To the Western Mongolia Road Trip Itinerary
Embark on an unforgettable 10-day road trip to the western Mongolia! Start your adventure in Ulaanbaatar and drive through the picturesque landscapes of Mongolia's countryside. The route will take you through Kharkhorin and Hatgal, both of which are home to UNESCO Heritage Monuments. The overall road conditions are good, although it is important to be aware that there may be seasonal road closures due to weather conditions, as well as some curvy and narrow roads. The journey is a total of 2088km and is best done in the summer months.
This road trip offers an unforgettable experience with beautiful views and cultural sites, and can be done with a fair budget. It is suitable for all drivers, so join us on this amazing journey and make memories that will last a lifetime!
10
number of days
2,087 km
route length
moderate
budget
explorer
good for
on the right
traffic direction
moderate
accident level
START
Ulaanbaatar
Distance 2,087 km
Driving time 41.8 h
Pace: modest
542.6 kWh
Airports
ULN
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UBN
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Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia is the perfect starting point for the "To the Western Mongolia Road Trip". A vibrant city of 1.3 million located along the Tuul River, Ulaanbaatar is a cultural hub for the country of Mongolia. Visitors to Ulaanbaatar can explore the city's many museums, galleries, and religious sites, such as the Zaisan Memorial Hill, the Bogd Khan Palace Museum, and the Gandantegchinlen Monastery. The National Museum of Mongolia, the National Modern Art Gallery, and the Choijin Lama Temple Museum are also worth a visit.
Those traveling by air can fly into Chinggis Khaan International Airport (IATA: ULN). Car rental services are available at the airport, making it easy to begin the “To the Western Mongolia Road Trip”. The roads are generally in good condition, but travelers should be aware that some sections of the road may be unpaved and require a 4x4 vehicle.
Visitors to Ulaanbaatar will find a city full of culture and charm. From its many historical sites to its bustling nightlife, Ulaanbaatar is the perfect starting point for a road trip to the western parts of Mongolia.
1
Ulaanbaatar
- Kharkhorin
Distance 358 km
Driving time 5.5 h
Pace: fast
107.5 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on a unique road trip starting in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia and ending in Kharkhorin. This 358 km journey takes approximately 5 hours of driving, though you will want to take longer to savour the spectacular sights along the way. The road winds through the majestic steppes of Mongolia, where you can admire the rolling hills and open skies. You will have the opportunity to explore ancient historical sites, including the ruins of the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire, Kharkhorin. You will also be able to take in the stunning scenery as you drive along the banks of the Orkhon river. This is one of the most scenic roads in the country, and it offers a chance to experience the true beauty of the Mongolian countryside. Don't forget to take plenty of photos! You can also take a break to visit the local restaurants and shops in the area. Be sure to take in the local culture and traditions, as well as the beautiful landscape. As you near your destination, you will be able to enjoy the stunning views of the Kharkhorin Valley. Make sure to take your time and take in all of the incredible sights and sounds of this incredible place. More information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy the journey!
Kharkhorin - Mongolia - Asia - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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2
Kharkhorin
- Ikh Uul
Distance 430 km
Driving time 9.9 h
Pace: modest
111.8 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an exciting road trip through some of the most picturesque landscapes of Mongolia, starting in Kharkhorin and ending in Ikh Uul. The 430 km journey will take around 10 hours of driving to complete. Along the way, you will pass through some stunning landscapes and get to explore some UNESCO Heritage sites. The route is mostly easy, but there are sections with narrower roads to watch out for. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to take picturesque photos of the area and enjoy the scenic views. Make sure you pick up some souvenirs along the way to remember your journey! For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Ikh Uul - Mongolia - Asia - Road Trip - Pixabay
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3
Ikh Uul
- Hatgal
Distance 207 km
Driving time 3.3 h
Pace: fast
62.2 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an unforgettable road-trip from Ikh Uul all the way to Hatgal! You will drive for 207 km and it will take you less than 3 hours. As you drive through the picturesque landscapes and scenic roads, take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Make sure to stop at the impressive Khorgo crater lake and the mysterious Khorgo lava field. Both of these natural attractions are situated in the Tariat soum of the Arkhangai Province. One of the highlights of your trip is the Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan National Park. Here you can explore the lake, the crater, and the lava field. Don't forget to take pictures of the crystal clear lake and the lush vegetation that surrounds it! At the end of your journey, you will reach Hatgal, where you can discover the ancient ruins of a temple complex. Enjoy the views of the magnificent Selenge River and the majestic mountains that surround it. More information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, pack your bags and get ready for a memorable journey from Ikh Uul to Hatgal!
