What is there to do in Ulaanbaatar? It’s the question I asked myself when United announced their new non-stop route from NRT (Tokyo-Narita) to UBN (Ulaanbaatar). The route is so unique for an American carrier; it’s a 5th freedom flight, meaning the route doesn’t take off or land in the airline’s home country. It’s also a place that hadn’t previously been on my radar, but suddenly was. So I started researching. After dreaming, planning, and finally visiting for myself, here are the 7 best things we did in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia!
Visit Gandantegchinlen Monastery (Gandan Monastery)
The name means “complete rejoicing” in Tibetan, and it’s currently the center of Buddhism in Mongolia. Founded in 1809, it’s seen a lot in its 200+ years. It’s currently an active monastery, and in fact it was the only active monastery in the country between 1944 and 1989, during the Communist era. There are presently over 100 practicing monks living here, some of which you will inevitably see during your visit. We also happened to visit on a Buddhist holiday, which we were honored to be able to see while we were there.
More here: My Honest Review of Vacations Mongolia
See Sükhbaatar Square
In London, you have to see the Houses of Parliament; in DC, you need to visit the US Capitol; when in Rome, you have to see the Palazzo di Montecitorio. And when you visit Ulaanbaatar, you ned to visit Sükhbaatar Square. Here, you’ll find their Parliament Building, as well as a massive, white plaza and an equestrian statue of Damdin Sükhbaatar (not Genghis Kahn!), a Mongolian Revolutionary War hero. Many events take place on this square, from markets to Parliament photo-ops, both of which we stumbled upon during our trip. Members of Parliament wearing bright, colorful, traditional dress filed out on to the grand steps out front for a photo just as we were leaving!
(Coming soon) Read next: Tips for Your First Trip to Mongolia
Tour the Chinggis Khan Museum
If you go to Mongolia and don’t do ALL the Chinggis Khaan (aka Genghis Khan) things, did you really go? I think not. Definitely make sure to plan at least an hour or two to see everything you want at the Chinggis Khaan National Museum. It’s spread across nine floors (one large room on each floor), with a massive, gold-covered statue of Chinggis Khaan on the ninth floor. We visited with an English-speaking guide, which was helpful, though he was massively enthusiastic about everything. This led to quite a lengthy tour! It might be up to you to keep things moving.
(Coming soon) Keep reading: What We Ate in Mongolia
Visit the Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
This one actually might be my favorite! This place was fascinating. The Temple and outbuildings here were built between 1893-1903, so they’re not as old as you might expect, but they are filled with history and Mongolian culture. It’s also one of the few Mongolian historical sites that have not been destroyed by Soviet or Communist forces. Perhaps that’s because of the other building here: The Winter Palace, which was a gift from the Russian Czar. It’s a large, white mansion house that’s not full of artifacts and antiques. The contrast between the two architectural styles is stark!
(Coming soon) Read on: What To Do on a Day Trip to Nalaikh
Visit the Mongolian Natural History Museum
I almost skipped this, because we have an amazing natural history museum in DC, but I’m glad our schedule allowed time for it! Most impressive? The jade exhibit. Most simultaneously awe-inspiring and horrifying? Their taxidermy animals (why are there at least 5 kinds of bears here?). Oldest? The dinosaur bones, of course. Did you know Mongolia is home to one-sixth of the world’s dinosaur fossils? It’s true! The museum itself is relatively small, so it’s a manageable museum if you only have an extra hour or so. It’s also great for kids, which is something I look for in a museum as a single mom these days!
(Coming soon) More here: Our Favorite Animals in Mongolia
Find the Zaisan Memorial
This is such an interesting memorial for an American to see. A World War II memorial is not unusual, but it was unexpected in Mongolia. Did you know Mongolians fought in World War II on the side of the Allies? It makes sense when you look at a map and see their proximity to the then-Soviet Union. This memorial honors the Mongolians and Soviets who died during the War. You can find it atop Zaisan Hill (tip: wear your stair climbing shoes!) in Ulaanbaatar. It’s a lovely spot with great views of the city and surrounding hills and mountains.
Read on: What It’s Like Visiting a Nomadic Family in Mongolia
Shop Local
I was so impressed with the quality of the local shopping in Mongolia! They’re known for locally-made cashmere clothing, jade, and high-quality skin care, but there were so many other things for sale that were actually made in Mongolia. There were bags, books, soaps, woodwork, jewelry, honey, even baby snacks! I love finding truly local items to bring home as gifts and personal souvenirs, and that was incredibly easy in Mongolia.
Keep reading: 5 Tips to Help You Shop Local on Travel
Want more? Check out my dedicated Mongolia Page!
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