Ulaanbaatar’s authenticity is defined by monumental buildings from the Soviet era, colorful Buddhist temples, and modern business districts.
The capital of Mongolia is located in the northern part of the country, in the Tuul River valley, surrounded by mountains that provide a stunning panorama. With nearly 1.5 million inhabitants, the city concentrates almost half of Mongolia’s population and is one of the coldest capitals in the world, where nomadic traditions still live on in the modern urban environment.
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Ulaanbaatar attractions
Sukhbaatar Square
The country’s most important public square is located in the heart of the capital, named after the revolutionary Sukhbaatar, who played a key role in Mongolia’s independence in 1921. On the north side of the square stands the imposing Government Palace, in front of which is a massive bronze statue of Genghis Khan flanked by his son Ögedei Khan and grandson Kublai Khan.
The square, decorated with a Lenin statue and an equestrian statue of Sukhbaatar during Soviet times, was rebuilt in the 2010s, transforming it into a modern urban space. Today it serves as a venue for cultural events, national celebrations, and concerts, where locals and tourists alike enjoy spending time.
The square is surrounded by impressive buildings: the Mongolian State Opera House, the Cultural Palace, and modern business centers. In the evening, the illumination of the Government Palace is particularly spectacular, and the square is an excellent starting point for exploring the city center, as all major attractions are easily accessible on foot from here.
Bogd Khan Winter Palace
The former residence of Mongolia’s last theocratic ruler, Bogd Khan VIII, was built between 1893 and 1903 at the foot of Bogd Khan Mountain. The complex consists of six temples built in traditional Chinese architectural style with carved beams and colorful decorations, while also incorporating Mongolian and Tibetan elements.
The main building, the Winter Palace, is the only original building that survived the destruction of the communist period, when religious objects were systematically demolished. Today it operates as a museum where the personal belongings, clothing, and gifts of Bogd Khan and his wife, Queen Dondogdulam, can be viewed.
A special feature of the collection is the 80 tiger and leopard skins that decorate one of the palace rooms, as well as European antique furniture gifted by various foreign rulers. On the temple grounds there is also an interesting ger (yurt) that represents a high-level achievement of Mongolian craftsmanship.
Zaisan Memorial
The Soviet-style memorial on a hill in the southern part of the city celebrates the Soviet-Mongolian comradeship that fell in World War II. The monumental circular structure inaugurated in 1971 has mosaic images on its walls depicting important events in the shared history of the Soviet Union and Mongolia, from the civil war to the conquest of space.
The path leading to the memorial consists of 300 steps, and climbing them offers a breathtaking panorama of Ulaanbaatar and the surrounding mountains. The view is particularly stunning at sunrise and sunset, when the city lights come on in the valley.
The hill is a popular excursion spot for locals, where families can often be seen having picnics. In winter, sledders enjoy the snow on the slope, while in summer runners and hikers visit. The area also serves as a reminder of the period when Mongolia was in close alliance with the Soviet Union.
Gandan Monastery
The largest and most significant Buddhist monastery in Mongolia.
Founded in 1838, it still operates as an active religious center with approximately 150 monks. During the communist period, this was the only permitted monastery in the country that could maintain its religious function, so it plays a particularly important role in the survival of Mongolian Buddhism.
The most remarkable attraction of the complex is the 26.5-meter-high gilded Migjid Janraisig Buddha statue, which is one of the world’s largest indoor Buddha representations. The statue erected in the 1990s replaced the original that was destroyed by the Soviets in the 1930s.
On the monastery grounds there are several temples with Tibetan-style architecture, where monks pray every morning. Visitors can participate in Buddhist ceremonies, observe the monks’ daily lives, and view Mongolian religious art collections in the surrounding buildings.
Gandantegchinlen Monastery Library
Located on the grounds of Gandan Monastery, the library is one of Mongolia’s most significant Buddhist text repositories, preserving thousands of sutras and religious manuscripts. The collection includes Mongolian translations of the Tibetan Buddhist canon, as well as rare hand-copied books, some of which are several hundred years old.
