Mongolia Travel Insights

2 Weeks in Mongolia - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With two weeks in Mongolia, you can experience the capital city, traverse a variety of landscapes, and learn about nomadic culture. Active travelers can hike Tsagaan Suvarga's limestone cliffs or tackle the trek to Malchin Peak. Culture enthusiasts will enjoy sampling street food in Ulaanbaatar, riding a camel in the Gobi Desert, and spending time with Kazakh eagle hunters. Those interested in equestrian activities can watch horse racing at the Naadam Festival or tour the Altai Mountains on horseback.

10 Days in Mongolia - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days in Mongolia, you can visit 3-4 regions. Outdoorsy travelers eager to experience varied landscapes can search for fossils in the Middle Gobi, ride a camel across the Khongor dunes, and catch a sunset at Bayanzag's Flaming Cliffs. Culture enthusiasts will appreciate homestays with nomadic families in Khatgal and the chance to witness archery and horse racing at the Naadam Festival. Active adventurers can trek through the Yolyn Am Gorge and hike to the Khavtsgait Petroglyphs.

1 Week in Mongolia - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

One week in Mongolia gives you time for urban exploration, cultural encounters, and outdoor adventures. Foodies will enjoy street eats in Ulaanbaatar and a cooking lesson with a nomadic family in the Bayan Gobi. Active travelers can tackle a challenging trek up Malchin Peak. History and culture enthusiasts will appreciate a tour of Gandan Monastery and a day with a yak breeding family, while those keen on diving into local traditions should plan to attend the Golden Eagle Festival at Tolbo Lake.

5 Days in Mongolia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Although five days is a short time in Mongolia, you can get an introduction to the history, culture, and landscapes. History buffs will appreciate city and temple tours in Kharkhorin and Ulaanbaatar, while travelers interested in nomadic life can overnight in yurts and prepare traditional dishes with a local family in Terelj National Park. Animal lovers will enjoy spotting Hustai National Park's wild horses, and outdoorsy adventurers can trek in Yolyn Am Gorge and sandboard the Khongoryn Els Dunes.

Horseback Adventure Through Mongolia's Altai Mountains - 14 Days

This epic 14-day experience takes you into Mongolia's Altai Mountains, traversing ancient routes on horseback just like the Mongols of old. Start in Ulaanbaatar, where you'll tour the city and visit the equestrian statue of Genghis Khan. Then, you're off to Ölgii to begin a multiday horse trekking adventure. Ride along the shores of Khoton Lake, see the icy glacier waters of the Tsagaan Gol, and meet Kazakh eagle hunters. Finish back in Ulaanbaatar for more sightseeing and a traditional folklore performance.

Experience Mongolia's Natural Landscapes & Naadam Festival - 14 Days

Spend two weeks admiring Mongolia's vibrant capital, vast landscapes, and rich culture with the opportunity to attend the annual Naadam Festival. Start in the bustling streets of Ulaanbaatar to visit the city's many landmarks. Then, head to Lake Khovsgol, where you can discover scenic landscapes by boat, horseback, or trekking. From here, witness traditional rituals and games during the festival before transitioning into nature to explore flaming cliffs, towering sand dunes, and lush canyons.

Experience Mongolia's Danshig Naadam Festival - 5 Days

Take a quick deep-dive into Mongolian culture with this five-day trip that showcases the annual Danshig Naadam Festival. Begin with a tour of the National Museum in Ulaanbaatar to gain an overview of Mongolian history, then continue to the festival's opening ceremonies and spend two days enjoying the archery matches, horse races, and traditional monk dancing. Cap the adventure off in Kharkhorin, the former capital of the Mongol Empire, and stay in a traditional yurt in a nomadic village nearby.

Active Adventure Across Mongolia's Epic Landscapes - 14 Days

Pack your hiking shoes, as this 14-day highlights tour takes you to some of Mongolia's best landscapes. Start with two days in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar before heading into the countryside to traverse the Elsen Tasarkhai dunes atop a camel. Take a city break in Kharkhorin, then hike up a mountain to admire the Tuvkhun Monastery. You'll also discover the unique rock formations of Tsagaan Suvarga and Baga Gazariin Chuluu on foot and horseback before ending back in the capital.

