Top Tips For Planning Your Mongolia Travel Itinerary
Mongolia is a land of open skies, dramatic landscapes, and a rich nomadic culture that feels worlds away from anywhere else. For travellers seeking adventure and authenticity, it offers experiences that are impossible to forget. Whether you’re drawn to the lush valleys of central Mongolia or the vast Gobi Desert, this Mongolia travel itinerary highlights the best places to visit in Mongolia to inspire your next adventure.
For those wanting to turn this itinerary into reality, our Discover Mongolia group adventure brings these landscapes and traditions to life.
Best time to visit Mongolia
- June to September offers the best weather, with warm days and mild nights. July is ideal to attend Naadam in Mongolia – a spectacular festival that attracts people from around the world.
For seasonal guidance, see our Best Time to Visit Mongolia guide.
How long to spend in Mongolia
- For most travellers, 10-14 days is ideal to experience Mongolia’s highlights. A 10 day Mongolia travel itinerary allows enough time for key sights without feeling rushed, while two weeks gives more flexibility to include cultural experiences.
Transport options
- A road trip is the best way to travel in Mongolia. Guided tours in 4×4 vehicles with a local driver make it easy to reach remote regions. Trains and domestic flights are also available but less frequent, and public transport outside of the city is limited.
Is Mongolia expensive to travel?
- A trip to Mongolia is possible on a range of budgets, from affordable group trips perfect for backpacking Mongolia to custom-made Mongolia adventure tours.
What to pack
- Layers – temperatures can fluctuate a lot, even in summer the evenings can be cold. Other essentials include sturdy walking shoes for exploring rocky terrain and sun protection (especially for the Gobi Desert). It is also handy to take a power bank can for staying in more basic ger camps, as access to electricity is often limited.
Ulaanbaatar – A Day in the Capital
Spend a day exploring Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital city and beating heart of the country. The city blends modern life with traditional culture, from bustling markets to serene Buddhist temples. Key sights include:
- Sukhbaatar Square – the main city square, surrounded by historic buildings.
- Genghis Khan Museum – an engaging introduction to Mongolia’s history.
- Genghis Khan Monument – located about 50 km outside the city – this is the world’s largest equestrian statue! Climb to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Don’t miss the chance to sample Mongolian ice cream, sold at countless street stalls across the city – a local favourite that’s worth the stop. If your visit coincides with Naadam Festival, allow extra time to enjoy the parades, ceremonies, and traditional games.
Central Mongolia – History and Iconic Landmarks
Central Mongolia is home to rolling hills and forested valleys. A frequent addition to any Mongolian travel itinerary is Terelj National Park which offers lush valleys and rocky landscapes perfect for hiking, photography, and horse riding in Mongolia.
For history enthusiasts, a visit to Ongi Monastery offers a glimpse into Mongolia’s Buddhist heritage, with its partially restored temples and serene riverside ruins. Meanwhile, Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire, reveals the country’s political past, with archaeological sites and a museum showcasing relics from the time of Genghis Khan.
Gobi Desert – A Highlight of Any Mongolia Travel Itinerary
The Gobi Desert in Mongolia covers nearly a third of the country and offers an unforgettable sense of freedom. It’s a must visit on any Mongolia travel itinerary! Travelling with a guided group tour makes it easy to enjoy the desert’s wonders without worrying about logistics, from off-road driving to camping under the night sky.
Key highlights include:
- Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs – red sandstone formations with dinosaur fossil discoveries.
- Tsagaan Suvarga (White Cliffs) – striking limestone formations rising dramatically from the plains.
- Yolyn Am (Valley of Eagles) – a narrow gorge famous for its birdlife and ice that lingers even in summer.
A Mongolia Gobi Desert tour offers the perfect balance of adventure, comfort, and local insight, letting you experience the desert safely while seeing everything this incredible region has to offer.
Festivals, Culture, and Local aditions
No trip to Mongolia is complete without experiencing local culture. The Naadam Festival in Mongolia is held each year in July and showcases the 3 traditional games: wrestling, archery, and Mongolia horse racing.
Even outside of festival season, Mongolia is full of cultural experiences. An overnight stay with a nomadic family at one of the many ger camps in Mongolia offers a true glimpse into daily life. Try local delicacies like Mongolia horse milk (airag) and enjoy performances such as Mongolian throat singing that bring the country’s traditions to life.
You can discover more about Mongolia’s famous Naadam festival here.
Start Your Mongolia Adventure Today
Mongolia is a travel destination like no other. From the vast deserts to the forested valleys, the bustling capital to serene ger camps, it’s a land of contrasts and unforgettable experiences. This travel itinerary highlights the best of Mongolia, offering inspiration for your trip.
Whether you prefer the convenience of a Mongolia budget tour or a private tour, there’s no better time to discover this extraordinary country. Explore our affordable group tours or tailor-made trips to see which option is right for you!
If you want to plan your own Mongolia travel itinerary then get in touch with us. We’d be happy to help create a tailor made adventure to suit your needs!