Ulaanbaatar Guide

Ulaanbaatar is the official capital city of Mongolia. It is by far Mongolia's largest city, and has a huge influence on the administrative, economic and legislative affairs of the country. It is also the best place to organise tours or journeys to the countryside. The city is located in the Tuul river valley, and surrounded by the Bayanzurkh Khairkhan, Bogd Khan, Chingeltei Khairkhan and Songino Khairkhan mountains. It is by far Mongolia's largest city, and has a huge influence on the administrative, economic and legislative affairs of the country.

Situated at 1351 metres above sea level, Ulaanbaatar occupies about 135,800 hectares. Commonly known as UB, it contains almost a half of the country's population.

Ulaanbaatar's name has changed many times throughout its history. At various times it has been called Orgoo, Nomiin Khuree, Ikh Khuree, Da Khuree and Niislel Khuree, before finally being named Ulaanbaatar.

The centre of the city is dominated by Sukhbaatar Square, which is surrounded by the Parliament House, Opera & Ballet Theatre, City Council, Stock Exchange and a number of other impressive buildings. Towering impressively in the background are the various mountain ranges which surround the city. 

The Opera & Ballet Theater, State Circus, Drama Theater, as well as numerous museums, universities and government buildings, are all located in Ulaanbaatar. There are roughly one hundred state and private universities and institutes, giving the capital a bit of a 'student city' feel. It's also called as a 'city of youth'.

It has a number of interesting museums which are worth visiting. The largest is the Natural History Museum , which has an excellent palaeontological section. One of the highlights is the impressive display of giant dinosaur skeletons. Some of the other recommended museums include the Mongolian National History Museum, Zanabazar Fine Arts Museum, and Bogd Khaan's Palace Museum.

A number of Buddhist monasteries are also located in Ulaanbaatar, the best of which is Gandan Monastery, which is still functioning. The State Opera and Ballet Theatre and State Drama Theatre are good places to see some cultural performances.

Also worth checking out are the collection of 11th-century Sanskrit manuscripts "Ganjuur" "Danjuur", housed in the Ulaanbaatar State Public Library.

From UB, you can easily drive to nearby countryside attractions such as Terelj National Park, Manzushir Monastery, Khustai National Park and some other tourist resort and camps such as Hotel Mongolia, Chingisiin Khuree Camp and so on.

The city becomes a main base for travellers who are to see Mongolia's annual, national festival Naadam held in July. There are many travel agencies and tour operators who can provide city tours, off-the city trips, as well as all kinds of transfers, bookings, guiding services etc.

SIGHTSEEING PLACES IN ULAANBAATAR

Sukhbaatar Square

The Sukhbaatar Square lies at the heart of the city surrounded by theaters, government buildings and banks. A large equine monument to the revolutionary hero Sukhbaatar is the focus point of the square. The monument depicts Sukhbaatar as he sits astride his horse; at its base is the following statement: ‘If we are able to unite our strength, then for us nothing will be impossible and we shall attain the heights of happiness for all". Another site of interest is the large construction site of massive bronze statues of Chinggis Khaan and his four warriors in front of Parliament House.

Zaisan Memorial

Zaisan Memorial Hill (or Zaisan Tolgoi) is located in the south side of Ulaanbaatar City, right beside the Bogd Khan Mountain having a best view of the city and surrounding hills. There are a 15 m high golden-yellow standing statue of Buddha besides the hill and a memorial statue on the top of the hill honoring soviet soldiers who fought against Japanese invaders in the territory of Mongolia and Manchuria in 1939 - 1945.

Bogd Khaan's Palace Museum

The euro-asian mixed style Winter Palace was built in 1905 by Tsar Nicholas II of Russia for the eight and last Ondor Gegeen, Mongolia’s last religious and political leader, who died in 1924. It stands next to a large temple complex with a very elaborate entrance gate within a wooden-fenced compound on the south side of Ulaanbaatar.

In 1961, it became a museum and it now contains many treasures including works by Zanabazar, magnificent furs such as the Ondor Gegeen’s ger covered by snow leopard skins, jewels and many gifts which were received by the Bogd Khaan. There is a collection of stuffed animals (from his private zoo) and some erotic drawings.

Museum of Natural History of Mongolia

The Museum of Natural History was founded in 1966 and is located behind the Parliament House. It houses large collections of Mongolia's natural history, culture and minerals exhibits. The museum covers five areas: geology, zoology, botany, anthropology and palaeontology.

The last section contains the skeletons, fossils and eggs of giant dinosaurs that roamed the present territory of Mongolia some 70 million years ago, and is very informative for visitors. The largest dinosaur skeleton on show is 5 meters tall and 12 meters long.

Museum of Mongolian National History

This museum presents Mongolian history and culture from prehistoric times to the present day. It features the costumes and accessories of Mongolia’s many ethnic groups, a collection of Mongol saddles and a replica of a traditionally furnished nomadic ger.

This museum presents Mongolian history and culture from prehistoric times to the present day. It features the costumes and accessories of Mongolia’s many ethnic groups, a collection of Mongol saddles and a replica of a traditionally furnished nomadic ger.

Gandan Monastery

This is the centre of Mongolian Buddhism, known as ‘Gandan’ monastery for short. The abbot of Gandan monastery, the senior Buddhist in Mongolia today, studied at the Dalai Lama’s religious academy in India and has the title of Gavj. Gandan’s Sanskrit name means ‘Paradise of Mahayana’. This is the centre of Mongolian Buddhism, known as ‘Gandan’ monastery for short. The abbot of Gandan monastery, the senior Buddhist in Mongolia today, studied at the Dalai Lama’s religious academy in India and has the title of Gavj. Gandan’s Sanskrit name means ‘Paradise of Mahayana’.

The monastery comprises a complex of buildings on the hillside northwest of the city centre. It is easily recognised from a distance by its multi storey temple, housing a 23m statue. Before the 1921 revolution, Mongol herders traditionally sent one of their sons to study Buddhism. Most of the monasteries were destroyed in the 1930s, but Gandan escaped. There are five temple buildings in the complex. No photography is allowed inside the temples.

Choijin Lama Temple Museum

Built in the first decade of the 20th century for the younger brother of the last religious ruler of Mongolia who was also the state oracle. The temple/museum is situated in the centre of Ulaanbaatar not far from the Wedding Palace. It has a fine collection of arts and religious relics, including tsam masks and costumes used in religious dances. It is known as one of the most beautiful monasteries in Mongolia.

Built in the first decade of the 20th century for the younger brother of the last religious ruler of Mongolia who was also the state oracle. The temple/museum is situated in the centre of Ulaanbaatar not far from the Wedding Palace. It has a fine collection of arts and religious relics, including tsam masks and costumes used in religious dances. It is known as one of the most beautiful monasteries in Mongolia.

Zanabazar Fine Arts Museum

The museum is named after the religious leader Zanabazar (1635-1723). Its collection shows art from Neolithic times through to the Turkic period (6th-7th centuries AD), masks and paintings of the 13th century Mongol khans to early 20th century art. Highlights include: figures of Buddha sculpted in bronze by Zanabazar; a silver, gold and pearl mandala; traditional Mongol zurag paintings by famous Mongolian artists; a section on applique wall hangings and items of Mongolian ritual dances.