Mongolia capital: Ulaanbaatar

Ulaanbaatar is the capital and largest metropolis of Mongolia. The city is home to over half of Mongolia’s population and is truly the heart of the country. The city has more than 3 centuries of history and was first founded in 1639 as the main Buddhist center. In 1911, after gaining independence from Manchuria, the city was renamed “Nislel Khure”, which means “capital”. In 1924, the capital received a new name, which has survived to this day. Ulaanbaatar means “Red Hero”.

Ulaanbaatar is the main industrial and cultural center. The capital is very modern and is not inferior to other capitals in terms of beauty. There are 9 districts and 122 mini-districts. This is a very rapidly developing capital, where more than half of the population is under 30 years old.

Officially, Ulaanbaatar is considered the coldest capital in the world. Not Moscow or any other capital is mentioned as the coldest, but Ulaanbaatar with an average annual temperature.

The city is very busy. In summer there are many travelers, and in winter it is a “city of students”. The city’s population and vehicles have more than doubled. So, traffic jams in Ulaanbaatar are terrible.

The inhabitants of the capital are very friendly and hospitable. The new generation mostly understands English and is always happy to answer simple questions.

THINGS TO DO IN ULAANBAATAR

There are many attractions in Ulaanbaatar, as well as in the vicinity of the city. If you are staying in the city center, you can walk around the city and visit the main square. Previously, it was called “Sukhbaator Square”, and now it bears the name of “Genghis Khan”. Around the square, you can visit the “National Historical Museum” and visit the “State Department Store”.

You can also visit the largest Buddhist center Gandan Monastery. In the evening, you can take a walk to Zaisan Hill, which offers a panoramic view of the city. And if you prefer to see out of town, there are plenty of options you might like. The first recommended destination is a visit to the Chinggis Khaan Horse Monument Complex.

This is the largest horse statue in the world. And if you want to experience a traditional ger camp, you can stay at one of the tourist camps in the Terelj National Park, where you can choose from various activities such as horseback riding or hiking.

In addition, you can visit Elsen Tasarkhai where you can enjoy a stunning desert and ride a camel. And if you want, you can visit Khustein National Park where you can explore wild horses.

Ulaanbaatar is a unique capital that meets old Mongolia and modern Mongolia. There are many yurt quarters around tall modern buildings. Typical and low-income people live in yurts and each yurt has its own stove where coal is heated. Until 2019, the capital was the most polluted capital in the world. But the city currently only uses industrial coal with less pollution, and it’s now much better than it used to be.

If one day you are planning to visit Ulaanbaatar, please contact us so we can take you on an amazing city tour of our lovely Ulaanbaatar.