Tourist places to Visit in Mongolia & Things to Do

Explpre the top places to visit in Mongolia: Mongolia is the landlocked country in East Asia, bordered by Russia to the north and China to the south. The country is known for its vast grasslands, rugged mountains, and diverse wildlife. The population of Mongolia is primarily made up of ethnic Mongols, who have a unique culture and history that dates back centuries.

One of the most popular things in Mongolia is exploring the country’s natural landscapes. From the Gobi Desert to the Altai Mountains, countless opportunities exist for hiking, camping, and taking in stunning views. Additionally, Mongolia is home to many historic sites, including the ancient city of Karakorum and the Erdenezuu Monastery, the oldest Buddhist monastery in the country.

Best Places to visit in Mongolia

1. Ulaanbaatar (Famous Cities to visit in Mongolia)

Mongolia’s capital and largest city, Ulaanbaatar, is a vibrant and bustling metropolis home to over half of the country’s population. The city’s main attraction is the Gandantegchinlen Monastery, one of Mongolia’s most important Buddhist sites. Visitors can also explore the National Museum of Mongolia, which has many exhibits on the country’s history and culture.

2. Uurg Lake

Uureg Lake is located in the western part of Mongolia and is known for its beautiful landscapes and unique wildlife. Visitors can explore the lake on a boat tour, and there are also several fishing and camping opportunities. Additionally, Uureg Lake is home to Some historic sites, including ancient petroglyphs and burial mounds.

3. Karakorum

Founded in the 13th century by Genghis Khan, Karakorum is an ancient city once the capital of the Mongol Empire. City is home to many historic sites, including the Erdene Zuu Monastery, the oldest Buddhist monastery in Mongolia. Visitors can also see the ruins of the ancient city, including the remains of palaces. The temple’s excellent forum is also an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area, including the front Valley, known for its stunning landscapes and traditional nomadic way of life.

4. Terelj National Park

Rated just outside of Ulaanbaatar, Terelj NatMongolia’sal Park is one of the most favored nations in Mongolia. The park is known for its beautiful landscapes, including rolling hills, rocky cliffs, and lush forests. Visitors can hike and camp in the park; many are horseback riding and rock climbing opportunities. Additionally, Terelj National Park is home to some historic sites, including turtle rock, a giant granite formation that is said to resemble a turtle.

5. Gobi Desert (Popular Destinations in Mongolia)

Gobi Desert is one of the most iconic landscapes in Mongolia, known for its vast deserts, rocky cliffs, and unique wildlife. Visitors can explore the desert on a 4×4 tour or go on a camel trek to experience the desert more traditionally. Additionally, a number of oasis towns and traditional nomadic communities can be visited. One of the famous destinations in the Gobi desert is the Bayanzag, also known as “Flaming Cliffs,” where the first dinosaur eggs were found.

6. Altai Mountains

The Altai Mountains are located in the western part of Mongolia and are known for their rugged beauty and unique wildlife. Visitors can hike and camp in the mountains and have some horseback riding and rock climbing opportunities. Additionally, the Altai Mountains are home to many historic sites, including ancient petroglyphs and burial mounds. The area is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including the endangered Snow Leopard.

7. Lake Khuvsgul (Best places to visit in Mongolia)

Lake Khuvsgul is the largest freshwater lake in Mongolia and is known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning scenery. Visitors can explore the lake by boat and have many hiking and camping opportunities in the surrounding area. Additionally, Lake Khuvsgul is home to some traditional nomadic communities who live off the land and rely on the lake’s resources.

8. Orkhon Valley

The Orkhon Valley is located in central Mongolia and is known for its stunning landscapes and rich history. Visitors can explore the Valley on horseback, and there are also some hiking and camping opportunities. Additionally, the Orkhon Valley is home to some historic sites, including the ancient city of Karakorum and the Erdenezuu Monastery.

9. Erdenezuu Monastery

The Erdenezuu Monastery is the oldest Buddhist monastery in Mongolia, dating back to the 16th century. The monastery is located in the Orkhon Valley and is known for its beautiful architecture and rich history. Visitors can explore the monastery’s temples and learn about the history of Buddhism in the country. Additionally, the monastery is surrounded by a beautiful wall with 108 stupas.

10. Bayanzag ( Top Attractions in Mongolia)

Bayanzag is a protected area in the Gobi Desert, also known as the “Flaming Cliffs” due to the striking red color of the cliffs. The area is famous for discovering dinosaur eggs, and visitors can explore the site on a guided tour. The area is also Known for its unique wildlife, including the Gobi bear and the Bactrian camel. Additionally, Bayanzag is home to several ancient petroglyphs and burial mounds, providing a glimpse into the area’s history.

