erdene Zuu Monastery, a mile above Kharkhorin, once housed between 50 and 100 temples. The monastery was founded by Altai Khan in 1586 and is open for tourists to explore the premises and admire the panoramic splendor of the 16th-century temples.

The monastery is one of the country's oldest surviving Buddhist monasteries, with three temples and numerous statues and carvings. east zuu, middle zuu, and west zuu are the three principal temples.

We can also see Buddha's various pictures in these temples, including old times Buddha, prospective times Buddha, current times Buddha, his infant images, adulthood image, old age image, and his sapient students. The monastery is one of the places to visit and learn more deeply about the traditions, cultures, and religions of Mongolia.

How To Reach Erdene Zuu Monastery

You can easily get there by renting a car and driving through paved roads. From Ulaanbaatar, it takes about 6-7 hours to reach there.

At an elevation of 1,645 meters above sea level, Khuvsgul Lake is situated in northwestern Mongolia, adjacent to the Russian border.

The lake is one of 17 ancient lakes that date back over 2 million years. Eleven species of fish and 45 distinct water plants flourish in the Lake. There are 740 plant species identified on the lake banks. Larch woodlands, mountain ranges, and mountain networks surround Lake Khuvsgul. The lake freezes completely in the winter, with an ice sheet that is between 1 and 1.5 meters thick.

Camping in conventional tasted shelters known as ger tents around the lake allows you to immerse yourself in the life of a Mongolian local. Talk to the nomadic families who live in the beautiful countryside adjacent to the lake.

Hike up the numerous hills and hillsides around the Ardavhar Peninsula to find solitude and leisure. Furthermore, don't miss out on the stunning views of the unspoiled beauty of the lake.

How To Reach Khuvsgul Lake

Lake Khuvsgul is around 800 kilometers from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia country's capital. Traveling there by vehicle takes more than ten hours, but you can stop at several intriguing places along the route.

When To Visit Khuvsgul Lake

Lake Khuvsgul is available to the public at any time of year. Even in the summer, the water in this magnificent crystal blue lake is freezing.

Amarbayasgalant Monastery- UNESCO World Heritage Site

The aesthetically stunning monastery, one of Mongolia's three paramount monasteries, was constructed between 1727 and 1737 by Manchu ruler Yongzheng, the son of Kangxi (Qing dynasty).

Many valuable historical texts are kept within the monastery, especially the 226 volumes of Danjuur and the 108 volumes of Ganjuur, which were penned in 1628 and cover ancestral philosophies, pharmacy, history, science, and architecture. In 1996, UNESCO designated this magnificent monastery as a World Heritage Site.

In mid-August, the Monastery hosts one of the greatest religious rites, the Gongoriin Bumba sacrifice, which is attended by a significant number of local devotees.

How To Reach the Amarbayasgalant Monastery

The quickest and easiest way to reach the destination is by renting a vehicle from Ulaanbaatar. You will reach the monastery in around 5-6 hours from Ulaanbaatar.

When To Visit Amarbayasgalant

The best time to visit the monastery is from May to October, as the weather will be enjoyable and warm during this period.

Other Destination Spots

Furthermore, there are other best places to visit in Mongolia. To name a few, Khan Khentii National Park, Turtle Rock, Nuruu National Park, Gun Galuut Nature Reserve, three large freshwater lakes, Khorgo Volcano, Gangdam Monastery, Zaisan Memorial, Nuruu National Park, and Ulaanbaatar City are the most attractive tourists destinations in Mongolia.

The capital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar also has various scenic and attractive spots that you can visit. These spots include Central Sukhbaatar Square, Choijin Lama Temple, and numerous other shopping malls and tasty restaurants like the Shangri-La Hotel and Shopping Mall or the lounge with a nice view on top of the Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel.

How To Travel Around in Mongolia

If you want to fully discover Mongolia's many attractions, renting a car to drive with more mobility is essential. Mongolia offers a diverse range of activities and sights to explore. Renting a car allows you to travel to your desired close and distant locations while stopping at interesting sights along the way.

If you want to take a self-drive vacation to Mongolia, renting a dependable vehicle is the ideal option so you can continue exploring this magnificent country on your own schedules and routes. Mongolia's roads are imbalanced, so you'll need a car that's not just reliable, but also the perfect one.

We suggest renting a powerful and comfortable vehicle that can take you to any desired destination. If you are seeking a vehicle for self-drive the simple UAZ Patriot 4x4 or the Toyota Landcruiser 76, 79 Pickup, Prado (with automatic transmission) are the choices you should be considering.\

Since numerous destinations in Mongolia are rocky, offroad, or desert, It is highly recommended to go for UAZ Patriot and Toyota Landcruiser 76 due to their comfort, powerful engines, and ability to smoothly run on high terrains and rocky off-roads. The UAZ Patriot is designed to withstand cold and freezing temperatures and has sufficient height. It is ideal for adventures and has sufficient trunk space. A Toyota Landcruiser 76, 79 can also be rented. It's tough, comfortable, and comes with everything you desire in a car, making it ideal for lengthy road journeys.

Things You Should Consider When Renting A Self-Drive Vehicle

Just like any country, a person driving a car should possess a driver's license. Mongolia is no different. The question is, how a foreigner gets the driving license of Mongolia? In Mongolia, obtaining a driver's license is rather simple. All foreign nationals must obtain an International Driving License IDL or a Mongolian driving license to legally drive on Mongolian roads. However, the requirement to obtain a Mongolian driving license is that you need to pass a written test.

However, if you are a resident of a country included in the Vienna Conventions on Road Traffic, you can drive through the country on your valid and legal driving license. If you have a valid driving license and you belong to any country in Vienna Conventions on Roads Traffic, you can drive in the Mongolian Territory for up to one year after entering the country.

