- Bouncing through Gobi National Park in a van, taking in spectacular desert landscapes, especially the amazing Flaming Cliffs.
- Taking a guided tour of the National History Museum
- Hearing the strange sound that is khoomi throat singing.
- Walking around the ancient Buddhist monastery of Erdene Zuu
- Dinosaur hunting in Ikh Bogd Mountain!
- Seeing famous archaeological sites at Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
- Attending the annual Eagle Festival in Ulgii, and watching eagle hunters and archers compete in a variety of contests.
- Trekking at the beautiful Naiman Nuur lake, naturally formed from years of volcanic eruptions
- Riding a horse along mountain trails in Terelj National Park.
- Seeing the majestic Singing Dunes from the back of a camel, before making the long, hard climb to the top to watch the sunset.
- Staying a night in an authentic Mongolian home, called a "Ger"
Best Things to Do in Mongolia
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Things to do in Mongolia - Expert's guide
1. Karakorum
Located in the northern part of the Orkhon Valley, Karakorum was once the capital for Genghis Khan’s empire. The site was originally a simple settlement before a walled palace was constructed and the city became a center for trade for 40 years. It is said that Genghis Khan used this settlement as his base before his campaign into China.
Today travelers can visit the archeological site and learn about the development of the Mongol Empire and explore the vast grasslands around the site.
2. Gobi Desert
The Gobi Desert is the largest desert and brushland in Asia and one of the top sites in Mongolia. This huge stretch of land isn’t only made up of massive sand dunes but also green mountains and home to the largest dinosaur bones ever discovered.
The Gobi Desert is vastly untouched and pristine. When visiting make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen, hats, and water as this part of Mongolia can be very desolate.
3. Ulaanbaatar
The capital of Mongolia stands in stark contrast to the image Mongolia conjures up in guidebooks. While much of the country outside of Ulaanbaatar is home to nomadic tribes, Ulaanbaatar is a city that has recently prospered from mining. The city is a combination of its long history with Buddhist monasteries, Soviet apartment and office buildings, and modern shiny skyscrapers.
Most tours of Mongolia begin and end in Ulaanbaatar as the city is centrally located and near to two of the country’s major national parks.
4. Gandantegchinlen Monastery
“The Heart of Buddhism,” Gandantegchinlen Monastery is often thought of as the center for Buddhism in Mongolia. Originally constructed in the early 1800s the monastery prospered until the rise of Communism when many of the monasteries were destroyed throughout the country. Gandantegchinlen avoided destruction and later reopened and is now a working monastery with hundreds of monks living there.
5. Ikh Nartiin Chuluu National Preserve
Explore Mongolia’s diverse landscape and wildlife by visiting the Ikh Nartiin Chuluu National Preserve. The preserve is located in the East Gobi Province of Mongolia and is primarily made up of semi-deserts and grassland.
The preserve boasts a wide range of wildlife including polecats, dwarf hamsters, Mongolian gazelle, eagles, and owls. The reserve’s most famous residents are the endangered Argali sheep and the reserve is one of the few places left where the sheep are found.
6. Naadam Festival
One of the best times to visit Mongolia is during the Naadam Festival. Held every July, the Naadam Festival is Mongolia’s version of the Olympic Games. Three events are held reflecting traditional practices of the Mongolian people - horse racing, archery, and wrestling.
In addition to the events, the festival includes parades, musicians, food vendors, and more. The festival is a one-stop-shop to learn about the history and culture of Mongolia.
See all Mongolia festival tours »
7. Lake Khuvsgul
Lake Khuvsgul is a massive freshwater lake located in northern Mongolia near the Russian border. The lake is one of the most pristine in the world and is surrounded by grasslands and large mountain ranges. When visiting during the warmer months you will be able to see elk, wolverines, and Siberian moose.
If you visit during the winter, you’ll be able to check out the Khuvsgul Ice Festival. The lake completely freezes over during winter and is where Mongolia’s annual ice festival is held on top of the frozen lake.
8. Orkhon Valley
One of the most storied areas in Mongolia, the Orkhon Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its long prehistoric history and continued importance for traditional nomadic tribes. The massive grassland is home to many nomadic tribes and archaeological sites. Discoveries dating back thousands of years to Turkish memorial sites have been found in the Orkhon Valley.
Tours of Mongolia include stops in the Orkhon Valley to visit the sites and also stay in traditional gers that are scattered throughout the valley.
9. Tsagaan Suvarga
Similar to the Flaming Cliffs in the Gobi Desert, the Tsagaan Suvarga is a naturally formed wonder in the Dundgovi Province. Tsagaan Suvarga (“White Stupa”) is famous for its cliffsides that have been eroded away by the wind. From far away, the cliffs are said to reflect that of a ruined ancient city because of the formations. The two main sites in Tsagaan Suvarga are the Lie and Stand Cave and the Back Mountain which is known for its cave drawings.
10. Ulgii
Ulgii is the main city in the Kazakh province of Mongolia. The city is heavily influenced by the local Kazakh culture and proximity to Central Asia as it was once the center for Islam in Mongolia. Ulgii is famous for its annual Golden Eagle Festival and is the starting point for tours into Kazakh. Kazakh is known for its falconry and one of the last places to see this practice still being used.
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Anonymous
Oct 2018
A memorable trip
The tour was well organised and covered everything promised in the brochure. The knowledgeable local guide enabled us to learn about Mongolia. Even the cancellati...
A
Anonymous
Oct 2018
The land that time forgot
This was simply a magnificent holiday in a wonderful country. Cycling eleven days in a row is a bit tough and the terrain can be challenging, but it is worth the e...
S
S & J Johnston
Sep 2018
We had a great trip, saw superb scenery & met lovely locals who are very generous & giving people
We experienced a lifestyle that is hard to believe still exists! Theatre presentation in Ulaanbatar with Mongolian orchestra, throat singing and other traditional da...
A
Anonymous
Aug 2018
A world apart
The nothingness of the desert was full of life. We just needed to be shown it. Talking with three ladies in their own gir was such a good explanation of a lifest...
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Anonymous
Aug 2018
Mongolia: Steppes, Deserts and Nomads - Nadaam Festival
An amazing trip to an amazing country. The tour programme was well-planned and interesting and I enjoyed the variety and contrast of the experiences from the busy N...
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