If you’ve been dreaming of a destination that breaks every travel mold, Mongolia is your siren call. In a vast bucketlist-worthy land where the sky is endless, the traditions are deep, and the landscapes roar for adventure, these are the most bucketlist-worthy attractions that you can’t miss on your next visit.
Mongolia isn’t a place you “do” in a weekend. It begs you to linger, to listen, and to let go of the noise and speed of everywhere else. Whether you’re ticking off your Mongolia travel bucketlist or looking for slow travel with full cultural immersion, these are the 25 things to do in Mongolia that you should definitely add to your road trip itinerary.
1. Climb the Singing Sand Dunes of Khongoryn Els
Rising like golden waves in the heart of the Gobi Desert, the Khongoryn Els dunes are a beast to climb and an absolute thrill to descend. When you slide down, the sand rumbles, low and melodic, like the dunes themselves are breathing. That eerie hum is, in fact, why they’re called the “Singing Sands.” Bring water and determination to reach the high summit. It’s one of the most impressive sunset spots in the country.
2. Trek to the Edge of the Earth in Altai Tavan Bogd
Way out west, near the Russian and Kazakh borders, lies Mongolia’s rawest mountain terrain. Here, in the Altai, you can trek across glaciers, climbing to snow-capped peaks, and visit the Kazakh eagle hunters in their homes. You’ll see ancient petroglyphs and sleep in gers surrounded by some of Central Asia’s most beautiful landscapes. Getting to the Altai can be a challenge, but for those determined self-drivers, the reward will be great!
3. Wander the Flaming Cliffs of Bayanzag
Bayanzag is red rock country that glows like fire at sunset. It’s also where the first dinosaur eggs were discovered, making it both visually epic and historically mind-blowing. Scrambling along the jagged cliffs, it’s easy to imagine what this land looked like 70 million years ago. The silence here is total, except for the wind slicing through the canyons and the occasional echo of your own awe. It’s in this ancient landscape you’ll likely find some two-humped Bactrian Camels, living fossils, among the ones still buried in the red dirt.
4. Sleep Beneath the Stars at Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa)
This limestone escarpment in the Middle Gobi feels like something out of a Salvador Dalí dream — white, pink, and yellow stone formations that drop off into canyon-like cliffs. Camp nearby, watch the shadows shift at golden hour, and lie back under one of the clearest night skies on Earth. This is where you start understanding how small we are, and how good that feels.
5. Explore Yolyn Am’s Ice-Cut Gorge
Carved into the Gurvan Saikhan Mountains, Yolyn Am is a deep, narrow gorge that holds snow and ice even in summer. The hiking trail winds past soaring cliffs and herds of nimble ibex, with scavenger birds circling above. On hot days, stepping into this gorge is like walking into a natural air-conditioned cathedral. Even for just a quick day trip, Yolyn Am is a must-visit.
6. Swim, Kayak & Horseback Around Lake Khövsgöl
Dubbed the “Blue Pearl of Mongolia,” this alpine lake is pristine, still, and massive. Go swimming in water so pure you can drink it. Or, rent kayaks, hike into surrounding peaks, or ride horses along the shores. At night, camp by the water and let the sound of lapping waves lull you to sleep. Spiritual reset: guaranteed. Khövsgöl offers an abundance of activity options, no matter your interests.
7. Track Wild Horses at Hustai National Park
Seeing a truly wild Przewalski’s horse, short, stocky, with a stubby mane, galloping across the steppe is one of those moments that reawakens something primal in you. These are the last vestiges of wild horses left on this earth. In Hustai, the rolling green hills and idyllic landscape offer the perfect setting for wildlife spotting. You’ll also find marmots, foxes, and deer aplenty. Additionally, this park is very close to Ulaanbaatar which makes it an easy visit for all trip lengths.
8. Chase Waterfalls in Orkhon Valley
The Orkhon Valley isn’t just beautiful — it’s Mongolia’s historic heartbeat. Also known as the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape this lush UNESCO site was once the seat of empires, and it’s still dotted with ruins and sacred sites that are interesting to see today. The crown jewel? Ulaan Tsutgalan Waterfall. If the flow’s strong, you can hear the roar from miles away. Horse trek your way there, then strip off your boots and cool off in the spray. This area is green and forested, a totally different world from the Gobi or Altai mountains.
