A 16-Day Luxury Journey Through Mongolia: Where Comfort Meets Nature
I’ve always believed where you stay while traveling should be as comfortable and cozy as home—maybe even more. After all, rest is essential for a healthy life, and every journey deserves a good night’s sleep. That’s why, whenever I travel, I make it a point to stay in places that feel like a little slice of heaven. This time, my destination was Mongolia—a country known for its vast, untouched nature and nomadic lifestyle.
If you’ve ever Googled Mongolia, chances are you’ve seen pictures of yurts against endless steppes or camel caravans in the desert. I thought that was all it had to offer, too. But what I discovered blew me away: hidden gems of resorts rivaling some of the world's best, like the Four Seasons in Bali or Amangiri in Utah.
Mongolia’s tourism is growing, and I can see its potential to have even more incredible retreats. For this 16-day adventure, I explored the country on my terms—self-driving across its beautiful landscapes. Renting a car from Avis, I charted a path through Mongolia’s rugged roads, vibrant culture, and breathtaking scenery with one promise to myself: every night would end in comfort. If you love the thrill of exploration but also treasure a bit of luxury after the day’s adventures, let me take you through my journey.
Day 1: Shangri-La Hotel, Ulaanbaatar
Province: Ulaanbaatar
Route: Start your journey here.
My journey began at the Shangri-La Hotel, where the vibrant heart of Ulaanbaatar met the calm luxury of a five-star stay. As I checked in, a staff member noticed my curiosity about the city and handed me a brochure recommending local hidden gems. One of those suggestions led me to a tiny, family-run dumpling shop near the State Department Store. The dumplings were unlike anything I’d ever tasted, and the owner, a grandmotherly figure, insisted on teaching me how to say "Thank you" in Mongolian: “Bayarlalaa.”
Driving back to the hotel later that evening, I hit my first bump—literally. A pothole I hadn’t seen gave me a jolt and an immediate lesson in Mongolia’s rugged roads. Despite the hiccup, the city felt alive, and the hotel was my anchor in its bustling energy.
Day 2: Terelj Hotel and Spa
Province: Töv Province
Route: Approx. 1.5–2 hours from Shangri-La Hotel.
The drive to Terelj Hotel and Spa took me through winding roads and into Terelj National Park, a place that felt like nature’s masterpiece. The hotel's grand chandeliers and spa treatments complemented the dramatic cliffs and serene rivers nearby.
After visiting the towering Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue, I stopped at a roadside stall selling Airag—a traditional fermented mare’s milk. The vendor chuckled as I winced at the sourness but encouraged me to try again, saying, “You must drink like a nomad.” Later, I sank into the spa’s hot tub, the day’s adventures melting.
Day 3: HS Khaan Resort Hotel
Province: Töv Province
Route: Approx. 1–1.5 hours from Terelj Hotel.
Just an hour outside the city, HS Khaan Resort brought me face-to-face with the steppe. My private Ger was anything but ordinary—elegantly designed with wood-paneled walls, plush bedding, and a large glass window offering unobstructed views of the endless grasslands.
That evening, a sudden rainstorm swept across the horizon, drenching the land and filling the air with the earthy scent of fresh rain. As I sat by the fire pit later, a fellow traveler from South Korea shared stories of his cross-country biking trip through Mongolia. Together, we marveled at the clarity of the stars. Here, luxury wasn’t about excess; it was about thoughtful details that connected me to Mongolia’s raw beauty without sacrificing comfort.
Days 4: Yeruu Lodge
Province: Selenge Province
Route: Approx. 4–5 hours from HS Khaan Resort.
Leaving HS Khaan Resort, the road to Yeruu Lodge unfolded with rolling hills and a crisp, clear sky. Along the way, I spotted wild horses grazing near a small river—a scene so idyllic that I stopped, sat on a rock, and let the moment sink in.
Yeruu Lodge itself felt like stepping into a hidden retreat. Its wooden cabins were simple yet thoughtfully designed, with warm interiors that echoed the surrounding forest. On my first evening, the lodge staff invited me to join them in a traditional Khorkhog feast. Watching them prepare the meal—cooking lamb with hot stones inside a sealed container—was as much an experience as tasting it.
Day 5-6: Seven Nuga Resort
Province: Bayan-Ölgii Province
Route: Approx. 3–4 hours from Yeruu Lodge.
After the long drive, arriving at Seven Nuga felt like a breath of fresh air—literally and figuratively. The resort is tucked away in the mountains, where the air carries a crispness that makes every breath rejuvenating. That evening, the resort organized an open-air yoga session in a pavilion overlooking the serene peaks. I joined a small group of guests, and as we moved through the poses, the soft chants of the instructor blended harmoniously with the rustle of the wind and distant bird calls.
