Best Places to Visit in Mongolia: Regional Travel Guide
Mongolia is a land of endless horizons, dramatic landscapes, and ancient traditions. From desert dunes and alpine lakes to bustling Ulaanbaatar, each region offers its own character and highlights. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or an adventurous explorer, here’s a guide to Mongolia’s top destinations by region.
1. Ulaanbaatar & Surroundings
Why Visit
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital, is the main international gateway and cultural hub. It combines centuries-old history with a rapidly modernizing city life. The city itself is home to museums, monasteries, bustling markets, and nightlife, while within a short drive you’ll find nature escapes and nomadic cultural experiences.
Top Destinations
Genghis Khan Statue Complex – A striking 40-meter steel monument dedicated to the founder of the Mongol Empire.
Gorkhi-Terelj National Park – Famous for Turtle Rock, hiking trails, and horse riding.
Hustai National Park – A protected area where you can spot wild Przewalski’s horses (Takhi).
Mongol Nomadic Camp – A cultural site where visitors experience traditional nomadic life.
Best For
First-time visitors, cultural sightseeing, light hiking, and day trips from the city.
2. Central Mongolia
Why Visit
Known as the historical heart of the Mongol Empire, Central Mongolia offers a mix of ancient capitals, sacred sites, and rolling grasslands. The region is culturally rich and diverse, though road travel can be rugged.
Top Destinations
Karakorum (Kharkhorin) – The former capital of the Mongol Empire, now a quiet town with important archaeological ruins.
Orkhon Waterfall – A seasonal cascade set in a volcanic valley, perfect for horseback adventures.
Tsenkher Hot Springs – Natural hot springs surrounded by ger camps, ideal for relaxation on longer trips.
Elsen Tasarkhai (Mini Gobi) – A patch of desert dunes for camel rides and sand exploration.
Best For
History lovers, cultural travelers, and road-trippers looking for variety in one region.
3. Southern Mongolia (The Gobi Desert)
Why Visit
The Gobi Desert is Mongolia’s most iconic region, yet it’s far more than endless sand. Expect towering dunes, red cliffs, frozen gorges, and fossil sites. Remote and challenging, the Gobi rewards visitors with unforgettable landscapes and experiences.
Top Destinations
Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag) – Dinosaur fossil site and breathtaking sunset views.
Khongor Sand Dunes – Massive dunes that “sing” in the wind, with camel riding opportunities.
Yol Valley (Yoliin Am) – A dramatic gorge where ice lingers into summer.
Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa) – Otherworldly eroded cliffs with colorful layers.
Ongi Monastery – Atmospheric ruins beside a desert river, often used as a rest stop.
Best For
Desert adventurers, photographers, and travelers seeking dramatic natural scenery.
4. Northern Mongolia
Why Visit
Green and serene, Northern Mongolia is famous for its alpine lakes, volcanic landscapes, and shamanistic traditions. It’s also home to the Tsaatan, Mongolia’s reindeer-herding community.
Top Destinations
Lake Khuvsgul – Nicknamed the “Blue Pearl of Mongolia,” perfect for hiking, horseback riding, and boating.
Khorgo-Terkhi National Park – A volcanic area with lava fields, crater hikes, and the beautiful White Lake.
Bulgan Province – A lesser-visited region offering untouched scenery and authentic nomadic life.
Best For
Nature enthusiasts, campers, and travelers seeking remote tranquility and cultural immersion.
5. Western Mongolia
Why Visit
Remote and rugged, Western Mongolia is a land of high mountains, glaciers, and unique ethnic traditions. It’s home to Kazakh eagle hunters and some of the country’s most spectacular trekking. Reaching this region takes effort, but the reward is an authentic, untouristed experience.
Top Destinations
Altai Tavan Bogd National Park – Home to Mongolia’s highest peaks, glaciers, and ancient petroglyphs.
Khoton & Khurgan Lakes – Remote alpine lakes ideal for trekking, camping, and photography.
Khetsuu Khad – A sacred site with panoramic views and ancient rock inscriptions.
Ulaagchnii Lake – A peaceful, little-visited lake with pristine surroundings.
Cultural Note
Bayan-Ulgii and Khovd provinces are home to Mongolia’s ethnic minorities, including Kazakhs known for their eagle-hunting traditions. Visiting these areas offers a rare cultural exchange with nomadic families.
Best For
Cultural explorers, serious trekkers, and travelers seeking authentic off-the-beaten-path adventures.
