Ulaanbaatar is a good base for a short trip: in just a few days you can see the city’s temples and museums and get out into real Mongolian nature. This guide explains the best season, how many days you need, and sample 3-day and 4-day plans, plus the things to watch out for.
Best Season and How Many Days You Need
Best season
The best time to visit Ulaanbaatar and the rest of Mongolia is summer, from June to September. Days are warm, the sky is usually clear and the grasslands are green. In winter the temperature can fall towards −30°C, which makes outdoor activities hard work — so for a short trip with nature and culture, summer is best.
In mid-July, the country’s biggest festival, Naadam, takes place. It is a highlight of the year, but it is also the busiest time, so book accommodation and tours early. More on seasons: the best time to visit Mongolia.
How many days?
Three to four days is a good amount of time for Ulaanbaatar and its surroundings. Spend one day in the city — the National Museum of Mongolia, Gandan Monastery and so on — and the other two or three days in the countryside nearby, such as Gorkhi-Terelj National Park or a night in a ger.
If you want to take your time in Mongolian nature, plan for a week. Five or six days lets you enjoy nature, culture, riding and food without getting worn out by travel.
What You Can Do in a Short Stay
Stay in a ger
A night in a ger, the traditional nomadic home, is a must. Many tours from Ulaanbaatar include one, so even a short trip can give you a taste of nomadic life. Gers are more comfortable than you might expect, with traditional furniture and decorations; you may meet the family’s horses and goats and try home-style Mongolian food. More: the Mongolian ger explained.
Get out into Terelj
About two hours by car from the city, Terelj has valleys and granite hills where you can ride, hike and look for wildlife. Day tours leave in the morning and return in the evening, so even a busy traveller can fit it in.
See the city
In the centre, Sükhbaatar Square is the symbol of the city, with the statue of the national hero Sükhbaatar and the Government Palace behind it. Gandan Monastery and the National Museum are close by and can be covered in half a day to a day. Full list: 9 places to visit in Ulaanbaatar.
Sample Itineraries
3 days
Day 1: Ulaanbaatar
- Morning: start at Sükhbaatar Square. The national opera theatre and the National Museum of Mongolia are nearby.
- Afternoon: visit Gandan Monastery, the largest Buddhist monastery in Mongolia, home to a Buddha statue about 26.5 m tall.
- Evening: try local food — khuushuur (fried meat pastries) are a good start. More: traditional Mongolian food.
Day 2: Terelj and a ger stay
- Morning: drive about two hours to Terelj. Enjoy the scenery, go riding or hiking.
- Afternoon and night: stay in a ger, eat Mongolian food and see the stars.
Day 3: Shopping and departure
- Morning: back in the city, shop for crafts and souvenirs at Narantuul Market (closed on Tuesdays) or the State Department Store. Ideas: 10 Mongolian souvenirs.
- Afternoon: head to the airport.
4 days
Day 1: History and culture
- Morning: after arriving, visit the National Museum of Mongolia and the Central Museum of Mongolian Dinosaurs, where you can see some of Mongolia’s famous fossils.
- Afternoon: climb to the Zaisan Memorial for a view over the whole city.
Day 2: A full day in Terelj
- Spend the day outdoors — riding, hiking and scrambling over the rocks — and stay the night in a ger.
Day 3: Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue and nomadic culture
- Morning: visit the giant Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue, near Terelj. There is a museum inside and a viewing platform on the horse’s head.
- Afternoon: take part in a local activity, such as more riding or time with a nomadic family.
Day 4: Shopping and departure
- Morning: relax in the city and pick up souvenirs.
- Afternoon: head to the airport.
Things to Watch Out For
What to bring
- Clothes: even in summer, mornings and evenings are cold. Bring layers. In winter you need a down jacket, thick gloves and a warm hat. See Mongolia weather by month.
- Medicine: your usual medicines and something for an upset stomach or a cold — familiar brands can be hard to find.
- Cash and cards: cards work in many places in Ulaanbaatar, but not everywhere. ATMs are easy to find in the city, but rare in the countryside, so carry some cash. See money in Mongolia.
Staying safe
- Valuables: watch out for pickpockets in crowded places. Wear your backpack on your front and carry only the cash you need.
- At night: avoid walking alone at night, even in the centre. Around bars there can be a lot of drunk people — go in a group and take a taxi.
- Money exchange: use banks and proper exchange offices, not people offering to change money on the street.
More: Is Mongolia safe?
Getting around
- Taxis: convenient, but use a proper taxi. Ride-hailing apps are common and safer. Agree the price before you set off, and avoid unlicensed cars.
- Buses: cheap, but timetables are unreliable and buses get crowded. On a short trip, taxis or transfers save time.
- Tours: for places outside the city, such as Terelj, a tour is the easiest way. Transport is included and you can reach places that are hard to get to by public transport.
From the airport: Ulaanbaatar airport to city.
Tips for a Great Trip
Travel in the shoulder season
June to August is peak season, and prices go up. Late May and early September are often still pleasant and can be cheaper. In winter, sightseeing is mostly city-based, but with good cold-weather gear you can enjoy a much quieter Mongolia.
Flights
Most international flights land at Chinggis Khaan International Airport near Ulaanbaatar. Book early for July. Routes and tips: getting to Mongolia by air.
Use local tours wisely
- Choose a tour that covers the places you most want to see — riding and a ger stay are what make Mongolia unique.
- Small-group tours let you ask your guide questions and travel at a relaxed pace.
- Most sights are far from the city and transport is limited, so a tour with transfers saves a lot of hassle.
Add a Few Days on Horseback
If you can stay a little longer, spend those days riding. Our English-guided treks pick you up at the airport or your hotel in downtown Ulaanbaatar and take you out onto the steppe east of the city, with an English-speaking guide and small groups of up to six riders. Questions? Contact us any time.
