MONGOLIA
What To Do In Mongolia
The Ultimate 10 Day Gobi Itinerary
What to Do in Mongolia: The Ultimate 10 Day Gobi Itinerary
Day 1 – 2: Ulaanbaatar
Your Gobi Desert adventure begins in Ulaanbaatar (UB), Mongolia’s vibrant capital city, where days one and two are dedicated to exploring its top attractions and preparing for the journey ahead. Ulaanbaatar is a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity, offering a glimpse into Mongolia’s rich cultural heritage and contemporary urban life. Spend your time immersing yourself in the city’s highlights while stocking up on essentials for your desert expedition.
- Gandantegchinlen Monastery: This iconic Buddhist monastery, with its massive golden Buddha statue, is a peaceful retreat in the bustling city.
- Sukhbaatar Square: The central square of UB, featuring statues of Genghis Khan and other historical figures, surrounded by government buildings and museums.
- National Museum of Mongolia: Dive into the country’s history and culture through its extensive collection of artifacts, from prehistoric times to the modern era.
- Zaisan Memorial: A hilltop Soviet-era monument offering panoramic views of Ulaanbaatar and the surrounding mountains.
- Bogd Khan Winter Palace Museum: The former residence of Mongolia’s last king, showcasing exquisite architecture and cultural treasures.
As you explore these sights, don’t forget to enjoy local cuisine and shop for supplies. Visit local markets to pick up snacks, water, and any additional gear you’ll need for the Gobi Desert adventure. Rest up, as the real journey begins on day three.
Day 3: Baga Gazaryn Chuluu National Park
Ich Gazaryn Chuluu National Park, located in the southern Gobi region, is a hidden gem in Mongolia’s vast wilderness. Renowned for its striking granite rock formations, the park features towering structures that rise sharply from the flat desert terrain, resembling ancient sentinels. Some formations reach up to 20 meters in height, creating a breathtaking contrast against the surrounding landscape. This makes the park an excellent destination for photography and exploration.
The park is rich in biodiversity, home to wildlife such as ibex, wild goats, and various birds of prey. For hiking enthusiasts, the trails offer unparalleled views of the Gobi Desert while allowing visitors to traverse the rugged terrain. Ich Gazaryn Chuluu provides a rare, tranquil escape from the crowds, making it a peaceful retreat to experience Mongolia’s natural beauty. The unique geological features and serene environment make it an unforgettable destination.
Day 4: Tsagaan Suvarga: The White Stupa
Tsagaan Suvarga, or the White Stupa, is a breathtaking natural wonder in Mongolia. These towering limestone cliffs, eroded over millennia, display vivid shades of white, pink, and orange that glow during sunrise and sunset. Resembling a crumbling ancient city, the formations offer an otherworldly landscape perfect for exploration. Visitors can hike along the base of the cliffs, marveling at the intricate layers of sediment that narrate the region’s geological history.
The cliffs rise dramatically from the plains, shifting colors throughout the day—from warm tones at sunrise to cooler pastels at sunset. Local folklore suggests these formations are remnants of an ancient ocean, adding a sense of mystique. The site’s beauty, combined with its tranquil isolation, offers a profound connection to Mongolia’s ancient past. Tsagaan Suvarga is a must-visit for adventurers, historians, and nature enthusiasts alike.
Day 5: Yolyn Am Ice Canyon
Yolyn Am, or Ice Canyon, is a remarkable natural feature in Mongolia’s Gurvansaikhan Mountain Range. This deep gorge stays cold even during the hottest summer months, with ice formations persisting into the warmer seasons. The shaded areas of the canyon create stunning ice patterns, offering visitors a surreal experience in the midst of the desert.
In addition to its icy marvels, Yolyn Am features breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and cliffs. Trekkers and nature lovers will appreciate the serene environment and dramatic contrasts between the ice and the arid desert. The canyon provides a refreshing escape and a unique perspective on Mongolia’s diverse landscapes.
Day 6: Duut Mankhan: The Singing Dunes
Duut Mankhan, also known as the Singing Dunes, is one of Mongolia’s most extraordinary natural wonders. Located in the Khongoryn Els Sand Dunes, this phenomenon occurs when wind sweeps across the dunes, creating an eerie, musical hum. The sound is caused by the movement of sand grains and has intrigued visitors and scientists for centuries.
The dunes stretch over 180 kilometers and reach heights of up to 300 meters. Climbing to the top offers breathtaking views of the golden sand sea meeting the horizon. The combination of the “singing” sounds and the stunning desert scenery makes Duut Mankhan an unforgettable destination for anyone visiting Mongolia.
Day 7: Camel Riding
Riding camels in the Gobi Desert, particularly at the Singing Dunes of Khongoryn Els, is an unforgettable experience that combines adventure, serenity, and a connection with Mongolia’s unique landscape. The camels here are two-humped Bactrian camels, known for their gentle demeanor and resilience in the harsh desert environment. As you mount these majestic creatures, their thick, woolly coats and wide, padded feet showcase their adaptation to the extremes of the Gobi. The ride begins with a slow, swaying rhythm, giving you time to adjust and take in the sweeping views of the vast dunes rising like golden waves against the horizon. The Singing Dunes earn their name from the haunting, melodic sounds produced as wind sweeps across the sand or as it shifts underfoot, creating a natural symphony that adds a mystical quality to the journey. Traversing the undulating dunes on camelback provides an intimate perspective of this breathtaking desert. Along the way, you may spot patches of vegetation, small oases, and even glimpses of wildlife adapted to this arid expanse. Whether you’re seeking an authentic cultural experience or simply want to immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Gobi, a camel ride at the Singing Dunes is a must-do adventure.
Day 8: Flaming Cliffs, Gobi Desert, Mongolia
The Flaming Cliffs, also known as Bayanzag, are one of the most iconic attractions in Mongolia. These dramatic red sandstone cliffs are renowned for their vibrant colors, which glow in hues of red and orange during sunrise and sunset, creating a spectacular view that photographers and travelers alike cherish. Historically significant, the Flaming Cliffs were the site of one of the first dinosaur egg discoveries in the 1920s. Scientists uncovered a wealth of fossils, including dinosaur bones and eggs, which have since been preserved in museums worldwide.
The area is dotted with weathered, wind-sculpted rock formations that add to the surreal beauty of the site. As you wander among these formations, the stillness and vastness of the landscape create an eerie yet awe-inspiring atmosphere. Whether you’re visiting for the historical significance or simply to marvel at the stunning natural beauty, the Flaming Cliffs are an unforgettable part of your journey through Mongolia. Make sure to time your visit for sunset to fully appreciate the fiery glow that gives this spot its name.
Day 9: Holy Mountain, Zorgol Khairkhan
The Holy Mountain, also known as Zorgol Khairkhan, is one of the most spiritual destinations in Mongolia. This sacred mountain, revered by locals for centuries, is an important site in Mongolian Buddhism. The peak rises dramatically above the surrounding desert, offering panoramic views of the vast Mongolian landscape. For many, it’s a pilgrimage site, and it is dotted with monasteries and temples where monks conduct ceremonies and prayers.
Visitors to Holy Mountain can take part in a peaceful hike to the summit, where they can experience a profound sense of calm and connection with nature. The area surrounding the mountain is home to numerous archaeological sites, including ancient petroglyphs and ruins of old temples. These add an extra layer of history and mysticism to the experience, making it a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural significance. Whether you’re looking for spiritual reflection or simply a place to enjoy stunning desert views, Holy Mountain is a must-see spot in Mongolia.