3-Day Mongolia Tour Packages
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Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Mongolia tour itineraries
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SteffMongolia travel expert at TourRadar
3 Day Mongolia Itinerary, incl. Ulaanbaatar and Hustai National Park
A 3-day route stretches 720km across central Mongolia, connecting 4 major destinations. The path leads from Ulaanbaatar to Gurvanbulag's horse rides, Khogno Khan's ancient temples, Elsen Tasarkhai's camel treks, and Hustai National Park's wild horses, with authentic ger stays throughout.
- Day 1
Ulaanbaatar to Gurvanbulag
Leave Ulaanbaatar at 8:30 AM and give yourself extra time for traffic. The drive west takes 4-5 hours covering 280km through beautiful steppe landscapes to your nomadic homestay. One visitor shared: "Eating a real Mongolian barbecue, helping with household chores, and sharing candy with an adorable young child were UNBEATABLE experiences." Pack warm clothes since evenings get cold even during summer months. You can go horseback riding to nearby dunes in the afternoon. Just make sure to tell your guide about your riding experience.
- Day 2
Khogno Khan Nature Reserve
Head out after breakfast for a 1.5-hour drive to Khogno Khan where you'll see taiga forest meeting the Gobi desert. You'll need good shoes for the hike to Uvgun temples because the trail gets rocky and loose. In the afternoon visit camel herders at Elsen Tasarkhai dunes 25km away. The camel ride lasts about an hour and offers great photos but bring a scarf for the dust. At night you can try seasonal activities like fermented mare's milk in summer or traditional ankle bone games in winter.
- Day 3
Hustai National Park to Ulaanbaatar
Take an early drive to Hustai National Park which takes about 3 hours. This is where you'll find wild Takhi horses. Start at the information center since rangers track the horses daily to help visitors spot them. A recent visitor noted: "The barren, awe-inspiring landscapes were just the icing on the cake." Wear good walking shoes if you plan to hike in the park. Getting back to Ulaanbaatar takes 1-2 hours depending on city traffic.
3 Day Mongolia Itinerary, incl. Kharkhorin and Hustai National Park
The 3-day route encompasses 5 destinations including Kharkhorin, Elsen Tasarkhai, and Khustai National Park. Highlights include UNESCO sites in the Orkhon Valley, traditional yurt camps, and the historic Erdene Zuu Monastery complex.
- Day 1
Ulaanbaatar to Elsen Tasarkhai
Leave Ulaanbaatar early for the 4-5 hour drive west to Kharkhorin. The route crosses wide open steppes on bumpy roads, so take motion sickness medication if needed. Make a stop at Elsen Tasarkhai, known as the "Mini Gobi" where sand dunes blend into grassland. Pack layers since temperatures can change dramatically between morning and afternoon. Your night will be spent in a traditional ger (yurt) camp with basic shared facilities for an authentic Mongolian experience.
- Day 2
Kharkhorin to Hustai National Park
Get up before dawn to visit Erdene Zuu Monastery right when it opens at 8:00 AM. As Mongolia's oldest surviving Buddhist monastery, it is most peaceful early in the morning before other visitors arrive. Remember to wear long pants and bring a shoulder covering scarf since it is an active religious site. The trip to Tovkhon Monastery requires some climbing, so wear shoes with good traction. Travel to Hustai National Park in the afternoon to arrive by 4:30 PM when the rare Przewalski's horses (takhi) typically come to drink. Stay quiet and still to increase your chances of wildlife sightings.
- Day 3
Hustai to Ulaanbaatar
Take an early morning wildlife drive at sunrise to see the steppe come to life with red deer, gazelles and possibly wolves. As one visitor shared: "Watching the wild horses emerge from the morning mist was unforgettable. Our guide knew exactly where to position us for the best photos." The return drive to Ulaanbaatar takes about 2 hours. Plan to arrive after lunch to avoid heavy morning traffic in the city.
2 Days in Mongolia, incl. Kharkhorin and Orkhon Valley
A remarkable 2-day Mongolia tour covers 373km, connecting three major destinations: Ulaanbaatar, Kharkhorin, and Orkhon Valley. The route includes the UNESCO-listed landscape, 16th-century Erdene Zuu Monastery, and ancient Turkish Memorials. All meals and camping accommodation included for approx. $350 per day.
- Day 1
Ulaanbaatar to Kharkhorin
Get an early start from Ulaanbaatar for your 5-6 hour drive west to Kharkhorin. You'll cross the Mongolian steppe by 4WD on some challenging roads. If you get carsick bring motion sickness medication. A previous visitor shared: "The driver made me feel completely safe despite the challenging terrain." Plan to reach the Erdene Zuu Monastery before 2 PM. As Mongolia's oldest surviving Buddhist monastery it needs several hours to explore properly. Put on good walking shoes since the grounds are extensive. If you're visiting in summer bring sun protection because the buildings offer little shade. Remember that most of ancient Karakorum was destroyed in 1388 and its materials were used to build Erdene Zuu. While you won't see the medieval city itself the museum offers great insights into why this location was so important to Mongolia's history.
- Day 2
Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape
Your second day takes you through the UNESCO-listed Orkhon Valley. This region showcases traditional nomadic life with ger camps and livestock grazing across the dramatic steppe. One traveler noted: "I learned an enormous amount about the country and its history and enjoyed the overnight at the ger hotel." Visit important archaeological sites like the Turkish Memorials and Khar Balgas city ruins. Pack clothes you can layer since temperatures change quickly between morning and afternoon especially during spring and fall. The sites are quite spread out so expect more driving time. Head back to Ulaanbaatar in late afternoon for another 5-6 hour drive. Book your departing flights for the next day to avoid rushing through the valley's attractions.
Mongolia 3 Day Tour Packages You'll Love
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