Have you ever wanted to train a golden eagle for hunting on top of a sumptuous snow-capped mountain, surrounded by jewel blue lakes? or transfer to the summer pasture land with the last surviving nomadic tribe by camel caravan through the beautiful oasis surrounded by the singing dunes in the golden gobi? And are you still wondering how to get to Mongolia? So let’s jump into the easy ways to visit Mongolia.

Mongolia is a land-locked country in the far east of Asia, between Russia and China. The principal ways to get to Mongolia are cross the land border by Trans-Siberian train or a car, another option is to fly directly to the capital Ulaanbaatar city. 

1. Flights to Mongolia.

As a land-locked country in a far distant location from the crowded world, there are few international direct flights to approach Ulaanbaatar city – the nomadic capital city. Flights are run all year round by Mongolian national carrier MIAT Mongolian Airlines, and a few foreign airlines including Aeroflot, Air China, Korean Air, Turkish Airlines and Asiana Airlines.

These international airlines are operating flights connecting Ulaanbaatar with Moscow, Beijing, Irkutsk, Seoul, Hongkong, Tokyo, Berlin and Istanbul. We can offer a direct flight booking service to help our customers get the cheapest flights possible to Ulaanbaatar. Please, contact us if you need a cheap yet credible flight booking.

2. Getting to Mongolia by train or rail.

The world-famous Trans-Siberian Railway runs from Moscow to Vladivostok, and one of its branches goes to Mongolia and connects with Trans-Mongolian Railway and it ends in Beijing, China. You can start your railway journey to Mongolia at any of its stations from Moscow to Beijing. Also, you can combine train and air travel when visiting Mongolia, the choice of itinerary is yours, we are able to make your dreams a reality by providing rail tickets to either Beijing or Moscow to/from Ulaanbaatar.

3. Getting to Mongolia by car

Travelling to Mongolia by own driving car is one of the options getting popular among travellers to get to Mongolia, and it challenges most of the travellers’ driving skills, their car knowledge, and their “mentality”. If you are planning to bring a vehicle into Mongolia, you should know about informing the tax authorities and border troops in advance at any of the border crossings in the country. You should complete the customs declaration form and make sure you have all valid vehicle documents, including driving license, and ownership records.

One of the most important things you must know is that if you enter Mongolia in a private vehicle you must leave in the same vehicle, or otherwise pay customs tax. Before starting your travel, you should check your engines and prepare them to be ready on off-road and bumpy roads in Mongolia. If your vehicle is good enough to travel on Mongolian roads, you won’t have trouble and stress.

As the pandemic restrictions are getting better throughout the world, and the countries are getting back to “normal”, the Mongolian government has opened all the borders both air border and land borders to international arrivals, even without any requirements regarding the COVID-19 such as no PCR tests, no vaccinations, and no self isolations required to cross the Mongolian borders from as of April 01, 2022.  You may find additional info on our Mongolia Travel FAQ page, Mongolian e-visa page and packing list for Mongolian trips page. If you have more questions, please directly contact us at info@mongoliantravelagency.com or through our live chat on the bottom right corner of the screen.

Incidentally, as mentioned on our About Us page, Mongolia is not a destination for mass tourism nor a destination of comfort. If you are a keen adventurer who is prepared for more adventurous getaways and planning to experience this nomadic country, we the team of local travel experts will be more than happy to help your wanderlust through our home country. Should you be in search of your ideal journey, you may find your optimal journey on our Mongolian adventure trips page. If couldn’t find one, directly contact us. Our travel experts will arrange your customized journey without any additional fees. Look forward to travelling with you through adventurous Mongolia!

[Updated on the 3rd of April, 2022]

Khongor Sand Dunes – Mongolia Travel Destinations

The Khongoryn Els Sand Dunes, also known as Duut Mankhan – the Singing Dunes. These are the largest sand dunes in the Mongolian Gobi Desert. However, they represent only 3-5% of the entire landmass of the Gobi Desert. They form part of the immense Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park – Mongolia’s largest national park.

