Is it Worth Visiting Ulaanbaatar?

Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia, is located on the central part of the country. It’s a city with a unique blend of old and new, where the traditional nomad culture meets modern development. Despite being relatively unknown to many people, there are several reasons why Ulaanbaatar is worth visiting. This blog post will discuss those reasons, as well as some challenges visitors might encounter in this city.

Culture

One of the main reasons to visit Ulaanbaatar is its rich culture. Mongolia is known for its nomadic lifestyle and unique traditions. When visiting Ulaanbaatar, you can explore their culture through local food, traditional performances, and festivals. The most famous festival in Mongolia is Naadam, which takes place in July. It’s a three-day festival that includes wrestling, archery, and horse racing. During this festival, you can also visit the National Museum of Mongolia, which displays the history of the country.

Adventure

If you’re an adventure enthusiast, Ulaanbaatar will not disappoint. There are plenty of activities to do, such as hiking, trekking, horse riding, and camping. The Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, located just outside the city, offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can also visit the sand dunes of Elsen Tasarkhai, which are known as the mini-Gobi desert. Another unique experience is staying in a traditional Mongolian ger camp, where you can enjoy the nomadic lifestyle.

Cuisine

Mongolian cuisine is simple yet flavorful. Many local dishes are based on meat and dairy products, as these ingredients are abundant in this country. The most famous dish is the traditional Mongolian barbecue called khorkhog, where meat is cooked inside a metal container with hot stones. Another dish that should not be missed is buuz, which is a steamed meat dumpling. You can also enjoy traditional dairy products such as aaruul (dried curds) and suutei tsai (tea with milk).

Challenges

Despite the many reasons to visit Ulaanbaatar, there are some challenges to consider. The main challenge is the air pollution, caused mainly by the burning of coal and wood for heat during the winter months. The air quality can reach dangerous levels, and visitors with respiratory problems should take extra precautions. Another challenge is the language barrier, as English is not widely spoken in Ulaanbaatar.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Ulaanbaatar is a unique and exciting destination worth visiting. With its rich culture, adventurous activities, and traditional cuisine, you can experience a part of the world that is relatively unknown to many travelers. However, visitors should be aware of the air pollution and limited English proficiency in the city. If you’re looking for a new and unforgettable destination, consider adding Ulaanbaatar to your travel list.

Insider’s Guide: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Mongolia may not be the first place that comes to your mind when you think of travel destinations, but if you’re looking for a culturally rich, off-the-beaten-path adventure, Ulaanbaatar, the country’s capital city, is definitely worth a visit. With a unique mix of tradition and modernity, this city boasts some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes and experiences in the world.

Local Attractions

The first stop on your Ulaanbaatar trip should be the Gandantegchinlen Monastery. Established in the mid-19th century, this beautiful temple is considered the most important Buddhist center in the country. The temple provides an insight to the city’s spiritual heritage served through great art and Architecture, architecture & art.

Visit Sukhbaatar Square in the heart of the city, surrounded by key landmarks like the Mongolian Parliament building as well as the National Museum and the Opera Theater. The Genghis Khan Statue Complex is also worth a visit, with its 131-foot tall statue of Genghis Khan – the largest statue of a man on horseback in the world.

For a scenic escape from the city, head to the nearby Terelj National Park. Terelj is famous for its vast landscape, scenic beauty that varies from the stunning Gorkhi Terelj valley to miles of mountain ranges & fresh air. While there, stay in a ger, a traditional Mongolian dwelling, and enjoy horse rides around the national park.

Dining Spots

The Mongolian food scene has developed into the fusion of modern and traditional cuisines, and there’s nothing more traditional than trying some delicious sheep or goat meat dishes like Khorkhog, Boodog, or Khuushuur.
Visit the Modern Nomads or Khukh Tenger restaurant in the heart of the city for an excellent selection of dishes. For more authenticity, try out local street foods like Huushuur, Khuushuur, Shol, and Tsagaan Idee during the Naadam festival in July.

Cultural Experiences

Getting to know the traditional Mongolian lifestyle is a must-do on your trip, and learning about the culture of the country’s oldest demographic – the nomads – is a good place to start. Take a stroll through the Naraan Tuul Market, one of Asia’s biggest outdoor markets that stretches across 50 hectares. You can also learn more about local arts, crafts, and horse races at the nearby Naadam Festival, held every July.

Local History

The Mongolia National Museum is the best place to find out more about the country’s past, with exhibits of important finds from across the region, from Paleolithic-era stones to ancient artifacts dating back over 5000 years.

Off-the-beaten Path Suggestions

For an off-the-beaten-path experience, head to the Bogd Khaan Palace Museum, the Winter Palace of the last king of Mongolia. The palace grounds are a peaceful and tranquil escape from the city, and you can also take a hike to the nearby Zaisan Memorial for stunning views of the city skyline.

Another excellent tip is to explore the ger areas located on the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar. You can visit nomadic families living in the countryside, learn about their lifestyle, and enjoy some of the best homemade food in the comfort of a ger dwelling.

Conclusion

Ulaanbaatar is a city full of contrasts and surprises. The cultural experiences, the gorgeous landscapes, and the friendly people make it a must-visit destination for anyone who’s looking for a unique travel experience. So, pack your bags and be ready to explore the city’s rich heritage!