MileHacker Logo
Itinerary Suggestions

Itinerary Suggestions

Mongolia

-Hour Layover Highlights

A short visit can still capture the essence of Ulaanbaatar.

Focus on cultural sites and city views.

Experiences

  • Gandantegchinlen Monastery (morning rituals)
  • Local "Guanz" for lunch
  • Sukhbaatar Square & National Museum

Weekend & Short Trips

Experience city highlights and a taste of the countryside in a few days.

Weekend Getaway 2-3 Days

A concise trip combining urban exploration with a countryside taste.

Itinerary Overview

  • Day 1: Ulaanbaatar city sights (museums, palace, monastery)
  • Day 2: Terelj National Park (horse riding, Turtle Rock, Aryabal Temple)
  • Optional overnight in a ger camp
  • Day 3: Narantuul Market or revisited sites before departure
For booking short excursions, visit GetYourGuide.

One-Week Comprehensive Experience

A good balance of urban exploration and accessible countryside adventures.

Week Overview

  • Days 1-2: Ulaanbaatar (city, cultural performances)
  • Days 3-4: Terelj & Hustai National Parks
  • Days 5-7: Mini Gobi (Elsen Tasarkhai)

Long-Term Stay Recommendations

For stays beyond two weeks, explore specific regions or volunteer.

Extended Exploration

  • Khuvsgul Lake (Northern Mongolia)
  • Altai Mountains (Western Mongolia)
  • Volunteer opportunities
  • Combine existing itineraries

Two-Week In-Depth Exploration

Thorough exploration of Ulaanbaatar and significant regional highlights.

Two-Week Plan

  • Days 1-3: Ulaanbaatar & nearby parks
  • Days 4-7: Central Mongolia (Karakorum, Orkhon Valley)
  • Days 8-14: Gobi Desert (Flaming Cliffs, Khongoryn Els, Yolyn Am)

Itinerary Planning Tips

Tailor your journey to your interests and time.

Consider Interests

History, food, adventure.

Budget Adaptations

Backpacker, mid-range, luxury.

Seasonal Travel

Summer, winter, festivals.

Tailored Travel

Consider your travel style, pace, and interests when choosing an itinerary. Each region presents distinct experiences.

Interest-Based Routes

Design your journey around specific passions, from history to culinary explorations.

Historical & Heritage Focus

Concentrate on sites reflecting Mongolia's rich past and Buddhist heritage.

Sites

  • National Museum of Mongolia
  • Winter Palace of Bogd Khan, Choijin Lama Temple Museum
  • Gandantegchinlen Monastery
  • Karakorum & Erdene Zuu Monastery
For deep historical dives, consider a guided tour.

Food & Culinary Experiences

Savor authentic Mongolian cuisine, from street food to home-cooked meals.

Culinary Journeys

  • Guided food tour (markets, guanz)
  • Traditional cooking class (buuz, khuushuur)
  • Upscale restaurants for modern cuisine
  • Nomadic homestay for traditional food preparation

Adventure & Outdoor Activities

Embrace Mongolia's vast landscapes with thrilling outdoor pursuits.

Outdoor Pursuits

  • Hiking in Bogd Khan Uul National Park
  • Horse riding in Terelj National Park
  • Wildlife viewing in Hustai National Park
  • Multi-day Gobi Desert tour (camel trekking, dune climbing)
Guided adventure tours are available for all skill levels.

Family-Friendly Itinerary

Plan activities enjoyable for all ages, from museums to outdoor fun.

Family Fun

  • Central Museum of Mongolian Dinosaurs
  • National Garden Park (amusement rides)
  • International Intellectual Museum
  • Easy horse riding in Terelj National Park

Art & Architecture Emphasis

Discover Mongolia's artistic heritage and unique structural designs.

Artistic Journeys

  • Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum (Buddhist art)
  • Choijin Lama Temple Museum (preserved complex)
  • Sukhbaatar Square (architectural blend)
  • Erdene Zuu Monastery (unique temple architecture)

Spiritual & Wellness Journey

Find serenity and cultural depth through Mongolia's spiritual sites.

Paths to Serenity

  • Gandantegchinlen Monastery (morning rituals)
  • Choijin Lama Temple Museum (spiritual art)
  • Local yoga and meditation centers
  • Aryabal Meditation Temple (Terelj)

Personalize Your Journey

These interest-based routes can be customized to match your desired pace and experiences.

Practical Travel Insights

Navigate Mongolia with smart strategies for various travel needs and preferences.

Backpacker's Guide

Economical choices for accommodations, food, and activities.

Savings

  • Hostels or budget guesthouses
  • Local "guanz" and street food
  • Public buses (smart card)
  • Join shared group tours

Mid-Range Traveler's Itinerary

A balanced approach combining comfort with value.

Recommendations

  • Comfortable guesthouses or mid-range hotels
  • Mix of local and mid-tier international restaurants
  • Public transport and ride-sharing apps
  • Organized group tours for excursions

Luxury Experience Plan

Indulge in premium services and exclusive experiences.

Considerations

  • 4-5 star luxury hotels
  • Fine dining and exclusive events
  • Private driver with luxury 4x4
  • Domestic flights for long distances
Tailored private tours enhance this experience.

Value-Focused Recommendations

Strategies to maximize your travel budget without compromising quality.

Smart Choices

  • Travel in shoulder seasons (May, Sep, Oct)
  • Compare tour inclusions and reputations
  • Look for combined passes or discounts
  • Negotiate prices at markets (haggling)

Managing Group Logistics & Reservations

Efficient planning ensures a smooth trip for groups.

Group Travel

  • Book accommodation/transport well in advance
  • Designate a group leader for bookings/finances
  • Book private vans with drivers for group transport
  • Maintain flexibility for rural travel

Solo Traveler Safety & Social Opportunities

Ulaanbaatar is generally safe for solo visitors, with social avenues.

Solo Travel

  • Vigilance against petty crime (pickpocketing)
  • Avoid unlit areas at night
  • Hostels for meeting other travelers
  • Group tours for social connection

Common Tourist Mistakes

Underestimating Cold

Pack many layers for winter.

Overestimating Infrastructure

Rural areas are basic.

Lack of Small Denominations

Break down large Tugrik notes.

Other missteps include ignoring local etiquette and focusing solely on Ulaanbaatar without venturing into the countryside.

Smooth Travel Ahead

By considering these practical tips, your Mongolian journey will be more enjoyable and trouble-free.