Mongolia Ring Road Selfdrive Tour

  • Route

    Ulaanbaatar to Western Mongolia

  • Travel

    21 days

  • Visit

    19 Destinations

Price from $5297 USD

Travel along Mongolia’s Ringroad: Explore the diverse nature of Mongolia

Mongolia, a land of endless skies and vast steppes, is a dream destination for those seeking unspoiled nature, unique cultures, and an adventurous road trip. Embarking on a journey to Western Mongolia and the Gobi Desert will bring travelers face-to-face with the country’s raw beauty, from soaring eagle hunters to otherworldly landscapes. Here's a guide to help you plan and savor this unique experience.

A road trip through Mongolia promises a blend of history, culture, and awe-inspiring landscapes. Drive along the newly build ring road in comfort with a modern Toyota Landcruiser and stay in ger camps, hotels, hot springs and with a nomadic family besides camping a few nights under the most clear sky full of stars.

With the right preparation and spirit of adventure, it can be an unforgettable experience. Safe travels!

Why Choose Avis Mongolia Tours

  • Global presence with over 5000 locations in 165 countries.

  • Comprehensive in-car amenities including camping and off-road gear in Mongolia.

  • Latest car models such as UAZ Patriot and Toyota Landcruiser.

  • Professional tour guides for optimal self-drive route planning and guided tours in Mongolia.

The Best Cars and Camping Gear

Standard

UAZ Patriot

  • Air conditioned
  • 5-Seat
  • Manual
Premium

Toyota Landcruiser 250

  • Air conditioned
  • 5-Seat
  • Automatic
Premium

Toyota Landcruiser 76

  • Air conditioned
  • 5-Seat
  • Automatic

The vehicles come standard with top-quality camping equipment, featuring either a rooftop tent or a contemporary inflatable ground tent. They are also outfitted with various gadgets, including a camping shower, chairs, a table, and cooking and dining essentials.

Rooftop Tent

Spacious rooftop tent for up to 4 person with strong wind resistance.

Tents

Spacious and easy to set-up heavy duty tents.

Cooking

BBQ gear for campfire cooking and gas stoves ideal for a camping kitchen.

Table & Chairs

Table & Chairs Lightweight table and camping chairs ideal for dining and relaxing outdoors.

Sleeping & Hygiene

Camping showers or toilet tents, sleeping mattress and bed solutions.

Starlink Satelliete Internet

Access uninterrupted internet connectivity anywhere in Mongolia and a power solutions to charge electronics.

What is Included

Accommodation

Choose from three options:

  • 1/ Hotel or Ger Camp for every night included
  • 2/ Mix of hotel, ger camp and camping
  • 3/ No accommodation included

Meals

Breakfast is included in all hotel stays. Groceries are excluded.

Team & Transport

24/7 Travel Manager, Tour Guide on Arrival Day, Airport Transfers

Activities

Nomadic Family Visit, Wildlife watching, Horseback Riding, Camel Riding, Hot Springs and more.

Trip Highlights

  • Ancient Capital
  • Camel riding on sand dunes
  • Mini Gobi
  • Volcano
  • Lakes

Trip Itinerary

Map of

  • Fly into Mongolia, settle in Ulaanbaatar and explore the city if you arrive early. You can add in optional activities to your day if you have time. Pick up your rental car and go out to buy groceries before you relax at a nice dinner in one of the many nice restaurants around the Choijin Lama Temple.

  • Load up your rental car and get on your way. First stop of the trip is the most popular national park of Mongolia: Khustain Nuruu with the world’s only true wild horses and plenty of deer. Heading west out of Mongolia you will see some soviet relics and you can stop by the most famous monastery of Mongolia Gandan. Stop for a picnic and enjoy the wide open space once you left the city. Explore the national park in the late afternoon as the sun starts to set and the wild horses tend to move around.

  • Journey to Lake Ugii in Arkhangai for an unforgettable camping and horseback riding experience. This picturesque freshwater lake, renowned for its rich birdlife and serene beauty, is a perfect destination for nature lovers. Set up your camp near the lake's shores, where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The clear waters and gentle breeze create a calming atmosphere. As part of your adventure, take part in horseback riding, a popular activity in the area. Riding through the scenic landscapes around Lake Ugii offers a unique way to explore the region's natural beauty.

  • Follow the road west today passing gorgeous sand dunes at the mini Gobi Elsen Tasarkhai. Make a picnic stop at the sand dunes, ride camels and enjoy this beautiful place nested in between the steppes. Continue on the early afternoon to the ancient capital Karakorum to visit the old Erdene-Zuu Monastery and museum about Mongolian history.

  • You have all day to immerse yourself in the gorgeous landscape of the Khangai Mountain Range in Central Mongolia and to enjoy the hot springs with a nice bath. Admire the scenery while sipping a cold drink in the warm water.

  • Drive North-West through the hills of Arkhangai Province, to see nomadic families along the road and to explore a volcano nested in beautiful scenery. Hike up the volcano for views like nowhere else before enjoying the White Lake and its nice spots to stay overnight.

