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The Ultimate Week in Mongolia

From Ulaanbaatar to the Gobi Desert and Ancient Valleys

Trip Overview

This comprehensive week-long journey through Mongolia takes you from the bustling capital of Ulaanbaatar into the vast steppes, ancient valleys, and legendary Gobi Desert. Experience the perfect blend of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and natural wonders as you visit ancient monasteries, stay in traditional ger camps, witness stunning desert landscapes, and connect with nomadic heritage. This itinerary balances adventure with comfort, offering authentic experiences while maintaining practical logistics. You'll explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, encounter unique wildlife, witness dramatic rock formations, and experience the hospitality of Mongolian nomadic culture, all while traveling through some of the most breathtaking and remote landscapes on Earth.

Pace
Active
Daily Budget
$120-180 per day
Best Seasons
June to September (summer months with warmest weather and accessible roads)
Ideal For
Adventure seekers, Nature enthusiasts, Cultural explorers, Photography lovers, First-time visitors to Central Asia

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Arrival & Capital Exploration

Ulaanbaatar
Settle into Mongolia's vibrant capital and get oriented with key cultural sites, panoramic views, and an introduction to Mongolian history and art.
Morning
Arrival and Zaisan Hill Complex visit
After arriving at Chinggis Khaan International Airport and transferring to your accommodation, head to Zaisan Hill Complex for panoramic views of Ulaanbaatar. Climb the 300+ steps to reach the Soviet-era memorial with its colorful mosaics depicting Mongolian-Soviet friendship. The hilltop offers excellent photo opportunities of the sprawling city against the mountain backdrop, helping you get your bearings in the capital.
2-3 hours $0 (free entry)
Lunch
A traditional Mongolian restaurant in the city center serving buuz and khuushuur
Traditional Mongolian Budget
Afternoon
National Park exploration and cultural immersion
Visit the National Park area to explore Mongolia's natural and cultural heritage. Spend time understanding the country's diverse ecosystems, wildlife, and conservation efforts. This provides essential context for the wilderness experiences ahead. Afterward, visit the 976 Art Gallery and Mongol Art Gallery to appreciate contemporary Mongolian art, gaining insight into how modern artists interpret nomadic traditions and landscapes through various mediums.
3-4 hours $15-25
Evening
Traditional Mongolian dinner and cultural performance
Attend a cultural show featuring throat singing and contortionism at a venue in the city center, followed by dinner at a restaurant specializing in khorkhog (hot stone-cooked meat)

Where to Stay Tonight

Central Ulaanbaatar (Mid-range hotel near Sukhbaatar Square)

Central location provides easy access to restaurants, shops, and tour operators for organizing the upcoming days

Exchange money at official banks rather than airports for better rates, and download offline maps as mobile data can be unreliable outside the capital
Day 1 Budget: $100-140
2

Journey to the Mini Gobi

Elsen Tasarkhai
Drive westward through the Mongolian countryside to experience your first taste of desert landscapes at the unique Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes.
Morning
Drive to Elsen Tasarkhai with stops
Depart Ulaanbaatar early for the approximately 4-5 hour drive to Elsen Tasarkhai (Sand Dune Mini Gobi). This unique landscape features sand dunes bordered by grassland and forest, offering a preview of Gobi terrain without the extreme distance. The journey itself is scenic, passing through rolling steppes where you may spot nomadic families with their livestock. Stop at roadside points to stretch and photograph the vast open landscapes.
4-5 hours driving $80-120 (private vehicle with driver)
Arrange transportation and accommodation together through a tour operator or guesthouse, typically more economical than separate bookings
Lunch
Packed lunch or meal at a roadside ger restaurant en route
Mongolian comfort food Budget
Afternoon
Elsen Tasarkhai sand dune exploration
Arrive at Elsen Tasarkhai and explore these beautiful sand dunes that rise dramatically from the surrounding grassland. Try camel riding across the dunes, a quintessential Mongolian experience that offers a peaceful way to traverse the landscape. Climb to the top of the dunes for sunset views where sand, grass, and forest meet in an unusual ecological convergence. The area is excellent for photography and offers a taste of desert life.
3-4 hours $15-25 (camel riding)
Evening
Traditional ger camp experience
Stay in a traditional felt ger at a tourist camp, enjoy home-cooked Mongolian dinner, and experience the incredible stargazing opportunities away from city lights

