Mongolia is a breathtaking, untouched, yet not fully explored place. It is a true haven for nature lovers, people who love nomadic culture, and, of course, for all those who like to know everything about Genghis Khan. Highly renowned for its endless blue skies, stunning canyons, water marches, dunes, crystal clear lakes, alpine forests, and several other Mongolian tourist attractions, it should be on your next travel bucket list.
So, to help you prepare for an extraordinary travel experience in Mongolia, we’ve got you covered with the best places to visit. These places interest every nature lover, culture fan, or anyone who likes to know about hidden gems.
With no further ado, here is the list of the top 5 Mongolian tourist destinations that you must visit on your upcoming trip.
Table of Content
- Gobi Desert
- Khovsgol Lake
- Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
- Genghis Khan Statue Complex
- Tsenkher Hot Springs
- Best Time to Visit Mongolia
Let’s get started.
List of top 5 sites to see in Mongolia
1. Gobi Desert
The Gobi Desert is one of Mongolia’s essential points of interest. The Gobi (waterless) is a desert and semi-desert area where there is not much sand but more rocky barren land. Despite being a desert area, the Gobi Desert captures the interest of travelers owing to its nomadic culture. You will see the real Mongolian people here and find their authentic lifestyle nearby.
Where is the Gobi Desert?
The Gobi Desert lies between southern Mongolia and northwestern China, between the Khangai mountains and Mongolian Altai. It covers an extensive area of 1000 miles and is mostly accessible by car. It’s the fifth largest desert in the world and is fascinatingly elevated at 1500 meters above sea level.
What are the best things to do in the Gobi Desert?
As part of Mongolia’s integral tourist attraction, the Gobi Desert offers a wide range of activities.
- Ride a two-humped Bactrian camel in the desert.
- Climb the tallest dunes in the Gobi Desert, i.e., Khongor dunes.
- Stay in the traditional dwelling ger (a traditional nomadic staying place).
- Experience the nomadic life in Mongolia and accept their warm hospitality.
- Don’t forget to explore the dinosaur fossils at the Flamming Cliffs.
2. Khovsgol Lake
Khovsgol Lake is a place full of scenic landscapes, crystal clear water, outdoor exploration, and manifold activities. Commonly referred to as the ‘Blue Pearl of Mongolia,’ this lake is the largest in Mongolia and holds approximately 70% of Mongolia’s fresh water. Thus, it is one of the worth-visiting Mongolia tourist attractions for nature lovers.
Where is Khovgol Lake?
Khovsgol Lake is located 1000 km away from Ulaanbaatar (capital city of Mongolia). It is ideal to reach by road or take a short flight to Murun Airport, followed by a road journey. From a geographical standpoint, this lake lies on the southern fringe of the Siberian Taige on the northern frontier of Mongolia. It is situated at a height of 1650 meters above sea level. Interestingly, Khovsgol Lake was formed around 2 million years ago, and at present, it has clear water that allows you to see 20 meters deep.
What are some of the best things to do at Khovsgol Lake?
- Stay near the lake at Ger Camps and witness the stunning view of the lake, mountains, and lush meadows.
- Take a boat ride to visit manifold islands near the lake.
- Visit the adjacent national park that spans across 1.6 million hectares of area.
- In Khovsgol Lake, Mongolia, indulge in manifold adventure activities, such as hiking, horseback riding, camping, and winter-specific activities like ice-staking, dog sledding, ice fishing, and more.
- Get a chance to meet reindeer herders.
3. Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
Altai Tavan Bogd National Park is a nature paradise for adventure seekers, mountaineers, wildlife lovers, and anyone who loves to connect with nature. It’s a dream destination surrounded by a scenic natural ecosystem, located on the western side of Mongolia, and offers a full day of adventurous activities.
Where is Altai Tavan Bogd National Park?
One of the integral sites to see in Mongolia, Altai Tavan Bogd National Park stretches across the borders of Mongolia, China, Russia, and Kazakhstan. The highest peak in Mongolia surrounds the dramatic landscape of this national park, Khuiten Uul, at a height of 4,373 meters. The mountain region of the area is further surrounded by additional peaks, including Nairamdal (4,180 meters), Bürged (4,068 meters), Malchin (4,050 meters), and more.
