10 Best Road Trip Destinations in Mongolia

Jon Flobrant @ Unspalsh

Each of these epic routes offers a unique adventure, showcasing Mongolia’s breathtaking landscapes and nomadic culture. 🚙🌍

1. Ulaanbaatar to Khuvsgul via Bulgan (5-7 days)

Highlights: Rolling steppes, river valleys, and the stunning Khuvsgul Lake

Day 1-2: Depart Ulaanbaatar, stop at Amarbayasgalant Monastery in Selenge. Continue to Bulgan Province, known for its fertile landscapes.
Day 3-4: Drive through Erdenet, one of Mongolia’s largest cities. Stop at Uran Togoo volcano for a scenic hike.
Day 5-7: Arrive at Khuvsgul Lake. Enjoy horse riding, hiking, and visiting local reindeer herders.

Highlights: Volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and cultural heritage

Day 1-2: Depart from Khuvsgul, pass through Murun, and head south to Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park (Arkhangai). Explore volcanic craters and pristine lakes.
Day 3-4: Stop at Tsenkher Hot Springs for a relaxing dip. Visit Tuvkhun Monastery, perched atop a mountain.
Day 5-6: Explore Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO site, and visit Ulaan Tsutgalan (Red Waterfall).
Day 7-8: Drive through Karakorum, the ancient Mongol capital, before returning to Ulaanbaatar.

Highlights: Diverse landscapes, sand dunes, and Kazakh culture

Day 1-3: Travel through Arkhangai, stopping at Kharkhorin, Shankh Monastry, Tsetserleg, Khorgo, Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake and Chuluut Canyon.
Day 4-5: Enter Zavkhan, a hidden gem with vast sand dunes and the sacred Otgontenger Mountain.
Day 6-7: Explore Uvs Lake, Mongolia’s largest saltwater lake, and trek through Uvs province’s stunning valleys.
Day 8-10: Reach Bayan-Ulgii, home to the Kazakh minority. Visit Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, enjoy eagle hunting demonstrations, and experience nomadic hospitality.

Highlights: High-altitude lakes, desert landscapes, and ancient history

Day 1-2: Drive from Bayan-Ulgii to Khovd, an ancient trading hub. Visit the petroglyphs at Tsagaan Salaa.
Day 3-4: Continue to Gobi-Altai, stopping at Eej Khairkhan Mountain and Ereen Lake.
Day 5-6: Explore the vast Gobi region, visit the sand dunes of the Mongol Els, and experience camel trekking.
Day 7-8: Head to Uvurkhangai, where the Orkhon Valley and Karakorum offer cultural insights.
Day 9-10: Drive back to Ulaanbaatar, stopping at Hustai National Park to see wild horses.

Highlights: Ancient capital, volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, and hot springs

Day 1-2: Depart Ulaanbaatar, drive south to Uvurkhangai. Explore Karakorum, the ancient Mongol capital, and visit Erdene Zuu Monastery.
Day 3-4: Head west to the Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO heritage site, and visit Ulaan Tsutgalan Waterfall. Enjoy horse trekking and local nomadic culture.
Day 5-6: Drive to Arkhangai, visit Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur (Great White Lake) and hike around Khorgo Volcano.
Day 7-8: Relax at Tsenkher Hot Springs before returning to Ulaanbaatar via scenic steppe landscapes.

Highlights: Pristine wilderness, rivers, historical sites, and horse trekking

Day 1: Drive east to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. Visit Turtle Rock and Aryabal Monastery.
Day 2-3: Continue to Khan Khentii Protected Area, one of Mongolia’s most untouched natural reserves. Enjoy horse trekking, hiking, and fishing in the Tuul and Onon Rivers.
Day 4: Visit Burkhan Khaldun, a sacred mountain and believed to be the birthplace of Genghis Khan.
Day 5: Return to Ulaanbaatar with a stop at the Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex.

Highlights: Vast Gobi landscapes, flaming cliffs, and camel trekking

Day 1-2: Drive through Dundgovi, stopping at Baga Gazriin Chuluu, a granite rock formation with hidden springs.
Day 3-4: Arrive in Umnugovi (South Gobi). Explore Yolyn Am (Vulture’s Gorge) and Khongor Sand Dunes, where you can ride camels.
Day 5-6: Visit Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs), a famous dinosaur fossil site. Stop at Ongi Monastery ruins on the way back.
Day 7-8: Return to Ulaanbaatar, stopping at scenic desert and steppe landscapes along the way.

Highlights: Monasteries, desert landscapes, and hidden spiritual sites

Day 1: Drive to Choir, the capital of Govisümber, and visit Choir Monastery ruins.
Day 2-3: Continue to Dornogovi, stopping at Khamar Monastery, a spiritual energy center linked to the Buddhist monk Danzanravjaa.
Day 4: Explore the Ikh Nart Nature Reserve, home to Argali sheep and ibex.
Day 5-6: Visit Sainshand, experience local culture, then return to Ulaanbaatar.

Highlights: Short scenic getaway, historical sites, and nature exploration

Day 1: Drive to Manzushir Monastery in the Bogd Khan Uul National Park. Enjoy a short hike with scenic views.
Day 2: Explore Khustai National Park, home to the wild Takhi (Przewalski’s horse). Spot wildlife and camp under the stars.
Day 3: Visit Zuunmod town, have lunch at a local ger camp, then return to Ulaanbaatar.

Highlights: Cultural heritage, stunning steppe landscapes, and Mongolia’s mining hub

Day 1: Drive to Darkhan for a short rest, then continue to Amarbayasgalant Monastery, one of Mongolia’s most beautiful Buddhist sites. Overnight stay near the monastery.
Day 2: Head to Erdenet, visit the Erdenet Mining Museum, explore the city, and check out the local market. Stay overnight in Erdenet.
Day 3: Stop at the Erdenet Carpet Factory, then visit Uran Togoo Volcano for a short hike before driving back to Ulaanbaatar.
Day 4-5 (Optional Extension): Visit Khutag-Undur for horseback riding & camping, or relax at Tsenkher Hot Springs before returning to Ulaanbaatar.