Ulaanbaatar is a city that surprises many visitors. It’s not just about soaring skyscrapers or traditional monasteries; it’s a place where past and present collide in fascinating ways. For travelers wanting a personalized and flexible experience, the Private Jeep City Tour with an English-speaking Driver offers a chance to see both main sights and lesser-known treasures at your own pace. Imagine comfortably exploring Gandantegchenling Monastery, the National History Museum, and the Bogd Khaan Palace Museum—all customized for your interests. Plus, with the city’s mix of Soviet-era architecture, modern development, and historic sites, a guided private tour helps piece it all together efficiently.
For those short on time but eager to get a broad snapshot of Mongolia’s capital, the Guided City Tour with Hotel Pickup is an excellent option. It promises a quick yet rundown, perfect for visitors who want to tick off the main sites like Sukhbaatar Square, Gandan Monastery, and the National Museum of Mongolia in one go. Ulaanbaatar’s diversity makes it ideal for different kinds of tours, from cultural deep-dives to scenic drives.
Quick Overview
The list below highlights the best city tours in Ulaanbaatar, covering everything from private jeep excursions to full-day cultural explorations. For those interested in history, the Brief History of Ulaanbaatar tour offers a deep dive into the city’s past. If you want a mix of city sights and nearby natural beauty, options like the Khustain National Park and City Tour showcase Mongolia’s wild horses and stunning landscapes. For ambitious travelers, extended tours like the 7-Day Central Mongolia Tour and Horse Trekking Adventures promise immersive experiences beyond the city. Each experience offers its own flavor and focus, so read on to find your perfect match.
1. Private Jeep City tour with English Speaking Driver
Prebook this Ulaanbaatar Private City Tour by Jeep for a relaxed, tailored experience of the city’s highlights. The tour lasts about 8 hours and is perfect for small groups up to four people. You’ll travel comfortably in a private vehicle, with bottled water supplied to keep you refreshed. The guide focuses solely on your group, making it easy to customize stops—so if Gandantegchenling Monastery or the Narantuul Market are your top priorities, you can spend extra time there. The itinerary includes visiting Ulaanbaatar’s largest temple, the National History Museum, the Bogd Khaan Palace Museum, and enjoying panoramic views from the Zaisan Memorial. The flexibility of this private tour makes it ideal for families or friends who want a personalized experience without the rush of larger groups.
Reviewers love this tour for its tailored approach, with one saying, “Byambaa was very attentive and made sure everything was well organized.” The value at $90 for a private group is excellent, especially considering the full-day experience.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a comfortable, customized way to see Ulaanbaatar’s main sights in a relaxed setting, perfect for small groups or families.
2. Ulaanbaatar: Guided City Tour with Hotel Pickup
For around $115 per person, this guided city tour provides a quick but thorough introduction to Ulaanbaatar. It’s particularly suited for travelers who want a structured overview and convenience, including hotel pickup. Highlights include Chinggis Khaan Square, the Bogd Khaan Palace Museum, Gandan Monastery, and the National Museum of Mongolia. The tour’s emphasis is on giving you insight into the city’s nomadic roots, Soviet influences, and modern developments. It’s a good choice if your time is limited but you still want to get a sense of what makes Ulaanbaatar unique.
Guests appreciate the professionalism, with one noting, “We covered most of the city’s famous attractions, and the car was nice and clean.” The full-day format ensures you see the essentials without feeling rushed.
Bottom Line: Ideal for first-timers or those short on time, this guided tour delivers a concise, professional overview of Ulaanbaatar’s highlights.
3. Brief History of Ulaanbaatar: Classic Cultural Gems of the City
This 12-hour private tour provides a deep dive into Mongolia’s capital’s past, with a focus on cultural and historical landmarks. The tour includes Gandantegchenling Monastery, where monks still perform prayers, and the Chinggis Khaan National Museum, home to artifacts from Mongolia’s legendary conqueror. Your guide will share stories about Mongolia’s spiritual revival post-communism and the city’s transformation over centuries. The Bogd Khaan Palace Museum offers insight into the last king’s residence, adding royal history to your day.