Hatgal - Mongolia - Asia - Road Trip - Pixabay
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4
Hatgal
- Ulaangom
Distance 845 km
Driving time 16.1 h
Pace: modest
219.6 kWh
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Itinerary
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If you’re looking for an exciting road trip, look no further than the journey from Hatgal to Ulaangom. This 845 km drive will take you less than 14 hours and will take you through some of the most picturesque landscapes and scenic roads. Along the way, you can visit Hatgal, a small village located on the banks of the River Khovsgol, for some amazing views of the lake. Then, you can head to Ulaangom, a city known for its vast grasslands and traditional Mongolian culture. Take some time to explore the countryside and the local markets here for an unforgettable experience. Make sure to take in the breathtaking views of rolling hills and lush meadows as you drive. As you make your way to Ulaangom, take some time to stop in the small villages and towns for a closer look at traditional Mongolian life. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary for this stage of the tour. With its stunning scenery and opportunities to explore the local culture, this road trip from Hatgal to Ulaangom is sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience.
Ulaangom - Mongolia - Asia - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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5
Ulaangom
- Olgii
Distance 247 km
Driving time 7.0 h
Pace: slow
56.7 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip that starts in Ulaangom, Mongolia and ends in Olgii, a stunning 247-km drive that takes fewer than 5 hours. Along the route, take in the breathtaking scenery of the countryside and marvel at the sweeping views of grasslands and mountains. As you drive, watch out for certain sections of the route that may be closed seasonally, as well as steep ramps and winding roads. Note that some sections of the road can be quite narrow, so be sure to drive carefully and mind the speed limit. Enjoy the journey and make sure to take plenty of pictures to remember the experience. If you’re looking for attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the “Itinerary” of this stage for more information.
Olgii - Mongolia - Asia - Road Trip - Pixabay
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Olgii
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Olgii is a beautiful town located in the westernmost tip of Mongolia. It is the perfect destination to end a road trip to the Western Mongolia. The town is situated in the Altai Mountains, surrounded by stunning scenery and a picturesque landscape.
The town is home to the Kazakh and Tuvan people, making it an interesting cultural experience. It is also the capital of Bayan-Ölgii Province, the only province of Mongolia with an ethnic majority of Kazakhs.
Visitors to Olgii can explore the local bazaars, visit the Kazakh eagle hunters and their Golden Eagles, and explore the nearby mountains. The Altai Mountains offer plenty of opportunities for hiking and trekking, and the nearby Khoton and Khurgan Lakes are perfect for a day of swimming and relaxing.
For those who are traveling by car, the easiest route is to take the M-54 highway from Ulaanbaatar. The drive takes approximately two days, depending on the stops along the way.
For those who are traveling by air, the closest international airport is in Ulaanbaatar (ULN), which is about 4 hours away.
Olgii is the perfect destination to end your "To the Western Mongolia Road Trip". With its stunning scenery and interesting culture, it is sure to leave you with wonderful memories.
To the Western Mongolia Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Ulaanbaatar
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End:
Olgii
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Distance:
2,087 km
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Stay:
10 days
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Getting there:
Buyant-Ukhaa International Airport (ULN),
Ulaanbaatar Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN)
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When to drive:
June, July, August, September
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on an epic 10-day Road Trip across the breathtaking landscapes of western Mongolia, beginning in the nation's capital, Ulaanbaatar. Spanning approximately 2088 kilometers, this adventure offers a deep dive into Mongolia's awe-inspiring scenery and its rich cultural tapestry.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
Your journey will take you through historically significant sites, such as the ancient city of Kharkhorin, which was once the capital of the Mongol Empire and is now home to the magnificent Erdene Zuu Monastery, encircled by 108 stupas. Another highlight includes the serene town of Hatgal, nestled by the pristine waters of Lake Khövsgöl, one of the deepest lakes in the world. Along the way, be sure to take in the captivating views of the Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is not only a testament to the pastoral nomadic lifestyle that has been a central aspect of Mongolian culture for centuries but also houses a wealth of archaeological treasures dating back to the 6th century.
Best Time to Go:
The prime time for this Road Trip is from June to August when Mongolia's summer graces travelers with milder temperatures and verdant landscapes. These months also coincide with Naadam Festival, an exhilarating celebration of the `Three Manly Games`—wrestling, horse racing, and archery.
Potential Risks:
Adventurers should be prepared for the challenges of driving in remote areas. Sudden changes in weather can lead to Road closures, particularly outside of the summer season. Additionally, off-Road driving may be required to reach some of the more secluded sights, and certain stretches of the journey involve traversing winding and narrow mountain passes that demand a vigilant and experienced driver.
Facts for Roadtrippers:
While the Road infrastructure in Mongolia has improved, expect a mix of paved and unpaved Roads that can offer both smooth rides and bumpy off-Road experiences. Traveling in Mongolia is relatively cost-effective, with a variety of options for accommodations and dining, from ger camps to local eateries, which allow you to experience the nomadic lifestyle and hearty Mongolian cuisine.
A good choice for:
This Road Trip is not just a journey through the land but a passage through time, where the vast steppe meets the sky, and nomadic traditions live on. Every turn brings you face to face with natural wonders and whispers of the past, ensuring an indelible mark on your traveler's soul. Whether you're a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or simply seeking an unparalleled adventure, western Mongolia awaits with an open Road and an untold story.
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