The required documents for applying driver's license are listed below. You need to submit a Driving License Permit application, in-person, to the Center of General Police Department of Mongolia, with the following documents:

• Valid foreign passport
• Address and card of your temporary residence
• Valid foreign driving license with a copy of license translated into Mongolian
• 1 clear photo in 3 by 4 size
• Receipt of the payment or fee

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10 Best Places to Visit in Mongolia 2023

Things to do & attractions in mongolia.

Mongolia is one of the most adventurous places to visit. Being the 18 th largest country in world, it is difficult to visit all the wonderful destinations of Mongolia. However, there are few highlights which are mandatory to visit no matter how short your trip is.

Following, we have 10 best places to visit in Mongolia which will definitely heal your spirit with wonderful nature, wild animals and unique nomadic lifestyle there.

Best Places to Visit in Mongolia

1# Legendary Orkhon Valley

It is one important cultural landscape to visit in Mongolia as it was an economic, political, administrative, religious center and greatest forum of civilization, all at once. It gives you opportunity to see history of 13 th century of Mongolia. You can explore 8 important sites by horse trekking, driving and trekking.

2# KhungnuTarna National Park

This place gains uniqueness because of the three different natural zones amalgamated in one area. This place includes mineral water sources, mountains, forests, steppes and Gobi-type desert in one location. Further, this place is perfect for climbing, hiking and camel riding.

3# Manzushir Monastry

This spot is not only popular among tourists but also is a weekend spot for locals. This place is surrounded by beautiful forest of Siberian larch with a milieu of natural granite cliffs which are eroded into tors of huge rounded boulders. This place can be visited anytime around the year and is perfect for photography.

4# Mongol Nomadic Show

This show is best to experience unique Mongolian nomadic lifestyle via meeting families and experiencing their life by riding an ox-cart through the steppe. Memories and experiences created here are the surreal.

5# Khustai National Park

It is the biggest and highly protected National Park of Mongolia. It is built on 50,620-hectare area to protect Mongolian wild horse called the takhi and forest-steppe environment and the reserve’s steppe.

Spending a night there is totally worth it because every time of the day gives unique beauty experience. This place comprises of various endangered species of wild animals, flowers and birds around the world.

6# ZorgolKhairkhan Mountain

This is an ideal spot for the hiking lovers or people who love to ride horses through green steppe, wish to camp and picnic while witnessing absolute beauty of nature. You can also visit lake and meet the central Khalkha family.

7# Tolbo Lake

It is located 34 km from Ulgii town. It is one of the biggest freshwater lake in Mongol Altai Mountains. This lake is surrounded by rocky Mountains with backdrop of snow covered mountains. Here you can meet water birds in various spots and visit small islands during the stay there.

8# Terelj National Park

It is a picturesque place with high cliffs of granite, rivers and forests. It is one of the most attractive places for tourists due to it magnificent scenery and its propinquityto Ulaanbaatar.

9# Gun Galuut Nature Reserve

This place allows you to experience adventurous tours and perform special interest activities. This area is for conservation of global threatened species with high mountains, steppes, rivers, lakes and wetlands which are a homeland of unique creatures and a paradise of birds.

10# Magnificent Khuvsgul Lake

Mongolia is land-locked country therefore, this place attracts every local or tourist. As only 11% of the land is covered with forest and Khuvsgul lake is known for itultimate beauty all around the world.

Every season and any time of the day gives soul fulfilling experience. People here camp, fish and perform multiple activities and sports. Therefore, it is a must visit destination.

On your visit to Mongolia heal your spirit and soul with wonderful nature, wild animals and unique nomadic lifestyle there.

• What is the Capital of Mongolia?
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Sobiya (Staff Writer)

Sobiya is a staff writer at tripfore.com. She loves to feature best places, tour attractions and worldwide destinations in her travel blogs.

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10 Best National Parks You Must Explore in Mongolia

photo by Sarah Lachise on Unsplash

There are dozens of great national parks and strictly protected areas to visit in Mongolia, but we've narrowed it down to the ten best, based on giving travellers unique experiences, for ease of accessibility, adequate service and facilities, and good road infrastructure.

• Bogd Khan Uul National Park
• Gorkhi-Terelj National Park
• Khustain Nuruu National Park
• Great Burkhan Khaldun Mountain and Surrounding Landscape
• Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape
• Khuvsgul Lake National Park
• Khyargas Nuur National Park
• Khorgo Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park
• Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park
• Altai Tavan Bogd National Park

01. Bogd Khan Uul National Park

Located south of the capital city Ulaanbaatar, the majestic Bogd Khan Uul ( Saint Khan Mountain ) and its surrounding national park can be seen anywhere from the city. The closest most people have come to experience the beauty of this sacred mountain is usually atop the Zaisan Hill Memorial Complex.

The mountain at its peak rises to 2,261 metres altitude, which gives amazing panoramic views over the city and surrounding area and valleys. Hiking up the mountain is for the outdoor enthusiast’s dream as you will walk through the forest, see small streams, get a glimpse of various wild animals and birds, and smell wild fauna and flowers.

The mountain has a varying level of steepness suited for all levels and the hike up is usually around 2 to 3 hours. The mountain is accessible all year round, and especially during the winter, it makes for a great escape out of the city for crisp clean air.

Why you should visit Bogd Khan Uul Natonal park:

• Go all the way to the top of Bogd Khan
• Picnic in the woods
• Panoramic views of the Ulaanbaatar city atop of the Soyombo Mountain (don’t climb up the mountain with the portrait of Chinggis Khan.)
• Go Skiing in the winter at Sky Resort
• Play golf in the summer at Sky Resort
• Sledging at the foothills of the mountain
• Ice Sledding and Skiing on the Tuul River in the winter

Read our comprehensive guide about the Bogd Khan National Park .