Hiking Adventure in Central Mongolia - 7 Days

Experience the best of central Mongolia's rich natural and cultural heritage on this seven-day guided hiking adventure that takes you from the museums of Ulaanbaatar, across the vast Mongolian steppe grasslands, up sacred mountains, through pristine national parks, into the great Orkhon Valley, and over the dunes of Bayan Gobi. Meet nomadic families, spot wild horses, explore ancient monasteries, and savor the local cuisine, all while overnighting in traditional ger (yurt) camps.

Central Mongolia Explorer: National Parks, Sand Dunes & Nomadic Culture - 5 Days

In just five days, you can discover some of central Mongolia's best natural landscapes and get a glimpse of its traditional nomadic culture. Start with a city tour in the capital of Ulaanbaatar, then continue to Hustai National Park to watch endangered horses roam freely and sandboard down the golden dunes of Elsen Tasarkhai. Meet a nomad family and learn how to make airag, Mongolia's national drink, then wake up at dawn to chant with the monks at Erdene Zuu Monastery before ending back in Ulaanbaatar.

Experience Mongolia's Nomadic Culture - 5 Days

This quick, five-day itinerary immerses you in Mongolia's rich nomadic culture as you go from the bustling streets of Ulaanbaatar to the remote steppe. Watch Przewalski's horses roam free in Hustai National Park, enjoy a cultural performance at the Mongol Nomadic Cultural Heritage Center, and meet a nomadic horse breeding family to learn about their day-to-day life. End back in Ulaanbaatar, exploring the city's landmarks and watching a folk performance by the Tumen-Ekh ensemble.

Experience Mongolia's Capital & the Golden Eagle Festival - 7 Days

Get an insider's look at Mongolia through one of the country's most anticipated annual events—October's Golden Eagle Festival. Start in Ulaanbaatar to sample local delights at Narantuul Market and delve into local history at the National Museum of Mongolia, then fly to Ölgii to meet the Kazakh eagle hunters. Spend the next two days watching the hunters and their birds of prey compete, then end back in the capital to shop for cashmere and watch a performance from the Tumen-Ekh ensemble.

Best of Mongolia's Natural Landscapes & Rich Culture - 7 Days

Adventurous types can experience the highlights of Mongolia's natural landscapes and rich culture on this fast-paced guided tour. Starting with a restful night in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, you'll head to three national parks to hit the trails, visit monasteries, see the endangered tahki horses, and sleep in a traditional Mongolian yurt known as a ger. You'll also discover the Elsen Tasarkhai Sand Dunes with a camel ride and watch the Tumen-Ekh ensemble perform to end your whirlwind week.

Experience Mongolia’s Gobi Desert & Naadam Festival - 10 Days

Get to the heart of Mongolia's nomadic culture and desert landscape on this exciting 10-day tour. It starts in Ulaanbaatar, where you'll see the giant Buddha statue at Gandan Monastery and visit the imposing monument of Genghis Khan. Then, you're off to the Gobi Desert for hiking, followed by a day trip to the Naadam Festival—the country's ultimate nomad celebration. From here, you'll trek through the Khongor Dunes, meet (and ride!) camels, and observe endangered horses at a national park.

Active Tour in Central Mongolia: Ancient Cities, Nomadic Farms & Mountain Hikes - 10 Days

This adventure-filled tour of central Mongolia starts in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, where you'll visit historic museums and the impressive Gandan Monastery. Then, it's off to Terelj and Hustai National Parks for hiking, horseback riding, and "glamping" in luxurious yurt campsites. Next, take in expansive mountain views from Tuvkun Monastery, explore the ancient capital city of Kharkhorin, and return to Ulaanbaatar for a trek up Zaisan Memorial Hill and a traditional folklore dinner show.