Where to Stay Tonight

Elsen Tasarkhai (Tourist ger camp with shared facilities)

Authentic nomadic accommodation experience with the comfort of organized facilities, perfectly positioned for desert exploration

Bring layers as desert temperatures drop significantly at night, even in summer. The temperature swing can be 20-30°C between day and night
Day 2 Budget: $120-160
3

Ancient Capital Discovery

Kharkhorin (Karakorum)
Explore the site of Mongolia's ancient imperial capital and visit significant Buddhist monasteries in the historically rich Orkhon Valley.
Morning
Drive to Kharkhorin and Kharakhorum Museum visit
Journey to Kharkhorin, site of the ancient Mongol Empire capital established by Chinggis Khaan in 1220. Visit the Kharakhorum Museum, which houses fascinating artifacts from the imperial period including pottery, coins, tools, and architectural fragments. The museum provides crucial context about the city that once served as the administrative center of the largest contiguous land empire in history, helping you understand the scale and sophistication of medieval Mongolian civilization.
2-3 hours (including 2-hour drive) $5-10 (museum entry)
Lunch
A local guesthouse restaurant serving tsuivan (Mongolian noodle stir-fry) and buuz
Traditional Mongolian Budget
Afternoon
Orkhon Valley Natural and Historical Reserve exploration
Explore the Orkhon Valley Natural and Historical Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been the center of nomadic empires for centuries. Visit Erdene Zuu Monastery, Mongolia's oldest surviving Buddhist monastery built in 1585 using stones from the ruins of Karakorum. Walk around the impressive walls punctuated by 108 stupas and explore the remaining temples with their beautiful Buddhist artwork. The valley itself offers stunning landscapes along the Orkhon River.
3-4 hours $8-12 (monastery entry)
Visit in the morning or late afternoon for the best light for photography of the monastery complex
Evening
Riverside relaxation and dinner
Enjoy dinner at a ger camp restaurant overlooking the Orkhon River valley, with opportunities for short evening walks along the riverbank

Where to Stay Tonight

Kharkhorin/Orkhon Valley (Tourist ger camp near the valley)

Proximity to both historical sites and natural beauty, with the peaceful atmosphere of the valley enhancing the experience

The monastery is an active religious site, so dress modestly and walk clockwise around temples following Buddhist custom. Remove hats before entering temple buildings
Day 3 Budget: $110-150
4

Sacred Mountain Serenity

Tuvkhun Monastery area
Visit a mountaintop meditation monastery and experience the spiritual heart of Mongolian Buddhism in a breathtaking natural setting.
Morning
Aryapala Temple Meditation Center visit
Drive to and hike up to the Aryapala Temple Meditation Center, a spiritual retreat perched on a mountainside offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. This peaceful meditation center features prayer wheels, colorful prayer flags, and several small temples connected by walking paths. The climb requires moderate fitness but rewards you with panoramic vistas and a profound sense of tranquility. The site is used by monks for meditation retreats and embodies the contemplative tradition of Mongolian Buddhism.
3-4 hours (including hiking) $5 (donations appreciated)
Lunch
Packed lunch enjoyed at a scenic viewpoint or at the base of the mountain
Picnic-style Budget
Afternoon
Taikhar Rock and local exploration
Visit Taikhar Rock, a massive 20-meter-high granite formation standing dramatically alone in the valley. This sacred rock features ancient inscriptions and petroglyphs dating back centuries, with writings from various historical periods including Chinggis Khaan era. Local legends surround this mysterious monolith, and it serves as an important cultural landmark. The area around the rock is perfect for walking and photography, with the stark contrast of the massive stone against the open steppe creating striking images.
2-3 hours $3-5
Evening
Traditional nomadic family visit
If arranged through your guide, visit a local nomadic family's ger for tea and conversation, learning about contemporary nomadic lifestyle and trying traditional dairy products like airag (fermented mare's milk)

Where to Stay Tonight

Kharkhorin area (Ger camp or guesthouse)

Convenient location for continuing the journey toward central Mongolia while enjoying comfortable accommodation

Bring small gifts if visiting a nomadic family (candy for children, or items from your home country), and always accept offered tea as refusing is considered impolite
Day 4 Budget: $100-135
5

