Where do most tours head after leaving Ulaanbaatar?

The main routes from Ulaanbaatar lead to three key destinations: Terelj National Park Hustai National Park and the Gobi Desert. The Gobi Desert Classic Tour takes travelers south to the white limestone cliffs of Tsagaan Suvarga while other routes explore the historic sites of Kharkhorin or the pristine waters of Lake Khuvsgul. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The transition from Ulaanbaatar to the vast steppes was breathtaking."

What's the typical duration of Mongolia tours starting in Ulaanbaatar?

Most visitors spend between 7 and 15 days exploring Mongolia with 7-8 day trips being the most common choice. Tours begin in Ulaanbaatar at central spots like Sukhbaatar Square and the Government Palace before venturing into the countryside. Winter travelers often base themselves at city hotels like the Shangri-La while summer brings opportunities to sleep in traditional ger camps across the Orkhon Valley. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Ink and Bolar were wonderful tour guides. I learned an enormous amount about the country and its history and enjoyed the overnight at the ger hotel."

What type of accommodation can I expect in Ulaanbaatar and beyond?

The capital offers contemporary hotels such as the Shangri-La and Ramada. Outside the city the experience shifts to authentic ger camps ranging from basic setups at Khogno Khan to upscale options like Sweet Gobi Eco Camp and HS Khaan Resort complete with private bathrooms and jacuzzis. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned: "We loved meeting the families and doing the home stays. Mongolia itself is very beautiful and the accommodations were comfortable."

When is the best time to start a tour from Ulaanbaatar?

June through September marks the prime season with pleasant temperatures between 20-25°C and green landscapes. July draws crowds for the Naadam Festival. Winter tours from November to March offer distinct experiences despite temperatures dropping to -30°C in the capital. Spring and fall (April-May September-October) provide moderate weather with fewer visitors at cultural sites like Erdene Zuu Monastery. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Oh boy did I pick the wrong time to come to Mongolia lol but as a Canadian I was okay with the cold."

How far is the drive from Ulaanbaatar to key destinations like Kharkhorin?

The journey to Kharkhorin Mongolia's ancient capital covers 380km and takes 5-6 hours. Terelj National Park is closer at 65km or roughly 1.5 hours while the Gobi Desert landmarks like Bayanzag require 8-9 hours to cover 550km. Tours typically use Toyota Land Cruisers or similar 4WD vehicles. A TourRadar review states: "The driver of the minivan was very professional and careful. I appreciated his efforts to make our ride safe and keep the car clean."

What unique cultural experiences can I expect when starting a tour from Ulaanbaatar?

The cultural journey often starts at Buddhist temples in Ulaanbaatar then extends to homestays with nomadic families where visitors can learn traditional practices like dairy making cooking and livestock herding. A TourRadar traveler shared: "Starting from the Gandan Monastery in Ulaanbaatar to meeting nomadic families near Terelj National Park we got amazing insights into both urban and rural Mongolian culture."

Mongolia Tours from Ulaanbaatar

Picture indulging in a private Mongolia tour, expertly crafted to meet your preferences, admiring grassland, sand dunes, and hot springs in western Mongolia, then exploring UNESCO-listed sites like Karakorum and Erdene Zuu Monastery. Venture into Hustai National Park to trace wild horses, enjoy Mongolian music and dance show, including throat singing. Mongolia hits different when it's tailored just for you.

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10 best Mongolia tour packages from Ulaanbaatar