Rated highly, guests mention how the guide’s knowledge brought history alive, with one reviewer saying, “We covered most of the city’s famous attractions, and the car was nice and clean.” This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts or those wanting a rundown.
Bottom Line: For a full, immersive experience that combines cultural insights with sightseeing, this tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Ulaanbaatar’s heritage.
4. Private Khustain National Park and City Tour in Mongolia
At number 4, this 8-9 hour tour blends city sights with a nature escape. Starting with Gandan Monastery, the tour then heads to Khustai National Park, famous for its Przewalski wild horses—the last wild horse species in the world. You’ll spend about 6 hours in the park, where spotting these horses is a highlight. The tour includes a visit to the Moltsog Els, known for its beautiful sand dunes, adding a desert-like contrast to the lush park.
Rated highly for its combination of cultural and natural experiences, guests enjoy the chance to see Mongolia’s iconic wild horses in their native habitat. One reviewer called it “very exciting to look for the wild horses and find them,” praising the driver’s knowledge.
Bottom Line: Best suited for nature lovers and travelers interested in Mongolia’s unique wildlife, this tour offers a memorable mix of city culture and outdoor adventure.
5. 2 Days Kharkhorin ancient capital city and Khustai National Park
This two-day tour is for those eager to explore Mongolia’s historic capital and natural beauty. Day 1 takes you to Kharhorin, the former Mongol Empire’s capital, with visits to Erdene Zuu Monastery—a site dating back to 1586—and local museums. Day 2 features a trip to Khustai National Park to see the Przewalski horses, along with scenic landscapes and rural villages. It’s a well-rounded itinerary that balances history and nature in just two days.
Rated 5/5, travelers appreciate the detailed visits and the chance to see Mongolia’s rich cultural heritage. One reviewer mentioned, “It gave us a good insight into Mongolian history and wildlife in a short time.”
Bottom Line: This tour suits history buffs and nature lovers wanting a compact but enriching experience.
$426.70 per person
6. Mongolian Tour to Ancient Capital City of Mongol Empire
Spanning around 7 days, this in-depth journey takes you through Mongolia’s most iconic sites, including Karakorum—the ancient Mongol capital—and hot springs. The itinerary features Sukhbaatar Square, the Chinggis Khaan Museum, and Gandan Tegchenling Monastery, along with rural settlements and nomadic families. This tour is designed for travelers craving a comprehensive exploration of Mongolia, with a mix of cultural, historical, and natural experiences.
Rated 5/5, past travelers highlight how the schedule allows for a deep immersion. One reviewer said, “It created unforgettable memories exploring Mongolia’s diverse landscapes and history.”
Bottom Line: If you have a week and want an all-encompassing tour, this is a great choice to understand Mongolia’s past and present.
$990.00 per person
7. Ulaanbaatar City Tour
This 5-to-8-hour private tour is perfect for travelers who want a gentle overview of the city’s highlights. It includes Sukhbaatar Square, Bogd Khaan Palace, Gandan Monastery, and the National Museum of Mongolia. The tour is flexible, with hotel pickup included, making it ideal for those arriving or with limited time.
Rated 4.5/5, visitors note how the guide’s insights make the city’s landmarks more meaningful. One said, “We had a wonderful day learning about Mongolian culture and history.” It’s a straightforward, convenient way to see the essentials.
Bottom Line: For a relaxed, customizable experience that hits all the major attractions, this tour fits well into a busy schedule.
8. City tour all included, traditional music and dance concert
This full-day experience combines city sightseeing with a cultural performance. It covers Chinggis Khan Square, Gandan Monastery, and the National Museum, plus a traditional Mongolian lunch. An optional music and dance concert adds entertainment and cultural flavor. The tour provides hassle-free pickup and drop-off, making it suitable for travelers who want a comprehensive day with a cultural twist.
Rated 4.3/5, travelers enjoy the mix of sights and entertainment, with some noting the optional art performance as a highlight.
Bottom Line: Great for those who want a full day of sightseeing paired with authentic Mongolian cultural experiences.
