3-Day Mongolia Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Mongolia itineraries

Compiled by

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.

  

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  • 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.

    

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• 3 Days in Mongolia, incl. Ulaanbaatar and Terelj National Park

  A scenic 3-day route covers 4 destinations including Ulaanbaatar, Hustai, and Terelj National Parks. The tour features 2 nights in authentic ger camps, visits to Gandan Monastery's golden Buddha, and the majestic Chinggis Khaan statue complex with panoramic views.

  

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  • Day 1

    Ulaanbaatar to Altanbulag

    Visit Gandan Monastery in Ulaanbaatar at 8 AM to catch the monks' morning prayers. You'll find the impressive 26.5-meter golden Buddha statue inside Megjid Janraisig temple. Wear good walking shoes for the stairs. Take a 2-hour drive west to Altanbulag to experience real nomadic life. The temperature changes quickly in the steppes so pack plenty of layers.

    
  • Day 2

    Hustai National Park to Terelj

    Get up early to see the rare Przewalski's horses (Takhi) in Hustai National Park. They're most active around sunrise and sunset. Stop by the information center for tracking advice before your guided hike. The trip to Terelj National Park takes about 3 hours on rough roads. Consider taking motion sickness pills if you need them. Once you reach Terelj, check out the famous Turtle Rock. If you plan to hike to the meditation temple later you'll need good hiking boots as some parts are quite steep.

    
  • Day 3

    Terelj to Ulaanbaatar

    Start at the Chinggis Khaan statue complex. Get there before 10 AM to beat the tour buses and get better photos. Make sure to go up to the viewing platform on the horse's head. At 40 meters high it gives you great views across the Tuul River valley. The drive back to Ulaanbaatar usually takes an hour but can double during rush hour between 4-6 PM.

    

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• 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.

  

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  • 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.

    

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