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2 Weeks in Mongolia (2025): The Ultimate Itinerary From Someone Who’s Been There

Plan an unforgettable 2-week journey through Mongolia with our insider 2025 itinerary. From the bustling streets of Ulaanbaatar to the vast Gobi Desert and pristine Lake Khövsgöl, discover Mongolia's nomadic culture, breathtaking landscapes, and authentic experiences.

Introduction: Why Mongolia Should Be Your Next Adventure

The first time I stepped off the plane at Chinggis Khaan International Airport (ULN) in Ulaanbaatar, I was overwhelmed with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. The vast emptiness of the Mongolian landscape visible from my airplane window had already hinted at the adventure that awaited, but nothing could have prepared me for how deeply this country would affect me. Five visits later, I still get goosebumps thinking about the endless steppes, the hospitality of nomadic families, and the night sky filled with more stars than I’d ever seen in my life.

Mongolia isn’t just a destination; it’s an experience that redefines what travel means. With one of the lowest population densities in the world and a nomadic culture that has remained largely unchanged for centuries, a two-week journey through Mongolia offers something increasingly rare in our hyperconnected world: genuine adventure and cultural immersion.

In this guide, I’ll share my carefully crafted 2-week Mongolia itinerary for 2025, based on multiple visits and countless mistakes made (so you don’t have to make them!). From navigating the chaotic streets of Ulaanbaatar to sleeping in a ger under the Milky Way in the Gobi Desert, I’ll cover everything you need to know to make your Mongolian adventure unforgettable.

Quick Tip: The best time to visit Mongolia is from May to September, with July and August being peak season. I personally prefer late May or early September when the tourist crowds are thinner, but the weather is still pleasant. Winter travel (October to April) is possible but extremely challenging due to temperatures that can drop to -40°C (-40°F).

Planning Your 2-Week Mongolia Trip

Before diving into the day-by-day itinerary, let’s cover some essential planning information that will help you prepare for your Mongolian adventure.

Getting to Mongolia

Almost all international flights arrive at Chinggis Khaan International Airport (ULN) in Ulaanbaatar. Direct flights operate from major Asian hubs like Beijing, Seoul, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. From Europe or North America, you’ll likely connect through one of these cities.

In 2025, MIAT Mongolian Airlines has expanded its routes, adding more direct connections from European cities during the summer months. I’ve found that booking 3-4 months in advance will save you around 20-30% on airfare compared to last-minute bookings.

Visa Requirements

As of 2025, citizens of many countries including the US, Canada, most EU nations, Australia, and New Zealand can visit Mongolia visa-free for up to 30 days. However, visa requirements can change, so check the Mongolian Immigration Agency website before your trip.

Currency and Budget

The Mongolian currency is the tögrög (₮), often abbreviated as MNT. As of 2025, the exchange rate is approximately 3,800 MNT to 1 USD, though this fluctuates. I recommend bringing some US dollars in cash and exchanging them at banks in Ulaanbaatar for the best rates.

Here’s a rough daily budget breakdown:

  • Budget traveler: 100,000-150,000 MNT (≈$25-40) per day
  • Mid-range traveler: 150,000-300,000 MNT (≈$40-80) per day
  • Luxury traveler: 300,000+ MNT (≈$80+) per day

Insider Money-Saving Tip #1: Many ger camps and tour operators offer 10-15% discounts for cash payments. On my third trip, this saved me nearly $200 over two weeks. Just make sure to get receipts for everything!

How to Get Around

Mongolia’s vast size and limited infrastructure make independent travel challenging. For this 2-week itinerary, I recommend a combination of:

  1. Domestic flights: To maximize your time when covering long distances
  2. Tour operator: For remote destinations like the Gobi Desert
  3. Public transportation: For getting around Ulaanbaatar

After trying to navigate public buses between cities on my first trip (a decision I deeply regretted as I spent 14 hours on a bus that broke down twice), I now strongly recommend booking organized tours for most destinations outside Ulaanbaatar. Companies like Mongolia Explorer and Nomadic Tours offer excellent experiences.

Accommodation Options

In Mongolia, you’ll encounter three main types of accommodation:

  • Hotels and guesthouses: Available in Ulaanbaatar and provincial centers
  • Tourist ger camps: Traditional felt tents with basic amenities
  • Homestays with nomadic families: The most authentic experience

During my visits, I’ve found that a combination of all three provides the best experience. There’s nothing quite like falling asleep to the sound of horses outside your ger, but after a few days in the wilderness, a hot shower in a proper hotel feels like the height of luxury!

