Welcome to Mongolia! Land in Ulaanbaatar, pick up your Avis Mongolia rental car, and get ready to begin your Mongolia self-drive adventure. If you arrive early and relatively well-rested, consider exploring the city's vibrant streets or one of its varied museums. Our favorite is the National Museum of Mongolia. Stock up on groceries for the upcoming road trip, then unwind with a delicious dinner near the Choijin Lama Temple—your first taste of Mongolian cuisine and hospitality.

Kick off your Western Mongolia self-drive tour by heading to Khustain Nuruu National Park, one of the country's most iconic wildlife destinations. This park is home to the Takhi—also known as Przewalski's horses—the world's last truly wild horse species. Unlike domestic horses, the Takhi have never been tamed and roam freely across the steppe, a living glimpse into Mongolia's prehistoric past. Watching these horses in their natural habitat, moving in family groups across the rolling grasslands, is a highlight of any Mongolia self-drive road trip along the Ring Road.

On the drive west, you'll pass some of Mongolia's Soviet-era relics and can stop by Gandan Monastery, the country's most famous spiritual site. Stop for a picnic along the wide-open steppe, breathe in the fresh air, and keep your camera ready. Wildlife sightings here are often spectacular. In the late afternoon, as the sun begins to dip, the Takhi become especially active, creating perfect conditions to witness their graceful movements and intricate social behavior. This encounter with Mongolia's truly wild horses sets the tone for your journey across the country, combining natural wonder with the freedom of your self-drive adventure.

Set off from Khustain Nuruu and drive deeper into Mongolia's heartland. The route to Lake Ugii takes you through wide-open steppe, rolling hills, and occasional clusters of yurts with herders tending their livestock. Gravel and dirt tracks stretch ahead with almost no other traffic, giving a true sense of freedom on your Western Mongolia self-drive tour. Keep an eye out for eagles or other wildlife along the way, and don't be surprised if a curious herder waves as you pass.

Arrive at Lake Ugii, a quiet freshwater lake surrounded by gentle hills.

The calm waters and open space make it an ideal place to set up camp and take in the scenery. Lake Ugii is perfect for horseback riding, offering trails that run along the shore and extend into the surrounding grasslands. Riding here gives you a closer connection to the landscape and a taste of Mongolia's equestrian culture. You can also take it easy with a walk along the lake or sit by the shore and watch the birds that flock here during migration season. It's a peaceful and accessible stop that blends outdoor adventure with a chance to slow down before the next leg of your 21-day Mongolia self-drive itinerary.

Drive west from Lake Ugii and make your way through the sand dunes at Elsen Tasarkhai, sometimes called the "Mini Gobi." Stop for a picnic among the dunes and, if you like, ride a camel across the soft sand—a unique way to experience Mongolia's desert landscapes. Continue to the ancient capital of Kharkhorin, the heart of the Mongol Empire.

Visit Erdene-Zuu Monastery, one of the oldest Buddhist complexes in Mongolia, and explore the small museum detailing the region's history. This stop combines culture, history, and open-steppe scenery, a nice contrast to the natural landscapes you've seen so far on your Mongolia Ring Road self-drive route.

Today is about relaxing and soaking in the natural beauty of the Khangai Mountains. Drive through central Mongolia and arrive at Tsenkher Hot Springs, where you can unwind in thermal baths surrounded by pine forests and rolling hills. The warm water is perfect for loosening stiff muscles after a few days on the road, and the scenery is stunning—rolling mountains in the distance and the occasional nomadic family passing by. This stop is a calm pause on your 21-day self-drive Mongolia itinerary, offering both comfort and immersion in Mongolia's quieter landscapes.

Head northwest through Arkhangai Province to see more of Mongolia's varied scenery. Stop along the way to meet nomadic families or take photos of gers dotted across the hills. Your destination today is Khorgo Volcano, part of the extinct volcanic field in the area. Hike up to the crater rim for panoramic views of the surrounding steppe—it's a unique spot that feels like nowhere else on Earth. Afterward, continue to White Lake (Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur), a peaceful freshwater lake offering options for camping, fishing, or simply enjoying the quiet surroundings. The combination of volcano, lake, and steppe makes this a standout section of your Western Mongolia self-drive tour.

Leaving the ancient, dormant Khorgo volcano in Arkhangai, the journey meanders towards the serene destination of Numrug in Zavkhan. This region is less traveled, offering wide-open skies and a genuine sense of Mongolian wilderness. Camp by a small lake and soak in the quiet; nothing but the gentle lapping of lake waters reflecting the surrounding hills.

Horseback riding is a highlight in this area, with trails along the lake and through the steppe offering an intimate way to experience the landscape. Nights under the stars are incredible, and this stop gives you a full taste of Mongolia's untouched nature as you continue your Mongolia Ring Road self-drive adventure.

Drive deeper into northwest Mongolia to Lake Khyargas, a vast, saline lake surrounded by rugged cliffs. The landscape feels otherworldly, with wide-open steppe meeting shimmering water that stretches to the horizon. Stop along the shore to swim, take photos, or simply relax by a campfire as migratory birds pass overhead. The solitude and scale of this region make it a standout highlight on your Mongolia Ring Road self-drive route, offering a rare chance to experience Mongolia's remote natural beauty at your own pace.

Head north to Uvs Lake, Mongolia's largest freshwater lake, nestled near the Russian border. The surrounding area is ecologically unique: southern camels share the landscape with northern yaks, and sand dunes rise alongside snow-capped mountains. Uvs town provides a convenient stop to stock up on supplies before venturing further into this striking region. Driving through these diverse landscapes gives a true taste of Mongolia's contrasts, from desert-like terrain to alpine peaks, as you continue your Western Mongolia road trip.

