14-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Mongolia
Mongolia is one of the last frontiers for the truly adventurous budget traveler. While many tourists opt for expensive private jeep tours, it is entirely possible to navigate the land of the eternal blue sky using the nation’s affordable rail network and local intercity buses. This itinerary focuses on the central and northern regions, where public infrastructure allows for an ultra-lean daily spend without sacrificing the epic scale of the experience.
By staying in local guesthouses, eating at 'Guanz' (small canteens), and utilizing public transport, you can keep your costs remarkably low. This journey takes you from the bustling capital of Ulaanbaatar to the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire and into the heart of the rugged northern mountains, all while living the authentic nomadic-adjacent lifestyle.
Day 1: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia - Arrival and City Orientation
Arrival at Chinggis Khaan International Airport
Take the airport shuttle bus to the city center, which is the most cost-effective way to reach the capital.
Sukhbaatar Square
Visit the massive central square featuring the statue of Damdin Sukhbaatar and the Great Khan's monument for free.
National Museum of Mongolia
Learn about the Mongol Empire and nomadic culture with a very affordable entry fee.
Dinner at a local Guanz
Eat like a local with a plate of Khuushuur (fried meat pastries) for less than $2.
Day 2: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia - Spiritual and Local Life
Gandan Tegchenling Monastery
Explore the main center of Mongolian Buddhism and witness the morning chanting ceremonies.
Narantuul Market (The Black Market)
Wander through this massive open-air market where you can find everything from horse saddles to traditional Deel clothing.
Zaisan Memorial
Hike up the steps to this hilltop memorial for the best free panoramic view of the entire city.
Ulaanbaatar Hostel Life
Check into a highly-rated hostel like Sunpath or Danista to meet fellow budget travelers.
Day 3: Ulaanbaatar to Gorkhi-Terelj, Mongolia - Into the Wild
Nalaikh Public Bus
Board the local public bus (Line 5) from the Peace Avenue stop for a fraction of the price of a taxi.
Turtle Rock (Melkhii Khad)
Hike to this iconic rock formation in Terelj National Park, a completely free natural attraction.
Ariyabal Meditation Temple
A short trek uphill leads to this peaceful temple with stunning views of the valley.
Riverside Camping
Pitch a tent by the Tuul River for free, or find a budget ger camp shared with other travelers.
Day 4: Gorkhi-Terelj, Mongolia - Steppe Trekking
Self-Guided Valley Hike
Trek through the pine forests and rocky outcrops of the Terelj Valley at no cost.
Visit a Local Nomadic Family
Many families welcome visitors; bring a small gift like tea or candles to exchange for hospitality and fermented mare's milk (Airag).
Horse Riding Session
Negotiate a local rate for a 1-hour ride directly with a herder for the most authentic experience.
Stargazing
Enjoy some of the clearest night skies in the world from your campsite.
Day 5: Gorkhi-Terelj to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia - Returning to Base
Final Terelj Sunrise
Enjoy a final morning in the national park before heading back to the main road.
Return Bus to UB
Catch the midday bus back to the capital, making sure to stock up on snacks at a local grocery store.
State Department Store
Visit the top floor for affordable souvenirs or the supermarket in the basement for cheap supplies.
Public Park Relaxation
Spend the evening in the National Amusement Park grounds (entry is free to walk around).
Day 6: Ulaanbaatar to Erdenet, Mongolia - The Trans-Mongolian Branch
Bogd Khaan Winter Palace
Explore the museum of the last king of Mongolia, located in the southern part of the city.
Train Station Preparation
Head to Ulaanbaatar Railway Station to buy your hard-sleeper ticket to Erdenet.
Dinner near the Station
Grab a large bowl of Tsuivan (fried noodles) for a hearty, budget-friendly meal.
Overnight Train to Erdenet
Board the comfortable and extremely cheap domestic train heading north.
Day 7: Erdenet, Mongolia - The Copper City
Arrival in Erdenet
Arrive in Mongolia's third-largest city, famous for one of the world's largest copper mines.
Erdenet Mining Viewpoint
Visit the outskirts for a distant view of the massive open-pit mine (tours require permits, but the scale is visible from afar).
Erdenet Carpet Factory Shop
See where the famous Mongolian carpets are made and browse the factory outlet for deals.
Local Square Walk
Mingle with locals in the tidy city center and enjoy the slower pace of life.
