Mongolia beckons adventurers with its endless blue skies, nomadic traditions, and landscapes that stretch beyond imagination. From the rolling dunes of the Gobi Desert to the crystal-clear waters of Khuvsgul Lake, this land of Genghis Khan offers experiences that feel untouched by time. As you plan your journey through this vast country—where horses outnumber people and the steppe extends to the horizon—you’ll discover a place where adventure isn’t just possible; it’s inevitable. Staying connected is essential, even in the vast steppe. For seamless internet access, consider getting an Egypt eSIM to stay connected.
Ulaanbaatar and Surroundings
Mongolia’s capital and its surrounding areas offer a fascinating blend of modern urban life and traditional culture, making it the perfect starting point for your Mongolian adventure.
1. Ulaanbaatar
Mongolia’s capital is a city of contrasts where Soviet-era buildings stand alongside gleaming skyscrapers and traditional gers dot the outskirts. Visit the impressive Gandantegchinlen Monastery with its 26.5-meter tall Buddha statue, explore the National Museum of Mongolia to understand the country’s rich history, and experience the bustling energy of Sukhbaatar Square at the city’s heart.
2. Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue
Standing at an impressive 40 meters tall, this stainless steel statue of Mongolia’s legendary leader on horseback is the world’s largest equestrian statue. Located about 54 km east of Ulaanbaatar, visitors can climb inside the horse and up to the viewing platform in Genghis Khan’s head for panoramic views of the surrounding steppe.
3. Gorkhi-Terelj National Park
Just 55 km northeast of Ulaanbaatar, this accessible national park features stunning alpine scenery, fascinating rock formations, and opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and staying in traditional ger camps. Don’t miss the famous Turtle Rock, a turtle-shaped natural rock formation, and the meditation temple nestled in the mountains.
4. Hustai National Park
Home to the successfully reintroduced Przewalski’s horses (takhi), the world’s last truly wild horse species, this national park offers wildlife enthusiasts a rare opportunity. The rolling hills and steppe landscapes provide perfect terrain for these magnificent creatures, along with other wildlife like marmots, deer, and numerous bird species.
5. Zaisan Memorial
Perched on a hill south of Ulaanbaatar, this Soviet-era monument offers panoramic views of the entire city. The memorial features a circular painting depicting scenes of friendship between Mongolia and the USSR, while the climb up the 300 steps rewards visitors with one of the best vantage points to photograph the sprawling capital.
6. Bogd Khan Mountain
As one of the world’s oldest national parks (established in 1778), this mountain just south of Ulaanbaatar is considered sacred in Mongolia. Hiking trails lead through larch and pine forests to the summit at 2,256 meters, offering stunning views and the chance to spot wildlife like ibex, marmots, and numerous bird species.
The Gobi Desert
Mongolia’s legendary Gobi Desert covers nearly one-third of the country and offers some of the most dramatic landscapes on earth, from towering sand dunes to flaming red cliffs.
7. Khongoryn Els (Singing Dunes)
These spectacular sand dunes stretch for over 100 km and reach heights of up to 300 meters. Known as the “Singing Dunes” because of the haunting sound made when wind passes over them, they offer incredible opportunities for camel riding, dune climbing, and witnessing breathtaking desert sunsets.
8. Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs)
Famous for both their striking red-orange color and as the site where the first dinosaur eggs were discovered in 1923, these dramatic cliffs glow fiery red at sunset. Paleontologist Roy Chapman Andrews found numerous dinosaur fossils here, and visitors today can still spot dinosaur bone fragments while exploring this prehistoric treasure trove.
9. Yolyn Am (Eagle Valley)
This deep and narrow gorge in the Gurvan Saikhan Mountains contains a spectacular ice field that, in some years, remains frozen well into summer despite the desert heat. The dramatic canyon walls provide habitat for indigenous vultures, while the valley floor offers excellent hiking opportunities through a surprisingly green landscape.
10. Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park
Mongolia’s largest national park encompasses diverse desert landscapes including mountains, sand dunes, and rare oases. Home to endangered snow leopards, ibex, and argali sheep, the park offers visitors a chance to experience the surprising biodiversity of what many assume is just barren desert.
11. Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa)
These striking white and pink limestone formations resemble a ruined city when viewed from a distance. Created by wind and water erosion over thousands of years, the cliffs stretch for about 400 meters and reach heights of 30 meters, creating one of the Gobi’s most photogenic landscapes.