9. Step Back in Time at Erdene Zuu Monastery and Karakorum
Visit the ruins of Karakorum, once the capital of Genghis Khan’s empire, and explore Erdene Zuu, the oldest Buddhist monastery in Mongolia. It’s a peaceful, pastel-washed complex with chanting monks and prayer wheels that hum softly in the wind. Wander the museum and take your time exploring the grounds on your own.
10. Dig Into UB: The Green Palace, Gandan Monastery & Sukhbaatar Square
Ulaanbaatar is a city in flux: half post-Soviet grit, half gleaming modernity. Many travelers don’t give it it’s due. There are lots of worthwhile historical sites, religious monuments, and museums to occupy your time in the capital. Visit the Winter Palace of Bogd Khan for tsar-era extravagance, spin prayer wheels at Gandan Monastery under the gaze of a 26-meter golden Buddha, and sip espresso at a sleek café on Sukhbaatar Square. This is where Mongolia’s past, present, and future collide.
11. Get Wild in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park
Just an hour from the capital, this park is all craggy rock formations, forested valleys, and wide-open skies. Hike up to Aryabal Meditation Temple for panoramic views and soul-centering silence. This super accessible yet still wild national park allows you to dip your toes into the Mongolian countryside. You’ll pass by the largest statue of Genghis Khan on your drive.
12. Gaze at Ancient Art in Tsagaan Salaa
Home to more than 10,000 petroglyphs dating back 8,000 years, this UNESCO-protected area near the Altai Mountains is a visual history book. Depictions of ancient reindeer hunts, shamanic rituals, and tribal life stretch across huge stone canvases. If the Altai region is on your radar these stops cannot be missed.
13. Celebrate Mongolia’s Pride at a Naadam Festival
Held every July, Naadam is the Super Bowl, World Cup, and Summer Olympics of Mongolia — all rolled into one dusty, colorful, pride-filled spectacle. Watch traditional wrestling, bareback horse racing, and deadly accurate archery. Drink, cheer, dance, and remember: this is more than sport this is the soul of Mongolia. Keep in mind this is also the most popular festival in Mongolia, so there will be massive crowds.
14. Soak Your Weary Bones in Tsenkher Hot Springs
After days on the road traversing dirt tracks and bouncing along washboard desert, these geothermal springs are your reward. Soak in the outdoor pools surrounded by pine forests and rolling hills. There are even rustic resorts if you’re craving a bit of pampering. It’s a spa day, Mongol-style.
15. Ride in or Just Photograph the Iconic Russian Vans
This is how the majority of Mongolian’s travel from town to town. Long gone are the days of horse-travel only. The Russian UAZ vans are clunky, boxy, and reliable. You’ll see them transporting a ridiculous number of humans at once all over the steppe. If you’re not self-driving, I highly recommend catching at least one ride. It won’t be comfortable, but it will be memorable.
16. Camp Beneath Mongolia’s Star-Studded Skies
Here’s what Mongolia has more of than anywhere else: sky. Wild camp in the Gobi, by alpine lakes, or near herder camps. There’s no light pollution. Zero. Just you and unrivaled views of the dizzying expanse of space above Mongolia’s head.
17. Stay with a Nomadic Family
More than anything else on this list, you need to stay at a ger camp. Fortunately, this is available all over the country. The nomad camps are more than a homestay; it’s an immersion into Mongolia’s culture and an opportunity to connect with local families. Help herd livestock, milk yaks, prepare buuz dumplings, and share salted milk tea in a family ger. You’ll laugh without language and wake up to the soft bleating of goats. It’s a real, raw connection.
18. Try Your Hand at Archery or Hold a Golden Eagle
Test your inner warrior with traditional Mongolian archery (yes, it’s hard). Or visit a Kazakh eagle hunter and feel the raw power of a full-grown golden eagle perched on your glove. It’s an experience that bridges the mythic and the modern. And it’s a chance to partake in a Mongolian pastime.
