The following list highlights some of the best places to visiting in Mongolia. So if you are in Mongolia, I recommend visiting the following:
- Erdene Zuu Khiid, Kharkhorin, Mongolia
- Khongoryn Els, Gobi Desert, Mongolia
- Khustain Nuruu National Park, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
- Terelj National Park, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
- Khorgo Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park, Khorgo, Mongolia
- Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, Bayan-Ölgii, Mongolia
- Khogno Tarna National Park, Bulgan, Mongolia
- Orkhon Valley, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
- Khangai Nuruu National Park, Khangai, Mongolia
- Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, South Gobi, Mongolia
- Tolbo Lake, Ölgii, Mongolia
- Manzushir Monastery, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
- Zorgol Khairkhan Mountain, Tov aimag, Mongolia
- Gun Galuut Nature Reserve, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
- Khyargas Lake, Khyargas, Mongolia
- Khar-Us Lake, Uvs, Mongolia
- Khuvsgul Lake, Hatgal, Mongolia
1. Erdene Zuu Khiid, Kharkhorin
A mediaeval Buddhist monastery, one of whose temples is still functioning. The remaining buildings are given over to museums. The main value of the monastery is the statue of the Buddha Ihe-zu. Besides that, within the walls of Erdene-Zuu there are 11 relics transferred to the Dalai Lama Monastery. UNESCO World Heritage Site. It houses a museum and a Buddhist school. For a small fee, you can also take a guided tour of the interiors.
2. Khongoryn Els, Gobi Desert
The Gobi Desert is home to such spectacular sights as the Khongoryn Els sand dunes. Known as the “Singing Sands” because they produce a humming sound that can be so loud you can hear it ten kilometres away, they form a stunning landscape that you should consider if you’re visiting Mongolia. Among its attractions we should mention Flaming Cliffs, some reddish earth cliffs where a site of recognised archaeological prestige is hidden. There is also White Stupa, another cliffs of great beauty and interest. And, in addition to natural beauty, this desert hides small treasures such as Ongi Monastery.
3. Khustain Nuruu National Park, Ulaanbaatar
A large natural park, which you can explore on foot, on horseback or by jeep. In addition to picturesque landscapes, you can see ancient monuments. For those who wish, there is an opportunity to participate in nature study. In the park, work is being done to restore the population of Przewalski horses – if you are lucky, you should be able to see some of them galloping over the grassy hills and rocky ridges. These are one of the steppe’s most iconic creatures, and are only known to reside below the rising peaks near Ulaanbaatar.
4. Terelj National Park, Ulaanbaatar
The soaring peaks and ochre-coloured ridges of the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park break above the horizon just north of Ulaanbaatar’s concrete sprawl. The reserve represents one of the most accessible examples of the Mongolian countryside (thanks to its proximity to the capital), with pine-studded mountain valleys and sculpted rock formations dotting the vistas. The southern part of the park is well suited to visitors. Here you’ll discover nomadic camps and camel farms. Meanwhile, the north includes the alpine Khagiin Khar Lake and a series of bubbling hot springs. If you go there, two other attractions nearby are the Hundred Lamas Cave and the Turtle Rose.
5. Khorgo Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park, Khorgo
Dominating the wilderness of north-western Mongolia, this beautiful stretch of protected land has many breathtaking sights in its arsenal. Look up and you’ll see the splintered caldera of the Khorgo volcano: an extinct mountain that once ravaged the surrounding valleys with its pyroclastic flows and ash plumes. Today, it’s possible to climb the 2,240-metre-high peak, and it reveals wonderful panoramas of the volcanic mountain ranges and lakes that stretch around it. And when it comes to lakes, here you can find the Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur Lake, where marsh deer and chitals roam among the rock-built yurts of nomadic herders.
6. Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, Bayan-Ölgii
The mighty Altai Tavan Bogd National Park rises like a bulwark against the tri-state union of China, Russia and Kazakhstan. It blocks the road to Siberia and snow-covered Xinjiang with a series of more than five rugged peaks rising to a whopping 4,000 metres above sea level or more. Hardy creatures make their home here, in the form of hoofed ibex and nomadic Tuvan tribes. Yurts of the latter dot the banks of the beautiful Dayan Nuur in summer, and it’s possible to see the legendary eagle hunters doing their thing on the low plains. The reserve is also known for its ancient petroglyphs and mysterious Turkish carvings.
7. Khogno Tarna National Park, Bulgan
In this 47,000-hectare park, you can get a close look at the grasslands and coniferous forests of the South Gobi desert. As a result, the variety of wildlife found in the park will be the most diverse and impressive. The main attractions are the sacred mountain Khugnu Khan, the sand dunes of Elsen Tasarkhai and the Shireet Tsagaan Lake. Explore the Bronze Age cave paintings near Khogno Khan Hill and enjoy a camel ride in the sand dunes. There are two monasteries on Khogno Khan Hill called Uvgun and Zaluu.
