The famous old city of Karakorum, nestled deep within the Orkhon Valley's undulating green hills and craggy ridges, is now the stuff of myth and legend. However, if you follow the irregular cobblestone pathways that swirl through the mountains in the center of Mongolia, you will find the overwhelming scenery gradually unfolding.

Ruined grain silos and stone turtles, kiln smelting cottages, and crumbling old stupas still dot the landscape, testaments to the Mongol capital's past strength on the steppe. Today, visitors can follow in the footsteps of tour guides to visit fascinating Buddhist monasteries alongside beautiful Yuan-era temples.

Karakorum, once the Mongol Empire's capital, is a fascinating destination worth seeing if you're interested in learning more about the Mongols' history and culture. The old city, known to locals as Har Horin, was visited by Marco Polo in the 13th century. However, the once-great metropolis is now nothing but ruins, with nothing but sky and steppe in every direction.

• Location: Mongolia
• Timing: Open all day
• Famous for: Karakorum, despite its tiny size, was one of the most significant cities along the Silk Road's history
• Entry Fee: Free
• Best Time To Visit: You should visit during the summer months of June through early September, as temperatures along the roadway may drop to dangerously low levels in the evenings.

Just north of Ulaanbaatar's concrete sprawl, the Terelj National Park's soaring summits and ochre-hued slopes shoulder their way over the horizon. Because of its proximity to the capital, the reserve is one of the most accessible representations of Mongolia's backcountry, with pine-studded mountain valleys and carved rock formations dotting the landscape.

The park's southern section is well-suited to tourists. There are nomad settlements and camel farms can be found there. Meanwhile, the alpine Khagiin Khar Lake and a succession of bubbling hot springs may be found in the north.

Terelj National Park's alpine splendor is one of Mongolia's most popular tourist destinations. Its majestic mountain peaks are dotted with scenic valleys, raging rivers, and rugged rock formations, as well as lovely yurt campgrounds. As a result, there are a wealth of fantastic outdoor activities for you to explore, like hiking, rock climbing, and river rafting. Horseback riding through the spectacular terrain is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that is a must-do if you want to get the true Mongolian experience.

• Location: Энхтайвны Өргөн Чөлөө 206, Улаанбаатар, Mongolia
• Timing: Open all day
• Famous for: mountain peaks are dotted with scenic valleys
• Entry Fee: Free
• Best Time To Visit: It is recommended for June, July, and August.

Lake Khovsgol is Mongolia's second-largest body of water, hidden between the shale peaks and rocky foothills of the Sayan Mountains. Its grassy banks rise and tumble, studded with the occasional wind-blasted pine tree, and sometimes give way to pebble coves where people sunbathe in the summer, as it flows down from the Russian border in a streak of deep blue.

A national park was established to safeguard the waterways in this area, and it currently encompasses the whole site. It is located on Lake Khovsgol with a long and mysterious history. Lake Khovsgol is reported to be filled with drinking water that doesn't need to be treated, and the geological history of the area dates back two million years.

The national park, in sharp contrast to the glistening lake, is home to a diverse range of species. Hiking along its picturesque pathways may reveal ibex, elk, and the occasional brown bear, as well as breathtaking views with a tranquil, tranquil atmosphere that soothes tiredness everyday.

• Location: Mongolia
• Timing: Open all day
• Famous for: Hiking along its picturesque pathways
• Entry Fee: Free
• Best Time To Visit: between June and September

The massive Altai Tavan Bogd National Park stands like a bulwark against China, Russia, and Kazakhstan's tristate union. With a chain of more than five steep peaks rising to 4,000 meters or more above sea level, it blocks the path to Siberia and snow-covered Xinjiang. Hoofed ibexes and Tuvan nomad tribespeople are among the hardy species that call this place home.

By summer, the latter's yurts are strewn along the banks of the lovely Dayan Nuur, and the famed eagle hunters may be seen hunting in the low-lying plains. The reserve is also notable for its intriguing Turkic sculptures and old petroglyphs.

The national park, which is located in Mongolia's western quarter, is home to some of the country's most magnificent landscapes. Because of its secluded position, Altai Tavan Bogd National Park feels pure and unspoiled, with plenty of fascinating species and plants to uncover. Ibex, brown bears and grey wolves may be seen, as well as spectacular golden eagles gliding overhead.

• Location: Mongolia
• Timing: Open all day
• Famous for: the area feels pure and unspoilt, with plenty of fascinating species and plants to uncover
• Entry Fee: Free
• Best Time To Visit: August and September are the busiest months, as the weather is ideal for mountain climbing.

The Orkhon Valley has been traversed by totemic names like Genghis and Kublai, and was once the home of the great Khans and the hub of power that propelled the Mongol Horde's march throughout Asia and Europe. Today, this rich history is recognized by a UNESCO World Heritage Tag, which also honors the deeper traditions of nomad existence, which may still be observed among the gallery trees when white-fabric yurts sprout up.

Of course, Orkhon Valley is now a popular tourist destination, with visitors flocking to view the renowned Karakorum ruins, search for the fabled palaces of Xanadu, marvel at frozen waterfalls, and find peace in the rustic Buddhist monasteries. It's in the picturesque Orkhon Valley, virtually smack dab in the heart of Mongolia, where the holy mountain-forest of Otuken was thought to be.

The divine authority to reign on Earth was provided to the monarch by ruling over the region where the ancestral spirits dwell. As a result, every Turkic kingdom that rose, reigned, and fell in the steppe felt its ownership to be extremely important.

