Book Cheap Flights to Mongolia from USA

Nestled between China and Russia, Mongolia is best known for its vast expanses, nomadic culture, and affable history. Genghis Khan, founder of the 13th century Mongol empire, is globally renowned as well as extremely revered, domestically. Mongolia offers an array of natural features and boasts untouched landscapes. Southern Mongolia is marked by the Gobi Desert, which includes the iconic Flaming Cliffs and Yolyn Am. Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, in Western Mongolia, is home to open-air petroglyphs and lofty mountains. Top natural attractions in Mongolia are Orkhon Valley (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Khovsgol Nuur (country’s deepest lake), Baga Gazriin Chuluu, Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, Gun Galuut Natural Reserve, Gurvan Tsenkher Cave, Khogno Khan Natural Reserve, and Ovoos-At-Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake. Mongolia is lined with ancient Buddhist temples, monasteries, and Shaman shrines. Major landmarks in Mongolia are Amarbayasgalant Monastery, Chinggis Square, Danzanravjaa Museum, Erdene Zuu Monastery, Gandantegchinlen Monastery, Khamriin Khiid Complex, Manzushir Monastery, Mother Tree, and Zaisan Memorial.

Ulaanbaatar

Capital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar is nestled in the Tuul River valley. The city is the political and cultural center of Mongolia. Formerly a nomadic Buddhist center, Ulaanbaatar became a permanent settlement in the 18th century. In the 20th century, Soviet control of the city led to a significant religious purge. Visitors will find here an array of Soviet-era buildings, monasteries, and towering skyscrapers. Genghis Khaan (Sukhbaatar) Square, is lined with statues of Mongolian leaders, is emblematic of the city of Ulaanbaatar. Major landmarks in Ulaanbaatar are Gandantegchinlen Monastery, Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan, Choijin Lama Temple, Zaisan Memorial, Government Palace, Dashchoilin Monastery, Central Cultural Palace, Botanical Garden, and Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral. Nature lovers can explore the nearby Bogd Khan Uul National Park and Gorkhi Terelj National Park. For panoramic views of the city and mountains, visitors must head to Zaisan Hill. Ulaanbaatar is lined with several state-of-the-art museums such as Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum, International Intellectual Museum, Mongolian National Modern Art Gallery, Ulaanbaatar City Museum, and Mongolian Theatre Museum. Especially noteworthy is the National Museum of Mongolia which traces the country’s heritage and displays historic and ethnographic artefacts.

Gobi Desert

The Gobi Desert is the fifth largest desert on the planet, and spreads across Southern Mongolia as well as China. It is among the most unusual desert landscapes. The Gobi Desert is a haven for nature lovers. The major highlight here are the fascinating singing dunes- Khongoryn Els. These sand dunes extend up to the foot of Altai Mountains range and span 965 square kilometres. The Gobi Desert is covered mostly by rocky outcrops and gravel plains.

Orkhon Valley

Situated in central Mongolia, southeast of Ulaanbaatar, the Orkhon Valley (Cultural Landscape) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The UNESCO site encompasses a vast area on both banks of the Orkhon River and includes several 6th century archaeological remains. The valley has long been considered a sacred homeland by steppe peoples who historically placed their capitals here. Uighur, Turkish, Sogdian, and Chinese inscriptions from the region, from the 8th and 9th centuries suggest that the area had become a flourishing centre of the cultures of all the people who lived here. Karakorum, a major stop along the Silk Route and capital of Mongol Emperors Genghis Khan and Ogodei Khan, is located in the valley. A hidden gem, Orkhon Valley’s many historical attractions add to the pristine natural surroundings. Major landmarks in Orkhon Valley are Ruins of Khar Balgas, Xanadu Palace, Erdene Zuu Monastery, Tuvkhun Hermitage, Mongol Palace, and Ulaan Tsutgalan waterfall.

Mongolia experiences extreme winters. The best time to take Mongolia flights is from June to August when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activity. For those who wish to avoid crowds and get economical flights, September and October are the ideal months to take cheap flights to Mongolia.