2 Weeks in Mongolia - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Active Adventure Across Mongolia's Epic Landscapes

Traverse diverse landscapes on this active Mongolia tour. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and hikers, this trip offers opportunities to cross the Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes on camelback, spot wild sheep on a trek to Tuvkhun Monastery, search for fossils and enjoy sunset at the Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs, embark on a hike and horseback ride through Yolyn Am Canyon, trek amid the limestone cliffs of Tsagaan Suvarga, and admire ancient petroglyphs on a hike in Baga Gazariin Chuluu. You'll also prepare a traditional fermented beverage with a nomadic family and overnight in several ger camps. 

Experience old and new in Ulaanbaatar with a visit to the Mongolian National Modern Art Gallery and a guided city tour that includes Gandan Monastery, adorned with religious artifacts. Then, you'll witness archery, horseback acrobatics, and traditional wrestling at the Mongol Nomadic Show before overnighting in a ger (traditional camp) in Argalant. Following that, your driver will take you to Hustai National Park to see the endangered takhi horses on your way to the Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes. Here, you can ride a camel and learn about horse breeding from a nomadic family. 

Your next stop is Kharkhorin, where you'll tour ancient temple ruins of temples and spend another night at a ger camp. Set off early in the morning for a trek to Tuvkhun Monastery, keeping an eye out for wild sheep. In Bayanzag, fossil hunting and sunset at the Flaming Cliffs await. Your adventures continue with a hike and horseback ride through Yolyn Am Canyon (where you may be lucky enough to spot a snow leopard!), followed by a trek amid the limestone cliffs of Tsagaan Suvarga. Enjoy one last day in the wilderness, spotting petroglyphs on a hike in Baga Gazariin Chuluu before returning to Ulaanbaatar. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Experience Mongolia's Natural Landscapes & Naadam Festival

This whirlwind nature and culture trip takes travelers on a journey that includes street food and sightseeing in Ulaanbaatar, a trek along the "singing sands" of the Khongor sand dunes, a visit with the Tsaatan reindeer herders at Lake Khovsgol, and the chance to watch wrestling and horse racing at the annual Naadam Festival. As this trip moves at a quick pace and involves some long transfers, it's best suited to those who want to make the most of their time and don't mind long car rides. 

Kick off your trip in Ulaanbaatar with street food and souvenir shopping at Narantuul Market, followed by a tour of Buddhist monasteries. Then, your driver will take you to Hustai National Park to see the wild horses before catching a flight to Moron. Here, you'll choose a boating or hiking tour around Lake Khovsgol and meet the Tsaatan reindeer herders. Return to Ulaanbaatar in time to attend the opening ceremony of the annual Naadam Festival, where you'll watch horse racing, archery, and wrestling. The second day of the festival takes you to Hui Doloon Hudag to meet horse trainers and watch more races. 

Next, you're off to Kharkhorin to see religious murals and ancient prayer wheels at Erdene Zuu Monastery. Get an early start the following day, as you have a 9.5-hour journey to the Gobi Desert, where you'll catch the sunset at the sandstone Flaming Cliffs in Bayanzag and overnight in a tented camp. While in the desert, you'll also climb the Khongor sand dunes and hear the unique sound made by wind passing through that's earned them the nickname "singing sands." Cap off your trip with a hike in Yolyn Am Canyon and a folk performance and farewell dinner back in Ulaanbaatar. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Horseback Adventure Through Mongolia's Altai Mountains

See the Altai Mountain's natural beauty and nomadic cultures from a unique perspective with this horseback trekking adventure. Suitable for active travelers keen to camp and ride horseback for multiple days, this expedition offers bird-watching along Khoton Lake, potential ibex sightings on your ride up Shiveet Uul Mountain, a hike on the Potanin Glacier to Malchin Peak, and the chance to learn about Tuvan religious practices and Kazakh eagle hunting from local families you meet along the way. 

Before hopping on a horse, you'll visit the 150-foot (46 m) tall equestrian statue of Genghis Khan at the Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex, enjoy free time in Ulaanbaatar to browse ancient artifacts at the National Museum of Mongolia, and catch a performance at the State Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet. From there, you'll fly to Ölgii, where you'll meet the team of guides, cooks, and drivers who'll accompany you on your multiday horseback adventure. You'll spend the night at a ger camp in the Tsagaan Gol Valley before setting off for the first horseback ride to Khurgan and Khoton Lakes.

Next, saddle up for bird-watching on your ride to Biluut Hill, then continue along the Tsagaan Gol, nicknamed the "White River Valley" for its glacial waters. Enjoy wildflower views and watch for ibex as you journey up Shiveet Uul Mountain and visit a Tuvan family to learn about their shamanistic religion and daily life. You'll pass through marshes and across streams en route to the Tavan Bogd base camp, where you'll hike Malchin Peak via the Potanin Glacier. On your final ride, sample traditional milk products with a Kazakh family before returning to Ölgii, where you can shop for handcrafted keepsakes. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Mongolia Mountain & Desert Adventure: Altai Tavan Bogd National Park & Gobi Desert

This intrepid Altai and Gobi itinerary is another excellent choice for outdoorsy travelers interested in immersing themselves in Mongolia's natural environment while learning about local culture. Highlights include a challenging trek up Malchin Peak, camping in traditional-style yurts, scouting dinosaur fossils in Bayanzag, riding camels in the Gobi Desert, and meeting a Kazakh eagle hunting family and their trained eagles. Art enthusiasts will appreciate seeing ancient petroglyphs near Khoton Lake and Buddhist paintings and sculptures in Ulaanbaatar.

After touching down in Ulaanbaatar, you'll explore at your own pace, perhaps popping by the Choijin Lama Temple Museum to see the Buddhist paintings and sculptures. On your second day, fly to Ölgii and meet a team of guides and cooks who'll transfer you to a campsite for dinner under the starry sky. Then, you'll hike to Tavan Bogd base camp for another night of camping before you tackle the trek up Malchin Peak, where you'll be rewarded with glacier and mountain views. You'll also have the opportunity to hike along the White River to Har Salaa and check out petroglyphs near Khoton Lake.

On the return trip to Ölgii, you'll visit a local Kazakh family and learn about the eagle hunting tradition. The second half of your trip takes you to Yolyn Am Gorge for a hike and horseback ride, then on to Khongoryn for a camel ride across the sand dunes. Afterward, your driver will bring you to Bayanzag to search for dinosaur fossils and watch the famous Flaming Cliffs appear to catch fire in the changing light of sunset. Lastly, you'll return to Ulaanbaatar to see Buddhist paintings at the Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan and fit in some last-minute souvenir shopping before your flight home. Learn more

More Great 14-Day Mongolia Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Mongolia? Check out these other 14-day Mongolia itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.