Aclassic itinerary for Mongolia combines the Soviet era architecture of capital Ulaanbaatar, beautiful monasteries, the expansive steppe, dinosaur fossils, towering mountains, sand dunes of the Gobi Desert, and offers glimpses into the nomadic life of the locals with camping opportunities at ger sites around the country.

Ulaanbaatar: Discovering Monasteries, Palaces, and Museums

Start your journey in the Tuul River valley, home to the capital of Mongolia. Here, you can explore a mix of Buddhist monasteries, palaces and get a glimpse into the Soviet past of the city over a couple of days.

Start your day at the Gandan Khiid. This monastery sees over 600 monks practice here - mornings are a good time to observe a ceremony in progress.

The Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan with its collection of gifts from foreign dignitaries and beautiful examples of Buddhist artwork in the temples on the grounds is a must see. Those with a love of theater will enjoy a Mongolian theater performance at the National Academic Drama Theater. If you have kids in tow, the puppet theater is a delight. Make time to catch a view of the city from Zaisan Hill.

After hours, enjoy the nightlife in this commercial center before you move on to more tranquil parts of the region the next day.

The Gobi Desert: Dinosaurs and dunes

Fly into South Gobi for your next leg of the journey where you can spend a few days to a week. Begin your travel back in time a few million years ago at Bayanzag, the site where dinosaur eggs were first discovered nearly a century ago in 1922. The Flaming Cliffs with their surreal orangery hue and the stark desert vegetation give you a glimpse into those ancient lands. Return to your ger tent for a back to nature night in.

Riding a double humped Bactrian camel through the Khongor sand dunes in Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park is the experience of a lifetime.

The dunes put on a show for you seems to change color as the day progresses, going from yellow to silvery and then a rosy orange at sunset. Make time to meet a camel herdsman's family to understand the local culture, customs, and lifestyle.

While in the area, also visit nomadic farms or take a detour to the Yol Valley. This thin steep gorge is nestled in the Saikhan range and is home to the bearded vulture. Another great option is checking out the 6000-year-old Petroglyphs at Khavtsgait.

Extensions to your Mongolia itinerary

While the South Gobi region tops the must-do list, there is more to be explored if you have the time.

Lake Khuvsgul National Park 

Fly into Khatgal or Mörön before journeying to the lake in the Ardavkhar Peninsula. Enjoy a 3-4 day trip here, spent meeting with nomadic families in the grasslands and cruising the lake. Hike up to the hills of Tsomo, and camp near the gorgeous crystal clear waters of the lake. 

Khustai National Park

Within easy reach of the capital, a couple of days are easily spent exploring the Khustai ridges as well as the Moltsog Els sand dunes. There are plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting - from red-footed falcons, eagles, and black vultures to red deer and even wolves. Also nearby are the graves of the Öngut, a tribe that was around during the reign of Genghis Khan.

Khan Khentii

Drive here or arrive in by charter flight to the northeastern region of Mongolia, to experience some of the most amazing displays of horsemanship over a two-day trip. Take a horseback safari and appreciate the majesty of these beasts as you pass rivers, grasslands, and forests. Hike the Khentii Mountains and camp in a felt ger.

Genghis Khan Statue