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City & Culture
Cultural Tour 6D/5N
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Ulaanbaatar, Terelj, Kharkhorin,Elsen Tasarkhai National Park,Hustai National Park+2 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Trip De Nomadic
From
US$2,960per person
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Nature & Wildlife
Kharkhorin and Ogii Lake tour
5.0 (1 review)
"Excellent trip in my life."
Doljinsuren, traveled in June
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Ulaanbaatar, Elsen Tasarkhai National Park, Kharkhorin,Hustai National Park+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
TTRMongolia
From
US$1,400per person
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City & Culture
Essence of Mongolia - 7 Days
3.6 (5 reviews)
"The country side is magnificent and the long daily drives pass by with different scenery at each turn."
Wayne, traveled in June
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Ulaanbaatar, Orkhon Valley National Reserve, Tsenkher,Kharkhorin,Erdene Zuu Monastery,Khogno Khan Mountains,Elsen Tasarkhai National Park,Hustai National Park,Terelj+6 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
Tour Mongolia
From
US$1,550per person
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Festival & Events
Naadam festival
4.5 (2 reviews)
"What an experience, I'm so satisfied."
Paul, traveled in July
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Ulaanbaatar, Karakorum, Erdene Zuu Monastery, Bayangovi,Elsen Tasarkhai National Park,Hustai National Park,Yolin Am Ice Field,Bayanzag+4 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English, German,Russian+1 more
Operator
BTTC Travel
From
US$3,950per person
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Bicycle
Cycling Mongolia -11 Days
4.5 (3 reviews)
"Mongolia offers a unique experience on the road less travelled. The countryside is diverse and the local people welcoming."
DebGillespie, traveled in May
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Ulaanbaatar, Hustai National Park, Khogno Khan Mountains,Elsen Tasarkhai National Park,Tsetserleg,Tsenkher,Orkhon Valley National Reserve,Kharkhorin,Erdene Zuu Monastery+6 more
Age Range
Ages 14+
Operated in
English
Operator
Social Cycles
From
US$2,950per person
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Festival & Events
Mongolia Golden Eagle Festival
2.5 (2 reviews)
Duration
17 days
Destinations
Ulaanbaatar, Terelj National Park, Baga Gazriin Chuluu,Dalanzadgad,Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park,Yolin Am Ice Field,Bayanzag,Bayangovi,Ikh Bogd,Arvaikheer,Kharkhorin,Karakorum,Erdene Zuu Monastery,Khogno Khan Mountains,Hustai National Park,Ulgii,Sagsai+14 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
From
US$7,500per person
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Ancient Wonders
Journeys: Discover Mongolia National Geographic
4.0 (1 review)
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Ulaanbaatar, Nalaikh, Baga Gazriin Chuluu, Bulgan,Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park,Yolin Am Ice Field,Ongiin Khiid,Orkhon Valley National Reserve,Kharkhorin,Karakorum,Erdene Zuu Monastery,Elsen Tasarkhai National Park,Khogno Khan Mountains,Hustai National Park+10 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
National Geographic Expeditions with G Adventures
From
US$5,299per person
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City & Culture
Terelj National Park 2D 1N
Duration
2 days
Destinations
Ulaanbaatar, Terelj National Park
Age Range
Ages 8+
Operated in
English, Spanish,Chinese,Russian+2 more
Operator
Trip De Nomadic
From
US$570per person
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Ancient Wonders
Orkhon Valley 2D 1N
5.0 (2 reviews)
"The tour was great, and they even helped me add a side trip to see the Genghis Khan statue."
Duration
2 days
Destinations
Ulaanbaatar, Kharkhorin, Orkhon Valley National Reserve
Age Range
Ages 8+
Operated in
English, Spanish,Chinese,Russian+2 more
Operator
Trip De Nomadic
From
US$960per person
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Ancient Wonders
Tsenkher Hot Spring 5D/4N
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Ulaanbaatar, Terelj, Kharkhorin, Tsenkher, Ögii Lake
Age Range
Ages 8+
Operated in
English, German,Spanish,Chinese,Russian+3 more
Operator
Trip De Nomadic
From
US$2,650per person
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Nature & Wildlife
Gobi Tour 5D/4N
4.5 (2 reviews)
"Lots of nice sights. The first ger camp was okay, the rest were really good."
Jennifer, traveled in July
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Ulaanbaatar, Tsagaan Suvarga,Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park,Bayanzag,Dalanzadgad+3 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Country Region
Gobi Desert
Operated in
English, Spanish,Chinese+1 more
Operator
Trip De Nomadic
From
US$2,650per person
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Nature & Wildlife
Tailor-Made 8-Day Private Mongolia Tour of Nomadic Gobi & Nature
5.0 (9 reviews)
"Exploring the endless sand at Khongor Sand Dunes was very delightful. Driving a jeep in the desert was really exciting."
Cody, traveled in June
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Ulaanbaatar, Elsen Tasarkhai National Park,Orkhon Valley National Reserve,Tsenkher,Kharkhorin,Erdene Zuu Monastery,Ögii Lake,Hustai National Park+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Agate Travel
From
US$2,839per person
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City & Culture
Wild Mongolia (including Amarbayasgalant monastery)
4.5 (27 reviews)
"It was a wonderful experience, well organised and professional."
Ron, traveled in May
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Ulaanbaatar, Amarbayasgalant monastery, Erdenet, Unĭt,Murun,Khovsgol Lake National Park,Khorgo Trekhiin Tsagaan Nuur,Tsetserleg,Tsenkher,Karakorum,Erdene Zuu Monastery,Khogno Khan Mountains,Hustai National Park+9 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
From
US$4,445per person
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City & Culture
Customized 5 Days Ulaanbaatar Family Trip, Private Guide & Driver
5.0 (2 reviews)
"Excellent tour, excellent guide Rose and very very nice driver."
Sagar, traveled in July
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Ulaanbaatar, Hustai National Park, Terelj National Park
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Agate Travel
From
US$1,729per person
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City & Culture
Treasures of Mongolia/OCT-MAY/
4.9 (9 reviews)
"Mongolia is truly extraordinary, complex, challenging ,and unusual in many ways."
Dolores, traveled in April
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Ulaanbaatar, Baga Gazriin Chuluu, Tsagaan Suvarga,Dalanzadgad,Yolin Am Ice Field,Bayanzag,Ongiin Khiid,Orkhon Valley National Reserve,Kharkhorin,Erdene Zuu Monastery,Hustai National Park,Terelj+9 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Tour Mongolia
From
US$2,480per person
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