12. Khermen Tsav
This remote canyon complex in the western Gobi features dramatic red rock formations and canyons that stretch for nearly 100 km. An important paleontological site where numerous dinosaur fossils have been discovered, its isolation means few tourists visit, offering a true wilderness experience for those willing to make the journey.
Central Mongolia
The heartland of Mongolia offers a perfect blend of historical sites, beautiful landscapes, and traditional nomadic culture.
13. Karakorum (Kharkhorin)
Once the capital of the vast Mongol Empire under Genghis Khan’s son Ögedei, Karakorum’s ruins offer a glimpse into Mongolia’s imperial past. The nearby Erdene Zuu Monastery, built in 1586 using stones from the ancient capital, features impressive walls with 108 stupas and houses important Buddhist artifacts.
14. Orkhon Valley
This UNESCO World Heritage site encompasses a vast area of pastureland where nomadic herding traditions have been maintained for over two millennia. The valley features the beautiful Orkhon Waterfall, ancient Turkish stone inscriptions, and numerous historical monuments spanning centuries of Central Asian history.
15. Orkhon Waterfall
Formed by a combination of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, this 20-meter waterfall is particularly impressive during summer when the Orkhon River is at its fullest. Surrounded by volcanic rocks and lush vegetation, it offers excellent hiking opportunities and camping spots in one of central Mongolia’s most picturesque locations.
16. Tövkhön Monastery
Perched on a sacred mountain at 2,312 meters, this small monastery was established in 1648 by Mongolia’s first spiritual leader, Zanabazar. The challenging hike to reach it rewards visitors with spectacular views and a sense of the spiritual connection between Buddhism and nature that characterizes Mongolian religious practice.
17. Elsen Tasarkhai
Often called the “Mini Gobi,” this 80 km stretch of sand dunes is surrounded by grassy steppe, creating a unique landscape where visitors can experience both environments. Popular for camel riding and staying with local nomadic families, it offers a taste of the Gobi without traveling to the far south.
18. Ugii Lake
This freshwater lake in central Mongolia is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 150 bird species including swans, geese, and eagles. The lake’s shores offer excellent fishing, swimming in summer, and opportunities to stay with local families who maintain the traditional nomadic lifestyle in this fertile area.
Northern Mongolia
The northern regions of Mongolia feature pristine forests, crystal-clear lakes, and unique cultural experiences that contrast with the open steppe and desert landscapes of the south.
19. Khuvsgul Lake
Often called the “Blue Pearl of Mongolia,” this pristine alpine lake contains 1% of the world’s freshwater and is surrounded by mountains and taiga forest. In summer, visitors can hike, kayak, or horseback ride along its shores, while winter transforms it into a magical frozen landscape where locals hold ice festivals.
20. Tsaatan Reindeer Herders
In the remote northern taiga near the Russian border, the Tsaatan people maintain one of the world’s last reindeer herding cultures. Visitors can stay with these nomadic families in their tepee-like homes, learn about their shamanic traditions, and experience a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.
21. Amarbayasgalant Monastery
One of Mongolia’s largest and most important Buddhist monastery complexes, Amarbayasgalant was built between 1727 and 1737 and miraculously survived the religious purges of the 1930s. Set in a beautiful valley, its Chinese-influenced architecture and peaceful atmosphere make it one of northern Mongolia’s most impressive cultural sites.
22. Khorgo Volcano
This extinct volcano in the Tariat region features a 200-meter-wide crater that visitors can climb into, surrounded by fields of black volcanic rock. The nearby White Lake (Terkhiin Tsagaan) offers beautiful camping spots and opportunities to spot wildlife in one of Mongolia’s most geologically interesting areas.
23. Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur (White Lake)
Created by volcanic activity that blocked the Terkh River, this beautiful freshwater lake stretches for 16 km surrounded by volcanic hills and lush meadows. Popular for fishing, horseback riding, and hiking, the lake’s shores offer excellent camping and opportunities to spot diverse bird species.
24. Darkhad Valley
This remote northern valley is home to the Darkhad people and features stunning landscapes of mountains, forests, and wetlands. Known for its shamanic traditions and isolation, the valley offers adventurous travelers a glimpse into one of Mongolia’s most traditional regions, accessible primarily by horseback during much of the year.
