Top 6 Activities to Experience in Mongolia

A land that captivates with both its stunning natural beauty and rich traditional culture, Mongolia offers an adventure unlike any other.

Here, you'll walk in the footsteps of Chinggis (Genghis) Khan, traversing the same vast grassy steppes that enchanted the great emperor, where nomadic herders have thrived for millennia.

Beyond the breathtaking scenery of Mongolia’s rolling terrain, you'll encounter a diverse landscape featuring majestic snow-capped mountains, pristine forests, and the golden dunes of the Gobi Desert. Among these sights are those unique 'only in Mongolia' experiences—spending a night in a ger with a nomadic family, cheering for Mongolian wrestlers in open fields, or watching double-humped camels dash across the desert sands.

Despite being one of the least densely populated countries, Mongolia brims with activities, from connecting with locals in the vibrant capital of Ulaanbaatar to exploring stunning Buddhist monasteries and horseback riding across the expansive steppe. Here are our top recommendations for your Mongolian adventure.

1. Attend a Mongolian Festival

There's no better way to immerse yourself in traditional Mongolian culture than by participating in one of the country's captivating festivals. Naadam stands out as the premier event—a grand, three-day celebration of traditional Mongolian sports and games that draws travelers from around the globe.

Amidst vibrant colors and excitement, you'll witness traditional Mongolian sports like wrestling, horseracing, and archery, all with a uniquely Mongolian flair that keeps spectators on the edge of their seats.

Mongolia's eagle hunting festivals are a major attraction for culture enthusiasts. Travelers flock to Bayan-Ölgii province to witness the expertise of traditional Kazakh falconers. In October, the vibrant Golden Eagle Festival in Ölgii becomes the highlight of the season, showcasing masterfully trained eagles as they demonstrate their hunting skills in various competitions. Alongside this spectacle, there's a full lineup of cultural activities, including camel racing and traditional horse races.

If you're unable to attend in October, you can still catch the Altai Kazakh Eagle Festival in Bayan-Ölgii province in September, as well as the Spring Eagle Hunting Festival near Ulaanbaatar in March.

Mongolia's winter brings a new level of cold, but February hosts some of the country’s most unforgettable festivals. These include the Ulaanbaatar Winter Festival and Khatgal Ice Festival, featuring unique sports such as the traditional ankle-bone shooting, ice archery, horse and dog sledding, and even figure skating and ice fishing.

Also in February, you'll find the Lunar New Year celebrations of Tsagaan Sar, along with the Bulgan Camel Festival, which highlights the magnificently shaggy two-humped camels of the Gobi nomads, featuring a weekend filled with camel polo and racing.

Planning tip: If you can't make it in July, keep an eye out for smaller Naadam festivals often held in the months before and after. They offer a great preview of the main event.

2. Immerse Yourself in Nomadic Culture

One of the most unforgettable ways to dive into traditional Mongolian culture while enjoying the pristine landscape is to spend a night in a ger (yurt) with a nomadic family. These circular, felt-covered structures have been used by Mongolian nomads for centuries, designed for a life of mobility—easily assembled and disassembled as the seasons change. You'll be pleasantly surprised by the decorative furnishings inside.

Inside, beds are arranged around a central hearth used for cooking and heating, alongside displays of the family's cherished belongings and sometimes even a TV. When staying in a ger camp, you'll have your own ger as a bedroom, but you'll experience Mongolia's renowned hospitality firsthand, sharing communal meals of mutton and dairy products. Be prepared that every part of the sheep is utilized, and you may be invited to taste the local delicacy, airag—fermented mare's milk.

Ger camps vary widely across Mongolia. The most authentic options are smaller, family-run camps with just five or six gers, while more tourist-oriented choices consist of larger, permanent camps featuring around 40 gers, complete with Western-style bathrooms and onsite dining.

Planning tip: While the shared bathroom facilities in a ger camp may be little more than a hole in the ground, and the food can be quite adventurous (sheep eyeballs, anyone?), with little regard for privacy (visitors may freely enter your ger), the immersive experience is unmatched. Embrace it all and relish the moment!

3. Experience the Fusion of Old and New Mongolia in Ulaanbaatar

We understand that you didn't pick Mongolia for its urban landscape, but the bustling capital, Ulaanbaatar, offers a unique blend of cultural highlights, contrasting sharply with the expansive wilds of the country.

Affectionately called UB, the capital is where you can truly feel the heartbeat of contemporary Mongolia. This vibrant, cosmopolitan hub boasts excellent restaurants, trendy bars, and a surprisingly lively indie music scene.

Discover Mongolia’s rich narrative through top-notch museums and galleries like the National Museum of Mongolia, Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts, and the Mongolian National Modern Art Gallery. At its heart lies Sükhbaatar Square, home to a striking statue of Chinggis Khan, surrounded by numerous cultural sites.

