How to Spend One Week in Mongolia: Travel Itinerary and Budget Guide
Mongolia had long been one of the top countries on my bucket list. I had always dreamed of exploring its vast open landscapes, experiencing its rich nomadic culture, and witnessing the raw natural beauty that few places in the world can match. Recently, I finally got the time and opportunity to turn that dream into reality. It ended up being a spontaneous trip because I booked my flights less than a month before my departure! Whether you’re planning your Mongolia travel itinerary months ahead or making a last-minute decision like I did, it’s important to do some research, especially when it comes to finding reliable Mongolia tours.
Since I traveled to Mongolia during the off-season, joining organized tours wasn’t as easy as expected. However, after reaching out to several local tour agencies, I managed to piece together a few incredible adventures that allowed me to explore the best of the country. In this blog post, I’m sharing my 7-day Mongolia travel itinerary, the beautiful places I visited, and a full breakdown of my travel budget. If you’re planning a trip to Mongolia, whether it’s your first visit or a return adventure, I hope this guide helps you make the most of your time in this stunning destination.
Mongolia Travel Itinerary
My 7-day Mongolia itinerary gave me the perfect mix of city life, day trips, and countryside adventures. I started by exploring Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s bustling capital, then took a day trip to some of the top attractions just outside the city. For the highlight of my trip, I joined a 3-day Central Mongolia tour, where I got to experience the country’s stunning landscapes, historic sites, and traditional nomadic culture. If you’re planning a one-week trip to Mongolia, here’s a detailed breakdown of my itinerary that mixes the best of Ulaanbaatar and the countryside.
Day 1: Flight from Manila to Ulaanbaatar via Hong Kong
Day 2: Explore Ulaanbaatar
Day 3: Explore Ulaanbaatar
Day 4: Day trip from Ulaanbaatar (Chinggis Khaan Status, Turtle Rock, Terelj National Park, and Temple)
Day 5: Central Mongolia Tour (Elsen Tasarkhai, Semi-Gobi Desert, and Kharakhorum)
Day 6: Central Mongolia Tour (Elsen Tasarkhai, Semi-Gobi Desert, and Kharakhorum)
Day 7: Central Mongolia Tour and back to Ulaanbaatar
Day 8: Flight from Ulaanbaatar to Manila via Hong Kong
Place to visit in Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar offers a variety of must-see attractions that can easily be visited in one day if you’re short on time. However, if you’d prefer a more relaxed pace and want to take your time exploring, two days is perfect for soaking in the city’s culture, history, and vibe without feeling rushed. Here are the key spots to visit in Ulaanbaatar.
- Gandan Monastery
- Genghis Khan National Museum Mongolia
- Parliament of Mongolia
- The Zero Point of the Ulaanbaatar City
- Ulaanbaatar Sign
- Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
- Sky Resort Ski Complex
Activities and Tours
I joined two tours during my one week in Mongolia. A day trip from Ulaanbaatar to the Chinggis Khaan Statue and Terelj National Park, and a 3-day tour exploring Central Mongolia. If you’re planning similar activities, here are the local agencies I contacted. You can also book tours online through Klook or Get Your Guide and use my promo code for extra discounts – MARXTERMINDKLOOK (for Klook) and MARXTERMIND10 (for Get Your Guide).
- Day Trip from Ulaanbaatar
Name of the Agency: Amazing Mongolia
WhatsApp Number: +976 8805 0390 - Central Mongolia Tour
Name of the Agency: Travel Mongolia
WhatsApp Number: +976 9119 1690
Travel Budget
As part of my Mongolia travel guide, here’s an estimate of my expenses during my visit to help you plan your own trip. Enjoy extra discounts on activities with these promo codes: MARXTERMINDKLOOK (for Klook) and MARXTERMIND10 (for Get Your Guide).
Flight and transportation:
- Manila to Hong Kong one-way ticket (Cebu Pacific) – ₱7,700
- Hong Kong to Ulaanbaatar roundtrip ticket (Mongolian Airlines) – ₱21,760
- Hong Kong to Manila one-way ticket (Cathay Pacific) – ₱7,530
- Ulaanbaatar Airport transfer (roundtrip) – ₱3,200
Accommodation:
- Zaya Hostel (5D/4N) – ₱3,600
- Khongor Guesthouse and Tours (2D/1N) – ₱700
Activities:
- Chinggis Khaan Statue and Terelj National Park (including Camel Ride, lunch, and entry tickets) – ₱3,900
- Central Mongolia Tour for 3 days (all inclusive) – ₱15,000
Other expenses:
- Food and drinks – ₱7,000
- E-sim data for 7 days – ₱700
- Philippines travel tax – ₱1,620
- Souvenir items (ref magnet) – ₱200
Summary of travel expenses
- Flight tickets – ₱36,990
- Transportation – ₱3,200
- Accommodation – ₱4,300
- Tours and activities – ₱18,900
- Food and drinks – ₱7,000
- Other expenses – ₱2,520
TOTAL: 72,910
Where to book hotels and activities?
Unlock exclusive hotel deals and uncover the best activities and attractions through the following travel apps below.
Klook: Use this exclusive promo code ‘MARXTERMINDKLOOK’ to get discounts on hotel and activities up to 5% off.
Agoda: Explore more accommodation options with the Agoda search box below!
Got some questions? Put it in the comment section below!
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links in this post are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the link. For more information, see my disclosures here.