02. Gorkhi-Terelj National Park

Perhaps the most popular national park in Mongolia, and quite rightly so. Located just 50km from the capital city, most of the park is within the city of Ulaanbaatar (UB).

Terelj is a popular destination for day trips and weekend getaways for the local UB residents, and a glimpse into Mongolia for tourists.

Not only does it boast some of the most beautiful and unique landscapes in the country, but it also offers travellers a wide range of things to do. These include outdoor activities, places of cultural interest, top-quality amenities, and a great place to relax your mind and body.

Terelj is accessible for all ages and all group types, and there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Why you should visit Gorkhi-Terelj National Park:

• Aryabal Temple and the panoramic views of Terelj and Turtle Rock
• Terelj Turtle Rock
• Horse and Camel riding
• Taste of traditional Mongolian food at Ayanchin Lodge and
• Relax and get pampered in style at the 5 Stay Terelj Hotel
• Wild camping near the Tuul River
• Go Lodge, Camp or Resort hopping to sample different types of food and drink.

Beautiful landscape, meditation, outdoor activities, luxury and relaxation. Most developed park in Mongolia

03. Khustain Nuruu National Park

Khustai (Hustai) Nuruu National Park is famous for its conservation of the last remaining truly wild horses in the world, known as Takhi in Mongolia and better known as Przewalski's horse around the world. Takhi was once considered extinct in the wild until captive horses were reintroduced to their natural habitat during the early 90s in Mongolia. Since then the population number has grown and now boasts the largest number of wild horses in the world.

The Khustain Nuruu National Park covers an area of 506 square kilometres and it is a specially protected area. It is home to several wild animals such as red deer, wolf, ibex, gazelle, wild sheep, and a wide range of plants, fauna and fungus.

Getting around to Khustai Nuruu is roughly 100km (2-3 hours) from Ulaanbaatar and most of the trip is on tarmac road. Only the last 5-10km is on a dirt road as you turn into the park.

Our top picks include Khustain Nuruu National Park:

• Seeing the wild horses
• Hiking up the hills and trying out the different trails
• Camp overnight outside the park
• Spot other wild animals and different species of plants and fungus

Read the visitors guide to Khustain Nuruu National Park .

04. Great Burkhan Khaldun Mountain and Surrounding Landscape

Located in the North East of Mongolia's Khentii Mountain range in Khentii province, Burkhan Khaldun is one of the most important national parks in Mongolia. It covers roughly 12,000 square kilometres (4,600 sq mi) and it reaches 2,2362 metres (7,749 ft) above sea level, making it the highest mountain in the Khentii region.

The site is famous for its religion and its historical importance, as it's believed to be the birthplace of Ghenghis Khan and the hidden burial site. Also, it is the birthplace of Subutai, the most decorated military general of the Mongol Empire. The mountain and the surrounding landscape has long been a sacred place for religious activities for over a thousand year.

In 2015, UNESCO added the area to its list of World Heritage Sites under the title of ''Great Burkhan Khaldun Mountain and its surrounding sacred landscape".

Why should you visit Burkhan Khaldun Mountain:

• Beautiful Scenery
• Great for Hiking in the winter and summer
• Place of cultural and religious importance
• Place of historic significance related to the development of Mongolia

05. Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape

Orkhon Valley and surrounding area are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s a must-visit place in Mongolia because of the rich history, cultural importance and natural beauty. It is located near the Orkhon River, 320km west of the capital city Ulaanbaatar in Central Mongolia. The current day area encompasses the southern tip of Arkhangai and the northwestern tip of Uvurkhangai province.

The area around Orkhon Valley is most famous for Kharkhorin (Karakorum) , the ancient capital city of the Mongolian Empire and Erdene Zuu, the oldest surviving Buddhist monastery. Also, it was the site of many Xiongnu, Goturk and Uighurs empires, where you will find Turkic stone inscriptions called Kul Tigin steles (Orkhon Inscription) and Khar Balgas ruins, the ancient capital of the Uighur empire.

Why should you visit Orkhon Valley:

• Visit Kharkhorin for Erdene Zuu Buddhist Monastery and step inside the temples, marvel at ornate statues, stupas and the outer walls.
• See the Orkhon Inscription (Kul Tigin monument) memorial written in the old Turkic alphabet in honour of the Turkic princesses, Kul Tigin and Bilge Khagan.
• See the remains of Khar balgas ruins , the ancient capital of the Uighur empire
• Visit the 17th-century beautiful Shankh Monastery, only 25km south of Kharkorin.
• Visit the 17th scenic Tuvkhun Hermitage monastery, built 2300 meters above sea level on top of the Shireet mountain with amazing panoramic views.
• Orkhon Waterfall (Red Waterfall), the most famous waterfall in Mongolia.

Read the visitors guide to Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape & Kharkhorin .

06. Khuvsgul Lake National Park

Khuvsgul Lake and the surrounding National Park is one of the most beautiful places in Mongolia and it is suitable for all types of travellers for all seasons. It is located in the northwestern area of Mongolia in the Khuvsgul province near the Russian border.

Lake Khuvsgul was formed over 2 million years ago and it is one of the seventeen ancient lakes in the world. After Lake Vostok, the water is the most pristine in the world and it is the largest freshwater lake and second-largest body of water in Mongolia.

Did you know Lake Khuvsgul is also known as:

• Blue Pearl of Mongolia
• Younger Sister of Lake Baikal
• Khuvsgul Ocean
• Ocean Mother

The area around Khuvsgul Lake is great for camping, hiking, climbing, horseback riding, kayaking, and a great place to simply relax and take in nature. Areas around Hatgal at the southern tip of the Khuvsgul Lake is well developed and offers tourists a wide variety of camps and resorts with a good level of amenities and services comparable to Terelj National Park.