Journey to the Gobi

Baga Gazryn Chuluu
Begin the adventure into the Gobi region with a stop at a unique granite rock formation offering caves, ancient ruins, and desert wildlife.
Morning
Long drive toward the Gobi with scenic stops
Embark on the journey south toward the Gobi Desert, one of Mongolia's most iconic landscapes. This is a long driving day (approximately 5-6 hours), but the changing landscapes from grassland to semi-desert are fascinating to observe. Stop at small settlements along the way to stretch and experience rural Mongolian life. The vastness of the Mongolian landscape becomes increasingly apparent as you travel deeper into the country's heartland.
5-6 hours driving with breaks $100-150 (vehicle and driver)
Book multi-day Gobi tours from Ulaanbaatar that include transportation, accommodation, and guide services for better value
Lunch
Roadside ger restaurant or packed lunch during the journey
Simple Mongolian fare Budget
Afternoon
Baga Gazryn Chuluu exploration
Arrive at Baga Gazryn Chuluu, a striking granite rock formation rising from the surrounding plains. These weathered rocks create a maze of passages, caves, and formations perfect for exploration. Discover small caves that were once used by monks for meditation, climb to viewpoints for sunset photography, and look for wildlife including ibex and various bird species. The area has a mystical quality with ruins of a small temple adding to the atmosphere.
2-3 hours $5 (site access)
Evening
Gobi desert sunset and stargazing
Watch the sunset paint the rocks in golden light, followed by exceptional stargazing in one of the world's darkest sky locations, with the Milky Way clearly visible

Where to Stay Tonight

Baga Gazryn Chuluu (Basic ger camp with limited facilities)

Remote location offers authentic Gobi experience with minimal light pollution and direct access to the rock formations

Charge all devices when electricity is available as power can be limited or solar-only in remote Gobi camps. Bring power banks for phones and cameras
Day 5 Budget: $130-170
6

Flaming Cliffs & Gobi Wonders

Bayanzag and Gobi Gurvan Saikhan
Discover the legendary dinosaur fossil sites and explore the dramatic landscapes of the Gobi's Three Beauties National Park.
Morning
Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs) exploration
Visit Bayanzag, internationally famous as the 'Flaming Cliffs' where American explorer Roy Chapman Andrews discovered the first dinosaur eggs in the 1920s. These orange-red cliffs glow brilliantly in the sunlight, creating a Mars-like landscape. Walk along the cliff edges, explore the saxaul tree forest (a unique desert tree), and imagine the prehistoric creatures that once roamed here. The site remains paleontologically significant, and the dramatic scenery is unforgettable.
2-3 hours $5-8 (site entry)
Lunch
Packed lunch or meal at a nearby ger camp
Simple meals Budget
Afternoon
Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park discovery
Enter Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park, named for the 'Three Beauties' mountain range. Visit The Gobi Museum of Nature and History to understand the region's unique ecosystem, geology, and paleontology. The museum features dinosaur fossils, information about Gobi wildlife including the endangered Gobi bear, and exhibits on desert ecology. If time permits, take a short drive into the park to experience the diverse desert landscapes ranging from sand dunes to rocky mountains.
3-4 hours $10-15 (park entry and museum)
National park fees are typically included in organized tour packages
Evening
Desert camp experience
Enjoy a traditional Mongolian barbecue dinner at your ger camp and share stories with fellow travelers around a campfire under the vast desert sky

Where to Stay Tonight

Gobi Gurvan Saikhan area (Tourist ger camp within or near the national park)

Positioned for exploring the park's highlights while providing comfortable desert accommodation with meals included

The Gobi can be surprisingly cold even in summer, especially at night and early morning. The desert also experiences strong winds, so secure loose items and protect camera equipment from sand
Day 6 Budget: $125-165
7

