Dreaming of open steppe, nomadic traditions, and untouched landscapes? Head to Mongolia! Known for its dramatic scenery, Gobi Desert, and centuries-old heritage, Mongolia offers a one-of-a-kind adventure for travelers seeking authenticity and wilderness. Whether you're riding horses across grasslands or sleeping in a traditional ger, Mongolia is unforgettable.
Mongolia Highlights:
- For Nature Lovers: Roam the plains of Terelj National Park – Hike granite cliffs, visit Buddhist temples, and ride horses through open landscapes.
- For Adventurers: Explore the Gobi Desert – Camel trek across sand dunes, discover flaming cliffs, and camp under the stars.
- For History Buffs: Visit Karakorum and Erdene Zuu Monastery – Explore the ruins of the Mongol Empire's ancient capital and its sacred sites.
- For Culture Seekers: Experience nomadic life with a local family – Stay in a ger, taste traditional foods, and learn centuries-old customs.
- For Wildlife Watchers: Spot wild horses in Hustai National Park – See the rare Przewalski’s horse in its native habitat.
When I like to visit Mongolia
The best time to visit Mongolia is in the summer (June–August), when the weather is warm and festivals like Naadam take place. Spring and fall (May or September) offer mild temperatures with fewer tourists. Winter is extremely cold but ideal for snow landscapes and eagle festivals in the west.
Tips for getting to Mongolia
- By Air: Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN) near Ulaanbaatar has flights from South Korea, China, Germany, Turkey, and Russia.
- By Train: The Trans-Mongolian Railway connects Moscow and Beijing via Ulaanbaatar.
- By Road: Border crossings from Russia and China are possible but require local transport coordination.
Where I like to stay in Mongolia
- Recommended for Cultural Experiences: Ger Camps – Stay in traditional felt tents (gers) with meals and guided treks included.
- For Urban Comfort: Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar – Luxury hotel in the heart of the capital with modern amenities and mountain views.
- For Budget Travelers: UB Guesthouse & Hostel – Affordable lodging and reliable tour booking for backpackers and solo travelers.
Best Things to Do in Mongolia
1. Trek to Glaciers at Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
Location: Western Mongolia, near the borders with China and Russia
Recommended For: Wilderness trekkers, nature photographers, cultural travelers, and anyone craving remote adventure.
What I Love: ♥ "Endless sky, jagged peaks, and ancient rock art—this park is where nature, history, and raw beauty collide. It’s a soul-stirring escape into Mongolia’s wild heart."
- Hike beneath the towering Tavan Bogd mountains and experience some of Mongolia’s most untouched terrain.
- Discover over 10,000 Tsagaan Salaa rock paintings—Neolithic and Bronze Age carvings that whisper stories of ancient life.
- Spot rare wildlife like Argali sheep, ibex, golden eagles, and even moose in this high-altitude haven.
Cost: Entry fees are minimal but guided treks and permits may be required for certain areas—check with local tour operators.
Best time to visit: June through September, when the weather is mild and trails are accessible.
Local tips: Bring a guide for the best access and safety—this is remote backcountry. Pack layers, and expect limited connectivity and amenities.
Distance: About 4 hours by 4WD from Ölgii (Bayan-Ölgii Province capital); flights available from Ulaanbaatar to Ölgii.
How to Get to Altai Tavan Bogd: Fly from Ulaanbaatar to Ölgii, then travel by 4WD across rugged terrain to the park’s entrance. Most trips require multi-day tours.
2. Admire Temple Architecture at Amarbayasgalant Monastery
Location: Northern Mongolia, Selenge Province
Recommended For: Cultural travelers, architecture enthusiasts, spiritual seekers, and lovers of remote, serene landscapes.
What I Love: ♥ "Tucked into a quiet valley, Amarbayasgalant feels sacred from the moment you arrive. Its Chinese-style temples glow with history, resilience, and beauty. You don’t just visit—you feel it."
- Tour more than 40 temples in one of Mongolia’s largest monasteries, built in the 18th century with stunning Chinese architecture.
- Learn about the site’s turbulent history, including its partial destruction during the 1930s and careful restoration supported by UNESCO.
- Experience peaceful surroundings while exploring Buddhist art, artifacts, and spiritual traditions.
Cost: Entry is low-cost; some areas may require small additional donations or local guide fees.
Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for clear skies and easier road access—winters can be harsh and isolating.
Local tips: Bring snacks, water, and cash—facilities are minimal. The road in can be rough, so a 4WD vehicle is recommended.
