The Gobi
A canyon with well-preserved rock engravings and petroglyphs depicting hunting and agricultural scenes dating from 3000 BC.
Must-see attractions in Mongolia
The Gobi
This cave has great views from its mouth and a chute that leads to an opening with more stunning vistas on the other side.
The Gobi
An eroded hilly region with some impressive buttes. Local guides claim they can point out authentic fossils at this site.
Mongolia
The brainchild of G Purevbat, a lama and world-renowned master of Buddhist sculpture and painting, Aglag Khiid was built in 2014 as a meditation and…
Mongolia
After a strong rain the magnificent seasonal Orkhon Falls is one of the best sights in central Mongolia. About 250m downstream from the waterfall you can…
Ulaanbaatar
Mongolia's neoclassical National Library houses the world's largest collection of Buddhist texts, of which a select few are on display within its Museum…
Mongolia
Outside the monastery walls of Erdene Zuu Khiid are two stone turtles. Four of these sculptures once marked the boundaries of ancient Karakorum, acting as…
Ulaanbaatar
The plaza located between the State Department Store and the Circus has an unofficial name – Beatles Square, so named after the monument to the Fab Four…
Mongolia
This secluded, atmospheric monastery was founded by the great Zanabazar in 1648 and is said to have once housed Chinggis Khaan’s black military banner. At…
Mongolia
Located 55km northeast of Ulaanbaatar, this popular national park is characterised by picturesque alpine scenery. It offers great opportunities for hiking…
Mongolia
On the road from Kharkhorin to Ulaanbaatar, one surprising sight that livens up a fairly boring stretch of road is the sand dunes of Elsen-Tasarkhai…
Mongolia
Surrounded by magnificent forest and not far from a lovely river, the Baruun Bayan Gol, this Buddhist temple (elevation 1713m) was built in 1740 by Efu…
Khuisiin Naiman Nuur Nature Reserve
Mongolia
The area of Naiman Nuur, which was created by volcanic eruptions centuries ago, is now part of the 115-sq-km Khuisiin Naiman Nuur Nature Reserve. Despite…
Ulaanbaatar
Located in the northwest corner of the city, Asral is an NGO and Buddhist social centre that supports impoverished families. Its main aim is to stop…
Mongolia
When Chinggis Khaan decided to move his capital to Karakorum, he was well aware that the region had already been the capital of successive nomad empires…
Western Mongolia
This pretty alpine lake is surrounded by mountains and makes a great destination on foot or by horse from Tarialan; the trip is about 15km up Davaan…
Nömrög Strictly Protected Area
Mongolia
About 70km from Khalkhgol , Mongolia’s easternmost tip contains the remote Nömrög Strictly Protected Area (3112 sq km). Its river valleys, mountains and…
Tost Tosonbumba Nature Reserve
The Gobi
The Tost Mountains are a rugged, rocky range that sheds shale, and sprouts with enough vegetation to look green in the spring. This 8163-sq-km portion of…
Western Mongolia
The bleakly inviting teal expanse of Tolbo Nuur unfurls for 20km beside the paved Ölgii–Khovd City Rd. Despite being 2080m above sea level, the lightly…
Mongolia
Locals frequently come to this sacred tree (10km south of Sükhbaatar) to pray to the spirits that inhabit it; a rite that predates Buddhism. According to…
Mongolia
Set between forested hills, Tsenkher's hot springs are a popular detour from the main road. If you're expecting to soak among pristine, natural surrounds,…
Mongolia
Like most monasteries in Mongolia, Dashchoinkhorlon Khiid (1992) is the replacement of an older version; the original, Bangiin Khuree, was destroyed in…
Mongolia
Literally ‘Almsgivers Wall’, but also known as ‘Chinggis Khaan’s Castle’, this 3.2km-long stone wall, believed to date from the 8th century, stretches…
Mongolia
This museum on the main street has some information on obscure sights in the aimag; a display on J Gurragchaa (Mongolia’s first man in space), war photos…
Uvs Nuur Strictly Protected Area
Western Mongolia
Uvs Nuur Strictly Protected Area (7125 sq km) consists of four separate areas: Uvs Nuur, Türgen Uul, Tsagaan Shuvuut Uul and the Altan Els Strictly…
Mongolia
Stretching out for about 1km east of town is the site of ancient Karakorum. The foundations of Karakorum’s buildings are all underground and little has…
Ulaanbaatar
This place designs and manufactures many of the fabulous dels (traditional coats) that are worn during the Naadam opening ceremony and at other state…
Western Mongolia
Spread through the mountains of the Dara region are nine freshwater lakes varying in size from 100m to 2km in length. The easternmost lake, known locally…
Mongolia
Looking like the bad-ass hero of an excellent action movie we really hope gets optioned one day, the seated figure of Toroi-Bandi – the Robin Hood of…
Western Mongolia
Several brightly painted Buddhist temples have been erected on this hilltop in Dörgön sum (district) on the northeastern shore of Khar Us Nuur; the…
Mongolia
This communist monument, located northeast of the bus station, depicts Russian and Mongolian women united in chaste appreciation of hard work, planned…
Mongolia
The entertaining village museum includes a wooden ger with a statue of young Temujin out front, and paintings of the grown-up Chinggis and his descendants…
Mongolia
The surprisingly entertaining aimag museum features exhibits dating back to Mongolia’s independence movement of 1921. Standout relics include heroic…
Mongolia
This scenic freshwater lake (7km long, 5km wide) is a listed-Ramsar site, and popular spot for birdwatchers and those wanting to do some fishing and pitch…
Mongolia
This series of deer stones, which may have served as burial markers during the Bronze and Iron ages, can be found about 17km past Baldan Bereeven Khiid,…
Mongolia
The skyline of the neat little town of Dariganga is dominated by Altan Ovoo, an extinct volcano topped by a stupa, which only men are allowed to visit…
Ulaanbaatar
Known to almost everyone as the Children’s Park, this small amusement park features a roller coaster, among other rides, games and paddle boats. The…
Western Mongolia
This museum has the usual collection of stuffed wildlife, plus excellent ethnic costumes, Buddhist and Kazakh art and a snow leopard pelt on the wall. One…
Mongolia
Hidden in a concrete complex on the right side of the Marx mural, this small museum has an eclectic range of exhibits, from Khalkha, Kazakh and Buriat…
Otgon Tenger Uul Strictly Protected Area
Western Mongolia
Encompassing rivers, lakes and rocky peaks in the Khangai range, this protected area (955 sq km) wraps around Otgon Tenger Uul (meaning 'youngest sky'),…