The library building was constructed in traditional Tibetan style, with interior spaces decorated with carved wooden shelves and altars. Most of the manuscripts were written in traditional Tibetan and Mongolian script, decorated with gilding and colorful illustrations that are outstanding examples of Mongolian book art.
Although the library primarily serves the monks’ studies, tourists can also view it with prior arrangement. The visit provides insight into the world of Mongolian Buddhist scholarship and the processes of manuscript preservation.
Summer Palace
The complex located on the banks of the Tuul River served as Bogd Khan’s summer residence in the early 20th century, before the communist revolution ended theocratic rule. The building complex combines traditional Mongolian and Chinese architectural elements, surrounded by a beautifully maintained garden.
The palace is smaller and simpler than the winter residence, but that’s what gives it its charm: it paints an authentic picture of the royal family’s everyday life. The building displays Bogd Khan’s personal belongings, including Western gifts that illustrate the connection between Mongolia and the European world at that time.
Walking in the surrounding park, visitors can rest under the riverside willows and observe locals who often picnic or fish in the area. The place offers a peaceful alternative to the hustle and bustle of the city.
Narantuul Market
The city’s largest market spreads over a huge area and is an authentic scene of Mongolian everyday life, where locals shop and tourists can also discover traditional products. The market is divided into several sections: food, clothing, household items, and handicrafts are all available in separate sectors.
Perhaps the most interesting part of the market is the traditional Mongolian products section, where cashmere clothing, handmade boots, leather goods, and ger furnishings can be purchased. Prices are negotiable and much more favorable than in tourist shops. In the food section, you can taste airag (fermented mare’s milk) and traditional Mongolian dairy products.
During the visit, it’s worth watching your valuables, as the crowded market is a favorite target for pickpockets. The market is best visited in the morning when the freshest goods arrive. The place offers an excellent opportunity to gain insight into the locals’ everyday lives and buy authentic Mongolian souvenirs.
Bogd Khan Mountain National Park
The nature reserve stretching along the southern edge of the city has been protected since 1778, making it one of the oldest protected natural areas in the world. The 2,122-meter-high mountain has numerous hiking trails of varying difficulty levels, from easy walks to full-day hikes.
The park boasts rich flora and fauna: in summer, colorful alpine flowers decorate the slopes, and in autumn the birch forests turn golden yellow. Deer, foxes, and numerous bird species live in the area, and with luck you might even encounter a Pallas’s cat, which is an emblematic animal species of Mongolia.
On the mountain there is a Buddhist hermitage and several ovoos (stone cairns) that have religious significance in Mongolian traditions. From the summit there is a stunning 360-degree view of Ulaanbaatar and the surrounding Khentii Mountains. The park is a popular destination among locals who come hiking with their families on weekends.
Best museums in Ulaanbaatar
Choijin Lama Temple Museum
One of the most important memorials of Mongolian religious life before communist persecution, this temple complex built between 1904 and 1908 consists of five separate temples. It was founded by Choijin Lama, one of Mongolia’s most influential Buddhist monks and artists, who played a prominent role in the country’s religious and cultural life in the early 20th century.
The temples were built in traditional Mongolian-Chinese architectural style, decorated with rich carvings and colorful paintings. Operating as a museum since 1942, the complex has preserved its original furnishings, altars, and religious objects, many of which are Choijin Lama’s own creations.
The collection includes rare examples of Mongolian Buddhist art: thangkas (religious silk paintings), bronze statues, ritual masks, and instruments. Its specialty is the series of five Buddhas created by Zanabazar, Mongolia’s greatest sculptor, in the 17th century, which represents the pinnacle of Mongolian art.
All information can be found here!
