The rugged landscape of the least densely populated country in the world, Mongolia, is the perfect adventure destination for the traveler who seeks a glimpse into a different culture. Here are ten places that you should not miss when you are here:

10. Tsagaan suwarga - White Stupa

Tsagaan suwarge - Ulziit sum, Dundgovi province

Tsagaan Suwarga literally means White Stupa and the towering structure revealing limestone bedrock dating back to the ancient times makes for a truly awe-inspiring sight here. Don’t miss the splendid views of the desert floor down below which transforms from white to yellow to pink before turning red.

How to get there

• This spectacular spot is located 430 kilometers far from the capital city. A car is only available transportation to get there.

The best time to visit

• May
• September
• October
• Summer is good /if you can bear very hot temperatures like 30-40C with dry air/

9.Khorgo Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park - Volcanic Formation

Khorgo Volcano, Arkhangai province

Within this park, watched over by extinct volcanoes, the Lake Terhiin Tsagaan can be found at an altitude of 2060 m. The unique geology of the Khorgo Volcano to the east makes this a location that remains in your memory forever. The lake has a volcanic island at its center where exotic birds flock.

How to get there

• The park is located more than 5 hours drive from Ulaanbaatar city.

The best time to visit

• Khorgo Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park

8. Ulaanbaatar city - Capital of Mongolia

Downtown UB

The capital city shows you how ancient culture can be fused with modern day trends with ease. The ruins of monasteries rub shoulders with glass encased skyscrapers here while the covered Narantul Market gives you a single point from where to pick up traditional essentials for your life.

The best time to visit

• The city promises different experience in every season. Just bear in mind that 

7. Khustai National Park -  Asian wild horse

Khustai national part, Tuv province

Named for the birch trees that grow in the vicinity, this is the perfect place to get a glimpse of the steppes ecosystem. The fauna of the area includes the red deer, white-tailed gazelles, and Roe deer among others. There are quite a few historical monuments here such as the Ongot’s man monuments, temple ruins, and Hunnu’s rectangular tombs.

How to get there

• The park is located at an easy 2-hour drive from Ulaanbaatar to the west.

The best time to visit

• Khustai National Park

6. Orkhon Valley - UNESCO World Heritage site

Orkhon Valley

This is a UNESCO World Heritage site where you can find writings from the 8th century. The ancient capital city of Uighur thrived here and this is also where you can find the Tuvkhun monastery. If nature is more your thing then the Eighth Lakes (Naiman Nuur) and Orkhon waterfall should make a spellbinding spectacle for you.

How to get there

• The valley is located 500 kilometers away from the capital city and you can go by car on paved roads.

The best time to visit

• Summer, early spring and autumn.  

5. Kharkhorin-Erdenezuu - Capital of the Mongolian Empire

Kharkhorin-Erdenezuu monastery

Believed to the oldest surviving Buddhist monastery in Mongolia, this is adjacent to Kharkhorin, the ancient city. Stones from the ruined old city were used to build the monastery.

How to get there

• The only way to get there is traveling by car. It takes around 7-8 hours from Ulaanbaatar city.

The best time to visit

• Summer, early spring and autumn.

4. Altai 5 bogd - The Petroglyph Complexes of the Altai

Altai 5 bogd natural scenery

The five sacred peaks of the Altai Tavan Bogd are the highest ones in Mongolia. In the shadow of the Tavan Bogd is a glacier spanning 23 square kilometers, several lakes and a stunning waterfall. This location is also home to many archeological sites, collective forming the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Petroglyph Complexes of the Altai.

How to get there

• As it is located in the westernmost province of the country, we suggest you fly to the capital of Bayan-Ulgii province which takes about 3 hours. Afterward, you should hire a car to get closer to the 

The best time to visit

• We suggest you visit there in June, July, August, September, and October. Keep in mind that the 

3.Terelj National Park - Magnificent alpine scenery

Terelj National park

Terelj National Park is truly scenic with lovely mountains, spectacular rock formations, beautiful meadows, and a river. Also, it offers a variety of activities such as horse riding, hiking, a Buddhist monastery on a hill, traditional ger stay and visiting the home of nomadic people. 

How to get there

• It takes only an hour from Ulaanbaatar city by car /55km/. On the way, you can visit the giant steel statue of Chinggis Khan on horseback located in the middle of steppe which is also a truly impressive statue with a museum and panoramic view board on the top. 

The best time to visit

• The Terelj National Park

2.Khuvsgul lake - The Blue Pearl and Mother Sea

Khuvsgul lake

Locally known as the Blue Pearl and Mother Sea, the Lake Khusgul is a worth seeing sight surrounded with lush greenery landscapes and Alpine-like mountains. Almost 100 rivers and streams culminate in these waters that were first formed almost 3 million years ago due to tectonic actions.

How to get there

• The Lake Khuvsgul

The best time to visit

• We are proud to say that the 

1. Gobi desert - Land of dinosaurs

Khongor sand dunes, Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park

One of the most unusual desert landscapes in the world, the Gobi Desert has the spectacular singing dunes - Khongoryn Els. Gravel plains and rocky outcrops cover much of this area, which is the home of the last two-humped camels in the world and the Gobi bears estimated less than 50 in the world, the only bears you can find in the Mongolian desert. Visit the Eagle Valley, a protected site that narrows into a gorge. Bayanzag is another must-see place especially for those keen on history. It was an ancient sea floor and the site of several remarkable paleontological finds. The first ever full dinosaur skeleton was found in Khermen Tsav which is a canyon with an oasis.

How to get there

• Drive to the 

The best time to visit

• The answer is late spring and autumn (May, September, and October). Summer might be fine but the average daily temperature is 34C sometimes it can go up to 40C.

We hope that this article has helped you to narrow down your choice. Discover Mongolia Travel offers tailor-made and group tours to these attractions. Click here to get more info on our tours.