Western Mongolia
Mongolia’s wild west features the country’s highest mountains, diverse ethnic groups, and some of the most remote and spectacular landscapes in Central Asia.
25. Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
Home to Mongolia’s highest peak (Khüiten Peak at 4,374 meters), this national park features spectacular alpine scenery with glaciers, lakes, and diverse wildlife. The park is also home to numerous archaeological sites including ancient petroglyphs and stone monuments dating back thousands of years.
26. Kazakh Eagle Hunters
In Mongolia’s westernmost province of Bayan-Ölgii, ethnic Kazakhs maintain the ancient tradition of hunting with golden eagles. Visitors can stay with eagle hunter families, witness training sessions, or attend the annual Golden Eagle Festival in October when hunters gather to demonstrate their skills and celebrate their cultural heritage.
27. Khyargas Nuur National Park
Centered around the large saltwater Khyargas Lake, this national park features diverse landscapes from desert to mountains. The lake’s mineral-rich waters are believed to have healing properties, while the surrounding area offers opportunities to spot rare wildlife including argali sheep, ibex, and numerous bird species.
28. Uvs Nuur Basin
This UNESCO World Heritage site contains Mongolia’s largest lake and an incredible diversity of ecosystems from desert to alpine tundra. The basin is home to endangered snow leopards, argali sheep, and over 220 bird species, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts willing to venture to this remote region.
29. Tsambagarav Mountain
This permanently snow-capped mountain in western Mongolia rises to 4,208 meters and is considered sacred by local people. The surrounding national park offers excellent hiking opportunities and chances to meet Kazakh and Tuvan nomadic families who maintain traditional lifestyles in the shadow of this impressive peak.
30. Khar Us Nuur National Park
Centered around Mongolia’s second-largest freshwater lake, this national park is a critical wetland habitat and bird sanctuary. The shallow lake and surrounding reed beds provide breeding grounds for numerous bird species, while the park’s diverse landscapes range from desert to mountain foothills.
Eastern Mongolia
The eastern regions of Mongolia offer vast grasslands, historical sites connected to Genghis Khan, and opportunities to experience traditional steppe culture away from more touristed areas.
31. Burkhan Khaldun Mountain
One of Mongolia’s most sacred mountains and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Burkhan Khaldun is believed to be Genghis Khan’s birthplace and possibly his burial site. Located in the Khentii Mountains, this spiritual center of Mongolia offers pilgrims and visitors a chance to connect with the country’s most important historical figure.
32. Khentii Province
The birthplace of Genghis Khan, this province features rolling hills, forests, and steppe landscapes largely unchanged since the days of the Mongol Empire. Visitors can explore historical sites associated with Genghis Khan, experience traditional nomadic culture, and enjoy some of Mongolia’s most beautiful and historically significant countryside.
33. Choijin Lama Temple Museum
This former Buddhist monastery in Ulaanbaatar now houses an impressive collection of religious artifacts, sculptures, and thangka paintings. Built between 1904 and 1908, the temple complex survived the communist purges and offers visitors insight into Mongolia’s Buddhist heritage and artistic traditions.
34. Dornod Steppe
Eastern Mongolia’s vast grasslands constitute one of Asia’s largest remaining temperate grassland ecosystems. This seemingly endless sea of grass is home to gazelles, rare birds, and traditional herding communities, offering visitors a chance to experience the quintessential Mongolian landscape that has shaped the nation’s nomadic culture.
35. Buir Lake
Straddling the border between Mongolia and China, this large freshwater lake is surrounded by wetlands and grasslands that provide important habitat for migratory birds. The lake offers excellent fishing opportunities and chances to meet local families who maintain traditional fishing and herding lifestyles in this remote region.
36. Nömrög Strictly Protected Area
This remote protected area in eastern Mongolia features diverse ecosystems from steppe to taiga forest and is home to endangered species including Siberian musk deer and moose. One of Mongolia’s least visited protected areas, it offers true wilderness experiences for adventurous travelers seeking pristine landscapes.
Cultural Experiences and Festivals
Mongolia’s rich cultural heritage comes alive through its festivals, traditional practices, and opportunities to engage with local communities.
