Ulaanbaatar Travel Guide

Name: Ulaanbaatar
Area:  4,705 sq. km (1,816 sq. mi)
Population: 1,444,669 (2018)
Language: Mongolian
State:  National Capital Territory
Currency:  Tögrög (MNT)
Time Zone: GMT+8
Religion: Buddhism, Islam, Mongolian shamanism, Christianity
 

Formerly called as Urga or Niislel Khureheh, Ulaanbaatar is the largest and the capital city of Mongolia. Situated on the Tuul River at an elevation of 4,430 feet (1,350 m), more than half of the country's population resided here. It was actually a seasonal migratory place for the Mongolian princes. In 1639, Da Khure Monastery became the permanent residence of the Bogd Gegen who is considered the high priest of the Tibetan Buddhist religion, making this place transformed into a religious center. Today, it also serves as the industrial centre of Mongolia. Gandan Khiid Monastery, Sukhbaatar square, Chinggis Khaan Statue, Choijin Lama Monastery are the places you cannot miss during your Ulaanbaatar travel.

 See also 15 Ulaanbaatar Facts for Every Traveler to Know
 

1. Gandan Monastery
2. Sukhbaatar Square
3. Chinggis Khaan Statue
4. Bogd Khaan Winter Palace
5. Choijin Lama Monastery
6. National Museum of Mongolia
7. Mongolian National Library
8. Narantuul Market
9. Mongolian Military Museum
10. Tumen-Ekh Folk Song and Dance Ensemble

Gandan Monastery is the largest Buddhist monastery of the country. It has the tallest indoor statue of Buddha in the world, Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, that is about 26.5 meters (87 feets) high. The equestrian statue of Damdin Sükhbaatar in Sukhbaatar Square is one of the most important tourist attractions in the city. The State Opera & Ballet theatre is in close proximity of this square and holds most of the cultural and political events. In front side of the Parliament House, Chinggis Khaan Statue is a prominent landmark in the city.

 

As there is no sea around the country, you can experience all the four seasons even in one day. From November right to February, the temperature can go to sub-zero with limited daylight hours. The average winter temperature can be about -40°C (- 104 ℉). Spring (March-April) has frequent dust storms and temperature can hit up to 40°C (104 ℉). Make sure to carry cotton clothes during Ulaanbaatar travel if you are traveling then. July and August is the ideal time when you can also experience the famed Naadam festival. September-October is autumn that brings the changing colors in the Northern Mongolia but might bring in some rain during your tour.

 See also Ulaanbaatar Weather
 

1. Khuushur
2. Mutton Kebabs
3. Qurut

Khuushur are fried pastries which are usually made from goat or mutton meat. Today, you can find modern versions with meat and vegetable fusion. Commonly eaten at festivals, this you will find in most of the street stalls during your Ulaanbaatar travel. They are also commonly seen at wrestling or archery matches. Go with cheese for dessert - eat qurut. These are dried, flakey textured cheese biscuits made from drained sour milk or yogurt. Orom, Airag, Five Fingers and Buuz are the other common local foods you must try on your visit to Ulaanbaatar.

 See also Best Mongolia Foods     Authentic Mongolian BBQ     Mongolian Hotpot

 

Address - Peace Avenue Behind Wrestling Palace ,6th Micro District, Ulaanbaatar 14241

You can get almost all sorts of food ranging from Indian, Halal dishes to vegetarian-friendly dishes. It has a full bar and free Wi-Fi is available.
 Address - Tourist Street 16 Fpmt, Ulaanbaatar

This place offers a range of food options starting from Asian, Mongolian, International, Fusion, and Vegetarian Friendly cuisines. Try Mongolian special of steamed and fried dumplings.
 Address - Seoul Street Bluemon Tower, Ulaanbaatar 14200

Indigenous Mongolian food with fast and good service makes it a popular choice for dining.

 See also 15 Best Restaurants in Ulaanbaatar
 

1. Sükhbaatar Square – 90%
2. Lake Khövsgöl – 10%

Best Western Tuushin Hotel, MS Guesthouse, Nature's Door are some of the best places that offer great services and comfortable stay with English-speaking staff. Gandantegchinlen Monastery, Zaisan Memorial, the National Museum of Mongolia, Buddha Park, and Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan is near Sükhbaatar Square. Tourists prefer staying near Sükhbaatar Square where you can indulge in nightlife and shopping. Places near Lake Khövsgöl also has budget stay options and about 10 % of the tourists stay around this area during Ulaanbaatar travel.

 See also Top 11 Ulaanbaatar Hotels

 

The only airport for international arrivals is Chinggis Khaan International Airport (IATA: ULN). It is about 18 km (11 mi) to the southwest of downtown. Bus #7 takes you to the airport. One way from the airport to city center via official taxi service costs around 20,000 MNT (7 USD) per car. Hunnu Airlines, Aero Mongolia, and Korean Air are the common carriers. From Moscow, Russia and Beijing, there are connections through Trans-Mongolian line of the Trans-Siberian Railway. By roadways, there are three port entries of which two directly connect Ulaanbaatar. From the north, the road is from the Russian Border. From the south (the Gobi), it is from Choir and from the north-east, it starts from Bulgan.    

There are local bus or van that connects Ulaanbaatar from any small or big towns within the country. Two types of taxi services are available that carry the designated taxi symbols and the ones without any are actually private cars driven by the owners to pick passengers. Carry a small memo of MNT amounts in your Ulaanbaatar travel to avoid any confusion later while paying. Electric trolley-buses cost MNT300 (0.1 USD) and you will need to by a bus card.

 See also 5 Things to Know about Ulaanbaatar Traffic     Ulaanbaatar Train Station
 

Address - Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

One of the best places to look around for bookstores and souvenirs shop. It also has restaurants, cosmetics and world brand stores for you to explore.
 Address - Located east side of Ulaanbaatar city

The market sells traditional Mongolian items such as clothing, carpets, horse-riding gear and other homemade souvenirs.  It offers a real and down-to-earth Mongolian shopping experience for visitors.
 Address - Shangri-La Mall, Ulaanbaatar

At the heart of Ulaanbaatar, it offers wide range of shopping, dining and entertainment options. From high-end labels to budget souvenir choices, you can get a wide selection of products and shopping experience during Ulaanbaatar travel.

 See also 8 Best Mongolia Souvenirs to Buy

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