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Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia
Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia established 1639, is the country's economic, cultural and a political center and has a number of tourist attractions where modern life comfortably blends with Mongolian traditional lifestyle. Wide streets are flocked by modern cars, while horsemen and cattle are still common scene and its population as of 2014 is over 1.3 million.
It is the main hub from which foreign tourists start their adventure in this beautiful land. Ulaanbaatar has something for everyone to enjoy with a wide range of performing arts and entertainment, from the traditional throat singing and spectacular contortionist to the likes of concerts pianists, ballerinas, and opera singers. Energetic and always exciting, Ulaanbaatar's club scene demands to be experienced.
Destination & Highlights
Gandan Monastery
The Gandan Monastery is the largest and most significant Tibetan-style monastery in Mongolia and one of Ulaanbaatar's most interesting sights. . Built in the mid 19th century and it currently has over 200 monks in residence. The Migjid Janraisig Temple is an important part of Gandan Monastery. The temple houses features a 26-meter-high majestic gilded statue of Migjid Janraisig.
Mongolian National Museum
This museum presents Mongolian history and culture from prehistoric times to the present day. Exhibitions cover prehistory, pre-Mongol Empire history, Mongol Empire, Mongolia during Qing rule, ethnography and traditional life, and twentieth-century history. The ethnographic collection has significant displays of the traditional dress of various Mongolian ethnic groups and of snuff bottles.
Genghis Khan's Square & Parliament House
The Genghis Square lies at the heart of the city surrounded by theaters, government buildings and banks. There is a bronze statue of Sükhbaatar astride his horse, who is hero of the revolution, declared Mongolia's final independence from the Chinese. The square now features . Another site of interest is the large construction site of massive bronze statues of Genghis Khan and his four warriors in front of Parliament House.
Central Museum of Mongolian Dinosaurs
Mongolia is the country of dinosaurs; many world famous fossils such as complete fossils, eggs, fighting dinosaur etc from Gobi Dessert.
Central Museum of Mongolian Dinosaurs is newly operated from 2014, aimed to preserve cultural heritages, to document registered items and promote paleontology discoveries for public viewing.
Tumen Ekh Ensemble – Cultural Show
Tumen Ekh ensemble is Mongolia's premier traditional performance group; featuring folk song, traditional music, dance and contortion.
Tumen Ekh ensemble is one of the most successful folk art groups to share traditional Mongolian music with the world, having traveled to over 40 countries. The music of Mongolia expresses vastness, freedom and life in harmony with nature and the environment.
Bogdkhan Palace Museum
Bogd Khaan Palace Museum – The complex was built between 1893 and 1903 dedicated to the 8th Bogd Javzandamba, the head of Mongolian religion. The palace museum consists of seven Summer Prayer temples and the winter palace. The collections of the museum include unique and valuable objects related to Mongolia's political, religious, and artistic history from the 17 to early 20-th centuries.
Built in the first decade of the 20th century for the younger brother of the last religious ruler of Mongolia who was also the state oracle. The temple/museum is situated in the center of Ulaanbaatar. It has a fine collection of arts and religious relics, including tsam masks and costumes used in religious dances. It is known as one of the most beautiful monasteries in Mongolia.
Zaisan Hill – Memorial Statue
Zaisan Memorial Hill (or Zaisan Tolgoi) is located in the south side of Ulaanbaatar City, right beside the Bogd Khan Mountain having a best view of the city and surrounding hills. There are a 15 m high golden-yellow standing statue of Buddha besides the hill and a memorial statue on the top of the hill honoring soviet soldiers who fought against Japanese invaders in the territory of Mongolia and Manchuria in 1939 – 1945.
International Intellectual Museum
The museum displays over eleven thousand of intellectual items from 130 countries around the World. All items are classified into 15 subcategories in order to create a friendly environment for visitors. The guide is available for every visitor with explanation of the exhibits. The fact that visitors are allowed to touch, and challenge themselves by putting puzzle games together, instead of merely seeing, makes the museum attractive and enjoyable.
Zanabazar Fine Art Museum
The museum is named after the religious leader Zanabazar (1635-1723). Highlights include: figures of Buddha sculpted in bronze by Zanabazar; a silver, gold and pearl mandala; traditional Mongol zurag paintings by famous Mongolian artists; a section on applique wall hangings and items of Mongolian ritual dances.