20 day itinerary
Mongolia
Personalized with:Low budgetInclude 4 to 7 days on 4x4 self driving Include transmongolian trainMeet people Discover local colture
Itinerary
Mongolia is a stunning country with vast landscapes, rich culture, and warm-hearted people. Here’s a 20-day itinerary that balances adventure, culture, and social experiences while keeping your budget in check. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in
- Morning: Arrive in (UB). Check into a budget hostel or guesthouse.
- Afternoon: Explore and visit the .
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional Mongolian meal at a local eatery. Try some buuz (dumplings) and airag (fermented mare's milk).
Day 2:
- Morning: Visit the to learn about the country’s history.
- Afternoon: Head to the for panoramic views of the city.
- Evening: Join a local cultural performance or find a community event to meet locals.
Day 3: to
- Morning: Take a bus or shared taxi to (about 1.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Explore the park, hike to the , and visit a nomadic family.
- Evening: Camp overnight in a ger (yurt) and enjoy a campfire with your hosts.
Day 4:
- All Day: Spend the day hiking, horseback riding, or visiting the . Engage with locals and learn about their lifestyle.
Day 5: Terelj to Kharkhorin
- Morning: Drive to Kharkhorin (about 5 hours). Rent a 4x4 for your self-driving adventure.
- Afternoon: Visit the , the first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia.
- Evening: Stay in a guesthouse and chat with fellow travelers.
Day 6: Kharkhorin to
- Morning: Drive to the (about 1 hour).
- Afternoon: Explore the valley, visit the , and meet local herders.
- Evening: Camp under the stars or stay in a ger camp.
Day 7:
- All Day: Spend the day hiking, horseback riding, and immersing yourself in the local culture. Participate in traditional games if available.
Day 8: to
- Morning: Drive to (about 2 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit the local museum and explore the town.
- Evening: Stay in a guesthouse and enjoy a communal dinner.
Day 9: to Arkhangai
- Morning: Drive to Arkhangai (about 3 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit the local market and interact with vendors.
- Evening: Stay in a ger camp and enjoy a traditional meal.
Day 10: Arkhangai to
- Morning: Start your journey to (about 6-7 hours).
- Afternoon: Arrive and set up camp or check into a guesthouse.
- Evening: Enjoy the serene beauty of the lake and meet fellow travelers.
Day 11:
- All Day: Explore the lake by hiking, horseback riding, or kayaking. Engage with local families and learn about their traditions.
Day 12: to
- Morning: Drive to (about 2 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit the local market and prepare for your train journey.
- Evening: Stay overnight in a guesthouse.
Day 13: to (Trans-Mongolian Train)
- Morning: Board the train to (approximately 16 hours).
- All Day: Enjoy the scenic views and meet fellow travelers on the train. Share stories and experiences.
Day 14:
- Morning: Arrive in . Rest and freshen up.
- Afternoon: Visit the .
- Evening: Join a local cooking class to learn how to make traditional dishes.
Day 15: to
- Morning: Take a bus or shared taxi to the (about 8-10 hours).
- Evening: Arrive in a ger camp and enjoy a traditional dinner.
Day 16:
- All Day: Explore the . Visit the and the sand dunes of . Engage with local nomads.
Day 17: to
- Morning: Start your journey back to (about 10 hours).
- Evening: Arrive and relax at your guesthouse.
Day 18:
- Morning: Visit the .
- Afternoon: Explore the local arts and crafts market for souvenirs.
- Evening: Attend a local festival or event if available.
Day 19:
- All Day: Free day to explore more of the city, visit any missed attractions, or relax in a café. Connect with locals or fellow travelers.
Day 20: Departure
- Morning: Last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
- Afternoon: Depart from .
Tips for Meeting People and Discovering Local Culture:
- Stay in hostels or guesthouses where you can meet other travelers.
- Participate in local events or festivals.
- Engage with local families during your stays in ger camps.
- Use social media or travel apps to connect with locals or other travelers.
This itinerary offers a mix of adventure, culture, and social interaction while keeping your budget in mind. Enjoy your Mongolian adventure! Safe travels! 🌍✨