What are some of the best things to do at Altai Tavan Bogd National Park?
- Explore the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, which offers a wide spectrum of adventure activities, such as hiking through rugged terrain and climbing across different challenging routes.
- Get a chance to explore Potanin Glacier and experience a breathtaking view of the snow-capped peaks.
- The lake region in the national park is ideal for fishing, bird watching, and other outdoor activities.
- Learn about the traditional lifestyle of Kazakh and Tuvan communities.
4. Genghis Khan Statue Complex
A visit to Mongolia is surely not complete without paying a visit to the largest horse-riding statue in the world, which is made of 250 tonnes of stainless steel and is elevated to 40 meters. We are talking about the magnificent and legendary Genghis Khan Statue Complex, an iconic representation of Mongolia.
Where is the Genghis Khan Statue Complex?
The Genghis Khan Statue Complex, one of the world’s largest equestrian statues, is 54 kilometers from Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia’s capital). It was built in 2008 and was created by the renowned architect J. Enkhjargal and the sculptor D. Erdenebileg.
What are some of the best things to do at Genghis Khan Statue Complex?
- As part of the integral Mongolia tourist attraction, take a tour of one of the largest horse-riding statues in the world.
- Explore the complex with a museum of Hunnu artifacts and items from the Mongol empire.
- Savor a snack at the complex’s café and even buy a souvenir from the shop.
- Get an opportunity to wear the king’s and queen’s costumes to click magnificent pictures.
5. Tsenkher Hot Springs
Another point of interest for tourists visiting Mongolia is Tsenkher Hot Springs. Experience the feeling of rejuvenation while taking a refreshing dip into natural hot springs with water heated up to 86°C. The mineral-rich hot springs comprise sodium carbonate, ferrum, hydrogen sulfide, fluorite, hydrocarbonate, sodium carbonate, and several other elements. Take a bath in relaxing hot springs to get the required relief from muscle pain, neuralgia, rheumatism, and arthralgia, improve your digestive system, and treat several other diseases.
Where is Tsenkher Hot Spring?
Tsenkher Hot Springs is located 30km south of Tsetserleg town, particularly in the northern hillside of the Khanghai Mountains. The outdoor and indoor hot springs are best surrounded by forested hillsides and a scenic landscape.
What are some of the best things to do at Tsenkher Hot Springs?
- Get soaked in the refreshing water of the hot springs and feel rejuvenated from inside.
- Hike around the nearby hills and admire the stunning beauty of nature.
- Get indulged in bird-watching activity and observe manifold species around.
What is the Best Time to Visit Mongolia?
The best time to visit Mongolia entirely depends on your travel schedule, the places you wish to visit, and the experiences you require. Mongolia features 257 sunny days in a year and different climatic conditions, each with its own perks for exploration.
So, let’s have a look at the best time to visit Mongolia based on different seasons:
- Enjoy the winter charm of Mongolia by planning a visit in February.
- July is an ideal time to visit Mongolia and attend different festivals.
- October is another great time to explore Mongolia, precisely because of attending the Golden Eagle Festival.
- Plan your trip to Mongolia from June to September and enjoy the tour of the Gobi Desert.
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Concluding Thoughts
Mongolia is not just an ordinary destination but an extraordinary exploration of its rich history, getting to know the legend of Ghengis Khan and visiting natural hot springs. The land of endless natural landscapes, scenic lakes, towering hills, and vast deserts offers manifold things to do and some of the best places to visit in Mongolia, bringing an unforgettable range of experiences for you.
Places to Visit in Mongolia FAQs
What are some of the things you should do in Khuvsgul Lake?
When visiting Khuvsgul Lake, you can indulge in various activities, including fishing, trekking, meeting the local people, and admiring the scenic view of the natural surroundings.
What are some of the best things to see during the Naadam festival?
The Naadam festival in Mongolia is renowned for being the biggest traditional event, full of wrestling, horse racing, archery, and other activities.
Which is the best way to travel in remote regions of Mongolia?
Mongolia’s remote locations are full of rugged terrain. Therefore, it is best to travel to these locations in 4×4 vehicles and experience the wilderness and beauty of the places.