11. Khustai National Park

Khustai National Park is located in central Mongolia and is known for its beautiful landscapes and wildlife. The park is home to the reintroduced wild horse species – the Przewalski’s horse, and visitors can explore the park on horseback or by car. Additionally, Khustai National Park is home to many historic sites, including ancient petroglyphs and burial mounds.

12. Yolyn Am

Yolyn Am is a protected area in the Gobi Desert, known for its stunning landscapes and unique wildlife. The area is home to the endangered argali sheep and the Gobi bear. Visitors can explore the area on a guided tour, and there are also several hiking and camping opportunities. Additionally, Yolyn Am is home to some ancient petroglyphs and burial mounds, providing a glimpse into the area’s history.

13. Kharkhorin (Tourist Attractions in Mongolia)

Kharkhorin is a small town in the Orkhon Valley known for its rich history and stunning landscapes. Visitors can explore the town’s historic sites, including the Erdene Zuu Monastery and the ruins of the ancient city of Karakorum. Additionally, Kharkhorin is an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area, including the famous Orkhon Valley, known for its stunning landscapes and traditional nomadic way of life.

14. Tsenkher Hot Spring

Tsenkher Hot Spring is located in the Arkhangai province and is known for its therapeutic hot springs. Visitors can relax in the hot springs and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the surrounding area. Additionally, Tsenkher Hot Spring is home to many historic sites, including ancient petroglyphs and burial mounds.

15. Ongi Monastery ( Famous places in Mongolia to Visit)

The Ongi Monastery is located in the southern part of Mongolia and is known for its beautiful architecture and rich history. Visitors can explore the monastery’s temples and learn about the history of Buddhism in the country. Additionally, the Ongi Monastery is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, and visitors can also explore the nearby Ongi River and the Ongiin Khiid waterfall.

16. Tsonjin Boldog

Tsonjin Boldog is a small village in the Tov province known for its rich history and stunning landscapes. Visitors can explore the village’s historic sites, including the Tsonjin Boldog complex, which is said to be the birthplace of Genghis Khan. Additionally, Tsonjin Boldog is an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area, including the famous Orkhon Valley and the Tovkhon Monastery.

17. Tovkhon Monastery

The Tovkhon Monastery is located in the Tov province and is known for its beautiful architecture and rich history. Visitors can explore the monastery’s temples and learn about the history of Buddhism in the country.

18. Khorgo Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park

Khorgo Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park is located in the northern part of Mongolia and is known for its stunning landscapes and unique wildlife. The park is home to the extinct volcano Khorgo and some lakes, including the Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur. Visitors can explore the park on horseback or by car, and have several hiking and camping opportunities. Additionally, the park is home to many ancient petroglyphs and burial mounds, providing a glimpse into the area’s history.

19. Ikh Nart Nature Reserve

Ikh Nart Nature Reserve is located in the Dornogovi province and is known for its unique wildlife, including the Asiatic wild ass and the argali sheep. Visitors can explore the reserve on a guided tour, and there are also many hiking and camping opportunities. Additionally, the reserve is home to several ancient petroglyphs and burial mounds, providing a glimpse into the area’s history.

20. Kherlen River (Natural places to visit in Mongolia)

The Kherlen River is located in the eastern part of Mongolia and is known for its beautiful landscapes and unique wildlife. Visitors can explore the river on a boat tour, and there are also many fishing and camping opportunities. The Kherlen River is home to several historic sites, including ancient petroglyphs and burial mounds.

21. Khongoryn Els

Khongoryn Els is a dune located in the Gobi Desert and is known for its stunning landscapes. Visitors can explore the dune on a camel or 4WD tour and have several hiking and camping opportunities. Additionally, Khongoryn Els is home to several ancient petroglyphs and burial mounds, providing a glimpse into the area’s history.

22. Shine Jinst ( Top places to visit in Mongolia)

Shine Jinst is a small town in the Arkhangai province known for its rich history and stunning landscapes. Visitors can explore the town’s historic sites, including the Shine Jinst Monastery and the ruins of the ancient city of Karakorum. Shine Jinst is an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area, including the famous Orkhon Valley and the Tovkhon Monastery.

Plan A Trip to Mongolia

Mongolia is a country that is rich in culture and history and offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in exploring the country’s natural landscapes, learning about its history and culture, or experiencing its unique wildlife, there is something for everyone in this fascinating country. By visiting some of the places mentioned above, you will have an unforgettable experience in Mongolia.