The lake and park is home to many different types of mammals, birds, fish, plants, trees, flora and fauna. Some of the popular animal sightseeings include the eagles, swans, crane, musk deer, ibex, wolf, wolverine, brown bear, and the lake are home to fishes such as salmon, grayling, lenok, perch, sturgeon and burbot.

Why should you visit Khuvsgul Lake National Park:

• Stay in a traditional Mongolia ger camp and listen to the sound of the waves
• Jump on a private boat for a tour of the Khuvsgul Lake and visit the Khusliin Khad (Wishing Rock Island) to make a wish.
• See the Tsaatan, reindeers herders.
• Hike up the nearest mountain for a scenic view of Khuvsgul Lake
• Walk along the shores and admire the crystal clear waters
• Take a dive or tip your toe into the icy water, or experience scuba diving in the lake

07. Khyargas Nuur National Park

Khyargas Nuur (Khyargas Lake) is the second-largest salt lake after Uvs Nuur Lake and the fourth largest lake in Mongolia. Khyrgas Nuur protected area includes Airag Lake, a freshwater lake on the southern tip which drains into the Khyargas Lake through a 5km long and 200-300 meter canal.

Both lakes are within the Great Lakes Depression zone and it covers an area of 100,000 square kilometres (39,000 square miles) spanning the provinces of Uvs, Khovd, Bayan-Ulgii, Zavkhan and Gobi-Altai. The depression forms part of the six main lakes of the Western and Khangai region of Mongolia, including the Uvs Nuur, Khyargas Nuur, Airag Nuur, Dorgon Nuur, Khar-Us Nuur and Khar Nuur.

Why you should visit Khyargas Nuur:

• 2-for-1 experience of visiting saline water and freshwater lake, and a chance to see several lakes along the way.
• Dive into the saline water and cover yourself in the mud for natural skin care remedy
• Visit Khetsuu Khad (Difficult Rock), the enormous white rock formation sticking out of the southern tip of Khyargas Nuur
• See the migrating birds nest on the Khetsuu Khad, showstoppers include Dalmatian pelican
• Visit the cold springs located at the northwest and stay at the Khyargas Nuur Resort eco-camp.

08. Khorgo Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park

The picturesque Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur is one of the most popular destinations among locals and tourists alike of all ages and abilities. The park covers 8 square kilometres (3 square miles) and it is located in the Tariat district of Arkhangai province, approximately 650km east of Ulaanbaatar.

The national park includes the extinct volcano Khorgo Uul Mountain, the freshwater lake Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur (White Lake), the volcanic fields of Tariatyn Chuluut, the rocky river valleys of the Chuluut River & Gorge and a nearby lump of granite rock named Taikhar Chuluu which has hand-carved writing from 6th century.

Within the park, there are many traditional ger camps with a good level of amenities and services, and it is one of the best places to camp in Mongolia if you want to experience it. There is a wide range of activities on offer such as horseback riding, hiking, trekking, rafting, fishing, bike and cycling.

Why you should visit Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur :

• Unique landscape not found anywhere in Mongolia and the views from the volcanic mountain is fantastic on a clear day.
• Many attractions in a relatively small area by Mongolia’s standards
• Easy to reach with the fully paved road from Ulaanbaatar
• On the way pass-through Kharkhorin, Erdene Zuu, Orkhon Valley
• Detour and treat yourself at Tsenkher and surrounding hot springs near Arkhangai’s capital city Tsetserleg. And, grab a barista coffee, a burger, a pizza and a full English breakfast from Fairfield Guesthouse & Cafe Bakery in Tsetserleg. You will be amazed at how home comforts can taste so much better in the wild. Check out the Fairfield video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwgTnNwMga0

09. Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park

Gobi Gurvansaikhan (Three Beauties) National Park is the largest national park in Mongolia, covering 27,000 square kilometres (10,425 square miles), almost the size of Belgium. The park is located about 600km from Ulaanbaatar in Umnugobi province, south of Mongolia.

The park is most famous for being rich in dinosaur fossils, the beautiful Singing Sand dunes, two-humped Gobi camel (Bacterian camel), home to many endangered animals like snow leopard, wild takhi horse (Przewalski's horse) argali sheep, Siberian ibex and the Gobi bear (Mazaalai). Other natural beauties include the Bayanzag flaming cliffs, Khermen Tsav canyon, and Yolyn Am (Eagle Valley) ice fields.

Why you should visit Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park:

• Follow the footsteps of Roy Chapman Andrews for a true Adventure
• Feel the vastness of the Mongolian outback
• Admire the Flamings Cliffs of Bayanzag at sunset and the experience of being on Mars.
• Slide or tumble down the Singing Sand Dunes of the Khongoryn Els
• Go for a ride on a two-humped camel and get that cosy feeling.
• Bring along your best binoculars for a spot of endangered animals in their natural habitat.
• Watch the Gobi sunset and imagine you are in Serengeti.

10. Altai Tavan Bogd National Park

Located far west of Mongolia in the province of Bayan-Ulgii rests the majestic Altai Tavan Bogd (Five Saints) mountain, covering the area of 6,362 square kilometres (2,456 square miles) and it marks the natural western boundaries between China and Russia.

Altai Tavan Bogd has five peaks and the highest is known as the Khuiten Uul (Cold Mountain/Peak), and it’s also the tallest mountain in Mongolia, reaching 4,356 meters above sea level. The four other peaks are known as Nairamdal (Friendship), Malchin (Herder), Burger (Eagle), Ulgii. The national park has 3 great freshwater lakes named Khoton, Khurgan and Dayan, numerous waterfalls and 34 glaciers, and Potanin Glacier is the biggest and most well-known glacier covering an area of 23 square kilometres.

Altai Tavan Bogd National Park is great for adventure travellers who want to hike up in the mountains and see the glaciers and waterfalls. There are many activities available including trekking, horseback riding, mountain climbing, staying with a nomadic Kazakh family, meeting the eagle hunters and camping at the foothills of the mountains and just enjoying the most epic scenery.