Later, a sudden chill swept through the valley, signaling an approaching storm. I hurried inside, where the minimalist interiors—crafted from natural wood and stone—offered warmth and comfort. Dinner that night was a delightful surprise: fresh, locally sourced dishes served in a way that made the meal feel as nourishing for the soul as it was for the body. The storm passed quickly, leaving a clear, star-studded sky that felt like an invitation to dream.
Day 7-8: Agartha Resort
Province: Dornogovi Province
Route: Approx. 5–6 hours from Seven Nuga Resort.
After the long drive, Agartha Resort felt like an oasis of calm. The sun was low, casting a golden glow over its stone and wood design, blending seamlessly with the landscape.
I stayed for two days, letting the stillness sink in. The meditation garden became my favorite spot, where I wandered barefoot on soft grass, soaking in the gentle rustle of the wind and the hum of nature. A workshop on creating offerings for the land gave me a deeper appreciation for Mongolia’s connection to nature—simple acts, yet they felt profound.
Meals were fresh and comforting, each bite paired with the peace of the surroundings. By evening, the sky turned into a canvas of deep purples and oranges, fading into a star-studded night. Sitting under the open sky, I let the vastness of it all remind me to slow down and just be. Agartha wasn’t just a stop—it was a reset.
Day 9: Ugii Khishig Resort
Province: Arkhangai Province
Route: Approx. 4–5 hours from Agartha Resort.
The drive to Ugii Khishig Resort was peaceful, with rolling hills leading to the shimmering shores of Ugii Lake. Upon arrival, I was welcomed with warm smiles, Boortsog, and a cup of milk tea.
My Ger, perched by the lake, was cozy and elegant, its large windows offering an uninterrupted view of the water. I spent the afternoon kayaking across the calm lake, where a passing fisherman greeted me with a smile, his presence a quiet reminder of the simple life connected to this beautiful place.
Later, a stroll along the lakeshore introduced me to the area’s rich wildlife, guided by a local who shared tales of the migratory birds and the lake’s significance to the community. Dinner was a hearty meal of freshly caught fish paired with Tsuivan, a traditional noodle dish, served in the resort’s warm dining hall.
As night fell, I sat outside my Ger, wrapped in a blanket, watching the stars reflect on the still waters. The quiet was soothing, filled with the whispers of the lake and its surroundings. Ugii Khishig Resort offered more than rest—it was a reminder of the peaceful beauty in life’s simplest moments.
Day 6: Duut Resort
Province: Arkhangai Province
Route: Approx. 2–3 hours from Ugii Lake.
On my way to Duut Resort, I felt an unsettling mix of frustration and nervousness when my GPS signal dropped. The landscape around me was so vast and quiet that it was both beautiful and isolating. Stumbling upon a roadside ger felt like fate—the warm milk tea they offered wasn’t just a drink; it was comfort in a moment of uncertainty.
Duut Resort was a sanctuary of eco-luxury. Surrounded by rolling hills and untouched forests, its solar-powered lodges felt like a part of the landscape rather than apart from it.
Off the way to the city, the sudden hailstorm came out of nowhere, turning the dirt roads into slippery paths and the landscape into a glittering white canvas. I considered stopping entirely for a moment, unsure if it would pass. When it finally cleared, the silence that followed felt almost sacred, as if the land had taken a deep breath.
Day 11:Ikh Khorum Hotel
Province: Övörkhangai Province
Route: Approx. 1.5 hours from Duut Resort.
Arriving at Ikh Khorum Hotel in the heart of Kharkhorin, I was welcomed into a modern oasis that contrasted beautifully with the ancient history surrounding Mongolia’s former capital. The hotel’s sleek, contemporary design offered a refreshing comfort after days on the road, and my spacious room felt like a retreat in itself—soft bedding, warm lighting, and a calming view of the town.
My morning began with a visit to Erdene Zuu Monastery, one of Mongolia’s most iconic spiritual sites. Walking among the centuries-old stupas and temple ruins, I felt the weight of history and the peace lingering in this sacred space. Local monks crept in their crimson robes, chants echoing softly in the breeze.
Back at the hotel, I indulged in its modern amenities, unwinding in its indoor swimming pool—a welcome surprise after days spent traversing rugged landscapes. The panoramic view from the pool’s glass windows provided a perfect backdrop, blending Mongolia’s vast steppe with touches of modern luxury.
As the evening settled, I enjoyed a quiet dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, savoring traditional dishes with a contemporary twist. Watching the golden glow of the sunset fade behind the hills of Kharkhorin, I felt a sense of calm—a balance of past and present, history and comfort. Ikh Khorum Hotel offered more than rest; it provided a thoughtful pause in my journey through Mongolia’s rich landscapes and culture.