8. Orkhon Valley, Ulaanbaatar
Once home to the great khans and the epicentre of power that drove the Mongol horde’s onslaught into Asia and Europe, the Orkhon Valley has been trodden by totemic names like Genghis and Kublai. Today, this rich history is honoured with a UNESCO World Heritage label, which also celebrates the deeper traditions of nomadic life; even today, when white-cloth yurts appear among the pine trees of the galleries. Of course, Orkhon is now a major attraction, and travellers flock to see the ruins of legendary Karakorum, seek out the fabled palaces of Xanadu, marvel at icy waterfalls and find serenity in rustic Buddhist monasteries.
9. Khangai Nuruu National Park, Khangai
This huge area of land deep in the Orkhon Valley is one of the largest in the nation (though it hardly comes close to the vastness of the Gobi). It is a quintessential steppe country through and through. You’ll see the vast grasslands rise and fall as they stretch into the distance. You’ll be amazed as streams break cliffs and crash as waterfalls tumble into icy pools. You’ll ride horses with the nomads and sleep in traditional yurt villages as fires crackle nearby.
10. Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, South Gobi
The largest of the country’s national parks. Located in the northern Gobi Desert. The main attractions are sand dunes and local fauna. On the territory of the park there is a famous dinosaur cemetery. Tourists are invited to get acquainted with the traditional Mongolian life by visiting the settlements of local residents. Travellers facing the wild nature of Gobi Gurvansaikhan will be able to see such natural wonders as the singing dunes of Khongoryn Els and the chiselled gorges of Yolyn Am.
11. Tolbo Lake, Ölgii
Among the lakes not to be missed during your stay in Mongolia is Lake Tolbo. This lake is located at an altitude of 2,000 m above sea level. It is located 50 km south of Ölgii, in the centre of the Bayan-Ölgii province. The peculiarity of this lake is that it witnessed the Battle of Lake Tolbo (1921) during the Russian Civil War when the Bolsheviks allied with the Mongols defeated the army of the White Russians. A commemorative plaque has been installed as a witness to the battle.
12. Manzushir Monastery, Ulaanbaatar
The magnificent ruins of Manzushir Monastery are just an hour’s drive south of the capital. The ruins of this magnificent stone temple, built by Buddhist monks in the 18th century and destroyed by the communists in 1937, stand today amidst birch forests like something out of a fantasy film. Visitors to the monastery can wander among the remains of the stone building, find paintings and carvings of Buddhist deities, a huge bronze cauldron dating from the 18th century and learn how nature has transformed this beautiful place.
13. Zorgol Khairkhan Mountain, Tov aimag
A local sacred mountain mentioned in the “Secret History of Mongolia”. This 20 km long granite mountain is home to caves of various sizes, mineral springs, as well as mountain goats, sheep, eagles and hawks. Several ancient burial sites of Mongol warriors have also been found around the mountain. According to traditional Mongolian shamanic beliefs, the name of the sacred mountain cannot be pronounced there. Moderate hiking and climbing are also possible.
14. Gun Galuut Nature Reserve, Ulaanbaatar
The Gun Galuut Nature Reserve is home to lakes, mountains, steppes, rivers and grasslands in such a diverse and wonderful combination that it is hard to imagine that it is part of the same territory. It is a protected area for endangered species. The cultural aspect is very important in the reserve. It is possible to meet local families who preserve their nomadic way of life, and to get in touch with their daily life. In addition, many traditional activities, such as horse and camel riding, contemplating the flora and fauna, take on a new meaning when you realise that they are also the material livelihoods of so many families. Sports enthusiasts have a host of activities awaiting them: hiking, trekking, kayaking, rafting and fishing are just some of them. Furthermore, it is possible to camp in the area, so that contact with nature becomes complete.
15. Khyargas Lake, Khyargas
Lake Khyargas is one of the largest salt lakes in Mongolia. In fact, it is 75 km long and 31 km wide. It rises in the small Airag Lake on its southern flank. This lake is part of the terrestrial ecoregion defined by the World Wide Fund for Nature. This area has also been listed as a nature reserve since 2000. One of the main activities around the lake is the observation of migratory birds that come to this area. Other activities include horse riding, camel trekking and playing traditional local games such as Shagai, the Mongolian nomadic game of teddy bears.
16. Khar-Us Lake, Uvs
Khar Lake is a beautiful mountain lake not to be missed during your trip to Mongolia. It is located in the Khangai range at an altitude of 1,980m. Surrounded by the Bor Khyar sand dunes that extend into its waters, this turquoise-blue lake is an oasis in the middle of the desert. Lake Khar is famous for being a perfect fishing spot, which is sure to delight anglers. It is also a paradise for ornithological enthusiasts who can spot more than a dozen endemic species.
17. Khuvsgul Lake, Hatgal
Located in the heart of the Khövsgöl Nature Park, Lake Khuvsgul is a true sea of altitude. An important water reservoir in Mongolia, the lake contains only 2% of the world’s freshwater reserves. It is 136 km long, 36 km wide and up to 267 metres deep. Its clear blue waters have earned it the nickname “The Blue Pearl of Mongolia”. Home to many birds and wildlife, Lake Khövsgöl is a true paradise.
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