9-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Mongolia
Mongolia is one of the world's last great frontiers, but it is often perceived as an expensive destination due to the high cost of private jeep tours. However, for the savvy backpacker, the land of Genghis Khaan offers incredible value if you stick to the public transport network, eat local street food like khuushuur, and stay in affordable city hostels.
This itinerary focuses on the accessible 'Central-North' corridor. By utilizing the Trans-Mongolian railway and local commuter buses, you can witness the majestic steppes, ancient monasteries, and rugged mountains for as little as $10 a day in living expenses. Get ready for a raw, authentic, and ultra-budget journey through the heart of Central Asia.
Day 1: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia - The Capital Kickoff
Chinggis Khaan Square
Start your journey at the massive central square. It is free to visit and surrounded by the Government Palace and the Stock Exchange. It's the perfect spot for people-watching and scale-viewing.
Lunch at the State Department Store
Head to the 7th-floor food court of the 'Nomin' State Department Store. You can find local 'Buuz' (steamed dumplings) for just a few dollars with a great view of the city.
Gandantegchinlen Monastery
Visit the most important monastery in Mongolia. While some temples have a small fee, wandering the grounds and watching the prayer wheels spin is a free and spiritual experience.
Beatles Square Hangout
A popular local spot where young Mongolians gather. Grab a cheap 'Khuushuur' (fried meat pastry) from a nearby street stall and enjoy the evening atmosphere.
Day 2: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia - Markets and Monuments
Narantuul Market (The Black Market)
Take a local bus to the largest market in the country. You can find everything from traditional deels to horse saddles. It is free to enter and offers the cheapest street food in the city.
Zaisan Memorial
Climb the hundreds of steps to this hilltop memorial. It offers the best panoramic view of Ulaanbaatar and the surrounding mountains for absolutely zero cost.
Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
Located at the base of the hill, this is one of the few historical sites that escaped Soviet destruction. The architecture of the Winter Palace is stunning for photography fans.
Hostel Social Hour
Head back to your hostel in the city center. Most budget travelers congregate at communal kitchens to swap stories and find partners for upcoming shared taxi rides.
Day 3: Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, Mongolia - Into the Wild
Public Bus to Terelj
Catch the local bus from the stop near Peace Avenue. This 2-hour journey costs less than $2, making it the ultimate budget alternative to expensive park tours.
Turtle Rock (Melkhii Khad)
This massive natural rock formation is the icon of the park. It's free to climb and explore the nooks and crannies for great photo opportunities.
Aryapala Meditation Temple
A beautiful temple set against the mountainside. The hike up involves walking across a suspension bridge and reading Buddhist proverbs along the path.
Ger Camp Stay
Find a budget ger (yurt) camp near the Terelj village. Many offer basic beds for backpackers at a fraction of the price of luxury tourist camps.
Day 4: Gorkhi-Terelj to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia - Steppe Sunset
Hiking the Terelj Ridges
Spend your morning hiking the hills surrounding the village. The views of the pine forests and the Tuul River are breathtaking and completely free.
Village Lunch
Eat at a 'Guanz' (local canteen) in Terelj village. A bowl of 'Tsuivan' (fried noodles with mutton) is filling and very cheap.
Return Bus to UB
Catch the late afternoon bus back to the capital. Use this time to rest and prepare for the train journey ahead.
Ulaanbaatar Night Walk
Enjoy the illuminated fountain at the central square and the vibrant atmosphere of Seoul Street (the car-free night street).
Day 5: Ulaanbaatar to Darkhan, Mongolia - The Northern Express
Trans-Mongolian Train Departure
Board the local train heading north toward Darkhan. Traveling by train is incredibly cheap and offers a classic Mongolian experience looking out over the endless green hills.
Arrival in Darkhan
Check into a local guesthouse in Mongolia's second-largest city. Darkhan feels much more laid-back and less chaotic than Ulaanbaatar.