Day 12: Genghis Khan Retreat
Province: Orkhon
Route: Approx. 2 hours from Karakorum Ikh Khorum Camp
Driving toward the Orkhon Valley, the landscape shifted dramatically from forests to vast, open plains. At one point, I realized I hadn’t seen another car for nearly an hour—an exhilarating and humbling solitude.
The Orkhon Valley unfolded like a history book, and staying at Genghis Khan Retreat felt like living a page of it. A local herder invited me to watch him milk his yaks at sunrise. He spoke of life in the valley, calling it the "heart of the nomads."
While driving through the plains, I spotted a nomadic family setting up their yurt. I pulled over, and to my surprise, they invited me to watch. Watching them set up their yurt with practiced ease was like watching an intricate dance. They moved with such precision and rhythm that it was mesmerizing. At first, I hesitated, unsure if I was intruding, but their warm smiles quickly made me feel welcome. It was a moment that reminded me of the strength of human connection, even across cultures.
Day 13:A Night Under Mongolia’s Stars
Province: Dundgovi Province
Route: 4–5 hours from Genghis Khan Retreat.
After days of staying in camps and resorts, I embraced Mongolia’s raw beauty by pitching my tent in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by nothing but the vast, untouched steppe. The tranquility was immediate, with only the gentle whispers of the wind and the occasional call of distant wildlife to break the silence.
Setting up my tent, I felt a sense of freedom that only Mongolia’s vast landscapes can offer. As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple, the steppe transformed into an otherworldly expanse.
The night sky unfolded brilliance—a canvas of countless stars stretching infinitely. Lying on a blanket, I watched shooting stars streak across the heavens while sipping on tea I’d prepared earlier. Without distractions, the universe seemed closer, the stars brighter, and the moment more profound.
This night in nature, under the vast Mongolian sky, was a humbling reminder of how vast and connected the world truly is—a memory of pure, unfiltered freedom that would stay with me forever.
Day 14: Three Camel Lodge, Gobi Desert
Province: Omnogovi Province
Route: Approx. 6–7 hours from Ongii Monastery.
The drive to the Gobi Desert was long but mesmerizing. The golden sands stretched endlessly, their textures shifting with the play of sunlight. As I approached Three Camel Lodge, a light breeze carried the scent of the desert—a mix of dry earth and wild sage.
The lodge was unlike anything I’d imagined. Each Ger was crafted with traditional Mongolian techniques but featured modern comforts that made it a haven. That afternoon, I joined a small group for a trek to the Flaming Cliffs, their fiery hues glowing vividly against the desert backdrop. A local guide explained how these cliffs had revealed dinosaur fossils to the world, adding a layer of wonder to their breathtaking beauty.
Later that evening, I lay on my Ger's terrace, wrapped in a soft blanket. The stillness of the desert night, broken only by the distant call of an owl, made stargazing feel almost spiritual. It was one of those rare moments where time seemed to stand still, letting the beauty of the present sink in deeply.
Day 15: Gobi Caravanserai
Province: Omnogovi Province
Route: Approx. 1–2 hours from Three Camel Lodge
After the serenity of Three Camel Lodge, the Gobi Caravanserai brought a touch of history and grandeur to my journey. Its design evoked the days of the Silk Road, with lantern-lit courtyards and interiors that blended tradition with luxury. As I walked through its gates, I could almost hear the echoes of travelers from centuries past.
That evening, the resort hosted a traditional performance under the stars. The hauntingly beautiful sound of the Morin Khuur filled the night as dancers in traditional attire moved gracefully around the courtyard. Sitting by the glow of firelight, I felt transported to another era, where stories were shared under the same starry skies.
Final Day: Blue Sky Hotel, Ulaanbaatar
When I reached Blue Sky Hotel, I felt a quiet transformation within me. The solitude of the plains, the kindness of strangers, and the overwhelming beauty of Mongolia had carved out a space in my heart. As I sat by the window, watching the city lights flicker, I felt a bittersweet longing to stay a little longer, knowing that part of me already belonged to this land.
From my room, I watched Chinggis Khan Square transform from the quiet bustle of morning to the vibrant hum of evening lights. Over dinner at their rooftop restaurant, I toasted to Mongolia—a country that had challenged, surprised, and embraced me.
Mongolia is a land of contrasts—a place where ancient traditions coexist with modern comforts and where its people's intimate warmth balances nature's vastness. Over 16 days, I traversed rugged landscapes, stayed in luxurious retreats, and connected with locals who reminded me that travel is as much about people as it is about places.
Each resort became more than a stop on my itinerary; it became a chapter in my story. And though my trip ended, a part of me stayed behind—among the stars, the steppes, and the stories waiting to be told.
Author: Marla