The Perfect 2-Week Mongolia Itinerary (2025)

Days 1-2: Ulaanbaatar – Gateway to Mongolia

Most travelers view Ulaanbaatar (UB) as merely a starting point, but the capital deserves at least a day of exploration to understand Mongolia’s fascinating history and contemporary culture.

Day 1: Arrival and City Exploration

After arriving at Chinggis Khaan International Airport, take a taxi to your hotel in the city center. Official airport taxis cost around 40,000 MNT (≈$10). I learned the hard way that unofficial taxis can charge up to three times this amount – identify official taxis by their company logos and meters.

Once settled, spend your first day exploring central Ulaanbaatar:

For dinner, try traditional Mongolian cuisine at Khan Braai, where you can sample buuz (steamed dumplings) and khorkhog (Mongolian barbecue) for about 25,000-35,000 MNT (≈$7-9) per person.

Day 2: Museums and Markets

Start your second day with a visit to the magnificent Genghis Khan Statue Complex, located about 54km east of Ulaanbaatar. This 40-meter tall stainless steel statue of Mongolia’s national hero on horseback is truly spectacular. Entry costs 20,000 MNT (≈$5), and you can climb to the top of the horse’s head for panoramic views of the surrounding steppe.

Return to UB in the afternoon to explore:

  • Bogd Khan Winter Palace – The former home of Mongolia’s last king
  • Naran Tuul Market (“Black Market”) – A sprawling market where you can find everything from traditional dels (Mongolian robes) to saddles

End your day with dinner at Hazara, which offers excellent Indian cuisine (a welcome break from meat-heavy Mongolian food) in a beautiful setting.

Language Tip: Learn the phrase “Bayarlalaa” (Баярлалаа) which means “thank you” in Mongolian. Using even just this one word earned me smiles everywhere I went.

Days 3-6: Khövsgöl Lake and Northern Mongolia

Often called the “Blue Pearl of Mongolia,” Lake Khövsgöl is one of the country’s most stunning natural attractions. This crystal-clear alpine lake contains about 70% of Mongolia’s freshwater and is surrounded by mountains and forests.

Day 3: Fly to Mörön

Catch an early morning flight from Ulaanbaatar to Mörön, the capital of Khövsgöl Province. Flights operate daily in summer (less frequently in spring/fall) and cost around 240,000-300,000 MNT (≈$65-80) one way. From Mörön, arrange a transfer to Lake Khövsgöl (about 100km/2-3 hours by car).

I recommend staying at Khövsgöl Nuur Ger Camp, which offers comfortable gers right on the lakeshore for about 200,000 MNT (≈$55) per night including meals.

Days 4-5: Lake Khövsgöl Activities

Spend two full days exploring this magnificent region:

  • Boat trip on the lake (80,000 MNT/≈$22 for a shared boat ride)
  • Horseback riding through lakeside meadows (60,000 MNT/≈$16 for 3 hours)
  • Hiking in the nearby mountains
  • Visit to a Tsaatan (reindeer herder) family

During my second visit to Khövsgöl, I splurged on a day trip to visit the Tsaatan people, one of the last remaining reindeer herding cultures in the world. At 350,000 MNT (≈$95), it wasn’t cheap, but the experience of seeing this ancient way of life was absolutely worth it.

Personal Mistake: On my first visit, I didn’t pack warm enough clothes for evenings by the lake. Even in summer, temperatures can drop below freezing at night. Bring layers and a good quality jacket!

Day 6: Return to Ulaanbaatar

Return to Mörön for your flight back to Ulaanbaatar. If time permits, visit the local museum in Mörön to learn about the region’s unique culture. Back in UB, rest up at your hotel for the next leg of your journey.

Days 7-12: Gobi Desert Expedition

No trip to Mongolia is complete without experiencing the legendary Gobi Desert, which covers the southern third of the country. Rather than make separate day trips, I recommend booking a 6-day Gobi tour with a reputable operator like Steppe Tours or Mongolia Expeditions. These typically cost 2-3 million MNT (≈$550-800) per person and include transportation, accommodation, meals, and guide.

Day 7: South to the Gobi

Your Gobi adventure begins with an early morning departure from UB. Most tours use Russian 4WD vans or Japanese Land Cruisers, both essential for the rough desert tracks. The first day typically includes:

  • Drive to Middle Gobi province (5-6 hours)
  • Visit to Baga Gazriin Chuluu, a scenic granite rock formation
  • First night in a ger camp

One of my most cherished memories is the first night in the Gobi, when our host family invited us to help prepare khuushuur (fried meat pastries). Despite the language barrier, we laughed together as I hopelessly mangled the traditional folding technique.

