Having spent 2 months as a volunteer English teacher in Ulaanbaatar (UB) recently and also been on vacation all over Mongolia last Summer, a friend approached me for recommendations on what to do over there.
See Also: 7 Days in the Gobi Desert
So here are the 10 must see and things to do in UB as recommended by me!
1. Sukhbaatar Square
[metaslider id=”1162″]
It is virtually impossible to miss the square during your time in UB. It features a huge Genghis Khan monument among many others. Various events and fairs are held there throughout the year.
2. Zaisan Monument
[metaslider id=”1174″]
Located on top of a hill at the southern part of the city. The monument features painting that depict scenes of friendship between the people of the USSR and Mongolia.
Begin the (short) hike up from the steps beside Zaisan Hill complex. Upon reaching the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the entire city.
While you’re in the area, drop by the Buddha Garden right opposite Zaisan Hill complex where a 23 m-high statue of Sakyamuni stands.
Tip: Go for the sunset and stay till dark to view both the monument and city at night.
3. Nightlight Street
[metaslider id=”1229″]
Take a stroll down the beautiful lit street lined with bars and restaurants. Various events are held from Friday to Sunday in the Summer.
Tip: Grab a drink and chill at Mojito Cocktail House while you enjoy the window view.
4. Gandantegchinlen Monastery
More commonly referred to by its short name, Gandan (Гандан).
Visit to learn about Mongolian history and Buddhism. Be there early in the morning at around 8-9 AM to catch the monks gathering for their morning prayers.
Also, a nice place for some peace and quiet even if you’re are not interested in its cultural and historical aspects.
5. 3rd, 4th Khoroolol (District)
[metaslider id=”1237″]
Referred to locally as just Khoroolol. This area is filled with shopping malls, cafes, restaurants, bars and clubs.
You can find international apparel brands like Nike, Adidas, United Colors of Benetton, Terranova as well as bootleg merchandise at decent price. Electronics can be found in PC Mall, BSB and Nomin department stores.
For the gluttons, there are Burger King, KFC, Pizza Hut as well as local fast food joints like Khaan Buuz and Tse.
Tip: Journey from the east to west and end your trip by grabbing a delicious BBQ chicken pizza from Emart ?
6. Narantuul Market
The biggest open door bazaar in UB that have everything and I do mean EVERYTHING being sold here from apparels to electronics, food, mechanical parts and even Gers/Yurts. Goods are generally priced super cheap.
Just be very careful with pickpockets and take note that the market is closed on Tuesdays.
Tip: The surrounding malls like Sunday Market are great to shop in as well. Especially, during Winter.
7. Bogd Khan Mountain
Located on the southern part of the city and a stone’s throw away from Zaisan Monument. Locals come here frequently to escape from the bustling city and its pollution.
You can get there by bus and alighting at Zaisan (Зайсан) stop.
A guide is not necessary as it’s a reasonably easy hike. The routes are obvious due to the many people that hike it on a daily basis and even more so during the weekends.
Bring water along as there are no water sources along the way.
Equipment wise, no special gear is needed. Just dress for the weather and have a good footwear. I had to learn this the hard way hiking in Winter and “skiing” my way down during the descent.
8. Mongolian Military Museum
This may not be everybody’s cup of tea but I loved this museum that showcase Mongolia’s military hardware and history from the feudal to modern day.
Unfortunately, many of the exhibits’ descriptions were only displayed in Mongolian language when I was there. Another caveat was photography not being allowed inside.
The courtyard of the museum has tanks, artilleries and a MiG fighter jet on display.
9. Ice Skating
Don’t miss skating on one of the many outdoor rinks that pops up in Winter. The coolest one would have to be Ice Town near Selbe bridge, west of Emart Chinggis. There are ice skating rinks for both adults and children as well as jaw dropping ice sculptures on display that’ll leave you in awe.
[metaslider id=”1187″]
If you prefer to skate indoor, check out the new Hunnu Mall which is located close to Chinggis Khaan International Airport.
[metaslider id=”1200″]
10. Tumen-Ekh Folk Song and Dance Ensemble
[metaslider id=”1206″]
Experience traditional Mongolian music, dance, throat singing and contortion under 1 hour for 25,000 MNT. The contortionist’s performance was the highlight for me and I would assume for many in the crowd as well judging from all the “wooo” and “oooh” that was heard. Be prepared to get bewitched by their out of the world flexibility.
Tip: Come 30 minutes early to get a nice seat up front. Tour buses tend to bring hordes of tourist and they snatch the good seats at one go so be there before them.
Featured on TripZilla @ https://www.tripzilla.com/things-to-do-ulaanbaatar/74537