Families who live alongside Khongoryn Els make their home close to the banks of the small but essential Khongoryn Gol. This small river creates a small unique microclimate and ecosystem allowing grasses, plants and edible berries to grow and for an environment suitable for insect and birdlife to flourish. Common birds found here are fork-tailed swifts, desert wheatears, northern lapwings and desert warblers.

The sand dunes stretch for about 180km long and 12km wide in a valley squeezed between the Bayan Tsagaan Mountains to the north and the Zoolon and Sevrey Mountains to the south. The highest dunes rise around 200m from the valley floor and occur near the north-western end of the dune field.

The dunes are aligned in the same direction as the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan and the Sevrey mountain range. The prevailing wind funnelling along the corridor made by the two chains seems to sweep lighter grains from the surrounding desert and pile them along the lowest section of the outwash plains into this great wall, with lower dunes behind it as if in a rain shadow.  The dunes are not a static feature – the constituent parts move whilst the form remains permanent.  Dig down and you will find dampness – for the dunes not to it not to dry out, the surface sand must be constantly renewed.

The sands mostly sing when the wind blows from the east to the west – when the grains of sand with a layer of silica is set moving by the wind, vibrating together to make a deep hum.

Naturally, the dunes attract high visitor numbers – especially at sunset. That’s why we recommend taking an extended camel trek so that you can explore the immense landscapes away from the crowds

Things to do in Khongoryn Els Dunes: 

• Camel trekking through dunes, and surrounding areas
• Visiting a camel breeder nomadic family to learn how they take care of their livestock animals, how they milk female camels and produce dairy products by camel’s milk and experience Gobi nomads’ traditions, cultures and lifestyle.
• Trekk to the Duun Mankhan dune to see the sunset in the Gobi desert of Mongolia. This is the highlight for many of our guests.
• Plant a tree(s) near our green lodge in the Gobi desert against desertification.

Thing(s) not to do when you are in Khongoryn Els:

• Sliding from dunes by sledge: Many tour agencies and travel organizers provide this type of activity for their travellers, but we don’t recommend this to our guests due to our anti-desertification policy.

How to visit Khongoryn Els:

You can drive south through Mandalgobi town and Dalanzadgad town from Ulaanbaatar. It usually takes 2 days to get there from Ulaanbaatar. Also, you can take a domestic flight from Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad, then rent a car from Dalanzadgad to Khongor sand dunes. The flight usually takes 3-4 hours, and the drive from Dalanzadgad to the sand dunes lasts for 4-5 hours.

 Besides, you can join in our small group journeys to the Gobi desert to explore not only Khongoryn els, but many other stunning places in the Gobi including Tsagaan Suvarga – White stupa, Yolyn am valley, Bayanzag – the flaming cliffs. Ongy monastery, Nemegt valley, Khermen Tsav- a Mongolian grand canyon and more places.

Here are our journeys to the Gobi 2022: 

http://mongoliantravelagency.com/tours/gobi-expedition-2022/

Mongolian Naadam Festival and Gobi Desert Tour 2024

http://mongoliantravelagency.com/tours/gobi-tours-2021/

Explore Mongolian Gobi Tour 2024

Mongolia Trip: Gobi & Terelj 2024

Orkhon Waterfall – Travel Destination Mongolia

Orkhon waterfall, also known as the Red River waterfall, is one of the best sights in central Mongolia. About 25m downstream from the waterfall you can climb down to the bottom of the gorge; 22m deep and dotted with pine trees. Approximately 20.000 years ago, the waterfall was formed due to an earthquake and merged from volcanic eruptions. However, the water doesn’t run all year and will only start to flow after the first good summer rain. Best time to see it in late July and August.

The waterfall can be reached in 4-5 hours from Kharkhorin (Karakorum) and in 2-3 hours from Tuvkhun temple. Travel routes from the Gobi Desert to Central Mongolia passes close by the waterfall. The road to the waterfall is not easily accessible, owing to the rocky surface of the area along the Orkhon river.

Orkhon River itself is the longest river in Mongolia with a length of 1124 kilometres (709 miles). It originates in Khangai Mountain Range and merges to Selenge River, eventually reaching Lake Baikal. The Orkhon has many species of fish like the pike, Siberian sturgeon, taimen, Asian common asp, Siberian grayling, roach etc. For its historical value related to Great Mongolian Empire, the Orkhon River Valley is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and has been protected since 2006 as a National Park.