Mongolian National Museum of History
Founded in 1924, this institution is Mongolia’s largest and most comprehensive museum, presenting the country’s history from the Stone Age to the present day. The building is located on Sukhbaatar Square, easily accessible due to its central location and usually part of most tourist itineraries.
The museum guides visitors through Mongolian history across four floors. The exhibition includes prehistoric archaeological finds, the era of the Hun Empire, the golden age of the Mongol Empire under Genghis Khan’s leadership, as well as a presentation of traditional nomadic culture. The collection of traditional Mongolian costumes deserves special attention, showcasing the distinctive clothing of different regions of the country.
One of the most spectacular exhibition sections presents the period of the 13th-14th century Mongol Empire with maps, weapons, and original objects. Visitors can learn about the nomadic lifestyle, ger construction, as well as Mongolian writing culture and religious traditions.
All information can be found here!
Mongolian National Modern Art Gallery
The most important showcase of contemporary Mongolian art opened in 1989, right during the period of democratic transition. The gallery encompasses Mongolian fine arts from the second half of the 20th century to the present day, emphasizing artists who combine Mongolian identity with contemporary artistic language.
The exhibition space is distributed over three floors, where paintings, sculptures, installations, and multimedia works are displayed. The collection shows how Soviet realism influenced Mongolian art, then how artists freed themselves after the regime change, seeking their own path in global artistic currents.
Particularly interesting is the series of contemporary works reinterpreting Mongolian nomadic traditions, placing the motifs of gers, Mongolian script, and the steppe landscape in a modern context.
All information can be found here!
Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts
Mongolia’s most prestigious art museum is named after the country’s greatest sculptor and Buddhist leader, Zanabazar (1635-1723). Founded in 1966, the institution preserves a comprehensive collection of Mongolian fine art history from the 17th century to contemporary art.
The museum’s pride is Zanabazar’s collection of bronze Buddha statues, which are considered world-class in their fineness and artistic execution. The statues created through the unique casting technique developed by the artist cannot be seen in this form anywhere else. The collection also includes Tibetan thangkas, religious masks, and ritual objects.
The modern Mongolian art section displays the works of 20th and 21st century Mongolian painters and sculptors, showing an interesting blend of Soviet socialist realism and traditional Mongolian motifs.
Mongolian Natural History Museum
Founded in 1924, the institution presents Mongolia’s natural treasures through geological, paleontological, and zoological collections. The museum’s greatest treasure is the collection of dinosaur finds, which includes the complete skeleton of Tarbosaurus bataar, Mongolia’s most fearsome ancient predator.
The building guides visitors through the country’s natural world across four floors: in the geological section minerals and fossils, in the paleontological section dinosaur eggs and skeletons, while in the fauna section stuffed specimens can be seen. A special pride is the skeleton of Velociraptor and Protoceratops from the Gobi Desert, which fossilized during combat.
The museum also presents Mongolia’s special fauna: the Gobi bear, snow leopard, wild horse (Przewalski’s horse), and various breeds of camels are all found in the collection.
All information can be found here!
Ulaanbaatar weather: when is the best time to visit?
Ulaanbaatar is a city with a continental climate characterized by extreme weather conditions: cold, long winters and warm but short summers alternate. The capital, located in the interior of the country at approximately 1,350 meters above sea level, has four distinct seasons, each with markedly different characteristics. The annual precipitation is low, with sunny, dry weather expected for most of the year.
Winter (November–March):
Winter in Ulaanbaatar is extremely cold and dry, often with temperatures between -20 and -40 degrees Celsius. January is the coldest month, when temperatures can drop to as low as -45 degrees. Snow usually arrives in November and remains until April, although precipitation amounts are low. The winter period is characterized by clear, blue skies, but the city frequently experiences air pollution due to smoke from heating. This season is recommended only for the most determined travelers prepared for the cold.
