Top destinations to visit in Mongolia
Where in Mongolia should you go next year? Here we specially listed 10 of the most popular tourist destinations to help you find ideas and spark planning for your 2021 tour.
1. Terelj National Park
The star attraction of Mongolia is the sure Terelj National Park which is one of the nearest and the most breathtaking national park from the capital Ulaanbaatar. It is worth visiting place for travelers who wants to seek for dramatic beauty, incredible landscapes, picturesque hills and crisp and fresh air as well. Plus, Genghis khan statue complex is just on the way to Terelj National Park. It must be the first in top 10 attractions in Mongolia due to its a proximity to Ulaanbaatar and impressive natural view.
Location of Terelj N.P: It is just located 50-76 kms (31-47 miles) from Ulaanbaatar.
Activities in Terelj N.P: kayaking, horse riding, visiting nomad family, dog sledding in winter, hiking, sightseeing, photographing
When to visit N.P: all year around
Tours available with Terelj N.P:
2. Khongoriin Els sand dune
Khongoryn Els dunes is the largest and most breathtaking sand dunes in Mongolia reaching as high as 100-300 meters (328,08 – 984,25 feet) above the ground. The highest part of Khongor sand is called Duut Mankhan which means “Singing sands”. It looks majestic even higher than the ninth floor of an apartment building. That singing sound like aero plane engine is made when the sun-heated sand gently slides in the wind. The sand dunes make you feel extraordinary comfort and infinite peace. This sand dune is undoubtedly among the most spectacular of the country.
Location of Khongoryn sand dune: It is located 200 kms from Dalanzadgad town.
Activities in Khongoryn sand dune: camel riding, visiting camel herder family, hiking, sightseeing, photographing, stargazing
When to visit Khongoryn sand dune: from mid-May to mid-September
Tours available with Khongoryn sand dune:
3. Bayanzag
Bayanzag, which means ‘rich in saxaul shrubs’, was once an ancient sea bed. This amazing place is more commonly known as ‘Flaming Cliffs’ and place where a lot of Paleontological findings have been discovered. In this territory, American paleontologists led by Roy Chapman Andrew found world's first nest of dinosaur eggs and unearthed remains of more than 100 fossilized remains of dinosaurs while they were researching a trace of ancient people with his crew in 1922. Their findings proved to the world that dinosaurs laid eggs. This is how Bayanzag “Flaming cliff” as well as Mongolian Gobi become famous in the field of paleontology worldwide. Nowadays, it has become a famous touristy place. 
Location of Bayanzag: It is just located 150 kilometers from Dalanzadgad town,
Activities in Bayanzag: horse riding, visiting nomad family, hiking, sightseeing, photographing
When to visit Bayanzag: from mid-May to mid-September
Tours available with Bayanzag:
4. Tsagaan Suvarga
The colorful limestone formation of Tsagaan Suvarga or “White Stupa” is steep slope once ancient sea bed, was created over millions of years. One interesting thing is that if you see it from specific distance, it appears to be the ruins of city. This slope faces toward eastward of the sun and rises to the sky at an angle of 90 degrees. This beautiful place is told that Mongolian Grand Canyon. 
Location of Tsagaan Suvarga: it is located 420km from Ulaanbaatar and 65 km in the Southwest of the Ulziit village, in the Dundgobi province.
Activities in Tsagaan Suvarga: sightseeing, horse riding, visiting nomad family, hiking, photographing
When to visit Tsagaan Suvarga: from May till late September.
Tours available with Tsagaan Suvarga:
5. Khuvsgul lake
Home of reindeer herders, Khövsgöl Lake is regarded as “the blue pearl of Mongolia” because of its fresh water, so clear that we can drink it. it contains nearly 70% of all fresh water in Mongolia. Khuvsgul lake is one of the 17 ancient lakes worldwide and is variously estimated between 2 and 5 million years old. Snow-capped peaks of two wonderful mountain ranges look down on the Lake. 
