Ulaanbaatar: The Capital of Mongolia

 

Ulaanbaatar is a busy, thriving capital city at the heart of Mongolia’s vast outdoor wilderness. 

 

Ulaanbaatar is set within a valley along the banks of the Tuul River; it is a city surrounded by pine blanketed mountains to the north and rolling steppe to the south. 

 

It is a city of contrasts where nomads cross paths with city dwellers; new meets old; and almost half of the country’s population resides.

 

Ulaanbaatar is split between two very different living styles; on the one hand, you have the city buildings growing and developing, meanwhile, surrounding these modern buildings, traditional Mongolian tents, known as gers, seem to hem in the metropolis at every corner. 

 

Ulaanbaatar has museums, new and old, for any and every traveller as well as parks, gardens, monasteries and shops. As one may expect with the city’s position at Mongolia’s heart, it has constant easy access to the countryside.

 

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Highlights

 

Gandan Monastery

The largest and most significant monastery in Mongolia, and one of Ulaanbaatar’s most impressive and must-see sights. Built during the mid-19th century, this critical Buddhist monastery survived much of the destruction during the country’s Soviet purges and retained many of its original features. As a visitor, it’s possible to catch one of the daily religious services.

 

Museum of National History

A popular attraction in Ulaanbaatar’s heart, this surprisingly well-appointed museum is a must for those interested in this fascinating country’s history. Exhibits cover history from the Stone Age to the reign of the mighty Chinggis Khan and even the country’s more modern Soviet times.

 

Zaisan Hill

Look to the south of the city, and you won’t miss this landmark monument standing tall. Built atop a once-remote hill, now surrounded by modern urban buildings, this Soviet-designed complex was constructed to commemorate those allied soldiers killed during the Second World War.

Southern Mongolia: The Glorious Gobi Desert

For many, the south of Mongolia is the most well-known area in the country as it’s home to the vast Gobi Desert. Within easy reach of Ulaanbaatar, the Gobi Desert is home to nomadic herders, famed Bactrian camels, and fantastic natural scenery.

 

The Gobi Desert was designated a National Park in 1975 with UNESCO recognition following in 1991. UNESCO registered the Gobi as the fourth largest Biosphere Reserve in the world. Far from being a stereotypical desert environment, only three percent of the area is covered by sand. The Gobi is a desert of adventure, home to dinosaur remains, mountains, lakes and towering dunes.

 

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Highlights

 

Eagle Valley

Nestled amongst the Gurvansaikhan Mountains, the Eagle Valley is also known as Yol Am Valley. A protected area since 1965, this deep mountain valley narrows into a stunning gorge that channels a small stream fed by natural springs. The site is home to many species of flora and fauna as well as local nomads.

 

Khongor Sand Dunes

Only 3% of the Gobi Desert’s surface area is covered by sand, but what little it has does have knows how to impress. The Khongor Dunes are towering mountainous affairs visible from miles around. Those who want to get a closer look at the dunes can take from one to two hours to climb and offer amazing views. If you wish for stereotypical stunning desert scenes, we suggest you come here. Enhance your visit by climbing in the morning or evening to see the sand come alive with colour.

 

Bayanzag Cliffs

Bayanzag is also known, bizarrely, as Rich Saxaul due to the type of shrub that grows around the area. These cliffs also referred to as the Flaming Cliffs due to their profound red nature and changing colours in the rising sunlight. Bayanzag is also famed as the location where Roy Andrew Chapman discovered many fossils, including the world’s first dinosaur egg discovery.

Eastern Mongolia: The Birthplace of Chinggis Khan

 

Many visitors tend to avoid eastern Mongolia as the area is vast and there is very little written about this region. For Mongolians, however, the story is slightly different as it is the birthplace of the nation’s hero Chinggis Khaan (Genghis Khan). If you want to see true steppe, then the east is the place to go; mile upon mile of rolling green grassland inhabited by nomads and their herds.

 

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Highlights

 

Khan Khentii Mountain National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and said to be the exact birthplace of Chinggis Khan, Khentii is covered with forests, taiga, and lush mountain forest-steppe. The park is a fantastic place to come and visit the local nomads and see the natural history, hike mountains or ride traditional Mongolian horses. The peaks are the highest in the Asralt Khairkhan range which sits at 2,799 metres above sea level.

 

Bereeven Monastery

Located within a beautiful valley, amongst the Bereeven Mountains, this monastic sanctuary was established in 1664 and later enlarged using granite in 1777. Although badly damaged during the Soviet purges, this strong structure managed to survive and has recently gone through a period of restoration. The once 5000-7000 lamas are no more but the temple remains and the stone carvings are beautiful and well worth the visit.

 

Dornod Mongolia Steppe

If any landform was to be described as an ocean, then the Dornod Steppe is it; mile upon mile of rolling green serves to bring home the vastness of Mongolia. It was punctuated sporadically by the white of a nomad’s Ger. A must for those who want peace tranquillity and that feeling of an untouched wilderness.

