Ulaanbaatar

Anchored between past and present, the capital city of Ulaanbaatar is redefining itself in an exciting new world with massive investment money flowing in for the rapidly growing mining and minerals industry. Ulaanbaatar's tiny stock exchange located right on the central Sukhbatar Square is one of the world's fastest growing bourses. Echoes of its Communist past reverberate through Ulaanbaatar, as Soviet-era architecture and signs in Cyrillic sit alongside glass-and-steel hotels and shopping centers, with traditional Buddhist temples just steps away. Ulaanbaatar serves as a gateway to Mongolia's fabled lands, but with its tremendous contrast between old and new is in and of itself a fascinating jumping off point to the rest of the country.

Experiences

A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.

Black Market

Explore the Naraan Tuul Market, also known as the Black Market (open everyday except Tuesday). Not quite as illicit as the name suggests, this huge bazaar sells just about everything, from camping gear to riding saddles, handicrafts to antiques. It’s a good place to purchase gifts and traditional Mongolian clothing to take home as a souvenir.

Gandan Monastery

Explore the Gandan Monastery with an expert in Buddhism and learn about the religion’s tumultuous history in Mongolia. Have tea with one of Gandan’s head monks in his private chambers, and chat with him about his life and Buddhism in Mongolia today.

Ger Restaurant

Dine at Ger Restaurant, housed within a large, decorated ger, or Mongolian tent. Your meal will be followed by a performance of traditional Mongolian folk music, including throat singing, a traditional style of music found across central Asia. In this unique art, performers manipulate the size of their mouths and throats in order to produce rich, deep sounds of various pitches; Mongolia alone is home to several genres of throat singing.

Museum of Natural History

Visit the Museum of Natural History, whose star attraction is a complete dinosaur skeleton - the giant, 50- foot long carnivorous Tarbosaurus. This is an actual skeleton unearthed in the Gobi Desert - not a replica like at so many other museums. The museum also has a small Velociraptor skeleton and a striking painting of a 26-foot tall duck-billed herbivore, Saurolophus.

Naadam Festival

Every July the spectacular Naadam festival takes place in Ulaanbaatar, with competitions featuring The Three Manly Sports of archery, wrestling, and horseback riding. Naadam originated from military parades and folk celebrations. However, it now commemorates the 1921 revolution in which Mongolia declared itself a free country. Note that smaller Naadams are held in other towns throughout Mongolia around the same time as the large Naadam in UB, and we recommend attending both types if possible.

Sukhbaatar Square

Stroll through Sukhbaatar Square, named after Damdiny Sukhbaatar, Mongolia’s national hero, who laid the groundwork for the Mongol revolution and subsequent allegiance with Russia. Today, it is an economic hub of Ulaanbaatar and a perfect example of the clash between Mongolia’s newfound wealth and its history; stark, Soviet-era architecture sits alongside Central Tower, a modern shopping complex replete with a Louis Vuitton boutique and a VIP room designed to resemble a traditional Mongolian yurt.

Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan

Explore the Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan, the only remaining residence of the last emperor of Mongolia, who died in 1924. The complex includes six temples and displays many possessions of the Bogd Khan, including a large ceremonial ger, his throne, and a pair of boots given to him by Tsar Nicholas II of Russia.

Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts

Have a privately guided tour of the Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts, led by an expert in Mongolian history. Part of UNESCO’s Programme for the Preservation of Endangered Movable Cultural Properties and Museum Development, the Zanabazar displays art and artifacts from ancient Mongolia through the 20th century, with a special focus on the sculptures of Gombodorjiin Zanabazar (1635-1723), considered Mongolia’s greatest artist.

Mongolia Regions

Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.

Ulaanbaatar Itineraries

Classic Mongolia

Discover a world far off the beaten path on this exhilarating 8-day luxury Mongolia adventure. You’ll ride a camel through the Gobi desert, examine dinosaur fossils in flaming cliffs, partake in a meal with a nomadic family, and see wild roaming horses, all while staying in traditional-yet-luxurious Mongolia hotels.

Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Price Per Person
From $12,400
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Golden Eagle Festival & the Altai Mountains

It is said that Mongolia is the last true nomadic society left on the planet and what better way to immerse yourself in centuries-old pastoralist tradition than by attending the Golden Eagle Festival?

Duration
14 days / 13 nights
Price Per Person
From $19,900
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Hustai: A Glimpse of Mongolia's Past

Take a quick and exciting 3-day journey into Mongolia’s fascinating history on this luxury tour of Hustai National Park. You’ll pursue the elusive wild takhi horse, hike through verdant steppe mountains, discover ancient Neolithic gravesites, and stay in luxurious Mongolian traditional Ger tents. 