Distance: About 6–7 hours north of Ulaanbaatar by car; located near the border of Bulgan and Selenge provinces.
How to Get to Amarbayasgalant Monastery: Drive north from Ulaanbaatar toward Darkhan, then follow signs to Baruunbüren soum. Local guides or tour operators can assist with navigation and access.
Address: Amarbayasgalant Monastery, Selenge Province, Mongolia
No central phone—contact a local tour guide or travel agency for more information
3. Explore the Granite Formations of Baga Gazriin Chuluu
Location: Dundgovi Province, Southern Mongolia
Recommended For: Hikers, nature lovers, spiritual travelers, geology buffs, and off-the-beaten-path explorers.
What I Love: ♥ "Massive granite formations rise from the steppe like something out of a dream. Add mystical springs, ancient temple ruins, and the quiet crunch of marmots in the distance—it’s Mongolia at its most raw and wondrous."
- Climb dramatic rock formations stretching over 15 kilometers for panoramic views and photo-worthy terrain.
- Explore Bolort Cave, known for its glittering crystal formations and ancient stone art tucked within the rocks.
- Visit a legendary freshwater spring said to cure blindness, and wander among 18th-century Buddhist temple ruins.
Cost: Entry is free; local guides may offer paid tours. Bring cash for donations or assistance from nearby camps.
Best time to visit: Late spring through early autumn; summer offers the best weather for hiking and camping.
Local tips: There’s limited signage—go with a guide or GPS coordinates. Watch for ibex on the cliffs and marmots near the rocks. Bring your own food and water.
Distance: About 240 km south of Ulaanbaatar; reachable by car in 5–6 hours over rough terrain.
How to Get to Baga Gazriin Chuluu: Drive south from Ulaanbaatar toward Mandalgovi, then follow unpaved roads into the Dundgovi desert. A 4WD vehicle is highly recommended.
Address: Baga Gazriin Chuluu, Dundgovi Province, Mongolia
No phone—coordinate with local tour operators or ger camps nearby
4. Stand at the Heart of Chinggis Square
Location: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Recommended For: History lovers, city explorers, photographers, and anyone interested in Mongolia’s national identity.
What I Love: ♥ "It’s not just a square—it’s Mongolia’s heartbeat. Standing between Genghis Khan and Sükhbaatar statues, you feel the weight of revolutions, independence, and cultural pride all in one place."
- Visit the massive central statue of Damdin Sükhbaatar, the revolutionary hero who declared Mongolia’s independence in 1921.
- Admire the bronze Genghis Khan seated atop marble steps at the north end—a tribute to Mongolia’s founding emperor.
- Stand on historic ground where Mongolia’s major independence protests and political movements unfolded in 1990.
Cost: Free and open to the public; accessible day and night with no entry fee.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for pleasant walking weather and vibrant public events. Early morning or golden hour for photography.
Local tips: Visit at sunrise for serene views and uncrowded photos; nearby Government Palace and National Museum are walkable from here.
Distance: Located in the heart of Ulaanbaatar, easily accessible on foot from hotels, museums, and shopping areas.
How to Get to Chinggis Square: From any point in central Ulaanbaatar, head to Sükhbaatar District—Chinggis Square is surrounded by major government buildings and easily walkable from Peace Avenue.
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
5. Uncover a Maverick Monk’s Legacy at the Danzanravjaa Museum
Location: Sainshand, Dornogovi Province, Mongolia
Recommended For: Cultural travelers, history lovers, spiritual seekers, and anyone drawn to the unusual and profound.
What I Love: ♥ "A museum born from a buried treasure chest? Yes, really. Danzanravjaa’s life was wild, wise, and ahead of its time—and the artifacts? Jaw-dropping. It’s eerie, poetic, and unforgettable."
- Explore the life and legacy of Danzanravjaa, a 19th-century monk, poet, and visionary who championed education, the arts, and gender equality.
- View sacred relics including a flute made from a human femur and ceremonial items crafted from skulls—preserved through Mongolia’s communist era by being hidden in the desert.
- Discover the story of how these treasures were recovered in a real-life post-1990 treasure hunt that helped establish this one-of-a-kind museum.
Cost: Very affordable entry; small additional fee for guided tours or photography may apply.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for mild desert travel conditions and full museum access; summer brings local festivals to the area.
Local tips: Ask for an English-speaking guide to get the full story behind the artifacts; pair your visit with a trip to Khamariin Khiid monastery nearby for the full Danzanravjaa experience.