Northern Mongolia: The Country’s Siberian North

 

For those who assume Mongolia is just sand and grass, we say come to the north. The North of Mongolia more resembles Siberia than the Gobi Desert; maybe that’s because not far over the border and you’re there. This stunning area is home to crystal clear lakes, mountains, taiga forests and reindeer herders. It’s a rugged expanse of land worthy of any adventure.

 

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Highlights

 

Lake Khuvsgul

 

The name Khuvsgul means “Lake of Excellent Water”. It is undoubtedly great, being one of only seven ancient lakes in the world dating back over two million years. The views, water and surroundings are genuinely stunning. Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter by the lake will impress any traveller.

 

Tsaatan Nomad Family (Reindeer Herder)

 

The journey to visit the reindeer herders may not be an easy path; taking the 4X4s is a must, along with an added horse trek or hike. Upon arrival, you’ll discover these remote nomads live as they have done for hundreds of years. Surviving off the land, the Tsaatan work their herds, moving them to seasonal pastures. Make sure you wake up early to see the hundreds of reindeer set free to roam the area.

 

Amarbayasgalant Monastery

 

360 km north of Ulaanbaatar, a pilgrimage here is worth every bumpy kilometre as this large complex sits at the base of rolling hills surrounded by beautiful countryside. This Buddhist marvel survived the religious purges of the Soviet period relatively well. The monastery boasts a ger temple and welcomes visitors with a typical Tibetan Buddhist interior.

Western Mongolia: The Hidden Jewel in Mongolia’s Crown

Those who love adventure will love the west of this vast expansive country; an area ringed by snowcapped mountains bejewelled by clear sparkling lakes. More commonly referred to as Bayan Olgii, the area is inhabited by friendly Kazakhs, some of whom are the region’s famed eagle hunters. A visit to this region can feel as though you’ve crossed into another country entirely.

 

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Highlights

 

Altai Tavan Bogd National Park

 

The Altai Tavan Bogd National Park is home to the highest mountain range in the country, the highest mountain Mountain being Munh Khairhan which rises to an impressive 4326 meters above sea level. Mountains aside there are also the equally impressive glaciers, raging rivers and lakes. Visit via 4X4, hike and horse ride but leave knowing you have had an adventure in one of the most remote corners of the world.

 

Meet and Stay with Eagle Hunters

 

When travelling to Bayan Ulgii one can not pass through this beautiful region without stopping by and visiting one of the famed eagle hunting families. A Kazakh Yurt always makes for a most hospitable stop; then there is the eagle experience. Many families in this remote region keep their traditions alive by keeping, flying, and hunting with golden eagles. The hunters traditionally fly and demonstrate their raptors in October time, especially during the eagle festivals.

 

Hovd

 

Rarely visited by tourists, this town is located just before one reaches the famed Kazakh Ulgii area. Inhabited by typical Mongolians, Hovd is surrounded by steppe, mountains and deserts. If the natural scenery wasn’t enough for you, then catch one of the local shamans for an authentic ceremony or marvel at the art of Mongolian throat singing.

Central Mongolia: The Heart of The Country

 

Mongolia’s rugged heart is rich in beautiful, yet unique destinations; once home to the nation’s famed capital, Kharkhorin. Today, the pace of life has slowed a little. Gone are Genghis Khan’s armies, replaced with a worthwhile tour route comprising temples, extinct volcanoes, nomadic homestays, and more natural scenery.

 

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Highlights

 

Khorgo Extinct Volcano

 

Khorgo Mountain sits inside a stunning national park. Mongolia may not be one’s first choice when visiting an extinct volcano, but they’re here. Khorgo Mountain’s central crater is accessible via a tree-lined path. Although there is no crater lake at its heart, it’s possible to climb all the way to the centre. Gone is the lava and the threat of eruption, but steam can be seen seeping from between the rocks in some locations.

 

Kharkhorin and Erdene Zuu Monastery

 

Kharkhorin, once Mongolia’s capital city, is said to have housed over a million residents, it may well have been mostly tented, but still a thriving metropolis of trade and finance. These days the capital is long gone along with most of the population although that doesn’t make Kharkhorin any less enjoyable. If you’re into local life, make a stop at its local market with business conducted from old shipping containers. Alternatively, stop by the world-class museum; it’s a small, yet impressive affair covering the archaeological finds of the area. For most though, Erdene Zuu Monastery is the biggest draw. Surrounded by a 400-metre wall and 108 stupas, this impressive monastery is said to be the first in Mongolia.

 

Khugnu Khan National Park

 

Those surprised by Mongolia’s diverse landscapes should visit Khugnu Khan National Park, and you’ll be even more surprised by what’s there. Rolling dunes, mountains, grasslands, rivers and forests all make for an exciting visit. This national park offers excellent hiking, secluded monastery visits, and the chance to ride the local nomads’ camels and horses.