Highlights of Mongolia: Desert, Mountains, History & Culture - 10 Days

Follow the nomadic paths of the ancient Mongols on this active and cultural 10-day tour. The adventure starts in Ulaanbaatar, where you can learn about the country's history at the National Museum of Mongolia. Then, you're off to hike the limestone formations of Tsagaan Suvarga and ride horses through the incredible Yolyn Am Gorge. From here, you'll trek the shifting sands of Khongor Dunes, see ancient relics in Kharkhorin, and finish in Ulaanbaatar with a traditional Mongolian folklore show.

Mongolia Overland Adventure: Deserts, Mountains & Steppe - 16 Days

Embark on the ultimate Mongolian road trip with this 16-day guided driving tour. With a knowledgable guide and a trusty 4x4, you'll set out from the capital of Ulaanbaatar to discover the breathtaking diversity of Mongolian landscapes—from sweeping steppes to vast freshwater lakes and arid deserts. By day you'll experience outdoor adventures and cultural highlights, while nights are spent amongst nature in comfortable yurt camps.

Mongolia's Reindeer People: Horse Trekking & Camping in the Taiga - 11 Days

This rugged, once-in-a-lifetime adventure takes you to the hidden Taiga forests of northern Mongolia, home to the last of the nomadic Tsaatan people. After an epic journey from the capital of Ulaanbaatar, you'll set out on horseback to spend three nights living among the Tsaatan, learning about their Shamanism, traditions, and daily life. Switch gears for some downtime on the unspoiled shores of remote Lake Khuvsgul before heading back to the capital for some last-minute sightseeing and souvenirs.

Mongolia Mountain & Desert Adventure: Altai Tavan Bogd National Park & Gobi Desert - 14 Days

Discover two of Mongolia's most distinctive landscapes on this dynamic two-week itinerary. It all starts in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, where you'll have a chance to explore before heading to Ölgii to camp under the stars in a traditional ger (yurt). Trek to Malchin Peak, see the lush White River Valley, then visit a local Kazakh family and meet the eagles they train for hunting. Ride a camel through shifting sand dunes, climb the fiery cliffs of Bayanzag, and end back in Ulaanbaatar to tour the city's top sites.

Wildlife Tour of Mongolia - 7 Days

From owls and falcons to foxes and wolves, this 7-day tour around Mongolia has plenty to offer wildlife enthusiasts. You'll spend two days exploring Terelj National Park, looking for colorful birds, before heading into the desert landscapes of Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park. Hike through the rocky ravine of Yolyn Am and sleep out under the stars in a traditional ger (yurt) camp before heading back to civilization.

Highlights of Mongolia - 7 Days

Immerse yourself in the unique culture and ethereal landscapes of Mongolia on this weeklong tour of the country's highlights. You'll hike in the mountains, spot wild horses, sleep in a traditional ger (yurt) camp, and ride a camel across sand dunes at sunset. You'll also have the chance to learn about Mongolian culture and history while exploring museums and monuments in the city of Ulaanbaatar.

Highlights of Mongolia: Monasteries, Mountains & Desert Dunes - 5 Days

See the highlights of Mongolia on this five-day tour, starting in ancient Kharkhorin, where you'll visit what was once the world's largest Buddhist university and overnight in a yurt under the stars. Then, you're off to ride camels through the Gobi Desert and hike the ravines of the Yol Valley's "Vulture's Mouth." Finish in Mongolia's capital city of Ulaanbaatar for shopping and sightseeing before heading home.

Active Adventures in Mongolia: Mountains, Glaciers & Altai Tavan Bogd National Park - 7 Days

This exciting weeklong tour of Mongolia starts in Ulaanbaatar, where you'll see ancient artifacts at the National Museum of Mongolia and stroll the bustling Main Square. Then, it's off to Altai Tavan Bogd National Park to camp under the stars like the nomads of old. Ascend Malchin Peak for panoramic views, visit a local Kazakh family and meet the golden eagles they raise and train for hunting, and end back in Ulaanbaatar for more sightseeing, shopping, and dinner at a local restaurant.

Trekking Tour of Altai Tavan Bogd National Park - 10 Days

Get away from it all on this trekking trip through remote Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. Accompanied by an expert team that includes a mountain guide, a cook, support staff, and camels to transport gear, you'll explore the quiet trails of the rugged region, enjoying views of icy glaciers, milky-white rivers, and sweeping mountain scenery. After more than a week of camping at different spots along the trail, finish the trip with a day of sightseeing in Ulaanbaatar.