Why you should visit Altai Tavan Bogd National Park:

• Climb to the top of Mongolia
• Visit the 14km long Potanin Glacier and the Alexander Glacier
• See the Tsagaan Gol (White River), mixed glacial meltwater and sediments
• Camp at the beautiful lake sites of Khoton Nuur and Khurgan Nuur.
• Meet the local ethnic Kazakh people and try the local cuisine
• See the Kazakh eagle hunters in action at the Golden Eagle Festival
• Visit the 15 km 2 UNESCO World Heritage site of Tsagaan Salaa Rock Paintings, containing 10,000 petroglyphs dating back to the Neolithic to the Bronze age.
• Great location for photographers and videographers
• Wide range of outdoor activities available from local tour operators

Mongolia Itinerary: How To Spend 2 Weeks In Mongolia

By Jessie Festa. This guide to planning a trip to Mongolia contains affiliate links to trusted partners.

Need help planning an unforgettable Mongolia itinerary ?

Then you’re in the right place!

Known as the Land of the Blue Sky, Mongolia is renowned for its natural beauty, nomadic heritage, and rich culture, all of which you will experience through the below travel plan.

As this beautiful country is remote and isn’t influenced by mass tourism, it’s possible to enjoy a truly authentic experience while having many of Mongolia’s special places all to yourself.

But, what are the best places to visit within 2 weeks in Mongolia?

The below itinerary shares exactly where to go and what to do – with suggestions for shorter and longer itineraries included. Not only that, but you’ll learn important tips for staying safe and enjoying your trip plus must-pack essentials.

Ready to embark on an unforgettable trip to Mongolia? Grab your passport and let’s go!

Note: This Mongolia travel itinerary is based on a trip I did with WHOA Travel, a sustainable adventure travel company for women. They work with a local partner, Eternal Landscapes, who focus on immersive and sustainable experiences in Mongolia. I’ll share more below about booking tours and drivers.

Free Mongolia Itinerary Planning Resources

But first, before we go over tips for planning a trip to Mongolia , I invite you to grab my free  Ultimate Travel Planning Kit  — which includes 40+ travel resources — from printables to quizzes to itineraries — all meant to help you explore the world beyond the guidebook!

Some highlights of the kit include:

• Free “Where Should You Travel Next?” personality quiz
• Pre-plotted Google Maps for 50+ destinations (including Mongolia)
• Printable travel journal with writing prompts
• Packing lists for different types of trips

Once you’ve grabbed your copy , keep reading for tips for traveling to Mongolia .

Is Mongolia Worth Going To?

As someone who has visited Mongolia , I think it is one of the most special places in the world.

Something really unique about Mongolia is it only receives about 66,900 tourists per year , meaning you can still have a very authentic experience that isn’t watered down to appeal to the masses.

While there are places you go and see a lot, Mongolia is a place you will go and experience a lot – including many that will be unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before!

Is Mongolia Safe?

According to Travel Safe-Abroad , Mongolia has one of the lowest crime rates in Asia and is one of the safest places to travel. Your main concern will be petty theft in Ulaanbaatar – so make sure you know how to avoid pickpockets .

If you’re interested in solo travel in Mongolia, also know that the country is generally safe for female travelers. As always, just make sure to use common sense and keep the usual travel safety tips in mind.

Best Time To Visit Mongolia

The best time to travel to Mongolia depends on where you plan to go, what you plan to do, and your ability to handle extreme heat and cold.

Summer (June-August) is the peak tourism season, with warm weather and important festivals like Naadam taking place.

If you want to enjoy nice weather while saving money on high-season prices, autumn (September to October) and spring (March to May) are also great options. Just note that the latter can still be pretty chilly.

Mongolia’s winters are harsh, though if you can handle the cold you can partake in seasonal experiences like dog sledding and ice festivals.

Getting To Mongolia

If you’re arriving from out of the country, you’ll fly into Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital.

It’s a modern airport with amenities like restaurants, shops, and WiFi. Additionally, many airlines service the airport, like Turkish Airlines, Korean Air, MIAT, Asiana Airlines, Air China, and more.

Getting Around Mongolia

In Ulaanbaatar, you can get around on foot and by public bus.

There are also ride-hailing apps like UBCab, though when I tried to use it it required a Mongolian phone number. Alternatively, you can hail a cab on the street by sticking your arm out or call a taxi company to order a car and ask for the driver’s license plate number and arrival time.

To explore Mongolia beyond Ulaanbaatar, it’s highly recommended to hire a driver. Do not try to rent a car, as the roads are typically unmarked, unpaved, and tough to navigate.

You’ll also want to pre-book a driver for getting to and from the airport in Ulaanbaatar, as the drive takes about 1-2 hours.

Mongolia Travel Map

To help give you a lay of the land, here is a map for visiting Mongolia. It includes most of the main points and activities mentioned in the below 2 week Mongolia itinerary pre-plotted:

Click here for the interactive version of the above map .

2 Week Mongolia Itinerary (Overview)

Now let’s discuss our recommended Mongolia travel itinerary. With 2 weeks in Mongolia, you can spend:

• 2 days in Ulaanbaatar
• 4 days in the Mongolian Gobi Desert
• 4 days in the Altai Mountains
• 2 days in Hustai National Park

Feel free to adjust the timing of this Mongolia trip based on your preferences.

2 Week Mongolia Itinerary (Full Breakdown)

Now that we’ve quickly gone over where you should go for your Mongolia 2 week itinerary, let’s break down exactly what you should do. These are some of the best places to visit in Mongolia , and the following suggestions can help you really maximize your time in each place.

Note that this itinerary is based on my own trip to Mongolia with WHOA Travel and their local partner Eternal Landscapes Mongolia – both of which are highly recommended companies!