Journey south toward Uureg Lake, a quiet and picturesque spot perfect for camping on the way to Bayan-Ulgii. The drive takes you through gently rolling steppe and open grasslands, offering plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife or stop for photos. At the lake, set up camp and enjoy a peaceful afternoon by the water. After more than a week on the road, this stop is a welcome pause, offering a genuine sense of Mongolia's vast, unspoiled landscapes.

Today's drive brings you into the high mountains of Bayan-Ulgii province, home to the Kazakh eagle hunters. Snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and winding mountain passes create a dramatic backdrop as you approach this culturally rich region. Meeting the eagle hunters offers an unforgettable glimpse into a centuries-old tradition, with golden eagles trained to hunt in the rugged Altai Mountains. Self-driving in this remote corner of Mongolia provides the flexibility to stop at scenic viewpoints, meet local families, and genuinely connect with both the landscape and the culture of Western Mongolia.

Spend two unforgettable days near Lake Tolbo in Bayan-Ulgii, where rugged mountains meet the serene waters of the lake. The region is remote and largely untouched, giving a true sense of Mongolia's wild landscapes. Trails along the lake and through the surrounding valleys are perfect for horseback riding, letting you experience Mongolia's equestrian traditions firsthand. Ride past yurts where nomadic families live, and take in the reflection of the towering Altai peaks shimmering in the lake.

Evenings are spent around a campfire or at a local homestay, with clear night skies offering a spectacular canvas of stars. These two days combine active exploration with quiet moments to absorb the natural beauty, making it a highlight of any Western Mongolia self-drive tour.

Leaving the high mountains behind, your route descends into the vast, open steppes around Khovd. Rolling grasslands stretch to the horizon, interrupted only by small rivers, hills, and distant yurts. Driving here on your Mongolia Ring Road self-drive route is a journey through space and time—the emptiness of the landscape emphasizes the sense of freedom and adventure that defines a Mongolian road trip.

Along the way, you'll see nomadic families herding livestock, offering rare glimpses into a lifestyle largely unchanged for centuries. The quiet vastness allows for reflective stops, photography, and short hikes to fully take in the untouched beauty of western Mongolia.

After crossing the steppe, your journey takes you to Altai Town, a small hub tucked into the mountains. Here you can take a break from camping and challenging remote driving in a comfortable hotel, enjoy a hot shower, and resupply before continuing into higher altitudes.

The town itself offers a glimpse into the pleasant Mongolian way of life, with markets, local food stalls, and friendly residents. Beyond the city, the Altai Mountains rise dramatically, hinting at the challenging yet rewarding landscapes that lie ahead.

Embark on a camping trip to Bayankhongor Province and discover the striking Buun Tsagaan Lake, a unique saltwater lake known for its pale, reflective surface that gives it its name, meaning "Whole Bunch of White." This serene destination is a haven for bird enthusiasts, boasting a remarkable array of species, including Dalmatian pelicans, swan geese, Pallas's fish eagles, Relict gulls, and the Houbara bustard. As you set up camp along the shore, you're surrounded by open landscapes and quiet, expansive skies that make Mongolia feel infinite.

The lake isn't just a spot for wildlife—its open space and calm shores are ideal for reflective walks, photography, and soaking in the vast, untouched beauty of western Mongolia. Evenings here are magical, with sunsets painting the water in shades of gold and pink, and nights revealing an endless canopy of stars overhead. Camping at Buun Tsagaan offers an authentic, immersive experience that blends nature, wildlife, and the freedom of the Mongolia Ring Road self-drive route, leaving you with memories of one of the country's most striking and peaceful landscapes.

After several days of camping and remote driving, unwind at the Khujirt Hotel and Spa, a tranquil retreat offering the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. Indulge in spa treatments using traditional Mongolian techniques and locally sourced ingredients to rejuvenate your body and mind. Beyond the spa, the surrounding countryside is ideal for horseback riding, allowing you to explore the rolling hills and open steppe while connecting with Mongolia's rich equestrian heritage. Khujirt is a peaceful oasis on your Western Mongolia self-drive tour, offering a blend of comfort, wellness, and the opportunity to experience the nomadic way of life up close.

Venture into the Mini Gobi at Elsen Tasarkhai, where golden sand dunes rise against a backdrop of open steppe. The landscape feels both desert-like and intimate, perfect for camping under vast skies. Sunset casts a warm glow across the dunes, creating unforgettable photo opportunities. Trek or ride camels along the rolling sands to feel the rhythm of traditional Mongolian nomadic life, and enjoy the quiet of a truly remote environment. These two days provide a dramatic contrast to the mountainous regions of western Mongolia, highlighting the diversity of the Mongolia Ring Road self-drive route.

Begin the drive back toward Ulaanbaatar, passing the Mini Gobi sand dunes one last time—a perfect spot for a picnic or short walk before returning to the city. The road offers a final chance to reflect on your adventure through western Mongolia's mountains, lakes, and steppes.

Arrive in Ulaanbaatar to return your car and enjoy one final evening in the city. If you have energy left, consider exploring rooftop bars like the Shangri-La or Bluesky for a final panoramic view of the capital, or revisit the Choijin Lama Temple for one last taste of Mongolian history.

This final leg completes your 21-day Mongolia itinerary, bringing the journey full circle from city streets to the remote landscapes of the west.

Your adventure concludes today with departure from Ulaanbaatar. Depending on your flight schedule, consider squeezing in any last city exploration or relaxing at a local café.

After three weeks of open roads, nomadic culture, and untouched nature, you leave Mongolia with a deeper understanding of its landscapes, traditions, and the freedom of a Mongolia Ring Road self-drive route.