Distance: Located in Sainshand, about 8–9 hours southeast of Ulaanbaatar by train or car.
How to Get to the Danzanravjaa Museum: Take the Trans-Mongolian Railway to Sainshand or drive via the paved highway from Ulaanbaatar. The museum is located in the center of town and is well marked.
Address: Danzanravjaa Museum, Sainshand, Dornogovi Province, Mongolia
No phone listed—coordinate visits with local guesthouses or tour operators
6. Step into Mongolia’s Oldest Monastery Complex at Erdene Zuu
Location: Kharkhorin, Övörkhangai Province, Mongolia
Recommended For: History buffs, spiritual travelers, architecture lovers, and anyone exploring Mongolia’s ancient heartland.
What I Love: ♥ "Standing in Erdene Zuu feels like being wrapped in layers of time. Weathered stupas, ancient prayer halls, and the quiet chants of monks—it’s both a ruin and a revival, alive with centuries of resilience."
- Visit the oldest surviving monastery in Mongolia, originally built in the 16th century and named for its “100 Treasures.”
- Reflect on its survival through the 1930s communist purges—when most temples were destroyed and monks were persecuted.
- Explore its dual life today as a functioning monastery and museum, with ongoing efforts to restore its former grandeur.
Cost: Entry requires a small fee, with optional guide services available for deeper context.
Best time to visit: Summer months (June to September) for warm weather and open access; visit during Naadam for a cultural bonus.
Local tips: Be respectful of the monks and rituals—this is a living place of worship. Don’t miss the outer wall with its 108 stupas, a symbolic number in Buddhism.
Distance: Located in Kharkhorin, about 6 hours west of Ulaanbaatar by car or bus.
How to Get to Erdene Zuu Monastery: Travel west from Ulaanbaatar via the paved road to Kharkhorin. The monastery sits just outside the town center and is well-marked.
Address: Erdene Zuu Monastery, Kharkhorin, Övörkhangai Province, Mongolia
7. Experience Living Faith and Towering Statues at Gandantegchinlen Monastery
Location: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Recommended For: Spiritual travelers, cultural explorers, architecture fans, and anyone curious about Mongolia’s religious history.
What I Love: ♥ "The sound of chanting, the flash of gold from a towering deity, and the contrast between solemn white walls and brilliant green roofs—it’s both peaceful and powerful, a rare survivor of Mongolia’s turbulent past."
- Visit one of the few monasteries to survive the 1930s communist purge, originally built in the 19th century.
- See the enormous statue of Migjid Janraisig, a Buddhist bodhisattva, standing at nearly 27 meters tall inside the main temple.
- Experience active prayer rituals and explore colorful halls and courtyards that still hum with spiritual life.
Cost: Small entry fee; additional charge for photography inside temples. Donations appreciated.
Best time to visit: Year-round—mornings are best for seeing monks in prayer and catching the soft light on temple roofs.
Local tips: Dress modestly, observe respectfully during rituals, and visit with a guide if you want deeper historical insight.
Distance: Located just west of central Ulaanbaatar, easily reachable on foot or by taxi.
How to Get to Gandantegchinlen Monastery: From Peace Avenue in downtown Ulaanbaatar, head west and follow signs or ask locals—most know the way to this iconic landmark.
Address: Gandantegchinlen Monastery, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
8. Marvel at the World’s Tallest Equestrian Statue of Genghis Khan
Location: Tsonjin Boldog, 50 km east of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Recommended For: History buffs, photo-seekers, families, and anyone fascinated by epic-scale monuments and Mongolian heritage.
What I Love: ♥ "You see it before you even arrive—Genghis Khan towering on horseback, silver against the sky. Climb to the horse’s head for sweeping views, try on traditional garb, and stand face-to-face with a legend."
- See the world’s largest equestrian statue, standing 40 meters high and shining in polished stainless steel.
- Climb to the top of the horse’s head for panoramic views of the surrounding steppe.
- Explore the museum complex inside the base, featuring exhibits on the Mongol Empire, traditional weapons, and royal attire you can try on.
Cost: Admission required for statue base entry and museum access; small additional fee to ascend to the viewing platform.
Best time to visit: May through September for clear skies and green steppe; mornings offer the best light for photos.
Local tips: Combine your visit with nearby Terelj National Park; the drive is scenic, and local guides offer great insight into Khan’s legacy.
Distance: About 1.5 hours east of Ulaanbaatar by car.
