Top 3 Road Trips in Mongolia

Picture yourself bouncing across vast grasslands in a 4WD, surrounded by endless green steppe. Mongolia shows that paved roads aren't necessary for an unforgettable road trip.

The expansive terrain of Mongolia means that incredible road trip experiences await you no matter where you choose to drive.

Most tours in Mongolia consist of cross-country driving adventures, typically including a 4WD vehicle, a driver, and an English-speaking guide. If you prefer more flexibility, you can hire a private car with a driver or rent your own vehicle to explore independently.

No matter which option you select, you'll enjoy breathtaking drives through some of the planet's most stunning and sparsely populated landscapes. Here are three of our favorite road trips in Mongolia to inspire your travels.

1. The Classic Mongolia Loop

Best road trip for sightseeing

Ulaanbaatar–Karakorum–South Gobi; approximately 1700km (1050 miles); plan for at least 5 days

Beginning in Ulaanbaatar, this road trip features numerous highlights, starting with the stunning Erdene Zuu Monastery located in Kharkhorin, 360km (224 miles) west of the capital, reachable via paved roads. Established in 1586, this is Mongolia's most significant Buddhist site, constructed from the remnants of Karakorum, the ancient capital founded by Chinggis (Ghengis) Khan's son three centuries earlier.

Spend the night in a ger (yurt) camp by the Orkhon River before journeying into the rugged wilderness of the vast Gobi. The desolate ruins of Ongiin Khiid provide a break in the long, bumpy drive south to Ömnögovi, meaning ‘southern Gobi’—the driest, hottest, and most sparsely populated province in the country.

Much of the next leg of the journey takes you along unpaved paths through lightly vegetated steppe and rocky desert. You’ll need three to four days to explore the key attractions, with plenty of tourist ger camps available at each location.

First up are the hauntingly beautiful 'flaming cliffs' of Bayanzag, the site where dinosaur eggs were first discovered, along with remains from over 100 dinosaurs. A drive of 150km (93 miles) southwest brings you to Khongoryn Els, where towering sand dunes reach heights of 80m (262 ft).

Traveling about 220km (137 miles) east, you'll find the wildlife-rich Yol Valley, where you can hike, bike, or ride a horse through a dramatic gorge that houses blue ice well into June. Continuing eastward leads you to the provincial capital Dalanzadgad, where you’ll return to paved roads for a 550km (342 miles) straight drive back to Ulaanbaatar.

Tip for planning: Try to arrive at Khongoryn Els in the late afternoon with your camera ready—the dunes look their best bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun.

2. Exploring Khövsgöl Nuur

Ideal road trip for adventurous self-drivers

Ulaanbaatar to Khövsgöl Nuur; 900km (560 miles); plan for three days

Nestled among Siberian taiga and rugged peaks in northern Mongolia lies Khövsgöl Nuur, the stunning blue 'Mother Sea.' As Mongolia's second-largest and deepest lake, it is accessible from Ulaanbaatar via paved roads. While you can make the drive in 10 to 12 hours, it’s far more rewarding to embark on a multi-day journey to explore the sights in the surrounding aimags (provinces).

The journey to Khövsgöl Nuur tends to get busy in the summer, but that's advantageous for self-drivers. More locals on the road means greater chances of assistance if you encounter any issues—something that can happen in this rough terrain.

About 300km (186 miles) from the capital, you'll leave the paved roads behind in Selenge aimag to visit Amarbayasgalant Khiid, a timeless Buddhist monastery complex set against a mountainous backdrop. There are nearby ger camps for overnight stays, or you can stay in Erdenet, the third-largest city in Mongolia, just 110km (68 miles) west of the monastery.

The following day's drive takes you through Bulgan province, stopping at Uran-Togoo Tulga Uul Nature Reserve, which features a preserved forest and an extinct bowl-shaped volcano with hiking trails leading to the 500m-wide (1640ft) caldera. After camping by the Selenge River, which feeds into Lake Baikal in Russia, continue westward to Mörön, a vital transport hub in the region.

Located just west of Mörön, Uushigiin Uver is a Bronze Age archaeological site featuring 'deer stone' statues carved between 2500 and 4000 years ago. From Mörön, it takes about an hour and a half to drive north to Hatgal, a lively soum (township) with wooden homes and tourist lodges that serves as the gateway to Khövsgöl Nuur.

Detour: A paved road runs along the western shore of the lake, which has been affected by over-tourism and litter. In contrast, the unspoiled eastern shore offers a rough track; it’s advisable to park in Hatgal and take a boat to Ar Davhar Eco Camp, a secluded lakeside ger camp with excellent eco-credentials.

3. An Adventure in the Altai Mountains

Top road trip for experiencing Kazakh culture

Ölgii–Altai Tavan Bogd National Park; 250km (155 miles); plan for 2–3 days

Most travelers fly into the city of Ölgii to kick off this road trip through Mongolia’s westernmost region, as this remote frontier town is a 36-hour nonstop drive from Ulaanbaatar. Bayan-Ölgii boasts Mongolia’s most mountainous landscape, featuring many peaks over 4000m high, cloaked in glaciers and snow. Approximately 90% of the local population is Kazakh, and they build larger, more elaborately decorated gers compared to the standard Mongolian versions.

Kazakh people in Mongolia are renowned for their winter tradition of hunting with trained eagles. This fascinating road trip takes you through Sagsai, where you can meet local eagle hunters (occasionally, a small eagle festival is hosted here in September). Following Sagsai, the journey continues through stunning river valleys, home to mountain ibex and scattered with ancient petroglyphs. Eventually, you’ll reach the north ranger station of Altai Tavan Bogd National Park.

The final stretch to the 12km-long (7.5 mile) Potanii Glacier is challenging, but the vistas are breathtaking. Excellent camping opportunities await at Khuiten Uul Base Camp (3092m/10144ft), beneath the watchful presence of Mongolia’s highest mountain.

Planning tip: If you're aiming to climb Khuiten Uul (Cold Peak, 4374m/14350ft), make sure to bring ice axes, crampons, and a skilled local guide. However, Malchin Peak (4050m/13287ft) offers a non-technical route to the summit.

Guidelines for self-driving on a road trip in Mongolia

If you opt to drive yourself in Mongolia, it’s advisable to stay close to the network of paved roads radiating from Ulaanbaatar. Without local knowledge, it’s all too easy to encounter issues crossing swollen rivers or to get stuck in mud and sand.

During July and August, the steppe can become quite waterlogged. Driving is more manageable during the shoulder seasons of May–June and September, as well as in winter when the ground is frozen. In extremely remote areas like Khermen Tsav or the Great Gobi protected region, facilities are scarce and help is hard to find if you encounter problems. It's essential to be expedition-ready and travel with at least two vehicles in your group.

Here are some general tips applicable throughout Mongolia: refuel frequently, even if your tank is half-full, since petrol shortages can occur. Bring enough cash to last your entire trip, along with blankets, food, and water purification methods in case you find yourself stranded in a remote area.

In addition to carrying a mobile phone, consider investing in a GPS tracker device. This will help your tour operator or authorities in Ulaanbaatar locate you if needed. Always keep a backup paper map and compass on hand, as technology can sometimes fail.