Unleash your adventure spirit, explore Mongolia on your own terms
Mongolia Self-Drive Tour
Mongolia self-drive adventure:
- Tour duration: 14 Days
- Total drive: 2500 km / 1550 miles
- Tour Price: 7300 USD
- Destinations: Gobi desert, Central Mongolia, Western Mongolia
- Tour type: Off-road adventure
- Group size: Max 8people
- Difficulty: 7/10
Top highlights:
- Tsagaan Suvaraga: White Stupa
- Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park: Yoliin Am / Eagle Canyon
- Khongor Els: The massif sand
- Bayanzag: Flaming Cliffs
- 6 Provinces: Dund-Gobi, Umnu-Gobi, Bayankhongor, Gobi-Altai, Khovd, Olgii
- Altai Tavan Bogd National Park: Panoramic view
- Khoton & Khurgan Lakes: Twin lakes
- Visit Eagle Hunter’s Family: Experience their way of living.
- More and more hidden highlights that our country is so rich in:
See Our TripAdvisor Review
Overview of the Trip
If you’re looking for the craziest off-road adventure in the middle of nowhere, you’ve come to the right place. Mongolia is on the list of must-visit places if you are an off-road fanatic. We offer you the best auto expedition in which you can enjoy the vast expanses of Mongolia.
On this tour, you will cover more than 2500 km through difficulties such as sand, rocks, mud, ascent, descent, and river crossing. And, frankly, it is not so easy and requires only experienced drivers who are physically and mentally ready.
Also, be prepared for any weather conditions, from strong dusty winds to snowy mountain trails. This may be a reminder of the Mad Max movie or Dakar Rally. In almost two weeks we will cross the whole country and visit the most beautiful sights.
You can choose your favorite jeep from our list of vehicles that are time-tested off-road monsters like TLC – 76, 79, 80, 100, 105. Nissan Patrol Y61, TLC Prado 95, 120. Also you can choose the type of car transmission
In each car, there will be two participants who can change places and make a company. In total there will be 8 participants and 4 cars plus two escort cars with a guide and a mechanic.
Each car is equipped with all the necessary equipment and will be ready for any problems during the trip. And if the car breaks down seriously, we will drive to the nearest villages and fix the car. Therefore, during the trip, we have a couple of extra days for such situation.
In addition, each vehicle will have a radio (walkie-talkie), which must always be turned on for safety. Every day we will drive about 5-8 hours from one attraction to another.
Tour Itinerary
Fourteen days self-driving across Mongolia — from the Gobi’s singing dunes and canyons to the Altai Tavan Bogd lakes and the Kazakh eagle hunters.
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DAY1
Day 1Day 1: Welcome to Mongolia.
Welcome to Mongolia! The most sparsely populated country in the world and the descendants of Genghis Khan. Our team will pick you up upon arrival in the capital Ulaanbaatar and transfer you to your hotel. And of course, each participant will arrive in Mongolia differently and we ask you to arrive on time or a couple of days earlier. Today, all participants will meet at the planned location and stay at the same hotel. Take your time and welcome dinner at the restaurant.
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DAY2Day 2
Day 2: Tsagaan Suvaraga / White Stupa.
Today is our first day of driving and it’s a warm-up day. The main trail is a paved road to southern Mongolia and let’s get start our first chapter “Gobi Desert”.
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DAY3Day 3
Day 3: Yoliin Am / Eagle Canyon
The canyon is famous for its great views and hiking trail, part of which is very narrow and does not let in sunlight, and even in summer, there can be giant unmelted ice. Park your car in the parking lot and stretch your legs on a short walk.
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DAY4
Day 4Day 4: Khongoriin Els / Singing Dunes
This is one of the most beautiful places in the Gobi. Here you can enjoy the sandy massif and enjoy the breathtaking sunset. As additional activities, you can try camel riding and visit a nomad family.
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DAY5
Day 5Day 5 : Shinejinst
Today we will go to the village of Shinejinst. This is halfway to Mount Ezh Khairkhan. Enjoy the desert trip.
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DAY6Day 6
Day 6: Arrive in Ezh Khairkhan Mountain the hidden gem of Gobi.
This is a very remote attraction and not many travelers visit this place due to the fact that it is too far away and not a classic tour. But this is not about us, we discover all the hidden gems of Mongolia, and we will visit this place and enjoy all its beauty.
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DAY7Day 7
Day 7: Gobi-Altai province.
Today we go to the center of the province and stay at a local hotel. This is halfway through and we will check all the details of the car one more time to make sure it is ready for the second part. Take your time and enjoy the village sights.
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DAY8Day 8
Day 8: Arrive in Olgii.
Let’s start our chapter number 2 and go to western Mongolia. The main trails are paved and it’s a more relaxing and chilling ride.
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DAY9Day 9
Day 9: Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
Altai Tavan Bogd is one of the must-see places in Mongolia and a fantastic place for off-road lovers. First, we will get to the National Park Rangers station, and then we will go uphill along the worst road in our journey. Once you’re at the top, enjoy panoramic views of the Altai Mountains, which includes the highest peak and a giant glacier.
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DAY10
Day 10Day 10: Khoto & Khurgan Lakes
Today we will head to the southern part of the national park and set up camp at the magnificent mountain lake Khoton.