It’s a beautiful spot for pleasurable camping, horse riding, photography, fishing and cycling. You may also visit local nomad families here and have an opportunity to experience the nomadic way of life, culture and traditions. The path might be challenging to go through volcanic rocks by bump-like land but in the end, it’s all worth being there. It’s been a desired destination for both the locals and tourists.

Orkhon Valley – Mongolia Travel Destinations

The Tsenkher Hot Springs are a very welcome relief when you arrive. Tsenkher is a natural hot spring that flows from the ground, through the seasons, at a temperature of 85 Celsius. The spring is located in central Mongolia in a mountainous region, at an altitude of 1,860 meters above sea level. The spring is beneficial for health and there is a natural spa on-site which is ideal for the travel-tired. There are also plenty of walking opportunities in the surrounding forest. The water has high mineral content and containing everything from simple calcium, sodium to sulphuric. Folklore claimed medical value some of these springs have, they are often popular tourist destinations for Mongolian people. The spring produces water that is good for health reasons and water is effective for joints, nerve systems and is considered good for many other diseases. Sometimes, people drink water for diabetes and stomach ulcer and disabilities. The surrounding area is home to species of medicinal herbs.

The first thing to do in Tsenkher Hot Springs is to appreciate the scenery. Spend the morning hiking around the nearby hills (mountains) and go and visit the sources of the hot springs. Even if it is a cloudy day, it is a lovely and slightly challenging walk. There is also the chance to bale before the final peak and head back down if needed!

One of the most amazing things to do in Tsenkher Hot Springs is getting the chance to ride the local horses. These Mongolian horses are described as semi-wild, but they are easy to ride and very responsive. It was also a fantastic way to get out and about and spend more time in the mountains. On the way back the horses sensed they were heading home and picked up the pace. The best thing to do is let them be and enjoy the canter back.

Khuisiin Naiman Nuur literally means 8 lakes of Khuis, is the best destination for horse riding, and walking trails. The Naiman Nuur (Eight Lakes) were formed by volcanic eruptions centuries ago. The park is located at 2400 metres above sea level, between towering mountains of Khangai mountain range, the Eights Lakes are only reachable by horse or foot trekking. There are literally eight lakes in the distance of 500 m to 3 km from each other. Locals say all of them are connected underground.

The national park is located in a high mountains area comprising alpine meadows and forests of conifers (Siberian pines and Siberian larches). In the North of the protected area, we can see entire valleys strewn with volcanic stones. The peaks of the mountains are arid.

The place is very cool and there can be snowstorms in June or August. In the heart of Summer, temperatures rarely go until 20°C during the day. 400 to 500 millimetres (16 – 32 inches) of rain fall each year.
Inside the national park, we can see 50 species of birds, such as the black-throated loon, great cormorant, bar-headed goose, or whooper swan.

Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake National Park is located in Tariat soum of Arkhangai province. Khorgo is an extinct volcano that lies on the east shore of Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake. The volcano erupted 8000 years ago and changed its surroundings once and for all. Today the area is covered by basalt rocks, siberian pine and larch forest. The Khorgo Crater can be found at the northern side of the Khorgo volcano. With 200m radius and 80m depth, the Khorgo Crater provides a rare view of an extinct volcano. The area is perfect for hiking.

As for Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake, it was created when the Khorgo volcano erupted and the lake covers 61 square km. This freshwater lake has over 20 species of fish including pike, lenok, perch, common carp and sturgeon. There is a small island in the middle of the lake and migrating birds nest over there specially brant geese. The lake is great for fishing and bird watching.

Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake National Park was established in 1965 to protect only the Khorgo volcano, but in 1995, the Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake was included in the protected area. In this remote location, you will have a chance to unwind and enjoy the attractive wildlife.

The Darkhad valley is a large valley in northwestern Khovsgol province, Mongolia. It is situated between the Ulaan Taiga and Khoridol Saridag ranges at an altitude of about 1600 m, about 160 km long and 40 km wide. The Khoridol Saridag mountains are a 90 km-long mountain range between Khovsgol Lake and the Darkhad valley. The highest peak is Delgerkhaan Uul (3093m). The view from the valley mountains are unique.