9. 7-Days Central Mongolia Tour and Ancient city in Kharkhorin
This seven-day tour offers an immersive journey through Mongolia’s landscapes and history. It includes visits to Harhorin, with Karakorum and Erdene Zuu Monastery, as well as highlights like Terelj National Park and Przewalski horses in Hustai. You’ll explore Aryabal meditation temple, see Turtle Rock, and experience nomadic life firsthand.
Rated 4.5/5, previous travelers praise the variety and depth of the experience, especially the chance to explore Mongolia’s diverse scenery and cultural sites.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a deep, week-long adventure with a mix of history, nature, and culture.
10. 3 Days Three different natural zones and Ancient capital city
In just three days, this tour combines urban exploration with rural landscapes. Starting with Kharhorin, the former capital, the journey then takes you to Khugnu Khaan Natural Reserve, with its lush scenery and volcanic features. The final day involves a return to Ulaanbaatar with a stop at Khustai National Park. This itinerary offers a taste of Mongolia’s varied terrain and historical significance.
Rated 4.0/5, travelers appreciate the quick yet diverse overview of natural and historic sites. One reviewer noted, “It was a fantastic way to see Mongolia’s different environments in a short trip.”
Bottom Line: Perfect for those short on time but eager to see multiple landscapes and historical spots.
$569.69 per person
11. Private – Ulaanbaatar City Tour
For travelers who prefer privacy and flexibility, the Private Ulaanbaatar City Tour offers full control. It covers Sukhbaatar Square, Gandan Monastery, National Museum, and the Bogd Khaan Palace. The guide’s deep local knowledge makes for an engaging experience, and the tour includes lunch and hotel pickup for convenience.
Rated 3.5/5, some reviews mention variability in guide experience, but overall it’s an excellent option for those wanting a personalized day in the city. One reviewer highlighted that their guide was “very thorough and open about Mongolia’s situation.”
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting a custom experience tailored to their specific interests.
12. Mongolian Highlights: City & Nature Discovery
This short but immersive tour showcases Ulaanbaatar’s city sights alongside Terelj National Park’s stunning scenery. Highlights include the Chinggis Khaan Statue, horse riding in Terelj, and attending traditional music performances. It’s a balanced mix of culture and nature in a manageable timeframe.
Ideal for travelers who want a taste of everything without the longer commitments of extended tours. It offers a good introduction to Mongolia’s diverse landscapes and cultural arts.
Bottom Line: Designed for those seeking a compact experience blending city and outdoor adventures.
$1,200 per person
13. 7Days Horse Trekking to Mongolian Heartland from Kharkhorin
For the truly adventurous, this horse trekking tour takes you across Mongolia’s heartland. Over seven days, you’ll experience vast valleys, lush meadows, pine forests, and nomadic hospitality. Starting from Kharkhorin, you’ll ride through scenic landscapes, visiting ancient sites and experiencing everyday nomadic life.
Though it currently hasn’t accumulated reviews, this tour is perfect for experienced riders seeking an authentic, immersive journey through Mongolia’s countryside. It’s the ultimate way to connect with the land and its traditions.
Bottom Line: Best suited for seasoned horse riders wanting a deep, week-long adventure into Mongolia’s rural soul.
$1,060.65 per person
How to Choose the Right Ulaanbaatar City Tour
When deciding on a city tour, consider your budget, time availability, and interests. For a personalized experience, the Private Jeep City tour offers the most flexibility. If you prefer a structured overview, the Guided City Tour with Hotel Pickup is ideal.
History buffs should look at the Brief History of Ulaanbaatar, while nature lovers can’t miss the Khustan National Park and City Tour. For those with more time, longer multi-day tours like the 7-Day Central Mongolia or Horse Trekking provide unforgettable adventures.
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular tours, to secure your preferred dates and ensure a smooth trip.
In summary, Ulaanbaatar offers a range of tours that cater to all interests—from luxury private journeys to full-immersion cultural trips and adventures in Mongolia’s wilderness. Whether you want a quick city overview or a deep dive into Mongolia’s history and landscapes, there’s an experience to match your travel style. Consider your priorities and travel style, and don’t hesitate to reserve ahead—Mongolia’s capital has plenty to offer, and these tours are your best way to unlock it.