Day 1 – Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
Upon arrival at Chinggis Khaan International Airport, you will be greeted by the MyCar.Rent team and handed over your rental vehicle. Spend the day exploring Mongolia’s bustling capital. Highlights include the **Gandan Monastery**, a key religious site; the **National Museum of Mongolia** to learn about Mongolia’s history and culture; and **Sukhbaatar Square**, the central hub with statues and government buildings. For shopping, visit local markets like **Naran Tuul (Black Market)** or traditional cashmere stores. Evening options include tasting Mongolian cuisine in city restaurants or experiencing a traditional cultural performance. Overnight in Ulaanbaatar prepares you for the adventure ahead.
Day 2 – Elsen Tasarkhai Sand Dunes
Drive west to the **Elsen Tasarkhai Sand Dunes**, often called the “Mini Gobi” for its stunning desert landscapes within a few hours of Ulaanbaatar. Enjoy activities like **camel trekking**, **sandboarding**, and **hiking on the dunes**. Capture sunrise or sunset for incredible photographs. Meet local nomadic families in nearby gers to learn about Mongolian herding life. Optional activities include **horseback riding** and experiencing traditional Mongolian cooking in a ger camp. Overnight stays can be in a cozy ger camp or under the stars with your own tent, offering a true steppe experience.
Day 3 – Orkhon Valley
Travel north to the **Orkhon Valley**, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its verdant landscapes, waterfalls, and ancient history. Explore **Orkhon Waterfall**, hike through surrounding volcanic formations, and visit **Tuvkhun Monastery**, a historic Buddhist site perched on a hill. Experience life with nomadic herders, help with daily tasks, or enjoy horse riding across open meadows. Photography opportunities abound with views of rolling hills, rivers, and traditional gers. Overnight near the waterfall or in a nearby ger camp allows for stargazing in the peaceful Mongolian countryside.
Day 4 – Karakorum
Drive to **Karakorum**, the 13th-century capital of the Mongol Empire. Explore **Erdene Zuu Monastery**, one of Mongolia’s oldest and largest Buddhist monasteries, featuring numerous stupas and historic statues. Learn about the rich history of the Mongol Empire at the **Karakorum Museum**, and visit nearby **Tumen Ekh Monastery ruins**. Optional activities include hiking the surrounding hills, photographing the steppe landscapes, or visiting local markets selling traditional crafts. Overnight in a ger camp near Karakorum gives you the chance to experience nomadic life firsthand and enjoy a traditional Mongolian dinner.
Day 5 – Ugii Lake
Continue to **Ugii Lake**, a serene body of water surrounded by rolling hills, home to a wide variety of migratory birds. Activities include **birdwatching**, **kayaking**, **fishing**, and **hiking** along the lake shores. The peaceful atmosphere makes it ideal for photography and relaxation. You can visit local herder families nearby, learn about their daily life, and experience traditional Mongolian meals. Overnight stays at lakeside ger camps or camping by the water let you enjoy the tranquility and natural beauty of this hidden gem.
Day 6 – Khustai National Park
On your return toward Ulaanbaatar, stop at **Khustai National Park**, renowned for the reintroduction of **Przewalski’s wild horses**, Mongolia’s only native wild horse species. Additional wildlife includes gazelles, deer, and various bird species. Enjoy **guided nature walks**, **photography safaris**, or even short horse rides. The park also offers insight into conservation projects and nomadic life in the surrounding area. Overnight near Khustai allows you to relax before the final drive back to Ulaanbaatar.
Day 7 – Return to Ulaanbaatar
Complete your 7-day adventure with a scenic drive back to Ulaanbaatar. Depending on your schedule, explore any remaining city attractions, shop for souvenirs, or relax at a café. Return your rental car at the airport or city center, concluding your **Mongolia self-drive tour** with memories of dunes, valleys, monasteries, lakes, and wild horses.
For longer or shorter routes please contact us or read about the best Mongolia itineraries in our Mongolia Travel Guide.