  • Leaving the ancient, dormant Khorgo volcano in Arkhangai, the journey meanders towards the serene destination of Numrug in Zavkhan. Here, under the vast Mongolian sky, one can immerse themselves in the peacefulness of nature, with the gentle lapping of lake waters and a perfect backdrop for a night in the wilderness. This segment of the journey is not just a travel from one place to another, but a transition into a realm where nature's untouched beauty reigns supreme.

  • After crossing quite a bit of North-Western Mongolia you will be rewarded at an ocean like lake with picturesque cliffs. The lake is home to many migratory birds and a relaxing location to take a swim before enjoying a night at a campfire under the shining stars.

  • This part of the trip brings you to the very northern corner of Mongolia, close to the snow covered mountain range along the Russian border, Mongolia’s largest lake and the world most northern sand dunes. It is the only region of Mongolia where the animals from the most southern part like the camels mix with the animals from the most northern parts of Mongolia like the Yaks. This diverse nature is fun to explore and after leaving the salt lake to see the shores of Mongolia’s largest lake you might forget Mongolia is a landlocked country. The larger town of Uvs will give you a good opportunity to shop and stock up for the next part of the trip.

  • En route to Bayan-Ulgii, take the opportunity to camp by Uureg Lake. This straightforward stop offers a tranquil setting with clear lake views, perfect for a peaceful break amidst your travels.

  • Now its time for a change of scenery again. On the way to Mongolia’s highest mountain range you will pass snow capped mountains, drive up to high altitudes to cross into Bayan-Ulgii province, the home of Eagle Hunters, the Kazakh minority and untouched glaciers.

  • Spend two enchanting days in Tolbo, Bayan-Ölgii, with horseback rides amidst majestic mountains and serene Lake Tolbo. An unforgettable blend of adventure and tranquility awaits.

  • This day will show you a truly unique and untouched part of Western Mongolia as you are heading down from the higher altitude region into the steppes.

  • After departing from the majestic Otgontenger, your journey continues towards Altai Town, a welcoming destination where you can take a restful break. Here, you will stay in a local hotel, offering a comfortable and serene environment to unwind and rejuvenate. The hotel in Altai Town provides a perfect blend of modern amenities and traditional hospitality, ensuring a pleasant and relaxing stay. This interlude allows you to recharge, both physically and mentally, before embarking on the next leg of your adventure.

  • Embark on a camping trip to Bayankhongor Province and discover the striking Buun Tsagaan Lake, a unique saltwater lake known for its distinct white appearance from a distance, which inspired its name meaning "Whole Bunch of White." This camping destination is a haven for bird enthusiasts, boasting a remarkable array of bird species. With 96 different birds migrating over Buun Tsagaan Lake, it offers an exceptional opportunity for bird watching. Among the most notable species are the Dalmatian Pelican, Swan Goose, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, Relict Gull, the Houbara Bustard, and the Asian Dowitcher. These diverse birds, each with their unique characteristics and behaviours, make the lake a vibrant and dynamic spot for nature lovers and photographers alike. As you set up your camp near this serene lake, you'll be immersed in an environment that is not only visually stunning but also rich in wildlife, offering a memorable experience in the heart of Mongolia’s natural beauty.

  • Unwind at the Khujirt Hotel and Spa, a tranquil retreat offering a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Indulge in the hotel's array of spa treatments, designed to rejuvenate your body and mind after a day of exploration. The spa's use of traditional Mongolian techniques and natural, locally-sourced ingredients ensures an authentic and holistic experience. Alongside the soothing spa services, the hotel also offers an exciting horseback riding activity. Embrace the opportunity to connect with Mongolia's equestrian heritage as you ride through the stunning surrounding countryside, guided by experienced locals. Whether you're seeking relaxation at the spa or adventure on horseback, the Khujirt Hotel and Spa promises a memorable and enriching stay.

  • Experience the unique blend of desert and lush landscapes at Elsen Tasarkhai, known as the Mini Gobi, in Mongolia. This serene destination is perfect for camping, offering a peaceful environment to unwind under the starlit sky. Witness the stunning transformation of the sand dunes into a shimmering golden hue at sunset, enhancing your outdoor adventure.

    A highlight of your visit is the camel trek across these dunes. Embrace the rhythm of traditional Mongolian nomadic life as you ride, immersing yourself in the natural beauty and discovering the rich cultural heritage of Mongolia's nomads.

  • Driving back on this last day of your road trip you will pass again the Mini Gobi Sand Dunes Elsen Tasarkhai, which would be a nice last picnic spot before driving to Lun and then downtown Ulaanbaatar to return your rental car in the evening.

  • Today you depart after a fantastic adventure in Mongolia. Depending when your flight time, you can spend some time exploring Ulaanbaatar.

    Relax in a local pool or head up the Zaisan monument or one of the rooftop bars like on the Shangri-La or Bluesky for a last view over the city. If you haven’t visited yet, you could also head to the Choijin Lama Temple before driving off to the airport.

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