3-Week Mongolia Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Mongolia tour itineraries

Compiled by

SteffMongolia travel expert at TourRadar

• 17 Day Mongolia Itinerary, incl. Ulaanbaatar and Gobi Desert

  A 17-day route spans 9 Mongolian cities, from Ulaanbaatar to Olgii. Three nights at the Golden Eagle Festival, views of 985ft Khongoryn Els dunes, and stops at Erdene Zuu Monastery with its 108 stupas highlight the trip. Includes 14 lunches and 15 dinners.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Ulaanbaatar & Terelj

    Start your journey in Mongolia's capital. Visit Sukhbaatar Square and the National Museum. Take a 2-hour drive to Terelj National Park on day 2 and stop at the massive 130-foot Genghis Khan statue. You'll meet a local nomadic family to learn about traditional dairy products. Pack warm clothes since nights get cold even during summer months.

    
  • Days 3-7

    Gobi Desert Region

    Catch an early flight to Dalanzadgad. A recent visitor shared: "The roads in the Gobi are barely tracks - prepare for very bumpy rides and bring motion sickness pills if needed." You'll explore the narrow Yolyn Am canyon and visit the Flaming Cliffs of Bayanzag, known for its dinosaur fossil discoveries. The massive Khongoryn Els "Singing Dunes" are next on your list. Bring a headscarf and sunglasses to protect against unexpected sandstorms.

    
  • Days 8-10

    Central Mongolia

    Get ready for long drives through the steppe to Arvaikheer and Kharkhorin. Some journeys take up to 11 hours. The historic Erdene Zuu Monastery requires modest dress with covered shoulders. Pack electronics in padded bags since roads are quite rough.

    
  • Days 11-12

    Wildlife & Capital

    Head to Khustain Nuruu National Park to spot wild Przewalski's horses. Early morning or dusk offers the best viewing opportunities. Back in Ulaanbaatar, watch traditional performances and shop for souvenirs. The State Department Store has more authentic items than tourist markets.

    
  • Days 13-15

    Eagle Festival

    Take a flight to Olgii in western Mongolia. A previous visitor noted: "The Eagle Festival was incredible - but temperatures can drop dramatically, so pack serious winter gear even in September." Watch eagle hunting shows and traditional games. Expect more basic ger camps than in other regions.

    
  • Days 16-17

    Return to Ulaanbaatar

    Use your final day for shopping. Look for quality cashmere and leather goods. Leave extra time to reach the airport since traffic in Ulaanbaatar can be heavy.

    

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• Mongolia: Steppes, Deserts & Nomads - Eagle Festival

  A 17-day route encompasses 9 major destinations including Ulaanbaatar, Karakorum, and Bayanzag. The Eagle Festival in Olgii, 5 national parks, and traditional ger camps create lasting memories. Stops include UNESCO sites like Erdene Zuu Monastery and ancient petroglyphs at Bichigt Khad.

  

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  • Ulaanbaatar Mongolia

    196 mi

  • Karakorum Mongolia

    2 mi

  • Erdene Zuu Monastery Mongolia

    64 mi

  • Arvaikheer Mongolia

    140 mi

  • Ikh Bogd Mongolia

    158 mi

  • Bayanzag Mongolia

    113 mi

  • Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park Mongolia

    391 mi

  • Ulaanbaatar Mongolia

    39 mi

  • Terelj National Park Mongolia

    39 mi

  • Ulaanbaatar Mongolia

    779 mi

  • Ulgii Mongolia

    779 mi

  • Ulaanbaatar Mongolia

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• 17 Day Mongolia Itinerary, incl. Ulaanbaatar and Gobi Desert

  

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  • Days 1-5

    Ulaanbaatar & Naadam Festival

    Plan to arrive in Mongolia's capital for the Naadam opening ceremony. Get to the festival grounds by 7:30 AM if you want a good spot to watch. You'll need a sun hat and plenty of water since shade is limited. Watch traditional wrestling and archery, then take a break at No Limits Cafe. The cafe is run by local young people with Down Syndrome who serve traditional Mongolian food.

    
  • Days 6-10

    Southern Gobi Desert Adventure

    The journey south to the Gobi takes about 7 hours. You'll see the landscape change from green steppes to desert along the way. Wear solid hiking boots at Yolyn Am gorge. The ice in the canyon makes it slippery, even during summer months. The sand dunes at Khongoryn Els are best explored early before the sand heats up. You'll stay in traditional ger camps. While basic, they offer real Mongolian living. A previous visitor shared: "Sleeping in a ger during a desert thunderstorm was incredible—the sound on the felt roof was unlike anything I've heard before."

    
  • Days 11-13

    Nomadic Life Experience

    Northwest of the Gobi, spend two nights with nomadic families. The setup is very simple. You might need to camp near the family's ger if indoor space is tight. Get involved in daily life by helping milk yaks or learning to make airag, which is fermented mare's milk. Pack warm clothes because nights can get close to freezing, even in summer.

    
  • Days 14-15

    Historical Sites & Wildlife

    Stop at Karakorum, the ancient capital, and see the rebuilt Erdene Zuu Monastery. Remember to dress modestly at the monastery. Cover your shoulders and knees. Visit Khustai National Park early or late in the day to see wild Takhi horses. Bring binoculars and a camera with a good zoom lens.

    
  • Days 16-17

    Return to Ulaanbaatar

    The trip back to the capital takes about 3 hours. Book tickets for an evening cultural show to hear traditional throat singing. Book ahead as these shows often fill up. Try the Shangri-La's breakfast buffet on your last morning. It offers both Western and Mongolian dishes and comes highly recommended by travelers.

    

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