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DAY11Day 11
Day 11: Visit Nomadic eagle hunter’s family.
Western Mongolia is famous not only for the Altai Mountains but also for its traditions and ancient cultures. One of them is the traditional art of hunting with a specially trained golden eagle. Today you have the opportunity to visit a nomadic family and get to know their traditions.
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DAY12-13Day 12-13
Day 12-Day 13: Leisure days
We need a few extra days in case of unplanned problems and conditions. This is a mandatory extra day that we can use as a rest day to do other activities, such as traveling to new places or car repairs in the province center. This is a long expedition, and we must be ready for any problems in order to secure ourselves, we need these two leisure days. The trip is completely flexible and we can change dates and activities depending on the situation. But we will not miss a single event and destination and will stick to the main plan.
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DAY14
Day 14Day 14: Fly back to Ulaanbaatar.
End of the trip!
Today you will catch a domestic flight to Ulaanbaatar. On the other side our guides will pick you up and drop you off to hotel. End of the service! Thank you for coming!
Reserve your spot
14-day Mongolia self-drive tour · small group
Everything You Need To Know
Tour information
Tour Price includes
Tour price excludes
Please Come & Enjoy the Best-planned Mongolia Off-Road Adventure
Tour Price & Scheduled dates:
Tour Price
7300 USD per person
Payment: We ask you to deposit 1000 USD. And the rest of the payment you can pay two months before the tour start date.
Scheduled dates:
4th August -2026
15th June – 2026
19th July – 206
5th August – 2026
Cancellation Policy:
· Cancellation more than two months fee would be 400 USD
· Cancellation more than 45 days fee would be 500 USD
· Cancellation less than a month before departure will 600 USD
· And rest of the payments will be return back.
How to BOOK?
- Please agreed with our tour itinerary and terms
- Send us copy of your passport
- Deposit 1000 USD
Good to know:
Mongolian tourism is mainly concentrated during the three months of summer. And we highly recommend that you book your trip as soon as possible!
So, Ladies and Gentlemen! The Discover Altai team is looking forward to meeting you and providing unforgettable expeditions to this remote corner of the world!
If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us!
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FAQ
Can you self-drive in Mongolia?
some cases an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended. Self-driving is one of the most exciting ways to explore Mongolia because it allows you to visit remote landscapes, nomadic families, national parks, and hidden destinations at your own pace.
Is it safe to drive in Mongolia?
Driving in Mongolia can be challenging, especially outside the capital. While main highways are improving, many rural roads remain unpaved. Travelers should be prepared for rough terrain, long distances, and limited road signs. In Ulaanbaatar, traffic congestion is common, so driving requires patience and caution.
Is Mongolia safe for tourists?
Mongolia is generally considered a safe destination for travelers. However, like in many countries, petty crimes such as pickpocketing or bag-snatching can occur, especially in crowded places like markets or public transportation. Visitors should stay aware of their surroundings, particularly in busy areas of Ulaanbaatar.
Can foreigners drive in Mongolia?
Yes, foreigners are allowed to drive in Mongolia. Travelers from countries that follow the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic can usually drive using their national driving license together with their passport. However, many travelers still carry an International Driving Permit to avoid complications.
Is it okay to wear shorts in Mongolia?
Yes, wearing shorts is generally acceptable in Mongolia, especially during the summer months. However, travelers should remember that temperatures can change quickly, and rural areas may be cooler. When visiting monasteries or traditional homes (gers), it is respectful to dress modestly.
What is the most common crime in Mongolia?
The most common crime affecting visitors is petty theft, including pickpocketing and bag-snatching. These incidents typically occur in crowded locations such as markets, train stations, and tourist areas. Violent crime against tourists is relatively rare.
Can you drink tap water in Ulaanbaatar?
It is generally recommended not to drink tap water in Ulaanbaatar due to the condition of older water pipelines. Most hotels and tour operators provide bottled or purified drinking water for visitors.
Why is there a forbidden zone in Mongolia?
The Ikh Khorig (Great Taboo) is a restricted area in the Khentii Mountains of Mongolia. It is believed by many historians to be the possible burial site of Genghis Khan and other Mongol rulers. Because of its historical and cultural significance, access to this area has been restricted for centuries.
What should you avoid doing in Mongolia?
When visiting Mongolia, it is important to respect local customs and traditions. For example:
Do not lean against the central columns inside a ger (yurt).
Do not throw water or trash into a fire, as fire is considered sacred.
Avoid walking directly in front of elderly people as a sign of respect.
Do you need vaccinations before traveling to Mongolia?
Health organizations such as the WHO and travel health authorities recommend certain vaccinations for travelers to Mongolia. These may include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, tetanus, and tick-borne encephalitis, depending on your travel plans.
Can you use US dollars in Mongolia?
While the official currency is the Mongolian Tögrög (MNT), US dollars may be accepted in some hotels, tour companies, and major retailers, especially in Ulaanbaatar. However, it is still advisable to carry local currency when traveling across the country.
Are there unusual customs or etiquette rules in Mongolia?
Mongolian culture includes several traditional etiquette practices. For example:
Do not point at people or sacred objects with a single finger; use your whole hand instead.
Do not pollute rivers, lakes, or streams, as water is considered sacred in Mongolian culture.