Places to go: Start with the capital city, Ulaanbaatar. Visit the Gandan Monastery, the largest Buddhist center in Mongolia, and the National Museum of Mongolia to learn about the country’s history and culture.
Activities: Explore Sukhbaatar Square and shop for local goods at the State Department Store or the Central Market.
Things to know: UB is quite modern compared to other parts of Mongolia, but it retains its traditional charm. Be aware that the weather can be extremely cold in winter and hot in summer.
Day 2: Terelj National Park
Transportation: Hire a taxi or join a tour group to Terelj National Park (about 1 hour drive from UB).
Activities: Enjoy hiking, horseback riding, and visiting the famous Turtle Rock formation. Overnight in a ger camp.
Day 3: Gobi Desert (Day 1)
Transportation: Fly or drive to the Gobi Desert (approximately 6 hours by car from UB). Start your exploration from the Yolyn Am Valley.
Activities: Explore the ice canyon, spot wildlife such as snow leopards and ibexes, and visit the Flaming Cliffs for dinosaur fossils. Overnight in a ger camp.
Day 4: Gobi Desert (Day 2)
Activities: Visit the Singing Dunes and Bayanzag (Richard’s Land) where you can see red cliffs with dinosaur eggs and bones. Overnight in a ger camp.
Day 5: Khongoriin Els (Singing Dunes) and Camel Trekking
Activities: Embark on a camel trek across the Khongoriin Els, one of the world’s longest sand dunes. Overnight in a ger camp.
Day 6: Return to Ulaanbaatar and City Exploration (Day 2)
Transportation: Travel back to Ulaanbaatar by air or road. Spend the day visiting attractions you may have missed on your first day, such as Zaisan Memorial Hill for panoramic views of the city.
Day 7: Departure
Things to know: Allow enough time to check out of your accommodation and head to the airport for your departure.
Visa Requirements
For most countries, a tourist visa is required to enter Mongolia. Check the latest requirements from your local Mongolian embassy or consulate.
Transportation within Mongolia
Domestic flights are available between Ulaanbaatar and major cities like Dalanzadgad (Gobi Desert). For longer distances, shared taxis or tour groups are common means of transportation. Renting a car is also an option, but roads outside of the cities can be challenging to navigate.