Top destinations to visit in Mongolia
Wondering where to go in Mongolia next year? Here, we’ve specially listed 10 of the most popular tourist destinations to help spark ideas and assist you in planning your 2021 tour.
1. Terelj National Park
Terelj National Park is one of Mongolia's star attractions and a must-visit destination. It’s one of the closest and most breathtaking national parks to the capital, Ulaanbaatar. A visit to Terelj offers dramatic beauty, incredible landscapes, picturesque hills, and crisp, fresh air. Additionally, the Genghis Khan Statue Complex is on the way to Terelj National Park, making it an ideal first stop on your journey. Its proximity to Ulaanbaatar and impressive natural scenery make it one of Mongolia's top 10 attractions.
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 is the largest and most awe-inspiring sand dune in Mongolia, reaching heights of 100-300 meters (328-984 feet) above the ground. The highest part of the dune, called Duut Mankhan, means "Singing Sands." The "singing" sound, similar to an airplane engine, occurs when sun-heated sand slides gently in the wind. This majestic and peaceful dune is one of Mongolia’s most spectacular natural wonders.
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, also known as the Flaming Cliffs, was once an ancient seabed. In 1922, American paleontologists led by Roy Chapman Andrews discovered the world's first dinosaur eggs here, along with more than 100 fossilized dinosaur remains. This site is famous worldwide for its paleontological significance and is now a popular tourist attraction.
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, also known as the White Stupa, is a steep slope that once formed part of an ancient seabed. From the right distance, it appears to be the ruins of a city. The site faces the east and rises to the sky at a 90-degree angle, earning it the nickname the "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
Known as "the blue pearl of Mongolia," Khuvsgul Lake is one of the oldest and largest freshwater lakes in the country, holding nearly 70% of Mongolia's fresh water. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, it’s a tranquil and scenic destination, often described as a hidden gem.
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
Located in western Mongolia, Altai Tavan Bogd National Park offers a vast expanse of stunning landscapes, including the Tavan Bogd massif and the glittering lakes of Dayan, Khoton, and Khurgan. The park is ideal for hiking, rock climbing, river rafting, and skiing, and is also home to Kazakh and Tuvan nomads, who provide a glimpse into traditional nomadic life.
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
Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake, formed by the eruption of Khorgo Volcano, sits 2,060 meters (1.28 miles) above sea level. The lake is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including red deer, Siberian deer, and various bird species, including the Altai gull.
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
Once the capital of the Mongolian Empire, Kharkhorin (ancient Karakorum) was a vital hub along the Silk Road. Today, it is a small village and a major tourist destination. The region is rich in historical and cultural significance, with monasteries, churches, and mosques once coexisting in harmony.
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
Khyrgas Lake is a mineral lake located in the Great Lakes Depression in Uvs province. It is rich in minerals and is home to diverse wildlife, including Altai otters, Mongolian grayling, and rare black geese. It’s one of Mongolia’s largest lakes and an important site for birdwatching. 
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 a unique desert landscape combining mountains, forests, steppes, and sand dunes. Located just outside the Gobi Desert, it’s perfect for those who want to experience sand dunes without venturing too far. You’ll have the chance to see Bactrian camels, walk on dunes, stay in a traditional Mongolian yurt, and enjoy serene natural beauty.
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:
