Travel

Amazing Things to Do in Mongolia That You Can’t Do in Other Places

Do you enjoy visiting new countries and indulging in different cultures?

If so, Mongolia is an incredible place to visit at least once in your lifetime. Untouched by modern life, there’s an array of things to do in Mongolia. In this article, we’re exploring the natural scenery and wonderful areas in this amazing place.

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Reasons to Visit Mongolia

things to do in mongolia

Credit: LibreShot

There are plenty of reasons to visit Mongolia. With so much open space and serenity, we guarantee that you’ll arrive home feeling refreshed. One of the most common things to do in Mongolia is camp in the open land. For people who love adventures, this is a great way to genuinely become a part of a new culture whilst absorbing the incredible emptiness and vastness surrounding you. There’s something about fresh air and an open space which helps you to see the world differently and reflect.

Many people also visit Mongolia because of its spiritual benefits. For example, their infamous Buddhist sites are open to the public, and everyone’s welcome to find their inner peace. There are also many notorious monasteries to discover, so make sure you add these to your bucket list. Although we consider Mongolia more of a destination to explore a new culture, that doesn’t mean to say there aren’t plenty of things to do. It feels like there are no limits in Mongolia because an array of places are open to the public. For example, walk the same steps that the ruler of Mongolia once did. For 12.74 million miles, Genghis Khan rules Mongolia. Seen as a god, you can officially get close to the many sections he opened and made a huge impact on.

Finally, Mongolia is famous for its drinks. Whilst here, you can try some of the most interesting drinks you’ll ever try in your lifetime. For example: goat milk, camel milk and horse milk are two of the most popular and unusual concoctions. We highly recommend purchasing these directly from the farm for the ultimate freshness and purity.


The Most Unusual and Historical Things to Do in Mongolia

Mongolia is an independent region in East Asia. With an array of mountains throughout the area, there are plenty of things to do and see in the area. With an average altitude of 1580 metres above sea level, this makes Mongolia amongst the highest countries in the world. It’s positioned between China and Russia, before the country went into recession. The country is home to some of the world’s most precious metals, including copper, tin, gold, coal and more. Also, there are many areas in Mongolia where dinosaur bones have been found. If you get the opportunity to spend some time in this beautiful part of the world, you’ll be amazed by the natural beauty surrounding you. For example, the mesmerizing sun rises and sun sets providing some of the most amazing views you’ll ever witness in your life.

Mongolia prides itself on freedom, equality and happiness. Everyone who gets the chance to visit this region leaves feeling like a different person. Here are some of the best things to do in Mongolia and ways to spend your time to the fullest here.

1. Visit Erdene Zuu

Amongst the best things to do in Mongolia is visiting the Erdene Zuu. This temple was built around 1585 and is the oldest Buddhist temple in Mongolia. Popular amongst tourists all around the world, this temple is deemed a sacred place to see and one of the rare properties you’ll get to cast your eyes on around the world. If you love to experience unusual things which are filled with history and culture, then this is certainly an excellent go-to for you. Different countries used to gather at the Erdene Zuu to indulge in academics and new cultures.

To this day, Erdene Zuu is infamous for its stunning and unique architecture and rare appearance. As it’s one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Mongolia, it’s certainly a great thing to add to your bucket list. This fable city isn’t what it once used to be. However, visiting this monastery will give you an inclining of its original culture and everything it used to embody. It’s probably one of the most influential buildings in Mongolia and creates a lot of attention and interests from tourists who visit.

Surrounded by a wall measuring 420m each side and 108 stupas, you can’t get too close to this temple. Not only does this instigate privacy, but it helps to save and protect the temple from further destruction and damage. In 1947, this temple became a museum, where people around the world can visit it.

2. Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake

Another of the best things to do in Mongolia is visit the Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake. If you love natural beauty and are fascinated by open spaces, peace and quiet, then you’ll appreciate this stunning lake. Around 2,060m above sea level, this lake provides a dazzling appearance. Accessing the lake can be tricky, so we encourage you to plan ahead. You’ll need transportation to travel alongside the volcano to get to it, and once you’re there, you’ll fall in love with its charm and beauty. Settled in the centre of Mongolia, this beautiful lake is one of the most relaxing things to do in Mongolia.

Situated in the Khangai Mountains, it’s not just the lake itself which provides unbelievable views, but the surrounding area. Its crystal-clear waters are another aspect which entice people and help them to feel relaxed and free with their spirit. The deepest point which 28m and 20km in length, so it’s not recommended that people get inside the water – especially as the temperatures can drop so suddenly.

If you look back at the history of this lake, you’ll find that it was once a chosen area to worship. With many rare plants and unique wildlife covering the lake, it’s a beautiful place to visit any time of the year. Also, its historic traditions make this a sacred and soothing place to be.

3. Gorkhi-Terelj National Park

Another of the best things to do in Mongolia is visit the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. No matter your reason for visiting this city, we highly recommend taking some time out of your busy schedule to explore this National Park for so many reasons. Firstly, it’s one of the closet nature areas to the city of Ulaanbaatar. As a result, many locals opt to spend the weekend here to escape their busy lives. Travelers also love to stay here for peace and quiet, as well as a touch of culture. With an array of luxury camps and places to stay, you’ll feel right at home in no time.

There are plenty of things to do at this National Park, and its list of activities will generally cater for everyone’s interests. Explore the thick forests and rocky land. Or, if you’d prefer to walk around their smooth trails with stunning views of the open land, then this is also an option for you. Depending on how long you intend to stay at this National Park, there are so many things for everyone to do. The most traditional way to see the site is mountain biking. Rent a bike to explore the area. Alternatively, try horse-back riding if you’d prefer a more cultural and historical experience.

Finally, you can live like the locals at this National Park, or make the experience your own. Either way, the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park is one of the best things to do in Mongolia to live like the locals. If you’d prefer to visit here via public transportation, you can do so. The main bus departs from Ulaanbaatar and takes around three hours to arrive at a local village. Also, consider that you’ll need to pay to get into the National Park – to cover for maintenance.

4. Bayanzag (The Flaming Cliffs)

If you’re searching for things to do in Mongolia which are relaxing and historical, then visiting The Flaming Cliffs is something we recommend everyone to do. Due to their unique and beautiful colours, the Bayanzag cliffs attract people from all around the world. Measuring two metres high, these surroundings are an excellent place to spot camels looking for food. Not only are The Family Cliffs an unusual and unique experience to see, but they’re also home to many amazing historical triumphs. For example, dinosaur fossils have been found in these areas, and one palaeontologist was the first to discover bones and eggs by dinosaurs. As a result, you never know what you’ll find out here – or at least it’s an exciting part of the world to be.

How you choose to reach The Flaming Cliffs is completely up to you, although many visitors like to opt for a more traditional transportation method on a camel’s back. Standing alone is a vast open space with only the sky and open land amongst you, this can be slightly intimidating for some. However, many others would love to be amongst the unknown and a part of a history.

We must point out that visiting The Family Cliffs isn’t a quick experience, and certainly shouldn’t be rushed. Don’t just spend a few hours here, as you won’t get the full experience. Instead, choose to be a part of amazing beauty for several days. With organized trips available, you can stay in a local area and visit The Flaming Cliffs often. In fact, this is one suggestion we highly recommend for tourists. Don’t worry that you won’t have food or drink to hand, as your tour guide will ensure that you have everything you need for a comfortable and healthy experience.

5. Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa)

If you’re searching for the best and most unique things to do in Mongolia, we highly recommend visiting the Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa). If you search for images and videos of this, you’ll appreciate that it resembles an ancient city. In fact, there’s nowhere else in the world which looks like this. Its unique and capturing qualities make this one of the best places to visit in the world. Located around 420km from Ulaanbaatar, it can be difficult to get to, although it’s not impossible. The highest point of these ruins is 30 metres and it’s around 400 meters long. If you love exploring ruins and areas of the world which are mildly untouched, then we highly recommend visiting here.

Amongst exploring it, you’ll notice that there’s an array of open water which flows throughout the walls to create a huge waterfall. Once you reach this point, you’ll be amazed at this natural beauty right before your eyes. However, don’t be intimidated that you’ll be unsupervised as there are organized trips with highly-trained guides offering their experience and time to take tourists around the area.

Once you arrive at this unbelievable part of the world, there are many things to do and explore here. Firstly, indulge in hiking, horse riding or camel riding. There are numerous trials and different areas for you to investigate, so every moment offers a new opportunity. Finally, this impressive land is certainly one of the most unique things you’ll see in the world. The cliffs have eroded, although still offer many beautiful angles to see. With over 10 million years in history, there are so many different colours and layers to see up close. As you face east, you’ll get to experience a tremendous amount of beauty which other cities in the world don’t offer.

6. Lake Khovsgol 

Nothing can beat being amongst natural beauty. Lake Khovsgol is just one of the many things to do in Mongolia. This is a small amount of sea which offers an incredible experience for everyone who enters this area. Thanks to its incredibly clear water, this Lake Khovsgol has been named “the blue pearl of Mongolia”. It also contains two percent of the world’s freshwater reserves. In fact, it’s so clear and fresh that you can drink it. Not only is this a wonderful experience for tourists, but it’s great to know that the city is surrounded by such natural beauty and wonders.

Lake Khovsgol is a spectacular region in Mongolia which is one of the world’s 17 ancient lakes which over two million years old. As a result, it’s considered the second most pristine waters. The lake itself is one of the main things to do in Mongolia thanks to its pure beauty. After seeing it, you’ll want to spend a few days here on the outskirts on the corner of the lake. Also, you can take up the opportunity to hike the forests where you can see reindeers and cover beyond the Russian border.

Depending on the time of year you visit, you can embark in the ice festival to witness the frozen lake any other opportunities. Many people who’ve visited this lake have claimed that it’s one of the most beautiful destinations to see in the world. The lake begins in Khatgal – a town in the South – near the Russian border. As it drains into Egiin Gol, it becomes narrower and flows into Lake Baikal – water in Russia.

7. Yolyn Am

Yolyn Am is one of the best things to do in Mongolia and an incredible highlight of the city. During the summer months, you can find ice in the corners of the valley. Amongst this sighting are beautiful, rare animals, such as the snow leopard. Walking through these mountains, you’re likely see them across rock faces above. This region will pleasantly surprise you, thanks to its amazing views and things to do. The hiking trail throughout these mountains is beautiful during the summer season as it boasts colourful flowers and flourishing crops.

Just outside of Yolyn Am is a beautiful spot to see an incredible sunset. This is exceptionally recognized for its stunning qualities and romantic views of a sunset. When the red sandstone turns orange, the sun’s rays to radiate and beam. Also, Yolyn Am is a beautiful place for adventurists thanks to its incredible scenery and things to do in Mongolia.


What Things Would You Like to Explore in Mongolia?

After reading this article, we hope you’re excited about the things to do in Mongolia. Adventure is waiting for everyone, and there’s beauty throughout all seasons in this incredible city. Don’t forget to try something you wouldn’t get the opportunity to try in your homeland. Escape the stresses of modern life and temporarily became a part of a welcoming culture.

What things would you like to explore in Mongolia? Alternatively, do you have some other recommendations for people who’ve never visited this region before. If so, share your thoughts and knowledge in the comments to inspire others.

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