White Stupa & Return Journey

Tsagaan Suvarga to Ulaanbaatar
Visit a spectacular geological formation before making the long journey back to the capital for your final evening in Mongolia.
Morning
Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa) exploration
Visit Tsagaan Suvarga, a stunning geological formation resembling ancient ruins or a white stupa temple. These colorful limestone cliffs were formed by an ancient seabed and have been eroded into a dramatic 30-meter escarpment stretching over 400 meters. Walk along the top and bottom of the formation to appreciate the layered colors ranging from white to red to ochre. The site is particularly beautiful in morning light when shadows accentuate the carved formations.
1-2 hours $3-5
Lunch
Early lunch at a ger camp before beginning the long return drive
Mongolian Budget
Afternoon
Return journey to Ulaanbaatar
Begin the long drive back to Ulaanbaatar (approximately 6-7 hours), reflecting on the week's adventures through Mongolia's diverse landscapes. The journey passes through changing terrain as you leave the Gobi behind and return to the grasslands surrounding the capital. Use this time to organize photos, rest, and process the incredible experiences of the past week. Arrive in Ulaanbaatar by evening with time to refresh before a farewell dinner.
6-7 hours driving Included in tour package
Evening
Farewell dinner and souvenir shopping
Enjoy a final dinner at an upscale restaurant in Ulaanbaatar featuring modern interpretations of Mongolian cuisine, then visit the State Department Store or local markets for last-minute cashmere and handicraft souvenirs

Where to Stay Tonight

Central Ulaanbaatar (Hotel near the airport or city center depending on departure time)

Convenient for early morning flights or final city exploration before departure

Mongolia produces excellent cashmere at prices much lower than Western markets. Buy from reputable stores in Ulaanbaatar rather than roadside vendors for guaranteed quality
Day 7 Budget: $110-150

Practical Information

Getting Around

This itinerary requires hiring a private vehicle with driver, which is the standard way to travel in Mongolia outside Ulaanbaatar. Public transportation to rural areas is extremely limited and unreliable. Most travelers book through tour operators who provide a 4WD vehicle, driver, guide, and accommodation packages. Expect long driving days on unpaved roads, which is part of the authentic Mongolian experience. Within Ulaanbaatar, taxis are inexpensive (typically $2-5 for cross-city trips), and ride-sharing apps function in the capital. Walking is feasible in the city center for exploring main attractions.

Book Ahead

Book your tour operator or vehicle rental at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for June-August peak season. Ger camp accommodation should be reserved ahead through your tour operator. Flights to Mongolia should be booked early for better prices. Cultural performances in Ulaanbaatar can be reserved a few days in advance. No advance booking needed for most attractions themselves, though national park entry fees are typically handled by tour operators.

Packing Essentials

Layered clothing for extreme temperature variations, warm jacket for evenings even in summer, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF 50+ sunscreen), dust mask or scarf for windy desert conditions, sturdy walking shoes and sandals, headlamp for ger camps with limited electricity, power bank, camera with extra batteries, basic toiletries (limited availability in countryside), hand sanitizer and wet wipes, reusable water bottle, small daypack, and any prescription medications

Total Budget

$800-1,100 for the entire week (excluding international flights)

Customize Your Trip

Budget Version

Reduce costs by joining a group tour instead of private vehicle hire (saving $200-400), staying in budget guesthouses in Ulaanbaatar instead of hotels, choosing basic ger camps without restaurant facilities and bringing more packed food, limiting the Gobi portion to 2-3 days, eating at local canteens rather than tourist-oriented restaurants, and using public shared taxis between major towns where available. Total budget can be reduced to $600-800 for the week.

Luxury Upgrade

Upgrade to premium ger camps with en-suite bathrooms and better amenities (such as Tumen Khaan Tourist Camp), hire an English-speaking guide in addition to the driver, book a private chef for some meals, take a scenic flight over the Gobi to reduce driving time, stay at Ulaanbaatar's luxury hotels, arrange private cultural performances, add a night at a wilderness lodge in Khan Khentii for pristine nature, and include helicopter transfers for certain segments. Budget increases to $2,500-3,500 per person.

Family-Friendly

Shorten driving days by focusing on central Mongolia only (Kharkhorin, Orkhon Valley, Elsen Tasarkhai), eliminating the long Gobi journey. Choose ger camps with better facilities and Western toilets, arrange shorter hiking distances at sites like Aryapala Temple, add more interactive experiences like horse riding lessons and traditional archery, visit the Natural History Museum in Ulaanbaatar with its impressive dinosaur exhibits, schedule more frequent breaks during drives, and bring entertainment for children during long vehicle journeys. Many ger camps can accommodate families in larger gers.

Book Activities for Your Trip

Tours, tickets, and experiences in Mongolia

Continue Planning Your Trip

Things to Do

Top attractions and activities for Mongolia

Budget Guide

Trip costs and money tips for Mongolia

Getting Around

Transport options and tips for Mongolia

Where to Stay

Accommodation guide for Mongolia

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