Location of Khuvsgul lake: It is just located 50-76 kilometers (31-47 miles)
Activities in Khuvsgul lake: kayaking, horse riding, visiting nomad family, dog sledding in winter, hiking, sightseeing, photographing
When to visit Khuvsgul lake: all year around
Tours available with Khuvsgul lake:
6. Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
Covering a vast expanse of territory that includes everything from the Tavan Bogd massif to the glittering lakes of Dayan, Khoton, and Khurgan, Altai Tavan Bogd National Park will delight nature lovers and outdoor aficionados alike. Located in the western corner of the country, this stunning national park is perfect to do hiking, rock climbing, river rafting, and skiing, the park is also a fantastic place to head if you want to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for nomad life: there are many Kazakh and Tuvan families that you can either visit or stay with.
Location of Altai Tavan Bogd N.P: It is located in Tsengel soum of Bayan-Ulgii aimag
Attractions in Altai Tavan Bogd N.P: White river & Potanin Glacier, Khoton & Khurgan lake, Dayan Lake
Activities in Altai Tavan Bogd N.P: climbing to mountain, meeting eagle hunters, horse riding, hiking, sightseeing, photographing
When to visit Altai Tavan Bogd N.P: June- late Aug
Tours available with Altai Tavan Bogd N.P:
7. Khorgo Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake
This mesmerizing, crystal clear, freshwater lake Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake is located 2.060 meters (1,28 miles) above sea level. The reason of the presence of the lake is the eruption of Khorgo Volcano. An immense mass of white-hot lava once blocked the bed of the River Terkh and its water created Terkh lake. A diversity of animals such as ruddy shell duck, geese, red deer, Siberian deer, wild bear, great Cormorant and marsh inhabits around the lake. 
Location of Khorgo Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake: is located in Tariat soum, Arkhangai province and 180km far away from Tsetserleg town and 660km from Ulaanbaatar.
Activities in Khorgo Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake: swimming, boating, fishing, visit yak herder family, horse riding, hiking, sightseeing, photographing
When to visit Khorgo Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake: June- late Aug
Tours available with Khorgo Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake:
8. Orkhon Valley - Kharkhorin
It was not only the capital of the vast Mongolian Empire, but the epic center of trade along Silk Road, and a cultural melting pot bridging east and west. Any religion was harmonized in one place and many monasteries, churches and mosques were established. Today it is small village, and one of the country’s major tourist destinations. Historically known as Karakorum, which was an ancient capital of Mongolia Empire founded by Genghis Khan in 1220. Also, Karakorum played an important role as a station of the Silk Road.
Location of Kharkhorin: It is just located 360 kilometers from Ulaanbaatar.
Activities in Kharkhorin: horse riding, visiting nomad family, hiking, sightseeing, photographing, visiting museum
When to visit Kharkhorin: all year around
Tours available with Kharkhorin:
9. Khyrgas lake
Khyargas Lake is a mineral lake located in the Great Lakes Depression, Uvs province. It is a permanent lake with no outflow, and the lake is saturated with a huge amount of saline solution. The Lake is the second main lake in western Mongolia, and also one of the 4 lakes in Mongolia that have a surface area of over 1000 km². The lake is rich in Altai otters, Ottomans, Mongolian grayling, scorpions, and yellow fish, so it is the main food for birds nesting in Hetsuu Khad. There are very rare black geese, gulls and Altai gulls, and Mongolian grayling. 
Location of Khyrgas lake: It is just located 360 kilometers from Ulaanbaatar.
Activities in Khyrgas lake: horse riding, visiting nomad family, hiking, sightseeing, photographing, visiting museum
When to visit Khyrgas lake: all year around
Tours available with Khyrgas lake:
10. Elsen Tasarkhai sand dune
Elsen Tasarkhai is perfect destination for people who do not have time to make a full trip to the Gobi Desert but who do not want to miss out the chance to see sand dunes. Shrubs such as willow, elm, and dogwood grow on the sand formed by the moisture of River Tarna. It is very unique to see this type of ecosystem, combination of mountains, forests, steppes and sand dunes in one location. Along the way you can see a lot of two-humped Bactrian camels, walk on sand dunes, experience staying in a traditional Mongolian yurt, and relax in beautifully serene nature. 
Location of Elsen Tasarkhai sand dune: It is located in Burd soum of Uvurkhangai province and 280km from Ulaanbaatar on the way to Kharkhorin.
Activities in Elsen Tasarkhai sand dune: camel riding, visiting nomad family, hiking, sightseeing, photographing,
When to visit Elsen Tasarkhai sand dune: all year around
Tours available with Elsen Tasarkhai sand dune:
