Our Recommendations for the Perfect Week in Mongolia

Posted by

2025-06-03

On 2025-06-02

A Week in Mongolia

Looking for the perfect 7-day itinerary in Mongolia? This journey from the capital Ulaanbaatar to the majestic Gobi Desert and beyond highlights Mongolia’s top three tourism features: nomadic culture, vast natural landscapes, and unique wildlife. Here’s our carefully curated guide for making the most of your week.

The itinerary

Day 1: Flight to the Gobi Desert – Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs)

Begin your adventure with an early flight to Dalanzadgad, gateway to the Gobi Desert. Contrary to popular belief, the Gobi is not a sea of empty sand — it’s a land of steppes, rocky outcrops, and desert oases, home to camel herders and diverse wildlife.

In the late afternoon, take a short drive to Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs), famous for their glowing red color at sunset. This site became world-famous in 1923 when American explorer Roy Chapman Andrews discovered the first dinosaur eggs ever found.

📍 Overnight in a ger camp near Bayanzag.

Day 2: Khongor Sand Dunes – Camel Riding Adventure

Drive westward to the stunning Khongoryn Els, the largest sand dunes in Mongolia. Some dunes rise up to 300 meters, stretching 180 km in length and 2–12 km wide.

This is a perfect day for a Bactrian camel ride. Mongolia is home to two-thirds of the world’s double-humped camels. Near the dunes lies Seruun Bulag Oasis and the Khongor River, offering green contrast to the sandy landscape.

Hike up the “Singing Dune” for panoramic views and a unique acoustic phenomenon.

📍 Overnight in a nearby ger camp.

Day 3: Yolyn Am – Dungenee Canyon (Eagle Valley)

Early wake-up for a scenic drive to Yolyn Am (Eagle Valley) in the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park. This deep gorge is often home to ice sheets lasting into midsummer, depending on the weather.

Hike along a narrow trail surrounded by towering cliffs, streams, wildflowers, and, with luck, sightings of ibex or wild sheep. Horse and bicycle rentals are often available in the summer.

📍 Overnight at a ger camp near the park or return to Dalanzadgad.

Day 4: Fly Back to Ulaanbaatar – Visit Hustai National Park

Return to Ulaanbaatar via domestic flight, then drive 100 km west to Hustai National Park, home to the endangered Przewalski’s horse (Takhi) — once extinct in the wild and now reintroduced here.

The best time for viewing wildlife is 2–3 hours before sunset, when the horses descend from the hills to drink from streams. A small museum provides context on the species’ survival and the park’s flora.

📍 Overnight in a tourist camp near Hustai, or return to Ulaanbaatar.

Day 5: Terelj National Park – Alpine Beauty

Continue east to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park (approx. 80 km from Ulaanbaatar), renowned for its rock formations, forests, and alpine scenery.

Visit Turtle Rock and the serene Aryabal Meditation Temple, reached via 108 symbolic steps and a hanging bridge. Enjoy a peaceful overnight in a tourist ger camp surrounded by mountains.

📍 Overnight in Terelj area.

Day 6: Genghis Khan Statue Complex – Return to Ulaanbaatar

Visit the iconic Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue in Tsonjin Boldog — the largest of its kind in the world at 40 meters high. You can take an elevator up to the horse’s head for sweeping views.

The complex includes a museum, souvenir shops, and displays about the Great Khan’s life and empire.

Return to Ulaanbaatar for rest or shopping.