Spring (April–May):
Spring is a short transitional period when temperatures gradually rise, but March and April can still be very cold. Snowstorms and windy days are common in April, with large temperature fluctuations between day and night. In May, the air can warm up to 15-20 degrees during the day, but nights remain cool.
Summer (June–August):
Summer in Ulaanbaatar is pleasant and warm, with daytime temperatures between 20-25 degrees, rarely reaching 30 degrees. July and August are the warmest months, also when most precipitation falls, although this still represents a small amount. Afternoon showers and thunderstorms are common during the summer months, but they usually last only briefly. Nights remain cool, around 10-15 degrees.
Autumn (September–October):
Autumn arrives quickly: September is still pleasant with daytime temperatures of 15-20 degrees, but by October the weather cools significantly. Crystal-clear, sunny weather with low humidity is common during the autumn months. From late October, frosts can be expected, and winter arrives in November.
Best time to travel Ulaanbaatar:
The most favorable period to visit Ulaanbaatar is between June and September, when temperatures are pleasant, ranging between 15-25 degrees during the day, and nature also shows its most beautiful face. July and August are the warmest, but occasional showers can be expected then, which do not significantly affect the travel experience. September is particularly recommended: the temperature is still pleasant (15-20 degrees), but it’s no longer peak tourist season, and the autumn colors are stunning in the surrounding mountains. It’s important to know that even in summer it’s worth dressing in layers, as nights can be cool and daytime temperatures can change quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar is located in the Mongolian time zone (UTC+8).
The official language of Mongolia is Mongolian, and it is almost exclusively used in everyday life in Ulaanbaatar. English is often spoken by the younger generation, hotel staff, travel agencies, and some restaurant personnel, but English proficiency can be limited in everyday situations.
The official currency is the Mongolian tugrik (MNT). Cash is widely used, especially in smaller shops, markets, and during trips to the countryside. In the more modern parts of Ulaanbaatar, larger shopping centers, and hotels, credit cards are also accepted, but it’s advisable to always carry cash with you. Currency exchange is mainly available at banks and official exchange offices.
Type C and E plugs are used in Ulaanbaatar. The voltage is 220V, 50Hz, which is also compatible with European electrical devices.
Ulaanbaatar’s main airport is Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN), which is located approximately 50 kilometers from the city center. The downtown area can be reached by bus, shuttle buses, and taxis. Taxis are the most convenient option, especially with luggage, while buses are cheaper but slower and offer less frequent services.
Taxis and app-based ride services are considered the most convenient mode of transportation in Ulaanbaatar. The city also has a bus network, but the routes can be crowded and less clear for tourists. Traffic jams are common, so it’s worth allowing extra time for travel.
Ulaanbaatar is generally a safe city for tourists, especially during the day and in central areas. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded places, markets, and on public transport, so it’s advisable to watch your valuables. At night, it’s recommended to avoid less frequented parts of the city.
For tourists, the city center, especially around Sükhbaatar Square, is an ideal choice, as the main attractions, restaurants, and shops are easily accessible from there. Along Peace Avenue, there are numerous hotels in various price categories. For those seeking a quieter environment, modern hotels on the city’s outskirts can also be a good alternative.
Sükhbaatar Square: Ulaanbaatar’s central square with iconic buildings and historical significance.
Gandan Monastery: Mongolia’s most important Buddhist monastery with a massive Buddha statue.
National Museum of Mongolian History: Provides a comprehensive overview of Mongolia’s history and culture.
Bogd Khaan Palace Museum: The former residence of the last Mongolian king.
Zaisan Memorial: A viewpoint offering a breathtaking panorama of the city.
Buuz: Steamed dumplings filled with meat, one of Mongolia’s most famous dishes.
Khuushuur: Deep-fried meat pastry, also commonly found at street vendors.
Bansh: Smaller dumplings, boiled or served in soup.
Tsuivan: Stir-fried noodles with vegetables and meat.
Airag: Fermented mare’s milk, a traditional Mongolian drink mainly consumed in summer.