Days 8-9: Yol Valley and Khongoryn Els

The next two days take you deeper into the Gobi:

  • Yol Valley (Eagle Valley) – A narrow canyon that sometimes harbors ice even in summer
  • Khongoryn Els – Spectacular sand dunes stretching over 180km

At Khongoryn Els, climb the towering “singing dunes” (so named because they make a unique sound when the wind blows) for sunset views. The climb is challenging (it took me 45 minutes of trudging through sand), but the panorama from the top is unforgettable.

Insider Money-Saving Tip #2: Rather than buying bottled water, I bring a good water filter like the LifeStraw. Most ger camps provide boiled water which, when filtered, is perfectly safe. This saved me about $5-7 per day and prevented dozens of plastic bottles from ending up in the desert.

Days 10-11: Bayanzag and Ongiin Khiid

The journey continues with:

  • Bayanzag (Flaming Cliffs) – Famous for dinosaur fossil discoveries and stunning red sandstone formations
  • Ongiin Khiid – Ruins of one of Mongolia’s largest monasteries, destroyed during communist purges

Witnessing sunset at the Flaming Cliffs, with the red sandstone glowing as if on fire, ranks among my top five travel experiences worldwide. This is where American paleontologist Roy Chapman Andrews discovered the first dinosaur eggs in 1923.

Day 12: Return to Ulaanbaatar

The final day of your Gobi expedition involves the long drive back to Ulaanbaatar (6-7 hours). Take time to reflect on your desert adventures and the stark contrast you’ll soon experience as you return to city life.

Days 13-14: Terelj National Park and Departure

For the final leg of your journey, experience the beautiful mountain scenery of Terelj National Park, located just 55km northeast of Ulaanbaatar.

Day 13: Terelj National Park

After breakfast, hire a driver for the day (about 250,000 MNT/≈$65) or join a day tour to Terelj. The park is famous for its distinctive rock formations, scenic valleys, and nomadic culture.

  • Visit Turtle Rock, a massive rock formation shaped like a turtle
  • Explore Aryabal Meditation Temple, reached by a beautiful mountain path
  • Try horseback riding through meadows filled with wildflowers (40,000 MNT/≈$11 per hour)
  • Optional: Stay overnight in a ger camp in the park for the full experience

On my last visit, I stayed at Terelj Lodge, which offers comfortable gers with proper beds and a restaurant serving excellent food. At 280,000 MNT (≈$75) per night including dinner and breakfast, it’s not cheap by Mongolian standards, but the location beside a bubbling stream and the quality of accommodation make it worthwhile for your final night.

Insider Money-Saving Tip #3: If you’re on a tight budget, check with your Ulaanbaatar hostel or guesthouse about shared transportation to Terelj. Many budget travelers head there, and you can often find people to split the cost of a taxi or minivan, bringing the price down to about 60,000-80,000 MNT (≈$16-22) round trip per person.

Day 14: Final Shopping and Departure

Return to Ulaanbaatar for your final day. Depending on your flight time, you might want to:

  • Shop for souvenirs at the State Department Store
  • Visit the Zaisan Memorial for panoramic views of the city
  • Enjoy a farewell meal at Modern Nomads, which serves contemporary takes on traditional Mongolian cuisine

Head to the airport 3 hours before your international flight, as security procedures can take time, especially during peak season.

Activity Estimated Cost (MNT) USD Equivalent
Flights within Mongolia (one-way) 240,000-300,000 $65-80
Ger camp (per night with meals) 180,000-250,000 $50-65
Mid-range hotel in UB (per night) 200,000-400,000 $55-105
Meal in local restaurant 15,000-30,000 $4-8
Meal in tourist restaurant 35,000-60,000 $9-16
6-day Gobi tour (all-inclusive) 2,000,000-3,000,000 $550-800
Horseback riding (per hour) 40,000-60,000 $11-16
Museum entrance fees 10,000-20,000 $3-5

Conclusion: Your Mongolia Adventure Awaits

Two weeks in Mongolia will give you just a taste of what this extraordinary country has to offer. From the vast emptiness of the Gobi to the pristine waters of Lake Khövsgöl, from the bustling streets of Ulaanbaatar to the peace of a ger under the stars, Mongolia offers experiences that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home.

I still remember the moment during my third trip when, after spending a day helping a nomadic family move their ger to summer pastures, the grandmother took my hands in hers and said “ta manai ger bül” (you are our family). In our increasingly connected yet oddly isolated modern world, these genuine human connections are what make Mongolia truly special.

