Tried-and-tested routes for 3 days to 3 weeks. Use one as it is, mix them, or send it to a local company to turn into a real trip.
Day 1: Gandan Monastery, National Museum, Sükhbaatar Square, a throat-singing show. Day 2: Chinggis Khaan statue, Terelj National Park, Turtle Rock, horse ride, night in a ger. Day 3: Aryabal temple hike, back to the city.
Find toursWild takhi horses at Hustai, the 'mini Gobi' dunes of Elsen Tasarkhai with camels, Erdene Zuu monastery in the old capital, then the Orkhon valley waterfall and a nomad family stay.
Find toursDrive south across the steppe to the White Stupa cliffs, the Yolyn Am ice gorge, two nights at the Khongoryn Els singing dunes with camel riding, and the dinosaur cliffs of Bayanzag, then back via Ongi monastery ruins.
Find toursThe baroque Amarbayasgalant monastery, three days on the shores of Khuvsgul with horse riding and kayaking, and an optional visit to Tsaatan reindeer herders (add 3–4 days).
Find toursFly west to Bayan-Ölgii, stay with Kazakh eagle-hunter families, hike to the Potanin glacier in Altai Tavan Bogd and see petroglyphs. Time it with the Golden Eagle Festival in October.
Find toursThe classic big loop: a week in the Gobi, then north to Kharkhorin, the Orkhon waterfall, Tsenkher hot springs and Terkhiin Tsagaan lake, ending with a nomad homestay. Add Naadam in July.
Find toursOpening ceremony and wrestling in the capital on 11 July, then drive out for a small country Naadam with horse racing up close, and finish at Terelj or Hustai.
Find toursDistances are long: Ulaanbaatar to the Gobi dunes is 2 full days by road. Domestic flights to Dalanzadgad, Mörön or Ölgii save time.
June to September for most routes; the Gobi is also good in May and September. Winter trips are possible near Ulaanbaatar and Khuvsgul.
Pick an itinerary, then use “Create a custom trip” to get offers from local companies.