Stop #1) Ulaanbaatar

Length: 2 days

Tours: Click here for a list of top-rated Ulaanbaatar tours

Recommended hotels near the tourist-friendly Chinggis Square area:

– Puma Imperial Hotel (my favorite)

– H9 Hotel Nine

– Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar

– Click here for a full list of top-rated Ulaanbaatar hotels

Restaurants:

-Grand Khaan Irish Pub (wide variety of Mongolian and Western dishes)

-Modern Nomads (mix of Mongolian and global fare)

-Hazara (delicious Indian food)

-Azzurro (Mongolian restaurant with amazing views)

-Luna Blanca Vegan Restaurant (Mongolian food is extremely meat-heavy, so head here when you’re craving lighter and more vegetable-forward fare)

Ulaanbaatar is the capital city of Mongolia and is where you can explore the country’s rich heritage as well as its modern present.

Though much of this Mongolia itinerary takes place in the countryside, spending some time in the big city will allow you to adjust to your new surroundings while educating yourself on the local history and culture.

It’s recommended to spend the first day of your Mongolia trip taking it easy and acclimating to the time zone. Grab your camera and wander around the lively Chinggis Square (Sukhbaatar Square), which is frequently used for events, festivals, and concerts.

You’ll also be able to take in some gorgeous views of the city – particularly of the Blue Sky Tower Residence , which looks like the body of a cobra.

Here you’ll also find numerous points of interest like a statue of Chinggis Khaan (Genghis Khan) as well as the Chinggis Khaan Garden , Mongolian State Academic Theater of Opera & Ballet , and the Cultural Palace (which houses the Mongolian National Modern Art Gallery ).

Beyond the square, you can leisurely peruse important institutions like the National History Museum of Mongolia , the Bogd Khaan Palace Museum of Mongolia , and the Zanabazar Museum of Fine Art.

You might also consider visiting Gandantegchinlen Monastery (Gandan Monastery), Mongolia’s largest active monastery. Founded in 1838, it’s one of Mongolia’s only Buddhist monasteries to survive the Stalinist purges , a time when many Buddhist temples were destroyed. Inside, there is a towering 26.5-meter-tall Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of Compassion, glimmering in gold.

On your second day in Mongolia, you might opt to do another museum – though you should also take a trip to Zaisan Hill Memorial .

Make sure to eat a hearty breakfast, as you’ll need to walk up 600 steps. Luckily, you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views of the Ulaanbaatar skyline, the Tuul River, and the surrounding hills and mountains.

For a bit of background, the memorial was built between 1971 and 1974 to show gratitude to the Soviet Union (USSR) for its assistance during Mongolia’s fight against Japanese forces. It features a memorial complex honoring the Soviet soldiers who lost their lives during WWII.

Interested in Ulaanbaatar nightlife? Along with your typical bars and clubs, you can also see a local throat singing performance!

Stop #2) Mongolian Gobi Desert

Length: 4 days

Tours: I was accompanied by Eternal Landscapes for my entire Mongolia itinerary for 2 weeks. No matter what company you go with, you will absolutely want to go with a guide and driver. The roads in the Gobi Desert are unpaved and unmarked, making them extremely hard to navigate. Plus, your guide can act as a translator when needed.

Stay: When staying overnight in the Gobi you’ll be camping and/or doing ger homestays organized by your Mongolia tour operator.

No trip to Mongolia would be complete without spending some time in the world-famous Gobi Desert. Spread out over 500,000 square miles (1,300,000 square kilometers), there is a lot to do and see here.

Fun fact: did you know that only 5% of the Gobi Desert is sand dunes ? As you journey through this Mongolia itinerary highlight, you’ll see the landscape morph between grassy steppes, lush valleys, granite mountains, and even rivers and lakes – making it the perfect place for outdoor adventures like hiking and biking.

During my time in the Gobi Desert, I biked from place to place, with support vehicles always nearby.

On the first night, my group camped in Baga Gazriin Chuluu Nature Reserve , which showcases rugged rock formations and towering granite mountains begging to be climbed.

It was incredible sleeping under a sky full of stars and plants (I saw Venus!) and waking up to hike the rock formations at sunrise. There are also horses, mountain sheep, wild goats, and marmots.

Within the reserve, we also visited the ruins of Chuluun Sum (Rock Temple), believed to be part of the larger Tsorjiin Khuree Monastery. Like hundreds of other monasteries, it was destroyed during the Stalinist purges of the 1930s, though the ruins offer sacred solace as well as sweeping views of the surrounding steppe.

From there, we headed to Jargalant Cave , a striking 18-meter-long cave where you’re forced to belly crawl the deeper you go in.

Continuing on the Gobi Desert portion of the trip, the scenery continued to be stunning and the animal viewing plentiful. Keep your eyes peeled for Bactrian camels, which have two humps. Mongolia is one of the few places in the world where you can see them!

A few other highlights:

• Camping outside the ger home of a local family for a cultural twist
• Planting a tree with the Gobi Tree Planting Project and doing a homestay with the founder’s family
• Seeing a local concert in the town of Erdenedalai

Alternative Gobi Desert Itinerary

Alternatively, another option for this portion of your Mongolia itinerary is to fly from Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad Airport to begin your Gobi Desert journey at Bayanzag .

Also known as the Flaming Cliffs thanks to their bright red color, Bayanzag is a famous paleontological site where dinosaur eggs and remains have been found.

From there, you can travel to the Khongor Sand Dunes , which are some of Mongolia’s largest white dunes. When it is windy, they make a unique sound that leads people to also call them the “Singing Dunes.” You can climb to the top of the dunes to take in gorgeous Gobi Desert views and then slide down for a unique experience.

The dunes are located within Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park – Mongolia’s largest national park; so on the final days, you can continue exploring its beauty.

This name translates to “Three Beauties of Gobi,” a nod to three beautiful subranges: Western Beauty, Middle Beauty, and Eastern Beauty.

