Mongolia itinerary
 

I might have one week, actually almost 9 days (arriving in ULN on a Saturday at 00:40, leaving Sunday one week later at 18:55). A guidebook suggests a one week "Around Ulan Bator" itinerary which includes Ulan Bator, the Khustain NP, the Gorkhi-Terelj NP, Mandshir Khiid and the Gengis Khan monument. Seems to be Ulan Bator + three day trips, which in my case would mean five days in Ulan Bator + the day trips. The five days in Ulan Bator seem a bit too much - I doubt the city is that interesting.

Can anybody suggest a different itinerary? No problem taking some inland flights, if it means avoiding 8-10 hours in a bus or 4WD. Perhaps to some place with great scenery (mountains, lakes, deserts, plains....).

Another question, climbing a tall mountain (let's say > 3000m) is not feasible in the short time, or is it? Back in 2011 for instance I "did" Mt Damavand in Iran basically in two days, but this mountain has very good tourist infrastructure and is easy to reach from Tehran. Also Mt Kinabalu in Malaysia can be done in a couple of days, but also here this is due to the excellent tourist infrastructure and easy access from Kota Kinabalu. Not sure if there is anything similar in Mongolia - a tall, easily accessible mountain, perhaps with a nice glacier.

BTW, I'd be going in July-August.

I do think that 5 days would be a bit much in UB, and you would miss the adventure of going outside the city! Not sure exactly when you are going to be there, but the biggest festival of the year is in August, I believe - do some research on the Nadam festival.

Look into Lake Hovsgol. It would mean a flight into the Moron airport. The trouble with this is that you would have a longish ride to the lake. Although I believe you could find some accommodations near Khatgal that wouldn't be all that far.

https://www.google.com/search?q=lake...odwhUJog&dpr=1

Another idea would be to visit the Three Camel Lodge in the Gobi. They could suggest things to see in the area.

http://www.threecamellodge.com/

Sorry, I've never been to the big mountains in Mongolia, I believe most of them are in the far west of the country.