The Darkhad valley is divided between the Ulaan-Uul, Renchinlkhumbe, and Tsagaannuur sums. Inhabitants are mainly Darkhad (whom the valley”s name derives from), and also some Tsaatan. The area is 4270 km². It was transferred from the People”s the Republic of Tagna Tuva to the Mongolian People”s Republic in 1925 as a Soviet concession to the Mongolians, who had wanted to incorporate the territory of Tagna Uriankhai into their country.
The valley is rich in lakes and rivers, the biggest of which is Dood Tsagaan Lake “lower white lake” and Shishged River, respectively. The area is famous for its natural beauty, but relatively remote and inaccessible even by Mongolian standards.

Taiga is a mountain range located in Bayanzurkh soum and Ulaan-Uul soum of Khuvsgul province. Once covered in a continental ice sheet over two million years ago, Ulaan Taiga now is a beautiful land formation under a lush forest blanket with an exciting eco-system. The scenery of this untouched area is truly a sight to behold. Trees such as larch and Siberian pine dominate the forest, which is home to rare animals including argali sheep, Siberian ibex, brown bear, leopard, moose, reindeer, elk, mink, Altai snowcock, osprey and white-tailed eagle. Ulaan Taiga has a huge source of freshwater in form of rivers and small lakes. And because of that, the area has become a state-protected nature reserve.

The most scenic destination of Northern Mongolia, Khuvsgul Lake (Khovsgol Nuur, also spelled ‘Hovsgol’) is the largest freshwater lake in Mongolia by volume and second-largest by area holding 2% of the world’s freshwater. Located near the Russian border, at the foot of the eastern Sayan Mountains, it is nicknamed “Younger sister of the Sister Lakes (Lake Khuvsgul and Lake Baikal)”. The area of Khuvsgul Lake, raised well above sea level, is 2760ms. Its length is 136 km and width 36.5 km, and up to 260 m deep.
Khuvsgul is a land of thick forests, rushing rivers, sparkling lakes and rugged mountains. This stunning area was set aside as Lake Khuvsgul National Park (2500 hectares). In recent years, this spectacular landscape of water and mountains that is sacred to so many has become the destination of more and more travellers, from all around Mongolia and beyond. Heading through the endless pine trees and into the open valleys dotted with the white gers and grazing herds, you’ll be wondering if you haven’t set foot back in 19th century Montana.

The highlight of the area is the ethnic reindeers’ herders called Tsaatan. These ethnic groups of Turkic origin related to the Tuvans are the most exotic and mystical people with small numbers, inhabit in the amazing beautiful taigas. Tsaatan people worship “the Eternal Blue Sky and Mother Earth” and retained an ancient, unusual culture based on shamanistic rituals and forest-based reindeer-herding. Shamanism, rather than Buddhism, is the religion of choice in these parts.

By Mongolian standards, Khuvsgul Lake is touristy, but this ensures good facilities, and once you get a day’s travel from the main town you’ll likely have the place all to yourself.
If you love fishing (a fishing permit is required), then you’ll get excited about Khuvsgul. The lake is full of fish, such as lenok, salmon and sturgeon, and the area is home to argali sheep, ibex, bear, sable, moose and a few near-sighted wolverines. It also has more than 200 species of bird, including the Baikal teal, bar-headed goose, black stork and Altai snowcock.
This is a place in Mongolia where one can get a sense of total unspoiled wilderness. The area is a paradise for outdoor travellers and there is plenty of room for activities like hiking, birding, fishing, horseback travel and kayaking.

Kharkhorin City Museum

Kharkhorin museum is small, but highly impressive – probably the country’s best museum outside Ulaanbaatar. Everything is beautifully designed and well displayed.

The exhibits include dozens of artifacts dating from the 13th and 14th centuries that were recovered from the immediate area, plus others that were found from archaeological sites in other parts of the provinces, including prehistoric stone tools. You’ll see pottery, bronzes, coins, religious statues, and stone inscriptions. There’s also a half-excavated kiln sunk into the museum floor.