19. Visit the Sacred Monastery of Amarbayasgalant
Tucked away in the rolling green hills of northern Mongolia, Amarbayasgalant is one of the most beautiful and serene monasteries in the country. Built in the 18th century, it’s a quiet marvel of Chinese-style architecture with a haunting backstory; many of its monks were victims of Soviet-era purges. Today, it’s a peaceful retreat where chants echo through wooden halls and prayer flags flutter over grassy meadows. Spend time just walking its grounds, letting the quiet reverence of the space slow you down. It’s also one of the best places in Mongolia to stay with a nomadic family in their ger.
20. Get Lost in the Chaos of Narantuul Market
Ulaanbaatar’s “Black Market” is chaotic, crowded, and completely intoxicating. You’ll find everything from traditional deels (robes) to horse saddles, cashmere, antiques, and knockoff electronics. Bargain hard, hold onto your valuables, and dive into the frenzy. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s a full cultural experience, and a killer spot for people-watching. Here, you can learn a little about modern Mongolia.
21. Saddle Up for a Multi-Day Horse Trek
You haven’t truly experienced Mongolia until you’ve seen it from horseback. With no fences and endless steppe, this is one of the few places on Earth where you can still ride for days and see almost no one. Whether it’s a two-day trek to a remote lake or a weeklong ride with nomads, you’ll feel a bond with the land that walking or driving can’t quite replicate. Just prepare your thighs for the experience. Khuvsgul Lake is widely considered one of the best destinations in Mongolia to try your hand at horseback riding.
22. Hike the Volcanic Trails of Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park
This high-altitude lake and extinct volcano combo is like Mongolia’s version of Iceland, minus the crowds. Hike the trails that wind around Khorgo Volcano, where basalt craters overlook a sparkling alpine lake. At night, sleep in a nearby ger camp and enjoy fresh fish from the lake. It’s a lesser-known gem and a highlight for outdoor lovers.
23. Stay With the Reindeer People of the Taiga
Far in the north, near the Russian border, live the Tsaatan, Mongolia’s tiny community of reindeer herders. Getting there requires serious commitment: multiple days of driving, horseback riding, and a few river crossings. But it’s worth it. You’ll stay in teepee-style urts, meet families who live in harmony with their animals, and learn how deeply their lives are tied to the forest and spirit world. It’s one of the last truly remote cultural experiences left on Earth.
Navigation can be an issue if you’re self-driving, which is why AVIS offers a self-drive tour that includes this portion of the route.
24. Buy Ethical Mongolian Cashmere
Before you head home, don’t forget one of Mongolia’s most famous exports: cashmere. But skip the fast-fashion knockoffs and go straight to the source. Visit shops like Gobi or Goyol in Ulaanbaatar, where you can get ultra-soft, ethically produced sweaters, scarves, and gloves that’ll last a lifetime. You’re supporting herder families and bringing home a piece of Mongolia’s natural abundance.
25. Embark on a 16-Day Self-Drive That Emcompasses It All!
If you’re up for the ultimate adventure, rent a rugged 4×4 from AVIS Mongolia and go full throttle on a self-drive tour from the scorched deserts of the Gobi to the misty forests of the north. Our carefully planned 16-day route is a tried and true adventure that hits nearly every single destination on this list! With a little more time, you could add it all in. Along the way, you’ll navigate dusty tracks, cross rivers, chat with locals, and experience the real Mongolia. It’s total freedom, high on dust, stories, and stars.
Enjoy All The Best Things to Do in Mongolia With an Epic Self-Drive Adventure!
If your Mongolia bucketlist includes freedom to explore, a LONG list of things to do in Mongolia, and a desire to revel in stunning natural landscapes, go for the 16-day self-drive adventure. Hire a rugged 4×4, blast through the Gobi, carve across the steppe, meet nomadic families, and end up among reindeer herders in the north woods. You write the itinerary. Well, technically, we wrote the itinerary, but following it is up to you.
Mongolia isn’t the kind of place that fits neatly into travel brochures. It’s not convenient, it’s not “easy,” and thank goodness for that. It’s raw, real, and ridiculously beautiful. It strips away your expectations, fills you with awe and natural beauty, and then hands you back a new perspective to take home with you.
If you’re craving more than curated experiences and filtered memories, Mongolia is waiting. You’ll leave with the grit of the road still on your boots and the hum of the steppe in your chest. And years from now, when someone asks you about your most unforgettable trip, I promise, you’ll start with this place.
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