Day 8: Erdenet to Bulgan, Mongolia - Northern Highlands
Regional Bus to Bulgan
Take a local microbus (purgon or van) from the Erdenet bus stand to Bulgan city.
Uran Togoo-Tulga Uul Natural Monument
Hike to the top of this extinct volcano crater for spectacular 360-degree views of the steppe.
Bulgan Local Museum
A small, affordable museum highlighting the regional history and famous Mongolian cosmonauts.
Guesthouse Stay
Find a local family-run guesthouse for a cheap bed and a home-cooked meal.
Day 9: Bulgan to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia - Heading South
Long-Distance Bus Departure
Board the morning bus from Bulgan back toward the capital.
Arrival at Dragon Terminal
Return to Ulaanbaatar's main western bus terminal and transfer to your hostel.
Choijin Lama Temple Museum
Visit this hidden gem in the city center, which survived the religious purges of the 1930s.
Laundry and Rest
Use the hostel facilities to prepare for the long journey to the ancient capital tomorrow.
Day 10: Ulaanbaatar to Kharkhorin, Mongolia - The Ancient Capital
Bus to Kharkhorin
Catch the scheduled large bus from Dragon Terminal for a 7-hour journey west.
Arrival in Kharkhorin
Walk from the bus stop to a nearby budget ger camp or hostel.
King's Monument
Walk to the monument on the hill overlooking the Orkhon River for a sunset view.
Traditional Buuz Dinner
Enjoy steamed dumplings at a local roadside eatery for under $3.
Day 11: Kharkhorin, Mongolia - Empire Heritage
Erdene Zuu Monastery
Explore the oldest surviving Buddhist monastery in Mongolia, built from the ruins of Karakorum.
Kharakhorum Museum
Visit this modern, excellent museum to see artifacts from Genghis Khan’s capital city.
The Phallic Rock
A short walk outside town leads to this unique historic fertility monument.
Orkhon River Walk
Stroll along the banks of the river that has sustained nomadic civilizations for millennia.
Day 12: Kharkhorin Surroundings, Mongolia - Rural Exploration
Hike to Shankh Monastery
Take a long day hike or hitch a ride to this smaller, more remote monastery for a quiet experience.
Picnic on the Steppe
Eat locally bought bread and cheese while enjoying the vast open landscape.
Kharkhorin Local Market
Check out the local trade hub where herders bring their goods from the surrounding countryside.
Nomadic Cooking Class
Ask your hostel host for a quick lesson in making 'Bansh' (mini dumplings).
Day 13: Kharkhorin to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia - The Long Haul
Morning Bus to UB
Board the return bus for the 360km journey back to the capital city.
Arrival and Last Check-in
Head to your final hostel stay and drop off your bags.
Gandantegchinlen Monastery
Revisit the temple for the evening rituals, which offer a different atmosphere than the morning.
Farewell Dinner
Celebrate your journey with a slightly nicer meal at 'The Bull' Hot Pot for a mid-range price.
Day 14: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia - Departure
Intellectual Museum
Visit the International Intellectual Museum (Puzzle Museum) for a unique and cheap morning activity.
Final Souvenir Shopping
Grab some high-quality Mongolian sea buckthorn juice or local wool socks.
Airport Shuttle Bus
Board the shuttle from the city center to head back to Chinggis Khaan International Airport.
Flight Departure
Check in for your flight home, ending your 14-day Mongolian epic.
Best Time to Visit Mongolia
The best time to visit Mongolia is during the summer months from June to late August. This is when the weather is most hospitable, the steppe is green, and the famous Naadam Festival takes place (July 11-13). Shoulder seasons in May and September are possible but expect freezing temperatures at night. Winter is brutally cold, often dropping below -30°C, and is not recommended for budget backpacking as many services close.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Mongolian Tögrög (MNT). While credit cards are widely accepted in Ulaanbaatar's supermarkets and hotels, cash is absolutely essential once you leave the capital. ATMs are common in UB, Erdenet, and Kharkhorin, but rarely found in smaller villages. Tipping is not a traditional part of Mongolian culture, though rounding up the bill at cafes is appreciated.
Getting Around Mongolia
Getting around on a budget requires patience. The Trans-Mongolian Railway connects Ulaanbaatar with northern cities like Erdenet and Darkhan and is the cheapest comfortable option. For other regions, large intercity buses depart from the Dragon Terminal (West) and Bayanzurkh Terminal (East). For shorter distances, look for shared 'purgons' (Russian vans) or sedans at local markets—they leave when full and only when every seat is filled.
