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.

10 best Mongolia tour packages from Ulaanbaatar

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City & Culture
Treasures of Mongolia/OCT-MAY/
4.9 (9 traveler reviews)
"Amazing experience and a beautiful scenery. Had a lot fun."
TuvshinEnkhbold, traveled in August
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Ulaanbaatar, Baga Gazriin Chuluu, Tsagaan Suvarga,Dalanzadgad,Yolin Am Ice Field,Bayanzag,Ongiin Khiid,Orkhon Valley National Reserve,Kharkhorin,Hustai National Park+7 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Tour Mongolia
From
US$2,480per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Nature & Wildlife
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
Price based on Private Single Room
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City & Culture
Kharkhorin and Ogii Lake tour
5.0 (1 traveler 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
Price based on Shared Room
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City & Culture
Mongolia Golden Eagle Festival
2.5 (2 traveler reviews)
Duration
17 days
Destinations
Ulaanbaatar, Terelj National Park, 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+13 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
From
US$7,500per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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City & Culture
Eagle festival tour
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Ulaanbaatar, Ulgii, Altai
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
BTTC Travel
From
US$3,850per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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City & Culture
Mongolia Explorer
4.7 (11 traveler reviews)
"The spectacular landscapes of desert, steppe, and mountain. The hospitality of the desert nomads."
Paul, traveled in July
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Ulaanbaatar, Hustai National Park, Khogno Khan Mountains,Karakorum,Erdene Zuu Monastery,Khangai,Orkhon Valley National Reserve,Saikhan Ovoo,Ongiin Khiid,Bayanzag,Khongor,Gurvansayhan,Yolin Am Ice Field,Dalanzadgad,Tsagaan Suvarga,Baga Gazriin Chuluu+13 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Operated in
English
Operator
Explore!
7% Off
From $4,020
US$3,740per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Nature & Wildlife
Essence of Mongolia - 4 Days
4.5 (2 traveler reviews)
"Very nice journey, amazing sightseeing."
Francesca, traveled in August
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Ulaanbaatar, Khogno Khan Mountains,Elsen Tasarkhai National Park,Hustai National Park,Terelj+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Tour Mongolia
7% Off
From
US$880per person
Price based on Shared Room
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City & Culture
Orkhon Valley 2D 1N
5.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"I learned an enormous amount about the country and its history and enjoyed the overnight at the ger hotel."
Caroline, traveled in September
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
7% Off
From
US$960per person
Price based on Private Single Room
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Nature & Wildlife
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
7% Off
From
US$2,500per person
Price based on Private Single Room
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Nature & Wildlife
Essence of Mongolia - 3 Days
4.8 (5 traveler reviews)
"The 3-day tour was perfect: good vehicle, knowledgeable and friendly guide, and a good combination of experiences to let us get a good sense of Mongolia's nomadic lifestyle."
Olaf, traveled in May
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Ulaanbaatar, Khogno Tarna National Park,Elsen Tasarkhai National Park,Hustai National Park+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Tour Mongolia
7% Off
From
US$630per person
Price based on Shared Room
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City & Culture
Tailor-Made 8-Day Private Mongolia Tour of Nomadic Gobi & Nature
5.0 (9 traveler reviews)
"This was a trip of a lifetime for me, and I'm so happy I did this."
Katy, 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
7% Off
From
US$2,839per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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City & Culture
Gobi Tour 5D/4N
4.5 (2 traveler 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
7% Off
From
US$2,650per person
Price based on Private Single Room
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City & Culture
Customized 5 Days Ulaanbaatar Family Trip, Private Guide & Driver
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Mongolia is a lot different from what we have seen on the internet; its BETTER! There are beautiful national parks and landscapes that are surreal."
Andrew, traveled in April
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Ulaanbaatar, Hustai National Park, Terelj National Park
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Agate Travel
7% Off
From
US$1,729per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Ancient Wonders
Essence of Mongolia - 7 Days
3.6 (5 traveler 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, Tsenkher, Orkhon Valley National Reserve,Karakorum,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
7% Off
From
US$1,550per person
Price based on Shared Room
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City & Culture
Wild Mongolia (including Amarbayasgalant)
4.6 (26 traveler reviews)
"Both drivers were very helpful and I felt extremely safe. The tour was very informative."
Mary, traveled in May
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Ulaanbaatar, Amarbayasgalant, Erdenet, Murun,Khovsgol Lake National Park,Khorgo Trekhiin Tsagaan Nuur,Tsetserleg,Tsenkher,Karakorum,Erdene Zuu Monastery,Khogno Khan Mountains,Hustai National Park+8 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
7% Off
From
US$4,445per person
Price based on Shared Room
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