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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In-depth Cultural
Mongolia Explorer
4.6 (12 traveler reviews)
"Driving through the Gobi Desert and seeing the Naardam Festival. Everything was a wonderful experience."
Pattie, traveled in July
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Ulaanbaatar, Khogno Khan Mountains, Kharkhorin,Saikhan Ovoo,Bayanzag,Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park+3 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Operated in
English
Operator
Explore!
From
US$4,020per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Nomadic Mongolia
4.8 (44 traveler reviews)
"The experience was great! I really enjoyed the trip and have been recommending to friends."
Kassandra, traveled in June
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Ulaanbaatar, Mandalgovi,Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park,Kharkhorin,Hustai National Park+3 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
15% Off
From $3,349
US$2,847per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Full Gobi Mongolian 7 Days Tour
4.0 (1 traveler review)
"The rest was impeccable. I would book the same mongolian guys again but not through tourradar."
Olympic, traveled in July
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Ulaanbaatar, Tsagaan Suvarga, Yolin Am Ice Field,Bayankhongor,Bayanzag,Ongiin Khiid,Kharkhorin,Elsen Tasarkhai National Park+5 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Tengri Tours
15% Off
From
US$1,130per person
Price based on Shared Room
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In-depth Cultural
Discover Mongolia
4.5 (1 traveler review)
"Mongolia is a wonderful country with dramatic landscape in their remoteness yet full of variety. The food was always excellent in its presentation and taste."
Janine, traveled in September
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Ulaanbaatar, Hustai National Park, Kharkhorin, Arvaikheer,Ikh Bogd,Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park,Bayanzag,Terelj National Park+4 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
4% Off
From $5,023
US$4,823per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Journeys: Discover Mongolia National Geographic Journeys
4.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Ulaanbaatar, Nalaikh, Baga Gazriin Chuluu, Gurvansayhan,Bulgan,Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park,Yolin Am Ice Field,Ongiin Khiid,Orkhon Valley National Reserve,Kharkhorin,Karakorum,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
4% Off
From
US$5,299per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Bicycle
Cycling in Mongolia
4.6 (18 traveler reviews)
"Cycling gives the opportunity to really immerse in the landscape and interact with local herders."
Gillian, traveled in September
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Ulaanbaatar, Erdenet, Bugat, Ikh Tamir, Tsetserleg,Orkhon Valley National Reserve,Karakorum,Erdene Zuu Monastery+3 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
3% Off
From $6,000
US$5,800per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
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
3% Off
From
US$2,960per person
Price based on Private Single Room
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Active
Essence of Mongolia - 3 Days
4.8 (5 traveler reviews)
"It was a wonderful introduction to a beautiful and fascinating country."
Sarah, traveled in June
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Ulaanbaatar, Khogno Tarna National Park,Elsen Tasarkhai National Park,Hustai National Park+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Physical Rating
Active
Operated in
English
Operator
Tour Mongolia
3% Off
From
US$630per person
Price based on Shared Room
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In-depth Cultural
Orkhon Valley 2D 1N
5.0 (2 traveler 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
3% Off
From
US$960per person
Price based on Private Single Room
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Active
Tsenkher Hot Spring 5D/4N
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Ulaanbaatar, Terelj, Elsen Tasarkhai National Park,Tsenkher,Orkhon Valley National Reserve+2 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Operated in
English, German,Spanish,Chinese,Russian+3 more
Operator
Trip De Nomadic
3% Off
From
US$2,500per person
Price based on Private Single Room
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Active
Essence of Mongolia - 5 Days
4.7 (21 traveler reviews)
"A great way to experience the nomadic life of Mongolians."
Ginette, traveled in July
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Ulaanbaatar, Bulgan, Kharkhorin,Khogno Tarna National Park,Elsen Tasarkhai National Park,Hustai National Park,Nalaikh+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Tour Mongolia
3% Off
From
US$1,140per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Nomadic Mongolian Experience
4.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Ulaanbaatar, Hustai National Park,Elsen Tasarkhai National Park,Orkhon Valley National Reserve,Kharkhorin,Tsenkher,Terelj National Park+5 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Trip De Nomadic
3% Off
From
US$4,400per person
Price based on Private Single Room
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Active
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
3% Off
From
US$2,650per person
Price based on Private Single Room
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Explorer
Treasures of Mongolia/OCT-MAY/
4.9 (9 traveler 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,Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park,Bayanzag,Kharkhorin,Hustai National Park+5 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Tour Mongolia
3% Off
From
US$2,430per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Tailor-Made 8 Days Private Mongolia Tour of Nomadic Gobi & Nature
5.0 (7 traveler reviews)
"Many projects in the desert to experience, sand skiing, Jeep surfing, camel riding… all very exciting!"
Olivia, traveled in October
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Ulaanbaatar, Elsen Tasarkhai National Park, Tsenkher,Kharkhorin,Hustai National Park+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Agate Travel
3% Off
From
US$2,839per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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