Mongolia is a landlocked country located in East Asia, bordered by China to the south and Russia to the north. It has an area of 1,566,000 square kilometers and a population of around 3.3 million people. The capital and largest city is Ulaanbaatar.
The climate of Mongolia is mostly continental, with long, cold winters and short, warm summers. In the northern part of the country, the average temperature in January is around -30°C, while in the southern part it is around -20°C. In the summer, the average temperature in July is around 20°C. Mongolia also experiences a monsoon season in the summer, which brings heavy rainfall to the country.
Mongolia is known for its vast grassland, the Gobi desert, and the Altai Mountains. It also has a rich culture, with many ethnic groups, such as the Khalkha, the Kazakhs, and the Tuvans, living in the country. The traditional nomadic lifestyle of the Mongols is still present today, and many people still rely on herding for their livelihoods.
Mongolia has a rapidly developing economy, with mining and tourism being the main sources of income. The country also has a growing renewable energy sector, with wind and solar power being developed.
Mongolia is also known for its rich history and cultural heritage, with many Buddhist temples and monasteries, such as the Erdene Zuu Monastery, and ancient cities like Karakorum, and cultural festivals such as the Naadam festival, Golden Eagle Festival, etc. which attracts many tourists from all over the world.
7 days Mongolia itinerary informations
Day 1: Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
Upon arrival in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia, you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel. After checking in, you will have some time to rest and explore the city on your own. You may visit some of the city’s main attractions such as the Gandantegchinlen Monastery, the National Museum of Mongolia, and the Sukhbaatar Square.
Day 2: Drive to Terelj National Park
Today, you will drive to Terelj National Park, which is located about 70 kilometers northeast of Ulaanbaatar. Terelj National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mongolia and offers spectacular views of the Mongolian landscape. You will visit the Turtle Rock, which is a large granite formation that resembles a turtle, and the Ariyabal Meditation Temple, which is a Buddhist temple that is built into the rock face. You will also have the opportunity to explore the park on horseback or by hiking.
Day 3: Drive to Karakorum
Today, you will drive to Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire. Karakorum was founded by Genghis Khan in 1220 and served as the center of the Mongol Empire for more than 100 years. You will visit the Erdene Zuu Monastery, which is one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Mongolia and is home to several temples, stupas, and statues. You will also visit the ruins of the ancient city of Karakorum, including the remains of the palace and the city walls.
Day 4: Drive to Bayan-Ulgii
Today, you will drive to Bayan-Ulgii, which is located in the far west of Mongolia and is the home of the Kazakh people. Bayan-Ulgii is known for its stunning mountain landscapes and its rich culture. You will visit the Ulgii Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the Kazakh people. You will also visit the Golden Eagle Festival, which is held annually in October, where you can watch eagle hunters demonstrate their traditional hunting techniques and compete in various competitions.
Day 5: Drive to Olgii
Today, you will drive to Olgii, the capital of Bayan-Ulgii province. Olgii is a small town that is known for its traditional Kazakh culture and its beautiful setting in the Altai Mountains. You will visit the Olgii Bazaar, where you can buy traditional Kazakh handicrafts and souvenirs. You will also have the opportunity to visit a Kazakh family and learn about their way of life.
Day 6: Drive back to Ulaanbaatar
Today, you will drive back to Ulaanbaatar. You will have some free time in the afternoon to explore the city on your own.
Day 7: Departure
Today, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.
Note: This itinerary is just a sample, It’s up to you how you want to customize your trip depending on your preference, interest and time.
Mongolia is a vast country with a lot to offer, and there are many different ways to explore it. The itinerary above is just one possible example of how to spend a week in Mongolia, but you can also add or remove activities depending on your interests, budget, and time.