Duration
3 days / 2 nights
Price Per Person
From $1,300
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Mongolia: Gobi and Grasslands

Cross the rugged terrain of remote Mongolia on this exhilarating 7-day luxury adventure. You’ll explore the Northern Gobi desert on the back of a camel, ride horseback through lush pastures, stop at ancient, historically-important sites, and stay in luxurious-yet-traditional Mongolian Ger tents. 

Duration
7 days / 6 nights
Price Per Person
From $3,900
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Mongolia's Naadam Festival & Altai Mountains

Visit Mongolia during one of the most exciting times of year for Naadam Festival. This is a time when the "Three Games of Men" are contested throughout the country in the disciplines of Mongolian wrestling, horse racing and archery - an expression of Mongolia's nomadic culture.

Duration
13 days / 12 nights
Price Per Person
From $15,100
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Moscow to Beijing on the Trans-Siberian Railway

Embark on the world’s most famous overland journey from Moscow to Beijing, delving deep into the Siberian wilderness along the way. Cross three countries and two continents - accumulating almost 3,500 miles, all whilst bunking down for the night in the train, waking up to an ever-evolving landscape each morning.

Duration
17 days / 16 nights
Price Per Person
From $16,700
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Secrets of the South Gobi

Explore Mongolia’s incredible South Gobi region on this remarkable 4-day journey. You’ll catch glimpses of rare wildlife like the snow leopard, explore the iconic sand dunes, marvel at dinosaur remains, and meet local herders, while staying at the ultra-luxurious Three Camel Lodge.

Duration
4 days / 3 nights
Price Per Person
Extension: Optional add-on to your itinerary
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The Dunes of the Gobi

Spend 6 days exploring the diverse terrain of the Gobi desert. You’ll stay in comfortable, luxurious Ger tents, plod across the rugged terrain on the back of a camel, scale the “Flaming Cliffs,” watch for Mongolian wildlife, and listen for the song of the Singing Dunes on this epic luxury Mongolia journey. 

Duration
6 days / 5 nights
Price Per Person
From $5,300
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The Mongolian Outback: Exploring the Khan Khentii Strictly Protected Area

Take an exciting 5-day expedition into Mongolia’s beautiful backyard, the Khan Khentii Strictly Protected Area. You’ll hike the picturesque Hentii mountains, watch for exotic wildlife like wild boar, red deer, and moose, and make friends with herdsmen, while staying in traditional-yet-luxurious Mongolian Ger tents. 

Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Price Per Person
Extension: Optional add-on to your itinerary
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The North Gobi Steppe: Sand Dunes, Camels, and Gers

Explore the thrilling North Gobi steppe on this 4-day luxury Mongolia adventure. You’ll sit down to an epic picnic on the Gobi steppes, trek across the desert on camelback, and interact with local herdsmen you’re sure to meet along the way, all the while staying in traditional, luxurious Mongolian Ger tents.

Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Price Per Person
From $1,800
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Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar
Preferred Hotel

Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

In the heart of the capital of Mongolia, Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar is an urban oasis, ready to pamper business and leisure guests alike with its spacious suites, exquisite restaurants and expansive health club. The hotel features nearly 300 rooms and suites, each with an impressive vista over downtown Ulaanbaatar, and is in within walking distance of the city’s best shops, restaurants, and historical sights. Fusing contemporary and traditional design, the hotel also offers much for guests to do within its walls,...
The Blue Sky Hotel
Preferred Hotel

The Blue Sky Hotel

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

This five-star contemporary hotel is situated in the city’s business district and more interestingly in Ulaanbaatar’s tallest building. The hotel, decorated in a classic European style, has many top quality facilities including an indoor pool, gym, wellness centre, sauna and a business centre. There are many services on offer to make your stay as comfortable and convenient as possible such as 24-hour room service, car rentals, currency exchange, laundry services, luggage storage, safety deposit boxes and a 24-hour front desk....
Khan Palace Kempinski Hotel

Khan Palace Kempinski Hotel

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

The Khan Palace Kempinski Hotel, located in the center of Ulaan Baatar, is the first truly luxury property within the city. All rooms and suites in the Khan Palace Kempinski Hotel have broadband or wireless Internet connectivity. The hotel’s restaurants are Kharakhorum, serving traditional Mongolian cuisine as well as international fare, and the Japanese restaurant Sakura. The Khan Palace also features a modern fitness center and beauty salon. The Kempinski Khan Palace is located approximately 30 minutes from Chinggis Khaan Airport (UBN).
Local Train

Local Train

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Travel the Trans-Mongolian railway from East to West or vice versa, starting in either Siberia or China. Along the way, experience all the wonders of these fabulous cities and the natural scenic beauty in between, from Lake Baikal to the yurts of Ulaan Baatar. On days not spent exploring, relax in your private cabins and simply enjoy the scenery as it glides by.

Multi-Country Specialists

Mongolia Goes Well With

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