UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Book Attractions in Advance
Skip the lines at Mongolia's top attractions by booking tickets in advance through Tiqets. Get instant confirmation and mobile tickets for museums, monasteries, and experiences across Mongolia.
Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape
Discover ancient ruins, monasteries, and nomadic heritage along the Orkhon River.
A vast area blending history and nature, ideal for horseback exploration and cultural immersion.
Petroglyphic Complexes of the Mongolian Altai
Explore prehistoric rock carvings depicting ancient life in the dramatic Altai Mountains.
Archaeological treasures offering insights into Bronze Age rituals and nomadic artistry.
Uvs Nuur Basin
Visit this remote lake and surrounding wetlands, a biodiversity hotspot in western Mongolia.
Home to migratory birds and unique ecosystems, perfect for eco-tours and photography.
Amarbayasgalant Monastery
Admire this 18th-century Buddhist complex nestled in scenic valleys, a spiritual gem.
Features ornate temples and serene grounds, evoking Mongolia's religious revival.
Khentii Mountains Archaeological Sites
Uncover Genghis Khan-related ruins and ancient burial mounds in this historic range.
Less visited, providing a tranquil journey into Mongolia's imperial past.
Gandan Monastery in Ulaanbaatar
Visit this iconic Buddhist center with its towering statue and vibrant prayer halls.
A living cultural site showcasing Mongolia's spiritual traditions and resilience.
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Adventures
Gobi Desert
Traverse vast dunes and flaming cliffs, ideal for camel treks and fossil hunting.
Experience extreme landscapes with starry nights and nomadic encounters.
Lake Khövsgöl
Relax by this crystal-clear alpine lake with hiking and boat trips amid taiga forests.
Family-friendly with fresh air, fishing, and Reindeer people cultural visits.
Gorkhi-Terelj National Park
Explore granite formations and meadows via horseback riding, attracting nature lovers.
Serene spot for camping and eagle watching in diverse terrains.
Khustain Nuruu National Park
Wander grasslands to spot Przewalski's wild horses, perfect for easy hikes and wildlife safaris.
This protected area offers a quick nature escape with conservation stories.
Altai Mountains
Trek rugged peaks and glaciers with stunning valleys, ideal for mountaineering and eagle hunting.
Hidden gem for adventure seekers and cultural exchanges with Tuvan nomads.
Khentii Steppe
Discover endless grasslands and rivers with horseback routes and birdwatching.
Connected to Genghis Khan's birthplace, embodying Mongolia's nomadic heritage.
Mongolia by Region
🏙️ Central Mongolia (Ulaanbaatar Area)
- Best For: Urban culture, history, and easy access to steppes with modern amenities in the capital.
- Key Destinations: Ulaanbaatar, Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, and Khustain Nuruu for city and nature blend.
- Activities: Monastery visits, museum tours, horse riding, and Naadam festival celebrations.
- Best Time: Summer for festivals (June-July) and mild weather (15-25°C), avoiding harsh winters.
- Getting There: Fly into Ulaanbaatar's Chinggis Khaan Airport - compare flights on Aviasales for best deals.
🏜️ Gobi Desert (South)
- Best For: Desert adventures and unique geology, featuring vast sands and dinosaur fossils.
- Key Destinations: Dalanzadgad, Yol Valley, and Flaming Cliffs for remote exploration.
- Activities: Camel trekking, sand dune climbing, and visits to nomadic ger camps.
- Best Time: Late spring to early autumn (May-Sept) for warmer days (10-30°C) and accessible trails.
- Getting There: Rent a 4x4 car for off-road flexibility in exploring vast desert areas.
⛰️ Western Mongolia (Altai)
- Best For: Mountain treks and ethnic diversity, with Kazakh eagle hunters and Tuvan throat singers.
- Key Destinations: Ölgii, Altai Tavan Bogd, and Uvs Nuur for rugged wilderness.
- Activities: Hiking, eagle festival attendance, and homestays with herders.
- Best Time: Summer (June-Aug) for festivals and milder highs (15-25°C), with clear skies.
- Getting There: Domestic flights or long drives; use private transfers via GetTransfer for remote access.
🏔️ Northern Mongolia (Khövsgöl)
- Best For: Lakeside relaxation and taiga forests with Reindeer herder communities.
- Key Destinations: Lake Khövsgöl, Mörön, and Darkhad Valley for pristine nature.
- Activities: Boating, fishing, shamanic rituals, and winter ice festivals.
- Best Time: Summer months (June-Aug) for swimming and hikes, with cool 10-20°C temps.
- Getting There: Domestic flights to Mörön or overland buses, with guided tours recommended.
Sample Mongolia Itineraries
🚀 7-Day Mongolia Highlights
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, explore Gandan Monastery, visit the National Museum for history, sample local cuisine, and see Sukhbaatar Square landmarks.
Drive to Gorkhi-Terelj for rock formations and horse riding, then head to Khustain Nuruu for wild horse spotting and steppe walks.
Travel to Orkhon Valley for ancient ruins, monastery visits, and nomadic ger stays with cultural experiences.
Final day in Ulaanbaatar for shopping at Naran Tuul Market, last-minute monastery tours, and departure.
🏞️ 10-Day Adventure Explorer
Ulaanbaatar city tour covering monasteries, museums, Zaisan Hill views, and local food markets with nomadic culture exhibits.
Gorkhi-Terelj for national park hikes and horse treks, then Khustain Nuruu for wildlife safaris and conservation talks.
Drive to Gobi for camel rides in sand dunes, visit Yol Valley glaciers, and explore Flaming Cliffs paleontology sites.
Full exploration with horseback tours to waterfalls, Tövkhön Monastery hikes, and stays in traditional gers.
Short trip to Lake Khövsgöl for lake views and boating before returning to Ulaanbaatar for final experiences.
🏙️ 14-Day Complete Mongolia
Comprehensive Ulaanbaatar exploration including museums, winter palace visits, shamanic shows, and urban nomadic life.
Gorkhi-Terelj parks, Khustain wildlife, then Gobi Desert for dunes, canyons, and fossil hunts.
Fly to Ölgii for eagle hunting demos, Altai treks, and cultural festivals in mountain settings.
Lake Khövsgöl for boating, Reindeer herder visits, and taiga hikes with shamanic experiences.
Orkhon Valley ruins and monasteries, final Ulaanbaatar shopping and cultural shows before departure.
Top Activities & Experiences
Horseback Trekking
Ride across endless steppes and valleys on Mongolian horses for authentic nomadic adventures.
Available nationwide with multi-day tours offering ger camping and herder guides.
Eagle Hunting Festival
Witness Kazakh hunters and their golden eagles in traditional displays in western Mongolia.
Annual event in October, showcasing ancient skills and cultural pride.
Nomadic Ger Stays
Live with herder families in traditional felt tents, learning milking and felt-making crafts.
Immersive experiences across regions with meals of fresh dairy and mutton.
Naadam Festival
Join wrestling, archery, and horse racing at this national summer celebration in Ulaanbaatar.
July event with colorful parades and traditional games for all ages.
Hot Air Balloon over Steppes
Soar above Gobi dunes or Khövsgöl landscapes for breathtaking aerial views.
Seasonal rides with sunrise launches and picnic landings in remote areas.
Monastery & Shaman Tours
Visit ancient sites like Erdene Zuu and experience shamanic rituals in Khövsgöl.
Guided tours blending Buddhism and indigenous spirituality with prayer wheel spins.