Myangan Us Park
Explore this city park featuring a large Buddhist statue and a suspension bridge. It's a great place to see how local families spend their free time.
Darkhan Night Market
Explore the local food stalls for 'Bansh' (mini dumplings) and meet friendly locals who are often curious about foreign backpackers.
Day 6: Darkhan to Erdenet, Mongolia - Industrial Heritage
Mini-bus to Erdenet
Take a shared 'purgon' or a local bus to Erdenet. The ride takes you through some of the most fertile agricultural land in Mongolia.
Erdenet Copper Mine Viewpoint
Visit the viewpoint overlooking one of the largest copper mines in the world. It’s an impressive sight that highlights the industrial side of the nation.
Erdenet Carpet Factory Shop
Even if you aren't buying, seeing the famous Mongolian carpets is a cultural experience. The outlet shop often has small, affordable woven souvenirs.
Local Brews and Stews
Try the local Erdenet beer and a bowl of hearty mutton stew at a neighborhood guanz.
Day 7: Erdenet Region, Mongolia - Monastery Mission
Shared Taxi to Amarbayasgalant
Assemble a group at the Erdenet market to share a taxi to one of the three most important monasteries in Mongolia. It is a bit of a trek but worth every tugrik.
Amarbayasgalant Monastery Exploration
Spend hours exploring this architectural marvel. Built in the 18th century, it is remarkably preserved and set in a stunning, secluded valley.
Valley Hike
Hike up the hills behind the monastery for a spectacular view of the complex nestled in the vast Mongolian landscape.
Return to Erdenet
Head back to Erdenet for your final night in the north, enjoying a quiet meal with your fellow travelers.
Day 8: Erdenet to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia - Overnight Rail
Museum of Orkhon Province
Visit this small local museum to learn about the history of the region and the development of the city before you depart.
Final Souvenir Shopping
Hit the local Erdenet market for cheap wool socks or felt slippers—essentials for any Mongolian winter.
Overnight Train to Ulaanbaatar
Board the night train. Booking a 'hard sleeper' (Platskart) is the ultimate budget way to travel and saves you the cost of a night's accommodation.
Train Life
Enjoy the unique experience of tea and snacks with Mongolian passengers on the train. It's the best way to practice your 'Bayartai' (Goodbye).
Day 9: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia - Farewell to the Steppe
Arrival at UB Station
Walk from the station back to the center. Stop at a local bakery for fresh bread and 'suutei tsai' (Mongolian milk tea).
National Museum of Mongolia
Spend your final hours diving deep into the history of the Mongol Empire. The ethnographic displays are world-class.
Choijin Lama Temple Museum
A hidden gem right in the middle of the skyscrapers. It’s a peaceful spot to reflect on your 9-day journey.
Airport Transfer
Catch your final shuttle bus back to Chinggis Khaan International Airport.
Best Time to Visit Mongolia
The best time to visit Mongolia on a budget is during the shoulder seasons of May, June, or September. During these months, the weather is pleasant for hiking, and the prices for guesthouses remain low compared to the peak Naadam Festival season in July. Avoid winter (November to March) unless you are prepared for extreme temperatures reaching -40°C, which can shut down many budget transport options and guesthouses.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Mongolian Tugrik (MNT). While Ulaanbaatar is increasingly card-friendly, cash is absolute king once you leave the capital. ATMs are widely available in the city, but you should withdraw enough for your entire trip if heading into the countryside. Tipping is not traditionally part of Mongolian culture, but rounding up the bill at a local restaurant is appreciated.
Getting Around Mongolia
For the budget backpacker, the Trans-Mongolian railway is your best friend for north-south travel. For other routes, 'mikros' (minibuses) and shared taxis depart from designated markets (like Dragon Center or Eastern Bus Station) once they are full. There is no set schedule for many of these, so patience is key. Within Ulaanbaatar, the public bus system is extensive and very cheap—just ensure you buy a 'U-Money' card at a local kiosk before boarding.
