Planning a trip to Mongolia and wondering about the best places to visit?
Mongolia, known as the “Land of The Blue Sky,” boasts 250 sunny days each year. It’s a truly unique destination, being one of the last remaining countries with a nomadic culture that’s unlike anywhere else in the world. Despite being the 18th largest country globally, it’s one of the least densely populated. This vastness and its unpredictable climate can make travel challenging, but the rewards are tremendous with breathtaking landscapes and one-of-a-kind experiences.
Mongolia’s diverse landscapes include taiga in the north, desert in the south, steppe in the east, and mountains in the west, offering something for everyone. Intrigued? Eager to explore? Here’s a guide to some must-see places in Mongolia to help you plan your trip.
Ulaanbaatar, the capital and largest city, is where your journey will likely begin if you’re flying into Mongolia since the main airport is located there. Ulaanbaatar is a vibrant and chaotic city that will both amaze and shock you. Explore the Bogd Khaan Palace Museum, which was once the palace of a Mongolian emperor. Now a museum complex, it houses six Buddhist temples with artwork and scriptures, and also includes the emperor’s possessions among its 8600 exhibits. Visit the Gandantegchinlen Monastery, an impressive Buddhist monastery dating back to the 19th century, and home to the world’s tallest indoor statue of Avalokiteśvara. For those interested in Soviet architecture, the Zaisan Monument, depicting scenes of friendship between Mongolia and the USSR, also offers stunning city views from its hilltop location.
Gorkhi-Terelj National Park is another famous destination close to Ulaanbaatar. Known for its iconic rock formations and untouched nature, it is popular among both locals and tourists. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, rock climbing, and horse riding activities. Don’t miss attractions like Khagiin Khar Lake, Yestii Hot Water Springs, and a Buddhist monastery. This park provides a perfect glimpse of Mongolia’s countryside without straying too far from the capital.
Altai Tavan Bogd National Park is celebrated for its stunning mountainous landscape. Khüiten Peak, at 4356 meters high, is the tallest mountain in Mongolia and located within this park. The park also features several glaciers and waterfalls. It houses three picturesque freshwater lakes: Khoton, Khurgan, and Dayan. Additionally, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Petroglyphic Complexes of the Mongolian Altai, is situated here and includes a vast collection of ancient rock paintings dating from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age.
The Gobi Desert, partially located in southern Mongolia along the China border, is characterized by desert steppes, sand dunes, gravel plains, red-rock cliffs, and unique rock formations. Highlights here include the Flaming Cliffs, which are ancient sandstone cliffs where important fossils have been discovered. The “White Stupas” or Tsagaan Suvraga, are unique formations sculpted by wind erosion. For adventure seekers, the Khongor sand dunes, the tallest and most impressive in Mongolia, are a must-climb. The Gobi Desert is also a habitat for critically endangered species like the Gobi bear and wild Bactrian camel, making it an essential part of any visit to Mongolia.
The Orkhon Valley in central Mongolia is of significant cultural importance and features pristine landscapes along with key historical landmarks. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it includes Buddhist monasteries, palace ruins, and other historical structures along the Orkhon River. Notable sites include the Erdene Zuu monastery, considered the earliest surviving Buddhist monastery in Mongolia, and the adjacent ruins of Karakorum city, the former capital of the Mongol Empire from 1235 to 1260. Khar Balgas, the ancient capital of the Uyghur Kingdom, is another significant ruin in the area.
Lake Khövsgöl, Mongolia’s second-largest lake by area, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, often referred to as the “Blue Pearl of Mongolia.” A boat trip on the lake is highly recommended, as is kayaking. The surrounding hills offer panoramic views, and the area is dotted with numerous walking trails.
With these destinations on your itinerary, you’re sure to have an unforgettable trip to Mongolia.