Perhaps most interesting is the scale model of the ancient Karakorum, which aims to represent the city as it may have looked in the 1250s, and is based on descriptions written by the missionary William of Rubruck. Don’t miss the doco detailing the excavation of the 6th-century tomb of Shoroon Bumbagar, which is located 220km from Kharkhorin.

Erdenezuu Monastery

In the 1580s, by the order of Dalai Lama first temple of Erdenezuu monastery was built on the ruin of the Mongolian ancient capital the Karakorum.  By the 1792s, there were 62 temples, over 500 buildings nearby. The monastery was registered in “Heritage of Mongolia” by UNESCO. Today:

Dalai Lama temple exposes 13 “nagtan” images of Mahakala, six images of 12 Dalai Lama’s emanations, and copper image of Under Gegeen Zanabazar, the first leader of Mongolian Buddhism.

Tsamba temple devoted to the deity Tsamba has three rooms. Four Lamas used to occupy each room to recite certain sutras.

West Zuu Temple was built by wish of Abtai Sain Khan, his son Ereehei Mergen’s queen Suntaihu and Holoch Darhan noyon’s mother. Three Buddhas in the center of the temple are Kasyapa, Shakyamuni, Maitreya.

Middle Zuu Temple was built by Abtai Sain Khan on the 15th of mid-month of the summer of fiery male dog year in old Takhai place.

East Zuu Temple was built at the request of Tusheet Khan Gombodorj and his queen Khandjamts. There are three statues and Janraiseg, Buddha Shakyamuni, Je Zonkhapa.

Orkhon River Waterfall

The waterfall falls from 24 m lava cliffs when the Ulaan River confluences the Orkhon River. Therefore, the waterfall is called differently such as Ulaantsutgalan or Orkhon Waterfall, or Orkhonii Khurkheree. The Ulaantsutgalan waterfall is one of the picturesque sights in the historically significant Orkhon River Valley, which requires bumpy driving through the lava-covered scenic valley full of nomads and their animals.
The waterfall locates 495 km from Ulaanbaatar, 135 km from Kharkhorin, and 30 km from the nearest town Bat-Ulziit of Uvurkhangai province.

Khuisiin Naiman Nuur Lakes

The Khuisiin Naiman Nuur or Eight Lakes were formed by volcanic eruptions centuries ago and are a part of the 11500 hectares Khuisiin Naiman Nuur Nature Reserve. These scenic lakes are accessible on horseback or hiking from the northern side. The Eight Lakes are called Shireet, Mukhar, Khaliut, Bugat, Khaya, Duruu, Khuis, and Onon located 500 m to 3 km to each other.
The area is extremely beautiful surrounded by coniferous tree-covered mountains and the forest clearings have multitudes of wildflowers, is a famous horse-riding destination in central Mongolia.

Tuvkhun Monastery

Tovkhon is one of the oldest Buddhist Monasteries in Mongolia and a famous Pilgrimage center, which was built on the 2312 m rocky top of Shiveet Ulaan Mountain hidden deep in the Khangai Mountain. The monastery was first named Dubkhen meaning “creation temple” and later turned to Tovkhon.
The monastery is accessible both from the eastern slope and western slope of the mountain. A return hiking takes 2.5 hours through scenic trails of coniferous tree-covered mountains, plus some sightseeing time. A sturdy 4WD can drive the steep road up about 20 min or you could hire a horse. Though, hiking to the monastery is the best and the safest way.

Elsen Tasarkhai – Khugnu Tarna Natural Reserve

Elsen Tasarkhai is a part of the Mongol Els sand dunes, that continues 80 km long 5 km wide across Burd, Bulgan, and Gurvanbulag soum of Uvurkhangai province. It is located 280 km west of Ulaanbaatar and 80 km east of Karakorum – the ancient Mongolian capital. The area is surrounded by sand dunes, hills covered with rare bushes, and a small forest near a river. Together this presents a unique combination of Mongolian mountains, forests, and Gobi-type landscape in one location. Local people call these sand dunes Duut mankhan (Singing sand).