Ulaanbaatar to the Singing Dunes: Mongolia’s Greatest Hits in Five Days
Only have five days to explore Mongolia? Don’t worry — while it’s a short time, you can still experience the very best of the country with this well-planned itinerary. Combining the highlights of Ulaanbaatar, a day trip to Terelj National Park, and a flying visit to the Gobi Desert, this route packs an astonishing amount of adventure into a compact timeframe. You’ll explore Mongolia’s capital, see ancient monasteries, ride horses through alpine valleys, and witness the Flaming Cliffs at sunset — all in just five days. Estimated budget: $600–900.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Ulaanbaatar – City Exploration
Arrive at Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar. After checking into your accommodation, head straight to Sukhbaatar Square — the heart of the city dominated by the massive Chinggis Khaan statue. Visit the Gandan Monastery, Mongolia’s most important Buddhist monastery, where you can witness monks chanting in the main temple. In the evening, join a food tour to sample traditional Mongolian dishes like khorkhog (meat cooked with hot stones), buuz (dumplings), and airag (fermented mare’s milk).
Accommodation: Ulaanbaatar city centre hotel or guesthouse ($20–60/night).
Meals: Breakfast included at accommodation; lunch and dinner in city restaurants ($5–15 per meal).
Day 2: Terelj National Park Day Trip
Drive one hour east of Ulaanbaatar to Terelj National Park. Start at Turtle Rock, the iconic granite formation shaped like a giant tortoise. Then hike up to Aryabal Meditation Temple for panoramic valley views. Enjoy a traditional Mongolian lunch at a ger camp — try the buuz or tsuivan (fried noodles). In the afternoon, go horseback riding through the alpine meadows and along the Tuul River. Return to UB by evening.
Transport: Private car or guided tour ($30–50/person including driver).
Activities: Ger lunch ($8–12), horse riding ($15–20/hr).
Day 3: Fly to Gobi – Flaming Cliffs & Ger Camp
Take an early morning flight from UB to Dalanzadgad, the capital of the Gobi Desert region (1.5-hour flight). Your Gobi guide will meet you at the airport. Drive to Bayanzag, the famous Flaming Cliffs, where the famous dinosaur egg fossils were discovered. Watch the sunset paint the red sandstone cliffs in brilliant shades of orange and red — an unforgettable sight. Overnight in a comfortable ger camp under the stars.
Transport: Flight from UB to Dalanzadgad ($80–120).
Accommodation: Gobi ger camp ($25–40/night including meals).
Day 4: Gobi Camel Trek – Khongoryn Els
Drive to Khongoryn Els, the Singing Dunes — some of the largest sand dunes in the world, reaching heights of 300 metres. Ride a Bactrian camel across the dune field — a classic Gobi experience. Hike to the top of the dunes for a spectacular view and listen for the “singing” sound the sand makes when it shifts. Overnight at a ger camp near the dunes.
Transport: 4WD vehicle with driver ($80–120/day shared).
Activities: Camel trek ($15–25), included with most ger camp packages.
Day 5: Return to UB – Departure
Fly back to Ulaanbaatar from Dalanzadgad in the morning. Depending on your flight schedule, use your remaining time to visit the Choijin Lama Temple Museum — a beautifully preserved Buddhist temple complex that survived the Stalinist purges. Pick up last-minute souvenirs at the State Department Store or Narantuul (Black Market) before heading to the airport for your departure.
Transport: Morning flight back to UB ($80–120).
Activities: Choijin Lama Temple entry ($3).
Budget Summary: 5-Day Mongolia Itinerary
Estimated Total: $600–900 per person
- Accommodation (4 nights): $100–200
- Domestic flights (UB–Gobi return): $160–240
- Terelj day trip (transport + lunch + activities): $60–100
- Gobi tour (guide, transport, meals, ger camp 2 nights): $200–300
- Meals in UB and incidentals: $50–80
- Entry fees and souvenirs: $20–40
Best Season: May to September (warm weather, clear skies)
Recommended For: Short vacationers, business travellers with extra days, first-time visitors wanting a taste of everything
Disclaimer: Prices are estimates and may vary by season and availability. Flights and tours should be booked in advance. This itinerary is for general reference only.