37. Naadam Festival
Mongolia’s most important cultural event celebrates the “three manly sports” of wrestling, horse racing, and archery. Held annually in July throughout the country (with the largest celebration in Ulaanbaatar), Naadam offers visitors a chance to experience Mongolia’s sporting traditions, colorful ceremonies, and festive atmosphere.
38. Golden Eagle Festival
Held each October in Bayan-Ölgii province, this festival celebrates the ancient tradition of hunting with trained golden eagles. Eagle hunters compete in various competitions testing their birds’ speed, agility, and hunting prowess, while the event also features traditional Kazakh music, food, and demonstrations of horsemanship.
39. Tsagaan Sar (Lunar New Year)
Mongolia’s traditional new year celebration usually falls in February and features family gatherings, special foods like buuz (dumplings), and traditional ceremonies. Visitors lucky enough to experience Tsagaan Sar can witness important cultural traditions and experience Mongolian hospitality at its most generous.
40. Nomadic Homestay Experience
One of Mongolia’s most authentic cultural experiences involves staying with nomadic families in their gers, participating in daily activities like milking animals, making dairy products, and learning about traditional customs. These experiences provide income for local families while offering visitors unparalleled insight into Mongolia’s nomadic heritage.
41. Mongolian Throat Singing (Khöömei)
This remarkable vocal technique allows performers to produce multiple pitches simultaneously and is an important part of Mongolia’s musical tradition. Visitors can attend performances in Ulaanbaatar or, if lucky, experience impromptu singing sessions when staying with nomadic families in the countryside.
42. Cashmere Production
Mongolia produces some of the world’s finest cashmere from the soft undercoat of cashmere goats that roam the steppe. Visitors can learn about traditional and modern production methods at factories in Ulaanbaatar or by visiting herder families during the spring combing season when the precious fiber is collected.
Natural Wonders and Unique Landscapes
Beyond the well-known regions, Mongolia offers countless natural wonders and unique landscapes that showcase the country’s incredible geographical diversity.
43. Khermen Tsav Canyon
Often compared to Arizona’s Grand Canyon, this massive canyon system in the southern Gobi stretches for nearly 100 km and reaches depths of 200 meters. Its red rock formations, fossilized dinosaur remains, and absolute isolation make it one of Mongolia’s most impressive yet least visited natural wonders.
44. Khongor River Oasis
Where the Khongor River emerges from the Gobi’s famous singing sand dunes, it creates a striking green oasis that supports lush vegetation and nomadic herding communities. This dramatic contrast between desert and fertile riverbank creates one of Mongolia’s most photogenic landscapes.
45. Darkhad Depression
This vast valley in northern Mongolia is surrounded by mountains and contains numerous lakes, wetlands, and forests. Once an ancient lake bed, the depression is now home to the Darkhad people and offers visitors spectacular scenery, opportunities for wildlife viewing, and insights into traditional shamanic practices.
46. Eej Khairkhan Mountain
This sacred mountain in the Gobi-Altai region is one of the few places in Mongolia where hunting and livestock grazing are traditionally forbidden. Its isolation and protected status have created a haven for wildlife, while its spiritual significance makes it an important pilgrimage site for Mongolians.
47. Dornod Mongol Steppe Reserve
This protected area in eastern Mongolia preserves one of the world’s largest intact grassland ecosystems. Home to millions of Mongolian gazelles that migrate across the steppe, the reserve offers visitors a chance to witness one of the last great wildlife spectacles in Central Asia.
48. Uran Togoo-Tulga Uul Volcano
This extinct volcano complex in central Mongolia features four distinctive peaks and a crater lake. A relatively easy hike to the summit rewards visitors with panoramic views of the surrounding steppe and insights into Mongolia’s volcanic geological history.
Historical and Archaeological Sites
Mongolia’s rich history from prehistoric times through the age of Genghis Khan and beyond has left fascinating historical sites across the country.
49. Deer Stones of Khövsgöl
These ancient megalithic monuments carved with stylized deer and other symbols date back to the Bronze Age (approximately 1000 BCE). Found throughout northern Mongolia, particularly around Khövsgöl Lake, these mysterious stone pillars provide insight into the beliefs and artistic traditions of Mongolia’s ancient peoples.