One place of interest within the park is the Yol Valley , which narrows gradually into a stunning gorge as you move through it.

After your time in the Gobi Desert, fly back to Ulaanbaatar.

Stop #3: Altai Mountains

Tours: I was accompanied by Eternal Landscapes for my entire time traveling in Mongolia. No matter what company you go with, you will absolutely want to go with a guide and driver. The roads in the Altai Mountains are unpaved and unmarked, making them extremely hard to navigate. Plus, your guide can act as a translator when needed.

Stay: When staying overnight in the Altai Mountains countryside you’ll be camping and/or doing ger homestays organized by your Mongolia tour operator.

The main reason I love Mongolia is its natural beauty, which really shines in the Altai Mountains. Personally, this was the main highlight of traveling to Mongolia, as the region is one of the most stunning I have ever seen.

Stretching across China, Kazakstan, Mongolia, and Russia, the snow-capped mountains, lush valleys, glacial lakes, and crystal rivers of the Altai region beg you to stay a while and explore the outdoors.

From Ulaanbaatar, you’ll fly into Ölgii Airport , the gateway to the Bayan-Ölgii Province . From here, you’ll journey by car for about 4-6 hours into the Mongolian countryside.

While you can camp, it’s highly recommended to spend some of your time doing a ger homestay with a local Kazakh family to learn more about their way of life as nomadic herders. Many Kazakh people fled political unrest in Kazakhstan in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, ending up in Mongolia.

Today, you can immerse yourself in their culture through activities like learning how they hunt with eagles, Kazakh embroidery, helping tend to the farm animals and cooking, listening to traditional Kazakh music, eating Kazakh foods, sipping milk tea, and simply spending time with them.

On the first night of my homestay, I was welcomed with a feast that included beshbarmak , a Kazakh dish of boiled meat like mutton and horse as well as thick flat noodles. The name translates to “five fingers” in Kazakh, referring to the traditional way of eating the dish with one’s hands.

While visiting the Altai Mountains , you’ll undoubtedly do a lot of hiking. One incredible place to do this is Altai Tavan Bogd National Park , which encompasses 6,362 square kilometers (2,456 square miles) of beauty.

Some highlights of the national park include:

• Khuiten Peak , the highest peak in Mongolia (the park is actually home to the five highest in the country)
• Potanin Glacier , the largest glacier in Mongolia
• Ancient rock art and petroglyphs (which are considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Along with hiking, you can enjoy activities like horseback riding, mountain climbing, fishing, and spotting wildlife like ibex, argali sheep, and snow leopards.

Once you’re done with your adventure, fly back to Ulaanbaatar.

Stop #4: Hustai National Park

Tours: Click here for a list of top-rated tours to Hustai National Park from Ulaanbaatar – including a day tour of the park if you’d like to do a shorter trip.

Stay: When staying overnight near Hustai National Park you’ll be camping and/or doing ger homestays organized by your Mongolia tour operator.

Located about 2-3 hours by car from Ulaanbaatar – including a mix of highway and off-roading – Hustai National Park is known for its wildlife, particularly its wild horses.

Interestingly, the park was originally created to reintroduce Takhi or Przewalski horses in 1992 – which, according to my guide, are the world’s only true wild horses.

The main activities in the park are:

• Visiting the museum and gift shop
• Doing a wild horse game drive
• Hiking to enjoy the beautiful scenery and see wildlife like red-footed falcons, red deer, eagles, and marmots
• Bird watching
• Horse riding and camel riding

It’s also a great place to stay with a local family in a ger for some cultural immersion. I stayed with the Batchuluun family just outside of the park, who taught me how to do traditional Mongolian felt-making. I even got to make my own pair of earrings!

Another highlight of the homestay was enjoying a traditional Mongolian barbecue ( khorkhog ). For this, large river stones are collected to be heated and used in the cooking process.

The meat – typically mutton, and we also had chicken – is cut into small, bite-sized pieces and seasoned with salt. Additionally, my hosts added veggies like large carrots, potatoes, and cabbage.⁠

When it’s time to cook the meat, a large pot is heated using the stones – which are also added inside the pot. Basically, you layer the stones, then the meat and ingredients, and repeat this process. Thick dough is added at the top to help seal the heat.⁠

The ingredients are cooked for several hours, allowing them to tenderize.⁠ Yum!

Stop #5: Ulaanbaatar

Finish up your Mongolia tourism experience back in the capital enjoying some of the experiences you didn’t get to do at the beginning and adding on some new ones.

When it comes to what to see in Mongolia, one popular activity is a day tour of the giant Genghis Khan Statue, Terelj National Park, and Aryabal Temple .

The statue is the largest horse statue in the world at 40 meters tall, and you’ll be able to climb to the top. Additionally, you’ll hike the uniquely-shaped Turtle Rock and to Ariyabal Meditation Temple , the latter of which is a peaceful place known for its beauty and panoramic views.

For many, it’s an Ulaanbaatar itinerary highlight!

Shorter Mongolia Itineraries

Short on time? Here is how I would tweak the itinerary if you have less than 2 weeks in Mongolia:

5 Days In Mongolia . If your trip is only 5 days, I’d personally start and end in Ulaanbaatar and spend the middle 3 days in the stunning Altai Mountains.

Alternatively, you might choose to base out of Ulaanbaatar and do driveable trips to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park and Hustai National Park. You could also do a day trip to Elsen Tasarkhai for a Semi Gobi Experience .

7 Days In Mongolia. With one week in Mongolia, I’d stick to Ulaanbaatar as well as driveable trips from the city. Additionally, I’d include 3-4 days in the Altai Mountains.

10 Days In Mongolia. With 10 Days in Mongolia, I’d keep the above 2-week itinerary almost the same except I’d cut Hustai National Park and spend one less day in Ulaanbaatar.