How to Get to the Genghis Khan Statue: Travel east from Ulaanbaatar via the Nalaikh District and follow signs for Tsonjin Boldog. Roads are paved and suitable for cars or tour vans.
Address: Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue, Tsonjin Boldog, Mongolia
For Nature Lovers:
9. See Desert Valleys in Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park
Location: South Gobi Province, Mongolia
Recommended For: Adventure travelers, nature lovers, photographers, and those seeking desert solitude and epic landscapes.
What I Love: ♥ "Endless sand dunes singing in the wind, canyons carved by time, and landscapes so remote they feel like another planet. You’ll come for the views and leave with awe."
- Marvel at the towering Khongoryn Els sand dunes—some over 300 feet tall and nicknamed the “Singing Sands.”
- Hike through the deep Yolyn Am canyon, home to ice even in summer and elusive snow leopards.
- Explore wind-sculpted cliffs, ancient petroglyphs, and sprawling steppe on camelback or 4x4 jeep.
Cost: Modest park entrance fee; guided tours or camel rides extra. Many travelers book through a local tour agency.
Best time to visit: Late spring (May–June) and early fall (September) offer cooler temps and clearer skies. Summer can be very hot, and winters are harsh.
Local tips: Pack layers and lots of water. This park is remote—many sites require a guide, a sturdy vehicle, and a strong sense of adventure.
Distance: Around 600 kilometers south of Ulaanbaatar. Most visitors fly into Dalanzadgad or join multi-day desert tours.
How to Get to Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park: Fly from Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad, then drive by jeep or van. Roads are rough—plan for off-road travel and long distances between stops.
Address: Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, South Gobi Province, Mongolia<
10. Hike in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park
Location: 80 km northeast of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Recommended For: Nature lovers, adventure seekers, photographers, and anyone looking to experience Mongolian culture just outside the capital.
What I Love: ♥ "Rolling green valleys, towering rock formations, and the chance to ride horses under wide-open skies. Plus, sleeping in a cozy ger with traditional music? Yes, please."
- Hike or ride horseback through serene meadows to Turtle Rock and beyond.
- Cross a swaying suspension bridge to discover a hidden Buddhist temple tucked in the hills.
- Snap a selfie with a real eagle and stay overnight in a traditional Mongolian ger for an immersive cultural experience.
Cost: Entry is affordable, with additional costs for activities like guided hikes, horseback riding, and ger stays. Many travelers join day or overnight tours from Ulaanbaatar.
Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall (May–September) offers mild weather and lush scenery. Winters are frigid but beautifully stark if you're prepared.
Local tips: Bring cash for local experiences, and don’t skip the traditional food and throat-singing performances if offered!
Distance: Just under 2 hours by car from Ulaanbaatar. Ideal for a day trip or overnight getaway.
How to Get to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park: Drive or join a local tour group departing from Ulaanbaatar. Taxis and private drivers are also available.
Address: Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, Mongolia
Where I Like to Eat in Mongolia
- Recommended for Traditional Fare: Modern Nomads (Ulaanbaatar) – Sample khuushuur, buuz, and hearty stews in a traveler-friendly setting.
- For Contemporary Mongolian Cuisine: BD's Mongolian Grill – Create-your-own stir-fry with local ingredients in a casual atmosphere.
- For International Options: Rosewood Kitchen + Enoteca – Cozy, Western-style bistro with seasonal dishes and fine wine.
My favorite local events:
- For Sports and Culture: Naadam Festival (July) – Celebrate Mongolia's "Three Manly Games" in Ulaanbaatar and local towns.
- For Wildlife Fans: Golden Eagle Festival (October) – Witness eagle hunters compete in western Mongolia’s Bayan-Ölgii Province.
- For Spiritual Observers: Tsagaan Sar (February) – Celebrate Mongolian Lunar New Year with traditions, family visits, and food.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30–90 Minutes of Ulaanbaatar:
- For Spiritual Sites: Gorkhi-Terelj National Park (1 hr) – Rock formations, the Aryapala Meditation Temple, and hiking trails.
- For Historical Views: Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex (1 hr) – Climb to the horse’s head for panoramic steppe views.
- For Relaxation: Tsonjin Boldog (90 min) – Enjoy wide open landscapes, riverside picnics, and horse riding near nomadic camps.
- For Culture: Bogd Khan Mountain and Museum (30 min) – Hike the sacred peak or visit the palace museum of Mongolia’s last king.
- For Wildlife: Hustai National Park (90 min) – Spot the rare Takhi horses and explore grassy valleys and hills.
Plan Your Trip