Steppe, Sand & Snow: Three Weeks from Ulaanbaatar to the Altai
Three weeks in Mongolia allows you to complete a full circuit of the country, experiencing its five major regions at a relaxed pace. This itinerary takes you from Ulaanbaatar to the Gobi Desert, up through the Orkhon Valley, north to Khövsgöl Lake, and west to the Altai Mountains, before returning to the capital. You’ll traverse deserts, steppes, taiga forests, and alpine mountains — experiencing the full spectrum of Mongolia’s landscapes and cultures. This is a once-in-a-lifetime journey for the true adventurer. Estimated budget: $2800–4000.
Itinerary Overview
Days 1–2: Ulaanbaatar Orientation
Arrive and acclimatise in the capital. Visit the National Museum of Mongolia, Gandan Monastery, Sukhbaatar Square, and the Zaisan Memorial. Enjoy traditional Mongolian cuisine and stock up on supplies for your journey.
Days 3–5: Terelj & Eastern Mongolia
Day 3: Full day in Terelj National Park — Turtle Rock, Aryabal Temple, horseback riding. Days 4–5: Drive east towards Khentii Province. Visit the birthplace of Chinggis Khaan near Dadal, the Onon River valley, and the sacred Khentii Mountains. Camp in remote wilderness areas.
Days 6–10: Gobi Desert Full Expedition
Return to Ulaanbaatar and fly to Dalanzadgad. Five days exploring the Gobi: Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs at sunset, Khongoryn Els Singing Dunes camel trek, Yolyn Am ice canyon hike, Khermen Tsav dinosaur fossil site, and the stunning Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa) cliffs. Overnight in different ger camps across the desert.
Days 11–13: Orkhon Valley Deep Nomad Immersion
Drive from the Gobi to the Orkhon Valley. Three days exploring the region: Erdene Zuu Monastery and Karakorum, the Orkhon Waterfall, Tuvkhun Hermitage, and deep immersion with a nomadic herder family. Learn to milk cows, make dairy products, and herd livestock.
Days 14–17: Khövsgöl Lake & Tsaatan
Travel to Khövsgöl Lake via Moron. Four days at the lake: multi-day horse trekking along the shore, kayaking on the crystal-clear lake, hiking through taiga forest, and a day trip to visit the Tsaatan reindeer herders in the far north. This is the highlight of many travellers’ journeys.
Days 18–20: Altai Mountains & Eagle Hunters
Fly from Moron to Ölgii in western Mongolia. Three days in the Altai Mountains: visit the Eagle Hunter Festival village (or stay with an eagle hunter family), explore Altai Tavan Bogd National Park with its snow-capped peaks and Potanin Glacier, ride horses through alpine valleys, and see the ancient petroglyphs at Tsagaan Salaa.
Day 21: Return to UB & Departure
Fly from Ölgii back to Ulaanbaatar. Last-minute cashmere shopping at Gobi Cashmere, final Mongolian meal, and departure from Chinggis Khaan International Airport.
Budget Summary: 21-Day Mongolia Itinerary
Estimated Total: $2800–4000 per person
- Accommodation (20 nights): $500–800
- Domestic flights (UB–Gobi, Moron–Ölgii, Ölgii–UB): $400–600
- Gobi tour (5 days all-inclusive): $500–700
- Orkhon Valley (3 days): $250–400
- Khovsgol Lake (4 days including horse trek, Tsaatan visit): $600–900
- Altai Mountains (3 days including guide, eagle hunter visit): $400–600
- Eastern Mongolia (3 days including transport): $300–500
- Meals and incidentals: $300–500
Best Season: June to August
Recommended For: Serious adventurers, photographers, cultural anthropologists, slow travellers who want to understand Mongolia deeply
Disclaimer: This is a demanding itinerary requiring good physical fitness and flexibility. Weather and road conditions may cause adjustments. All prices are estimates. This itinerary is for general reference only.