Mongolia Itinerary: 10 Days Exploring the Gobi Desert & Ulaanbaatar

Embark on an unforgettable 10-day journey through Mongolia, a land of vast open spaces, ancient traditions, and breathtaking landscapes. This itinerary offers a perfect blend of urban exploration in Ulaanbaatar and an immersive adventure into the legendary Gobi Desert, promising a truly unique travel experience.

Why Choose Mongolia for Your Next Adventure?

Mongolia beckons with its nomadic culture, endless steppes, and dramatic deserts. It's a destination for the adventurous soul, offering a chance to disconnect from the modern world and connect with nature and ancient traditions. From the bustling capital to the serene Gobi Desert, every moment here is a step into a different world.

Getting to and Around Mongolia

Your journey will likely begin and end in Ulaanbaatar, served by Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN). For exploring the Gobi, internal flights to Dalanzadgad are common, followed by overland travel in sturdy 4x4 vehicles. Within Ulaanbaatar, taxis are readily available, but for the Gobi, a tour with an experienced driver and guide is essential for safety and navigation.

Your 10-Day Mongolia Itinerary: Gobi & Ulaanbaatar

Days 1-2: Arrival and Ulaanbaatar Exploration

Day 1: Arrival in Ulaanbaatar

Upon arrival at Chinggis Khaan International Airport, transfer to your hotel. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the city center. A great starting point is Sukhbaatar Square, the heart of Ulaanbaatar, flanked by important government buildings and a towering statue of Chinggis Khaan.

Visit the National Museum of Mongolia to delve into the country's rich history and nomadic heritage.
Explore local shops for cashmere and traditional crafts.
Enjoy an authentic Mongolian dinner.

Day 2: Cultural Immersion in Ulaanbaatar

Dedicate today to Ulaanbaatar's spiritual and cultural sites.

Begin with a visit to Gandantegchinlen Monastery, Mongolia's largest functioning Buddhist monastery, home to a magnificent 26.5-meter-tall statue of Avalokiteshvara.
Explore the Bogd Khaan Palace Museum, the winter palace of Mongolia's last emperor.
In the afternoon, consider an excursion to the Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex, a colossal equestrian statue offering panoramic views from its horse's head.
Alternatively, visit Hustain Nuruu Biosphere Reserve to see the wild Takhi horses.

Days 3-8: Gobi Desert Adventure

The Gobi Desert is a land of dramatic contrasts, from towering sand dunes to ice-filled gorges. Prepare for long drives between attractions, enjoying the vastness of the landscape.

Day 3: Fly to Dalanzadgad & Yolyn Am

Catch an early morning flight to Dalanzadgad, the capital of Umnugovi Province. From there, drive towards Yolyn Am (Eagle Valley or Vulture's Mouth), a stunning gorge in the Gurvan Saikhan Mountains. Hike through the canyon, where ice often remains well into summer.

Fact:Yolyn Am is part of the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, Mongolia's largest national park, named after the three beautiful peaks of the Gurvan Saikhan Mountains.

Overnight in a traditional ger camp near the valley.

Day 4: Khongoryn Els – The Singing Dunes

Journey to Khongoryn Els, famously known as the "Singing Dunes." These majestic dunes stretch for over 100 kilometers and can reach heights of 300 meters. Climb to the top for breathtaking views and listen for the "singing" sound made by the shifting sand.

Experience a camel ride across the dunes, often with local camel herders.
Enjoy a spectacular sunset over the vast desert landscape.

Stay overnight at a ger camp near the dunes.

Day 5: Bayanzag – The Flaming Cliffs

Today, head to Bayanzag, also known as the "Flaming Cliffs." This area gained international fame when American paleontologist Roy Chapman Andrews discovered dinosaur eggs and numerous dinosaur fossils here in the 1920s. The cliffs glow with an orange hue, especially at sunset.

Explore the fossil-rich grounds and imagine dinosaurs roaming this ancient landscape.
Enjoy the dramatic colors of the cliffs as the sun dips below the horizon.

Overnight in a ger camp.

Day 6: Ongi Monastery Ruins & Tsagaan Suvarga

Drive north towards the ruins of Ongi Monastery, once one of Mongolia's largest monasteries, devastated during the communist purges of the 1930s. Explore the remnants and learn about its history. Continue to Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa), a striking natural formation resembling an ancient ruined city, with colorful stratified cliffs.

Overnight in a ger camp.

Day 7: The Gobi Steppe & Nomadic Life

Spend the day traversing the vast open steppe of the Gobi. This day offers a deeper insight into the nomadic way of life. You may have the opportunity to visit a local nomadic family, experience their hospitality, and learn about their daily routines, including milking animals or making dairy products.

Overnight in a ger camp, perhaps near a small community.

Day 8: Return to Ulaanbaatar

After breakfast, begin the drive back to Dalanzadgad for your flight to Ulaanbaatar. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. The evening is free for relaxation, souvenir shopping, or enjoying a final Mongolian meal in the capital.

Days 9-10: Ulaanbaatar & Departure

Day 9: Leisure or Day Trip Options

Today is flexible. You can revisit favorite spots in Ulaanbaatar, explore more museums, or do some last-minute shopping. Alternatively, consider a day trip to Gorkhi Terelj National Park, a beautiful alpine-like area just outside the city, known for its unique rock formations, including Turtle Rock, and horseback riding opportunities.

Visit the Zaisan Memorial for panoramic views of Ulaanbaatar.
Enjoy a traditional Mongolian cultural performance in the evening.

Day 10: Departure

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a final breakfast or some last-minute souvenir shopping. Transfer to Chinggis Khaan International Airport for your departure, carrying memories of Mongolia's wild beauty and warm hospitality.

What to Pack for Your Mongolian Adventure

Given the diverse landscapes and weather, packing wisely is key:

Layers:Temperatures can fluctuate dramatically between day and night, even in summer.
Sturdy Footwear:For hiking and exploring uneven terrain.
Sun Protection:Hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen.
Warm Hat & Gloves:Essential for chilly evenings, even in summer.
Reusable Water Bottle:To minimize plastic waste.
Basic First-Aid Kit:For minor ailments.
Camera & Binoculars:For capturing stunning landscapes and wildlife.
Power Bank:Charging opportunities can be limited in the Gobi.

Accommodation & Food

In Ulaanbaatar, you'll find a range of hotels. In the Gobi Desert, accommodation will primarily be in tourist ger camps. These camps offer comfortable, private gers (traditional felt tents) with beds, shared toilet and shower facilities, and a central dining ger. Food generally consists of hearty Mongolian dishes, often meat-based (mutton, beef, goat), with noodles, rice, and some vegetables. Dairy products, like fermented mare's milk (airag), are also common.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Mongolia, especially for the Gobi Desert, is fromMay to early October. June to August offers the warmest weather, but also the peak tourist season and occasional rain. May and September offer cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and stunning clear skies, ideal for photography and stargazing.

Responsible Travel Tips

When traveling in Mongolia, particularly in rural areas:

Respect local customs:Always ask permission before taking photos of people.
Minimize your impact:Carry out all your trash, especially in protected areas.
Support local communities:Purchase handicrafts directly from artisans and engage with local guides.
Conserve resources:Water and electricity can be scarce in ger camps.

This 10-day itinerary offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from the urban energy of Ulaanbaatar to the tranquil majesty of the Gobi Desert. Prepare to be captivated by Mongolia's vast landscapes, unique culture, and the enduring spirit of its nomadic people.