Top 10 Things to Do and See in Mongolia
Mongolia is one of the last pristine destinations in the world. The diversity of its landscapes is matched only by their majesty:
Mongolia is one of the last pristine destinations in the world. The diversity of its landscapes is matched only by their majesty: from steep mountains to the dense forests of the north, through central plains and arid deserts of the south... It is a land where culture, history and landscape are inextricably linked, where nomads still roam the vast steppes as they did in the time of Genghis Khan, and where the hospitality of its people is legendary. You've made your decision and found a cheap flight to this country? Now it's time to tailor your bespoke itinerary!
To give you a quick overview of the treasures this country holds, here is our completely objective Top 10 of amazing things to do and see in Mongolia...
1/ The Naadam Festival in Khatgal
Khatgal is one of the best places in Mongolia to celebrate the Naadam festival, which takes place every year from July 11 to 13. Unlike Ulan Bator, Khatgal offers a much more festive atmosphere where you don't need to queue to watch the games. The atmosphere in this small northern town is particularly joyful during this time of year, enhanced by the legendary hospitality of the Mongols. Everyone in traditional costumes, it's a truly colorful spectacle. The Mongols engage in 3 traditional sports: archery, wrestling and horse racing, all in a spirit of joy and camaraderie. Participating in Naadam is a genuine must-do experience during your time in Mongolia.
2/ Camel Trekking in the Khongor Sand Dunes Region
Sand deserts certainly contrast with the preconceived idea one might have of Mongolia and its vast plains. Yet, the Khongor Dunes ("Khongoriin Els") are very real and rank among the largest sand dunes in Mongolia. They stretch for 180 kilometers and can reach up to 300 meters in height. An ascent to the summit offers breathtaking views over the surrounding desert. This region is home to traditional camel herders, an opportunity for the curious to learn more about these fascinating animals.
Explore the Gobi and enjoy a camel trek thanks to our Between Steppe and Desert itinerary.
3/ Stargazing in the Gobi Desert
This is undoubtedly the ultimate experience for a moment of tranquility and peace. After a full day of trekking in the Gobi Desert, savor this moment of rest by admiring a starlit sky unlike any you have probably seen before. The silence of nature combined with the immensity of the desert and sky will bring you unparalleled and unforgettable well-being.
4/ Meeting the Tsaatan Reindeer Herders
The Darhad Valley, situated in northwestern Mongolia, is home to reindeer and boasts spectacular landscapes. Between crystal-clear lakes, rivers, verdant meadows and larch forests of the taiga, the valley has undeniable assets that are important to preserve. The small reindeer community living there is managed by around forty families of nomadic herders, the Tsaatan, who still depend on these animals to survive. Travel conditions are particularly challenging, but the reward of these encounters is priceless!
If meeting the Tsaatan herders appeals to you, discover our Heart of the Shaman itinerary.
5/ Trekking in Khentii Province
Khentii is a wild province located in eastern Mongolia where steppes, valleys, mountains, rivers, lakes and nomadic herders converge. Horseback riding through valleys, exchanging with nomads, sleeping by magnificent lakes… these activities will reveal multiple facets of Mongolia that you won't soon forget.
Our Horseback Riding in Khan Khentii will let you discover the horse trekking, while our Nomadic Life in Khan Khentii itinerary offers hiking there.
6/ Fishing on Khentii Rivers
On a peaceful, sunny afternoon, nothing beats a fly-fishing or taimen (Siberian salmon) fishing session to unwind. Khentii province is home to winding rivers with virgin, cold waters that are perfect for fishing. Surrounded by mountains and vast forests, these rivers undoubtedly offer an idyllic setting for fishing enthusiasts!
7/ Horseback Riding at Khövsgöl Lake
Mongolia's second-largest and deepest lake, Khövsgöl Lake impresses with its crystalline waters. Horseback riding along the lake and in its surroundings offers the chance to discover unique landscapes. Ride through peaceful forests with spectacular views of the lake, encounter beavers, reindeer or ibex, and meet reindeer herders. The region is ideal for relaxation but also offers multiple activity options.
Discover Khövsgöl Lake and other natural wonders of northern and central Mongolia with our Wonders of Mongolia itinerary.
8/ Celebrating Mongolian New Year (Tsagaan Sar) with a Nomadic Family
Benefit from the legendary hospitality of the Mongols to join their community during this major celebration. Tsagaan Sar traditionally takes place between late January and early March according to the lunar calendar. This period is marked by many traditions: families exchange gifts and prepare special dishes you absolutely must taste. Immerse yourself fully in Mongolian culture and emerge enriched with incredible memories!
Our February departure for the White Horseback Ride itinerary is special Tsagaan Sar edition, allowing you to celebrate the lunar new year with a herding family.
9/ Watching Mongolian Horsemen Round Up Wild Horses
One can scarcely find anywhere else in the world a place where the horse holds such a paramount role in culture and maintains such a symbiotic relationship with humans. The nomadic culture in Mongolia was built in part on this relationship between man and animal. Watching Mongolian horsemen gather wild horse herds in spring is both magical and impressive. Discovering the extreme skill of Mongols on horseback will leave you speechless!
If you wish to discover the lifestyle of Mongolian nomads from within, the With the Nomads of Arkhangai itinerary may be perfect for you.
10/ Eagle Hunting with the Kazakhs on Horseback
The ancient art of falconry as practiced by the Kazakhs has remained unchanged for millennia. Admire the speed and power of majestic eagles and the close relationship that exists between them and their masters. Hunting in the wild landscapes of Bayan-Ölgii is a unique experience that will leave you with an unforgettable memory.
Join the Eagle Festival in early October and go hunting with a Kazakh eagle hunter thanks to our special Eagle Festival itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
The best time to travel to Mongolia is summer, from June to August, with pleasant temperatures and verdant steppes. The Naadam festival runs from July 11 to 13, making it an ideal time. For eagle hunting with the Kazakhs, opt for early October during the Eagle Festival. Tsagaan Sar (Mongolian New Year) takes place between late January and early March for an authentic winter immersion.
Most foreign nationals generally need to obtain a visa before traveling to Mongolia. It is advisable to contact the embassy of Mongolia in your country or a travel specialist to learn about current conditions, as these may change. Some short stays may benefit from exemptions depending on existing agreements.
The 10 must-dos in Mongolia are: attend the Naadam festival in Khatgal, enjoy a camel trek in the Khongor dunes, stargaze in the Gobi Desert, meet Tsaatan reindeer herders, trek in Khentii province, fish on Khentii rivers, horseback ride at Khövsgöl Lake, celebrate Tsagaan Sar with a nomadic family, watch horsemen round up wild horses in spring, and participate in eagle hunting with Kazakhs in Bayan-Ölgii.
Naadam is Mongolia's national festival, celebrated every year from July 11 to 13. It features three traditional sports: archery, wrestling and horse racing. While the festival is held in Ulan Bator, the town of Khatgal offers a more intimate and festive atmosphere, without the long queues of the capital.
The Tsaatan live in the Darhad Valley in northwestern Mongolia, in a difficult-to-access taiga environment. It is recommended to work with a specialized travel company to organize this meeting respectfully and safely. Travel conditions are demanding, but an encounter with these approximately forty nomadic herding families is an exceptional human experience.