Bonus Destinations For A Mongolia Itinerary

Are you spending 3 weeks in Mongolia, or maybe you want to swap out a different destination for something else?

You can see a long list of recommended Mongolia destinations here, a few of which include:

Lake Khovsgol National Park. Also known as Khövsgöl Nuur National Park, it showcases 8,865 square kilometers (3,423 square miles) of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and wildlife like the Siberian ibex, argali sheep, Eurasian lynx, and the gray wolf. You can also visit Lake Khövsgöl — aka the “Blue Pearl,” one of Central Asia’s largest and deepest freshwater lakes.

Tsagaan Suvarga. Also known as the White Stupa, this Mongolia attraction showcases huge limestone cliffs that look like a row of stacked stupas in the Gobi Desert.

Orkhon Valley. This is a popular addition to a Mongolia itinerary due to its historical, cultural, and natural significance. Take in the astounding beauty of the landscape and also make sure to see Mongolia’s largest waterfall,  Ulaan Tsutgalan  (Orkhon Waterfall).

Tips For Planning A Trip To Mongolia

The following advice can help you maximize your Mongolia itinerary:

Consider booking a tour. As I stated in the introduction, my trip to Mongolia was with WHOA Travel and their local partner organization, Eternal Landscapes . Both companies were absolutely fantastic and made traveling through Mongolia a lot easier.

Not only that, but having a local guide allowed me to have experiences I wouldn’t have been able to find on my own while also immersing myself in the local culture. For instance, I did a number of ger homestays, and would not have been able to communicate with my hosts had it not been for my local guides.

Hire a driver. While Ulaanbaatar is a typical city with clear street signs and addresses, traveling through more remote places like the Gobi Desert and the Altai Mountains isn’t as straightforward.

I was constantly amazed at how our drivers were able to figure out where we were going when there wasn’t any signage for hours. For this reason, and because the roads are rough, it’s recommended to go with a tour or at least hire a local driver when you travel to Mongolia.

Realize there will be a lot of travel time and bumpy roads. Along with spending a lot of time in the car, you’ll be going over bumpy and uneven terrain. I suggest doing some yoga or stretching before getting in the car, and having podcasts and audiobooks downloaded for entertainment.

Prepare to eat a lot of meat and dairy. During my 2 weeks in Mongolia, I was offered mutton at almost every meal. Luckily, as a vegetarian, my Eternal Landscapes guides were able to prepare special meals for me.

Additionally, dairy is a huge part of Mongolian culture since many people rely on herding livestock for their livelihoods. When you stay in a ger camp, you’ll always be offered some type of milk or milk tea, which is a sign of hospitality. It is rude to refuse, so drink up.

Always carry toilet paper. In the Mongolian countryside and at your ger homestays, you’ll be going to the bathroom in a hole in the ground. Additionally, even in the city, many bathrooms don’t have toilet paper – so make sure to carry your own.

What To Pack For A Trip To Mongolia

Along with your regular packing essentials, clothing, toiletries, and medications, a few specialty items to bring include:

Hygiene Items

• Toilet paper
• Biodegradable cleansing wipes
• Hand sanitizer

Hydration & Sun Protection

• Water bottle or hydration bladder
• Portable water filter
• Chapstick with SPF
• Polarized sunglasses

Camping & Homestay Essentials

• Sleeping pad
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping liner

Outdoor Adventure Essentials

I found these items particularly important when visiting the Altai Mountains:

• Down jacket
• Rain jacket
• Daypack with waterproof cover
• Hiking snacks
• Moisture-wicking base layer
• Hiking boots with Gore-Tex
• Moisture-wicking socks
• Sock liners
• Moleskine adhesive

Other Items To Bring

• Gifts for your host family (optional, but appreciated)
• Portable charger since there aren’t outlets
• Travel insurance — essential to make sure you’re always protected

Mongolia Travel Itinerary Planning FAQ

Here are answers to frequently asked questions about planning the perfect Mongolia itinerary:

Q: How many days are enough for Mongolia?

When it comes to how long to spend in Mongolia, realize the country is large and that travel times between places can be long. For this reason, it’s recommended to spend a minimum of 10 to 14 days in Mongolia to see some of the main highlights.

Q) Is Mongolia friendly to American tourists?

Hospitality is deeply rooted in Mongolian culture, and locals are typically friendly and welcoming to all tourists, including Americans.

Q) Is Mongolia a cheap place to visit?

In general, Mongolia is considered to be an inexpensive travel destination. Budget travelers can expect to spend around $30 to $50 per day, while mid-range travelers may spend approximately $70 to $100 per day.

Q) Is it possible to do an independent trip across Mongolia?

While it is possible, it is highly recommended to book a tour or at least a driver, as roads outside of Ulaanbaatar tend to be unmarked, unpaved, and very hard to navigate. Additionally, a guide can help you communicate with your ger homestay hosts, who most definitely won’t speak English.

Q) What are some typical Mongolian foods to try?

A few traditional Mongolian foods to try include buuz (meat dumplings), bansh (smaller dumplings typically boiled in soup or fried), and khorkhog (authentic Mongolian barbecue).

Mongolia Travel Insurance

When visiting Mongolia — or anywhere else in the world — it’s wise to get travel insurance.

One of the  best travel medical insurance for travelers  is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country.

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

Click here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

Final Thoughts On Planning A Trip To Mongolia

I hope you enjoyed this Mongolia travel blog! There are so many incredible places to visit when traveling or backpacking in Mongolia.

Whether you want to use domestic flights to get around, do day trips from Ulaanbaatar, or create more of a Mongolia road trip itinerary, you can enjoy spectacular scenery and rich culture.

And if you follow the above-mentioned Mongolia travel guide, you’ll experience some of the best the Land of the Blue Sky has to offer.

What would you add to this Mongolia itinerary?