5-Step Action Plan for Your Mongolia Trip

  1. Book your flights 3-4 months in advance for the best rates, especially if traveling during peak season (July-August).
  2. Secure your accommodations in Ulaanbaatar at least 2 months ahead, as good hotels fill up quickly during summer.
  3. Arrange your Gobi Desert tour at least 6 weeks before traveling. The best companies often book out completely during high season.
  4. Pack appropriately for extreme temperature variations – even in summer, nights can be very cold while days are hot.
  5. Learn a few basic Mongolian phrases like “Sain baina uu” (hello) and “Bayarlalaa” (thank you) – they’ll enhance your experience immeasurably.

Sustainability Tip: Mongolia’s pristine environment faces growing challenges from climate change and increased tourism. Support eco-friendly tour operators who follow “leave no trace” principles, bring a reusable water bottle with a filter, and consider carbon offsetting your flights. These choices are not only environmentally responsible but often save money too – my water filter has paid for itself many times over!

Whether you’re riding horses across the steppe, sharing airag (fermented mare’s milk) with nomadic herders, or gazing at the Milky Way from your ger, Mongolia offers adventures that are increasingly rare in our homogenized world. It’s not always an easy country to travel in, but the rewards are immeasurable.

Safe travels, and as the Mongolians say, “Sain yavaarai” – have a good journey!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mongolia safe for tourists?

Yes, Mongolia is generally very safe for tourists. Violent crime against foreigners is extremely rare, especially outside Ulaanbaatar. The biggest dangers come from natural hazards (extreme weather, remote locations) rather than human threats. In Ulaanbaatar, take normal urban precautions against pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets.

Do I need special vaccinations for Mongolia?

While there are no mandatory vaccinations for Mongolia as of 2025, the CDC and WHO recommend being up-to-date on routine vaccines including measles-mumps-rubella, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, chickenpox, and polio. Additionally, hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines are recommended for most travelers. Consult with a travel medicine specialist at least 6-8 weeks before your trip.

What’s the best way to access money in Mongolia?

ATMs are widely available in Ulaanbaatar and provincial centers, but scarce in remote areas. Most ATMs accept international cards and dispense tögrög. I recommend bringing some US dollars in cash as a backup and withdrawing tögrög as needed. Major hotels and upscale restaurants in UB accept credit cards, but for everything else, cash is king.

How’s the internet and cell phone coverage?

Ulaanbaatar and provincial centers have good 4G coverage and WiFi in hotels and cafes. In remote areas, connectivity is limited or non-existent. Local SIM cards are inexpensive (around 15,000 MNT/≈$4) and worth getting for data access. Major providers include Mobicom and Unitel, both offering tourist packages.

During my Gobi trip, I was surprised to find 4G coverage even in some remote areas – but don’t count on it. I recommend downloading offline maps, translation apps, and entertainment before heading to rural areas.

What should I pack for Mongolia?

Pack for extreme temperature variations, even in summer. Essential items include:

  • Layers (T-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, sweater, jacket)
  • Sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots
  • Rain/wind jacket
  • Hat and sunglasses (the sun is intense)
  • Personal medications (pharmacies outside UB are limited)
  • High-SPF sunscreen
  • Portable battery pack for electronics
  • Water filter or purification tablets

Can I travel Mongolia on a vegetarian diet?

It’s challenging but possible. Mongolian cuisine is heavily meat-based, but Ulaanbaatar has vegetarian-friendly restaurants and international options. When traveling in rural areas, communicate your dietary needs clearly to your tour operator in advance. Most ger camps can accommodate with advance notice, though options may be limited to dairy products, rice, and vegetables. Consider bringing protein bars or supplements if you’re concerned.

On my second trip, I traveled with a vegetarian friend who survived on a lot of dairy (cheese, yogurt) plus rice and vegetables – she never went hungry but did get tired of limited options.

When is the Naadam Festival and is it worth planning my trip around it?

The national Naadam Festival is held annually on July 11-13, with the biggest celebration in Ulaanbaatar. Smaller local Naadam festivals occur throughout the country during summer. This festival, featuring the “three manly games” of wrestling, horse racing, and archery, offers a spectacular cultural experience and is absolutely worth planning your trip around if possible.

Just be aware that this is peak tourist season, so accommodations book up months in advance and prices are at their highest. Book your entire itinerary at least 6 months ahead if you plan to visit during Naadam.

References

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