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

Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Price Per Person
From $12,400
See Itinerary

Golden Eagle Festival & the Altai Mountains

Duration
14 days / 13 nights
Price Per Person
From $19,900
See Itinerary

Hustai: A Glimpse of Mongolia's Past

Duration
3 days / 2 nights
Price Per Person
From $1,300
See Itinerary

Mongolia: Gobi and Grasslands

Duration
7 days / 6 nights
Price Per Person
From $3,900
See Itinerary

Mongolia's Naadam Festival & Altai Mountains

Duration
13 days / 12 nights
Price Per Person
From $15,100
See Itinerary

Moscow to Beijing on the Trans-Siberian Railway

Duration
17 days / 16 nights
Price Per Person
From $16,700
See Itinerary

Secrets of the South Gobi

Duration
4 days / 3 nights
Price Per Person
Extension: Optional add-on to your itinerary.
See Itinerary

The Dunes of the Gobi

Duration
6 days / 5 nights
Price Per Person
From $5,300
See Itinerary

The Mongolian Outback: Exploring the Khan Khentii Strictly Protected Area

Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Price Per Person
Extension: Optional add-on to your itinerary.
See Itinerary

The North Gobi Steppe: Sand Dunes, Camels, and Gers

Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Price Per Person
From $1,800
See Itinerary
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, from enjoying a meal and culinary show in the open-kitchen Café Park to enjoying a steam bath and jacuzzi in the luxurious health club.

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. Diners will be spoilt for choice with the Cantonese, Japanese, Korean and western food on offer at the hotel’s restaurants. The rooms feature free WiFi, flat-screen TVs with cable channels, en-suite bathrooms with a bathtub and shower facilities as well as a minibar luxury toiletries, hairdryers and slippers.

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.
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 (ULN).

Multi-Country Specialists

Mongolia Goes Well With

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