• Location: Mongolia
• Timing: Open all day
• Famous for: fabled palaces of Xanadu
• Entry Fee: Free
• Best Time To Visit: between June and August.

You might be able to glimpse some of the ultra-rare Dzungarian horses racing through the Khustain Nuruu National Park's grassy knolls and rock-ribbed ridges if you're lucky.

These are one of the most recognizable steppe species, and they are only known to live around Ulaanbaatar, beneath the rising peaks. After paying the little admission charge, take advantage of the well-maintained walking trails or take a thrilling 4X4 trip across the mountainous peaks and troughs. Those interested in multi-day hikes can stay in yurts.

Set in the undulating Khustain hills, Khustain Nuruu National Park is a rich zone of natural variety about two hours from Ulaanbaatar. Birds, wolves, antelope, and, most critically, the last remaining herds of Przewalski's Horse, or 'Takhii,' the only really wild horse species, may all be found in the park. You may view these species by going for a stroll or a drive early in the morning of Khustain Nuruu National Park.

• Location: Mongolia

• Timing: Open all day

• Famous for: Birds, wolves, antelope, and, most critically, the last remaining herds of Przewalski's Horse, or 'Takhii'

• Entry Fee: Free

• Best Time To Visit: between April and August.

Ulaanbaatar is pretty much everything you don't imagine Mongolia to be, with its antiseptic concrete sprawl and shiny glass towers, unending neighborhoods of Soviet-style blocks, and relentless demand for growth. It's brazen, bright, huge, and loud, with designer stores and brand-new retail complexes aplenty.

But, whether it's in the 19th-century palace of Bogd Khaan, built by Mongolian craftsmen, the interesting National Museum of Mongolia, the broad squares where residents speak, or in the shadow of Genghis Kahn's magnificent monument, there's a certain rough appeal to be discovered beneath the brilliant lights.

The huge city of Ulaanbaatar is Mongolia's capital, as well as its cultural, administrative, and commercial core. It is home to about half of the country's inhabitants. The city is a bizarre yet fascinating blend of urban and nomadic life, located in the aptly titled Valley of the Golden Cradle, at the confluence of the Selbe and Tuul Rivers.

• Location: Mongolia
• Timing: Open all day
• Famous for: Genghis Kahn's magnificent monument
• Entry Fee: Free
• Best Time To Visit: between April and August.

The towering and sinewy massifs of the immense Altai cast a pall over Olgii. The loom is large on the horizon all around town as if demanding the attention of everybody passing by. Only when you've gotten over the spectacular and frightening landscapes can you begin to appreciate this provincial capital of Bayan-Olgii fully.

And what delicacies there are to be had! Explore the enigmatic Turkic Standing Stones (said to be 12,000 years old), look for ancient petroglyphs, or marvel at the eagle hunters' abilities during the annual Altai Kazakh Eagle Festival (in September).

Olgii is the capital of Mongolia's Kazakh heartland. It is the region's cultural, religious, and economic hub, with a unique traditional Kazakh culture.

The majority of visitors come to view the surrounding places and do not spend much time in Olgii itself. Knowing someone in the area who can introduce you to other individuals is quite beneficial! Learning at least a few Kazakh words will also be beneficial, and people would appreciate it much.

• Location: Mongolia's Kazakh
• Timing: Open all day
• Famous for: Turkic Standing Stones
• Entry Fee: Free
• Best Time To Visit: Summertime, April to August.

This gorgeous stretch of protected terrain, which dominates the vast expanses of Mongolia's north-west, has lots of amazing views in its arsenal. Look up to see the fragmented crater of Khorgo Volcano, an extinct volcano whose pyroclastic flows and ash plumes formerly destroyed the surrounding lowlands.

Khorgo Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park is a nice area to camp for a few nights because of its secluded location. Climbing the 2,240-meter-high mountain today is doable, and it offers spectacular views of the surrounding volcanic ridges and lakes. When it comes to lakes, this is the home of Lake Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur, where marsh deer and chitals roam freely among nomad herders' rock-built yurts.

Khorgo Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park, which translates to 'Great White Lake,' is a stunning reflection of the sky and clouds above. The lake's placid waters stretch into the distance, surrounded by gently sloping hills, and the exquisite view is nicely complimented by white yurts and scattered herds of horses that border its banks.

• Location: Mongolia
• Timing: Open all day
• Famous for: Khorgo Volcano
• Entry Fee: Free
• Best Time To Visit: The months of July and August are the best for visiting.

This massive tract of land in the depths of the Orkhon Valley is one of the largest in the country, not to be mistaken with its similarly called twin to the west, the Khustain Nuruu National Park. From start to finish, it's all about the steppe.

As you look out the horizon, you'll see how the vast grasslands rise and fall. You'll be amazed when streams smash into plunge pools as waterfalls. While the fire crackles close, you'll ride horses with nomads and sleep in authentic yurt communities. It's all about getting a taste of Mongolian culture!

Because of its immensity, driving around the Khustain Nuruu National Park is one of the greatest ways to experience it, but there are also many excellent hiking paths. There are a few notable heritage sites, as well as nomadic camps that offer cultural experiences. On a rocky hilltop, the Tovkhon Khiid monastery is one of the attractions.

• Location: Mongolia
• Timing: Open all day
• Famous for: Tovkhon Khiid monastery
• Entry Fee: Free
• Best Time To Visit: The weather here is excellent in all 4 seasons. Let's plan a multi-day hiking trip in Khangai Nuruu National Park.