Birdwatching & Wildlife Tour of Mongolia - 14 Days

See the best of Mongolia's wildlife and culture on this wide-ranging 14-day tour. You'll see wild horses, Pallas's cats, and a wide variety of rare birds in their natural habitats as you explore the red cliffs of the Gobi Desert, the rocky ravine of Yolyn Am Gorge, and several national parks. Sleep under the stars in a traditional Mongolian ger (yurt), falling asleep to the sounds of nature, before heading back to the capital city of Ulaanbaatar for some sightseeing and shopping at the end of the trip.

Highlights of Mongolia - 14 Days

See the best of Mongolia on this sweeping 14-day tour through the country's colorful urban centers and wild natural landscapes. Highlights include swimming in beautiful Ugii Lake, camping overnight in a traditional ger (yurt), visiting Ongi Monastery, and riding a camel on the sand dunes of Khongoryn Els. You'll also hike in the deep rocky gorge of Yolyn Am, boat on Khuvsgul Lake, and do some cultural sightseeing in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar.

Wildlife Tour of Mongolia: Terelj National Park & Hustai National Park - 5 Days

Discover two of Mongolia's national parks and spot remarkable wildlife on this whirlwind five-day tour. Start in Terelj National Park, where you'll trek to the famous Turtle Rock and set off on a bird-watching tour for a glimpse of rare birds of prey. Then, it's on to Hustai National Park to glimpse its flourishing herds of endangered wild horses. Each night, you'll settle into traditional Mongolian yurt camps and enjoy falling asleep under the stars to the sounds of nature.

Best of Mongolia - 10 Days

On this 10-day highlights tour, you'll step back in time, traveling across the vast plains, steppes, mountains, and deserts of this remote and beautiful country. Sleep in traditional nomadic camps, ride a camel across massive sand dunes, and swim in crystal clear lakes. Explore the ruins of ancient cities and temples of the Mongol Empire, then wander through the ultra-modern capital city, all while enjoying legendary Mongolian hospitality.

Trekking Tour of Altai Tavan Bogd National Park - 5 Days

Venture into the heart of Mongolia's wilderness on this five-day trekking tour through Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. You'll spend three days hiking in the park and taking in the pristine beauty of this protected land. You'll also immerse yourself in Mongolian culture with a visit to an eagle hunters' village and an overnight stay in a traditional Mongolian ger (yurt).

Northern Mongolia Adventure: History, Culture & Wildlife - 10 Days

Discover the beauty and culture of northern Mongolia on this 10-day tour, starting in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, where you'll visit the historic National Museum of Mongolia. Then, it's off to Aglag Buteel Monastery to see Buddhist art and overnight in a traditional ger camp. Ride horses along the tranquil shores of Lake Khuvsgul, hike to extinct volcanoes in Uran Togoo National Park, and meet the takhi horses of Hustai National Park before returning to the capital for a guided tour of the city's highlights.

Best Time To Visit Mongolia

Mongolia’s geographic location in the heart of the Asian landmass - with no ocean to regulate its climate - results in long and frigid winters and a short, blustery spring. By contrast, Mongolia’s three-month summer bursts with activity - with Naadam sports festivals and opportunities to explore the countryside by Jeep, horseback or on foot. Autumn is the time to visit western Mongolia and experience the thrilling eagle festivals of Bayan Ölgii.

Horse Trekking In The Orkhon Valley - 14 Days

Eight hundred years ago the Mongols won an empire on horseback. Follow their path from their ancient capital, Karakorum, up the stunning Orkhon Valley, past waterfalls, hot springs and ancient Buddhist retreats. This nine-day itinerary is perfect for travelers looking for a moderately difficult horse trek that combines history, culture and natural beauty.

Highlights of Mongolia

Mongolia ranks high on the bucket list for adventurous travelers in search of Earth’s last untouched landscapes. The following is a list of top destinations to tick off while visiting the stomping grounds of Ghengis Khan.