Most Famous Mongolia Tourist Attractions You cannot Miss

Untouched landscape, rugged mountain trails, and smiling people – that is Mongolia for you. If you are a nature lover and carry a streak of adventure, then these Mongolia tourist attractions are worth a visit. Remember your Mongolian tour can be a bit rough on the edges. However, the nomadic warmth and hospitality can fill your heart with a sense of happiness that cannot be described in words.

Here are the most famous Mongolian tourist attractions worth a visit:

1. Ulaanbaatar (UB)

The Mongolian capital is ideally the first stop for most of the tourists to Mongolia. With a population of more than 1.5 million residents, in this industrial city you can find contrasts on every corner of the street.

Due to the establishment of Buyant-Ukhaa International Airport Mongolian close to Ulaanbaatar, most international tourists make the city their base camp. Here are some of the popular landmarks of the city:

• National History Museum
• Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan
• Genghis Khan Statue Complex
• Gandantegchinlen Monastery
• Zanabazar Museum of fine arts
• Choijin Lama Temple Museum

Tourists can find plenty of hotels and restaurants in UB, suiting their respective budget and preference. While here, make a note to pick up some cashmere or woolen items. In Mongolia, especially in UB, you can find finer quality woolen products to take back home.

2. Amarbayasgalant Monastery

Next place on the list of Mongolia tourist attractions is Amarbayasgalant Monastery located in the Ivon Gol River Valley. Also known as the ‘Monastery of Tranquil Felicity,’ an elaborate temple complex, comprising of close to 28 individual buildings.

It is one of the largest Buddhist monasteries, which were saved from the regimental destruction during the 1937. The lovely sculpture on the temple compound, and the serene background makes this place an enticing tourist destination.

Opening time: 10 am to 7 pm (during summer)

Entry: T5000 (USD 1.8)

Travel: no public transport available - can hire a private cab from Darkhan or Erdenet

Hotels/restaurants: no major hotels or restaurants available, but small shops selling local snacks and tea are available. Most tourists prefer setting up camps during the summer season in the area.

P.S: A daytrip to Amarbayasgalant Monastery is recommended.

3. Bayan Zag (Bain-Dzak)

Part of the extremely dangerous desert area, the Bayan Zag is often associated with paleontology and excavation. A prime location for dinosaur fossils, the place is often regarded as the Flaming Cliffs due to its red and ochre sandstone cliffs during the sunset.

The Bauan Zag is a great contrast to the rest of the Mongolian landscape, and pull in adventure enthusiasts from all over the world. While here, make sure to visit the Khongor Sand Dunes.

Ideally, hiring an experienced tour company is recommended for touring this part of Mongolia. Most tour operators offer camping trips to the region. The ideal time to visit is June to September.

4. Altai Tavan Bogd National Park

The next name on the list of Mongolia tourist attractions is suggested for tourists looking for some adrenaline rush. Altai Tavn Bogd National Park, located close to the Russian borders, is home to a dynamic landscape starting from towering mountain peaks to natural lakes. The nearby Petroglyph Complexes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, adds some amount of charm to this beautiful national park.

Numerous adventure sporting companies organize adventure tours. If you are planning to make a stop here, then do coordinate your trip with the Mongolian Eagle Festival. You will not regret the decision.

How to reach

The national park is 180 km (112mi) from Ölgii. Most visitors prefer to hire a tour operator for the trip. However, private car with drivers can be hired for the trip as well. Hiking is another preferred mode of travelling.

To enter the park, you will need permits from the border and park authority. The borders permits can be collected from the government offices at Ölgii.

5. Erdene Zuu Monastery

The Erdene Zuu Monastery, close to Kharkhorin (Övörkhangai Province), is one of the oldest surviving Buddhist monasteries in Mongolia. It’s attempted to create an elaborate temple complex consisting of 108 stupas (resembling the Buddhist rosary comprising of 108 beads).

Over the period of time, most of the structures were damaged with only a handful of them still standing intact. The temple complexes are filled with ancient statues and murals depicting the life of Buddha.

How to reach?

You can book a guided tour from Kharkhorin to the monastery. Guided tours are also available.

6. Gorkhi-Terelj National Park

Just 55 km (34 mi) from the national capital, Gorkhi-Terelj is the next Mongolia tourist attraction. Breathtaking alpine scenery and hiking and trekking trails make this place an ideal adventure holiday destination for the tourists. Hard core extreme-sports lovers opt for skiing on the snowy slopes.

Entry pass is required. How to reach? Ideally, hiring a local tour operator is recommended. For people looking for adventure, public transport is available.