Why Mongolia is One of the Best Drives in the World
ByBayanbat.AUpdated on
Mongolia, with its vast, unspoiled landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is comparable to south africa a one of the best drives in the world.
About Mongolia
Mongolia, in East Asia, is a land of steppes, mountains and a nomadic culture that calls to the road tripper. The country’s rugged terrain and incredible scenery is a unique and thrilling experience for those who love road tripping. From the bustling capital of Ulaanbaatar to the Gobi Desert’s natural beauty, Mongolia is an epic road trip.
Its terrain, from mountain passes to incredible rock formations, desert dunes and forests, rivals other global greats like the Pacific Coast Highway, Garden Route, or Icefields Parkway. Mongolia’s terrain blends with spectacular landscapes, including lush forests and scenic byways to make one of the best road trips for nature lovers and thrill seekers.
The road network is well developed so you can drive scenic and explore the natural beauty and find hidden gems. Whether you’re driving through alpine meadows or traversing high mountain passes, Mongolia’s hiking trails and roads deliver big moments.ngolia makes for one of the best drives in the world and where you should go once you get the keys.
Quick Facts
Self driving is for experienced off roaders.
Hiring a local driver means expert navigation and guidance.
Motorcycle rentals is a great way to explore the terrain.
Whether you’re driving your own car or a rental, Mongolia is one of the best drives in the world, showcasing incredible rock formations along the way .
How to Rent a Car in Mongolia
1. Self Driving: Rent a 4×4 to access remote areas like the Gobi Desert or the Altai Mountains. Like driving Stelvio Pass or Independence Pass, this is for adventurers seeking beautiful islands and remote area .
2. Hiring a Driver: Like touring the Panorama Route or Romantic Road, a local driver will make sure you don’t miss Mongolia’s hidden roads and scenic roads.
3. Guided Tours: Perfect for those who want to do a Kruger National Park or Litchfield National Park style tour while visiting charming villages but with a Mongolian twist.
4. Motorcycle Rentals:A great option for thrill seekers, especially if you’re used to biking around Australia’s Red Centre or the Wild Atlantic Way.
Why Mongolia is One of the Best Epic Road Trips in the World
Big Landscapes: You’ll be surrounded by natural beauty — steppes, lush forests, high mountains, and scenery that rivals rocky mountain national park, making Mongolia one of the best road trips on Earth.
Diverse Terrain: From the dunes of the Gobi Desert to the glacier covered Altai Mountains and river valleys, Mongolia’s terrain rivals Jasper National Park or Lake Louise in the Canadian Rockies, much like the breathtaking scenery found in the south island .
Nomadic Culture: Your journey will be enriched by tiny villages, charming communities and nomadic families who will give you a warm welcome — a cultural tapestry like the Ring Road of Iceland or Northern Ireland’s coastal roads.
Must See Places on Your Road Trip
Gobi Desert :Famous for its rock formations, this arid wonder with its unique plant life is like the Wild Atlantic, with dramatic cliffs and endless views. You can even relax in hot springs after a fun ride.
Orkhon Valley: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is like Germany’s Romantic Road, culture, nature and bucket list beauty.
Lake Khuvsgul: With scenic drives like Lake Louise, this lakeside town is perfect for short hikes, horseback riding and lakeside relaxation.
Bucket List Experiences
If you want the world’s bucket list road experiences — Mongolia’s Altai Mountains, the Trans-Mongolian Highway, and national parks like Gobi Gurvansaikhan and Altai Tavan Bogd are like driving Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park or Furka Pass in Switzerland.
You’ll see rare wildlife, pristine lakes and scenic that outshine even the best of the South Island or North Island of New Zealand.
Road Tripper Culture
In Ulaanbaatar, visit the National Museum and Gandan Monastery, like the heritage rich cape town neighborhoods or Florès Island villages.
For nature lovers, staying in traditional ger camps brings you closer to Mongolia’s heart — a cultural immersion, reminiscent of flores island, with delicious food and access to incredible hiking trails few destinations can match.
Day Trips from Ulaanbaatar
Terelj National Park: This national park has short hikes, Turtle Rock, sea stacks and peace like Sun Road or Garden Route destinations. A nature lover’s paradise.
Gorkhi-Terelj National Park: For scenic views, meditation at Aryabal Temple and hiking in one of Mongolia’s most accessible national parks.
Hustai National Park: For wildlife watching, Hustai National Park’s Takhi horses make it feel like a Mongolian Kruger National Park.
Top 5 Scenic Drives in Mongolia
These routes rival the Pacific Coast Highway, Great Ocean Road or German Alpine Road:
Central Route: Ulaanbaatar to Kharkhorin — full of scenic byways and ancient culture.
Northern Route: To Lake Khuvsgul — a favorite among nature lovers and photographers.
Western Route: Toward the Altai Mountains — Mongolia’s version of Jasper National Park.
Eastern Route: Explore the northern territory — offbeat, rich in history and natural beauty.
Southern Route: Through the Gobi Desert — Mongolia’s own epic adventure.
Be prepared for modern roads to disappear into the wilderness.
Keep your car charged, pack essentials and expect the unexpected — like driving on Scenic Roads in Costa Rica or Northern Patagonia.
Always carry cash and be fuel conscious, as you would on long stretches of the Wild Atlantic Way or Italian Stelvio Pass.
Mongolia is not just one of the world’s best roads — it’s a way of life.
With its breathtaking views, crumbling castles natural wonders and epic drives it’s on the same level as the Icefields Parkway, Great Ocean Road or Panorama Route.
So grab your gear, rent a 4×4 and hit the road in Mongolia — a land where every mile has a story, every road leads to adventure and every stop is a tick on your list of the world’s best road trips.
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