Mongolia is home to stunning natural, diverse cultural attractions and some of the most exotic World Heritage Sites. The scenery itself is breathtaking, often dotted with Gers (also known as Yurts) and overshadowed by odd cloud formations that add a different dimension to the beauty of its landscape. Mongolia is more diverse than people realise. Come here for the unspoilt landscapes and unchanged culture. But be prepared for long distances. Mongolia, an unforgettable travel destination.

The best time to visit Mongolia in the summer months, from the mid of June till the end of August. This is the most pleasant time year to travel to Mongolia in terms of weather, sunny days throughout Mongolia, and sufficient rainfall to make the steppes lush and green.

June and September are both good times to visit Mongolia too.  September, autumn is enjoyable, colourful; weather is mild but still pleasant. If you prefer to travel without overcrowding, we highly recommend June, September.

The cuisine of Mongolia is greatly influenced by those of its neighbouring countries, China and Russia. The Mongolian diet consists mainly of dairy products, meat (cattle, horses, camels, yaks, sheep and goats) and animal fats. The use of vegetables and spices is somewhat limited.

The most common dish in rural Mongolia is mutton which is often served without any accompaniment. Mutton can be boiled which makes it very fresh and tender or it can be cooked. Roast lamb is another favourite dish that is usually served at dinner parties or special occasions. A popular dish found in cities is “buuz” which are dumplings filled with meat and are then steamed. Other variations include boiling the dumpling (Bansh) or deep frying it in mutton fat (Khuushuur). Boodog is a traditional way of cooking goat or marmot. It involves the whole carcass of the animal which is roasted from the inside out with burning hot stones. Mongolian sweets include boortsog, a type of biscuit or cookie eaten on special occasions.

Ulaanbaatar is well-endowed with shopping malls and independent stores. Best buys include landscape paintings, cashmere garments, camel-wool blankets, national costumes, boots, jewellery, carpets, books and handicrafts. The State Department Store (Ikh Delguur) has the largest selection of souvenirs and gifts in the country.

The official and most widely spoken language in Mongolia is Mongolian. The two Mongolic dialects spoken are Oirat and Buryat. English is also commonly spoken among Mongolians.

1. ULAANBAATAR

Ulaanbaatar is the capital of Mongolia with about 1.3 million residents. It’s a fascinating city that combines old and new beautifully. Visitors will find a vibrant city brimming with modern buildings, shopping, art, a thriving nightlife scene and restaurants; a contemporary contrast to the timelessness of the country’s vast scenery outside it.

Places to visit in Ulaanbaatar: National Museum of Mongolia, State History Museum of Mongolia, the Choijin Lama Temple, National Academic Drama Theatre, Dashchoilin Monastery and Gandantegchinlen Monastery

2. ALTAI TAVAN BOGD NATIONAL PARK

Situated on the borders of Russia and China in western Mongolia, Altai Tavn Bogd National Park features five of the tallest mountain peaks in the country. From glaciers to lakes to a 10-meter waterfall and archaeological sites that include the UNESCO World Heritage Site Petroglyph Complexes of the Mongolian Altai, the area is rich in natural wonders.

3. AMARBAYASGALANT MONASTERY

Amarbayasgalant Monastery is located in the Ivon Gol River Valley. Also known as the ‘Monastery of Tranquil Felicity,’ an elaborate temple complex, comprising of close to 28 individual buildings.

It is one of the largest Buddhist monasteries, which were saved from the regimental destruction during the 1937.  The lovely sculpture on the temple compound and the serene background makes this place an enticing tourist destination.

4. GOBI DESERT

The fifth largest desert in the world, the Gobi Desert spreads across both China and Mongolia, specifically the southern portion of the country. It is a stunning site and a great contrast to most other parts of Mongolia; be sure to visit the vast Khongor Sand Dunes while you’re here.

5. ERDENE ZUU MONASTERY

Located a little over a mile from Kharkhorin, the Erdene Zuu Monastery once had somewhere between 60 to 100 temples at its peak. Established by Altai Khaan in 1586, the monastery is now open to visitors who can roam the grounds and take in the scenic beauty of the 16th-century temples. For a small fee, they can also take a guided tour of the interiors.

6. GORKHI-TERELJ NATIONAL PARK

Located northeast of Ulaanbaatar, Gorkhi-Terelj National Park is a natural treasure and outdoor adventurers’ paradise. Its stark, sweeping landscape and numerous natural attractions draw tourists from all over the world who want to explore the unspoiled land, often on horseback or camels.

7. ORKHON VALLEY

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape should definitely be on your list of beautiful places to explore when visiting Mongolia. Situated in central Mongolia, southeast of Ulaanbaatar, the area is steeped in history. The landscape is home to architectural ruins that date all the way back to the 6th century, including Kharkhorin, Genghis Khan’s capital in the 13th and 14th century.

8. TSAGAAN SUVARGA

The rocky formations of Tsagaan Suvarga are white-sand cliffs, striped with pastel shades of purple, orange, and red. Its name translates as “white stupa”. The cliffs are formed by the wind over thousands of years and look like a ruined city if observed from a certain distance. They are about 60 metres/196 feet high and 400 metres/1312 feet) long. There are two sites to explore: the first is a cave which is 70 metres/230 feet long, and the second is Del uul (Back Mountain) with rock drawings from the Bronze Age; considered the largest in Central Asia.

9. BAYAN ZAG (BAIN-DZAK)

Part of the extremely dangerous desert area, the Bayan Zag is often associated with paleontology and excavation. A prime location for dinosaur fossils, the place is often regarded as the Flaming Cliffs due to its red and ochre sandstone cliffs during the sunset.

The Bauan Zag is a great contrast to the rest of the Mongolian landscape, and pull in adventure enthusiasts from all over the world. While here, make sure to visit the Khongor Sand Dunes.

Ideally, hiring an experienced tour company is recommended for touring this part of Mongolia. Most tour operators offer camping trips to the region. The ideal time to visit is June to September.

Browse Mongolia Tour Packages