While UB showcases modern flair, the echoes of its deep history are always present. Explore attractions like the Gandan Khiid monastery, the Choijin Lama Temple Museum, and the Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan. For a deeper dive into the past, visit the Central Museum of Mongolian Dinosaurs, where you can encounter the towering, three-ton Tarbosaurus bataar from 70 million years ago.

Planning tip: Air pollution is a significant concern in UB throughout the year, particularly exacerbated during the winter months. As the world's coldest capital city, it's generally advisable to steer clear of visiting in winter.

4. Discover tranquility in the Gobi Desert

Rugged and relentless, yet utterly captivating. Few places in Mongolia hold as much intrigue as the Gobi Desert. Once considered one of the most isolated regions on Earth, the Gobi is now quite accessible due to improved road networks. A journey here is undoubtedly one of Mongolia's premier attractions.

The main attraction here is outdoor adventures and evenings spent in the desert with nomadic families, where you can experience some of the finest stargazing on Earth. The towering dunes of Khongoryn Els in Gurvan Saikhan National Park stand out as the Gobi’s prime highlight – for an unforgettable experience, consider exploring them on camel during multi-day camping treks in the desert.

Even more stunning dunes can be found at Moltzog Els, a striking stretch of 12-meter (40-foot) powdery dunes in an area renowned as one of the richest sites for dinosaur fossils globally. For additional desert adventures, explore the canyons at Khermen Tsav, witness 10,000-year-old rock carvings at Khavtsgait, enjoy wildlife watching at Ikh Nartiin Chuluu, and marvel at the unforgettable ice-filled gorge at Yolyn Am.

Planning tip: The Gobi is not a destination to approach lightly. You must be well-prepared for all possible weather extremes, day and night. In addition to packing essential supplies, consider traveling with a guide for safety and to gain deeper insights into this captivating landscape.

5. Discover the wilderness on horseback, foot, or bike

To experience life as the locals do, follow the Mongolian tradition of mounting a horse to traverse the vast expanses of grassy steppes, rugged mountains, and pristine lakes. Even if you’re new to horseback riding, this stunning terrain is an ideal place to try, offering the most authentic way to connect with Mongolia’s natural beauty and nomadic way of life.

Both Gorkhi-Terelj National Park and Bogdkhan Uul Strictly Protected Area offer fantastic trails for half- or full-day horseback treks, but for an unforgettable experience, consider a multi-day expedition around Khövsgöl Nuur National Park to circumnavigate its stunning blue lake. The volcanic lakes in Khuisiin Naiman Nuur Nature Reserve are also popular for exploration on horseback.

If horseback riding feels a bit too ambitious, you can always lace up your hiking boots and discover Mongolia’s wild landscapes on foot. Breathtaking national parks, such as the remote Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, invite thrilling trekking adventures. It's advisable to take a guide or join a tour; many operators also organize climbing excursions and overland mountain-biking trips.

Planning tip: Mongolian horses are generally shorter and stockier than the breeds you might be accustomed to, so riding may require some adjustment. Luckily, local guides are adept at managing their herds, and their horses are well-trained, so don’t hesitate to hop on.

6. Experience the spiritual magnificence of Mongolia’s Buddhist temples

One of the most lasting legacies of Chinggis Khan and the Mongol Empire is the introduction of Tibetan Buddhism. A visit to Mongolia offers breathtaking views of some of the most tranquil monastery complexes in the world.

While many Buddhist sites in Mongolia faced destruction or closure during the Stalinist purges of 1937, the fall of the USSR in 1990 sparked a revival of Buddhism in the country. Today, around 130 Buddhist monasteries are scattered across Mongolia, home to approximately 5,000 monks.

The renowned Erdene Zuu Khiid was founded in 1586 in what used to be the ancient capital of Karakorum (now Kharkhorin). This once-thriving monastery suffered considerable damage during Soviet rule, with many of its 1,000 monks sent to gulags in Siberia. It was repurposed as a 'show monastery' museum until it regained its status as a place of worship in more recent years. Although only three of the original 100 temples remain, it still stands as one of the country's most significant monasteries.

Located in the northern part of Mongolia in Selenge aimag (province), about a five-hour drive from Ulaanbaatar, Amarbayasgalant Khiid ranks among the three most important Buddhist institutions in the country. Established in 1727, it boasts the best-preserved Buddhist architectural complex in Mongolia, and it's ideal to plan your visit to coincide with the evocative ceremonies of ritual chanting around 10 a.m.

Ulaanbaatar boasts a remarkable collection of monasteries. Home to over 600 monks, Gandan Khiid welcomes visitors to its pilgrims’ prayer circuit, featuring a stunning array of temples, including the impressive Migjid Janraisig Süm at its heart. This site is one of the country’s most frequented tourist destinations, with morning ceremonies evoking a sense of timeless tradition.

Another exquisite stop in the capital is the Choijin Lama Temple Museum, which features five atmospheric temples adorned with thangkas (cloth paintings), tsam dance masks, and statues of Buddhist deities. Established in the early 20th century, it was closed during the Communist purges of 1937, yet the monastery was preserved as a poignant reminder of the 'feudal' past.