50. Manzushir Monastery Ruins
Located in the Bogd Khan Mountains near Ulaanbaatar, this partially restored monastery was once home to over 300 monks before being destroyed during the communist purges of the 1930s. The picturesque ruins set among forested mountains offer visitors a tangible connection to Mongolia’s Buddhist heritage and turbulent 20th-century history.
51. Baldan Bereeven Monastery
Founded in 1654, this monastery in Khentii Province was once one of Mongolia’s largest religious centers with over 8,000 monks. Though largely destroyed during the Stalinist purges, several buildings have been restored, and the dramatic mountain setting with sacred caves and rock formations makes it a powerful spiritual site.
52. Khar Balgas Ancient City
The ruins of this 8th-century Uyghur capital in the Orkhon Valley feature the remains of walls, gates, temples, and a palace complex. Though little remains above ground, the site’s historical significance as part of the Silk Road network and predecessor to Karakorum makes it an important stop for history enthusiasts.
53. Tonyukuk Monument
This 8th-century stone inscription in the Tuul River valley commemorates Tonyukuk, a military leader and advisor to several Turkic khans. The monument features one of the oldest known examples of the Old Turkic script and provides valuable historical information about pre-Mongol empires in Central Asia.
54. Ikh Gazriin Chuluu
This granite rock formation in the middle of the steppe contains ancient cave paintings, petroglyphs, and ruins of Buddhist temples. According to legend, Genghis Khan camped here during military campaigns, and the site remains spiritually significant for many Mongolians.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations
For travelers seeking truly remote experiences, these lesser-known destinations offer authentic encounters with Mongolia’s landscapes and cultures far from tourist crowds.
55. Great White Lake (Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur)
This beautiful freshwater lake in the Khangai Mountains was formed by volcanic activity and is surrounded by extinct volcanoes, lava fields, and lush meadows. Less visited than Khövsgöl Lake, it offers excellent opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and staying with local families in a spectacular setting.
56. Otgontenger Mountain
The highest peak in the Khangai range (4,008 meters) is considered sacred and traditionally only men were allowed to climb it. With its permanent glacier and challenging terrain, the mountain attracts adventurous trekkers, while the surrounding protected area offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
57. Dariganga Volcanic Field
This region in southeastern Mongolia features over 220 extinct volcanoes, creating a unique landscape of cinder cones, lava fields, and crater lakes. The area is also known for its distinctive culture, as local people maintain traditions that blend Mongolian nomadic practices with influences from nearby China.
58. Tavan Bogd Mountains
This remote mountain range in western Mongolia features five sacred peaks, extensive glaciers, and alpine lakes. Home to ethnic Tuvan and Kazakh communities, the area offers challenging trekking opportunities and chances to experience the distinct cultures of Mongolia’s western minorities.
59. Bulgan Sum
This small town in the Gobi is famous for its surprising agricultural success, with greenhouses producing tomatoes and other vegetables in the desert. Visitors can learn about innovative farming techniques and sustainable development projects that are helping to diversify the traditional herding economy.
60. Khukh Nuur (Blue Lake)
This small but beautiful lake near Khatgal is less visited than nearby Khövsgöl Lake but offers similar scenic beauty with fewer tourists. Surrounded by larch forests and rolling hills, it’s an ideal spot for those seeking tranquility and authentic experiences with local families who maintain the traditional nomadic lifestyle.
Planning Your Mongolian Adventure
Mongolia offers an incredible diversity of experiences for travelers willing to venture beyond the ordinary. From the vast emptiness of the Gobi Desert to the snow-capped peaks of the Altai Mountains, from ancient historical sites to vibrant cultural festivals, this land of endless blue skies promises adventures that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home. The best time to visit depends on your interests – summer (June-August) for comfortable temperatures and cultural festivals, spring (May-June) for newborn animals and blooming steppe, autumn (September) for beautiful colors and fewer tourists, or winter (December-February) for unique experiences like eagle hunting and ice festivals.
Ready to Explore Mongolia?
Start planning your journey to the land of Genghis Khan, endless steppes, and nomadic traditions. Find the perfect flights and accommodations to begin your Mongolian adventure.
Whether you’re drawn to Mongolia’s nomadic culture, stunning landscapes, or rich history, this remarkable country offers experiences that can’t be found anywhere else on earth. Pack your sense of adventure, prepare for the unexpected, and discover why Mongolia is truly one of the world’s last great travel frontiers.
