Ulan Ude

The capital of the Russian republic of Buryatia, Ulan Ude lies in the country’s south east, north of Mongolia, 62 miles from Lake Baikal. Sitting astride the River Uda and nestled in the valley between the mountainous ranges of Khamar-Daban and Khrebet Ulan-Burgasy, it’s beautiful inside and out. Historically an important center for trade thanks to its advantageous location for Russia, China and Mongolia, it was given an extra boost by the Trans-Siberian Railway in the 1930s. For the same reason, the city has a distinctly multi-cultural feel.

Small enough to navigate on foot, Ulan Ude is packed with attractions for visitors to explore and discover during casual and pleasant strolls. The beautiful, historic town center is an excellent place to spot classic and Baroque architecture including the Odigitrievsky Cathedral, not to mention the fact that it’s home to the largest Lenin statue in the world. Other attractions include a wealth of theaters, museums and galleries, as well as plenty of places to sample the local cuisine.

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.

Lenin’s monument

A meeting point popular for its distinct nature, this vast bronze statue stands proudly in the city’s main plaza. It was built in 1970 to celebrate the centennial of Lenin’s birth and at 25 feet tall, it is the largest in the world.

Odigitrievsky Cathedral

More than just a classic Russian Orthodox church, this historic cathedral is an important Siberian monument. Built in the Baroque style, it was the first stone building to be built in the city and an important tourist attraction.

Riverside

Recalling Ulan Ude’s heyday as a thriving trade center, the merchants’ mansions built alongside the water enhance a riverside stroll with their elegant architecture, carved wood and stone decoration.

Ulan Ude Ethnographic Museum

This open-air museum is one of the largest of its kind in all of Russia. It contains important artifacts charting the ethnographic makeup of the Transbaikal people from the Bronze Age to the mid-20th century.

Ulger Puppet Theater

Home to the city’s resident puppet theater company, which regularly tours the region, the theater puts on productions of Russian classics, with an emphasis on plays written in the local region.

Siberia & Russian Far East Regions

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

Ulan Ude Itineraries

Classic Siberia

Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Price Per Person
From $10,800
See Itinerary

Eastern Trans-Siberian: Lake Baikal to Vladivostok

Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Price Per Person
From $6,600
See Itinerary

Moscow to Beijing on the Trans-Siberian Railway

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

The Best of Siberia by Trans-Siberian Railway: Novosibirsk to Ulan-Ude

Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Price Per Person
From $9,200
See Itinerary

From Siberia to the South Gobi: A Remote Adventure

Duration
14 days / 13 nights
Price Per Person
From $15,000
See Itinerary
Hotel Baikal Plaza

Hotel Baikal Plaza

Ulan Ude, Siberia & Russian Far East


This four-star hotel is well-located for first-time visitors to Ulan Ude, just a two-minute walk from the city’s famed Philharmonic Hall and the Central Square. In addition to a good range of guestrooms and suites, which all come kitted-out with the latest facilities, Hotel Baikal Plaza also offers several international restaurants, a fitness center with sauna, and free WiFi access is available throughout. The choice of standard single, double, twin and deluxe doubles here all come with air conditioning, cable television, a refrigerator and a modern en-suite bathroom. The surrounding area is home to an excellent range of local and international-style shops, restaurants and bars, while Ulan Ude Train Station is a mere seven-minute drive from the hotel.


Mergen Bator Hotel

Mergen Bator Hotel

Ulan Ude, Siberia & Russian Far East


Perfect for business guests and first-time visitors wanting to get acquainted with the city, the smart Mergen Bator Hotel provides a range of modern rooms and on-site facilities. Just a five-minute walk from the city center of Ulan Ude, the hotel also has a sizeable swimming pool, spa, fitness center, restaurant, and guests can enjoy free access to the WiFi throughout. The rooms here are also well-equipped with a mini-fridge, kettle, flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and sizeable en-suite bathrooms. Guests can easily reach some of the best attractions in the city from the doors of the hotel; both Sovetov Square and Ballet and Opera Theatre are a short walk away, while Baykal Airport is just a 20-minute drive.


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