Things to Do in Ulaanbaatar

About Ulaanbaatar

Ulaanbaatar sits at 1,300 meters above sea level, wedged between nomadic tradition and concrete Soviet blocks. The city doesn't ease you in—one minute you're listening to monks chant at Gandan Monastery, the next you're dodging herders selling wool crafts next to vendors pushing knockoff streetwear. Traditional gers still dot the suburbs. The contrast works. Hills ring the city and offer views that run for miles across the steppe. Markets are chaotic and loud, packed with people from the countryside mixing with locals who've been here for generations. Modern cafes have moved in, but plenty of family-run spots remain—they've survived worse than gentrification. The air is thin and cold. Every block tells you something about how this place rebuilt itself, though the story isn't always pretty. Soviet towers loom over new glass high-rises, and the whole thing feels temporary, like the city is still figuring out what it wants to be.

Travel Tips

Transportation: City buses cost 500 MNT ($0.18) per ride. Taxis charge 1,000-1,500 MNT ($0.36-0.54) per kilometer. Ride-hailing apps like UBCab range 2,000-8,000 MNT ($0.71-2.86). Airport bus costs 3,000 MNT ($1.07).

Attractions: National Museum entry costs 8,000 MNT ($2.86). Gandan Monastery donation suggested 3,000-5,000 MNT ($1.07-1.79). Winter Palace Museum charges 10,000 MNT ($3.57). Zaisan Memorial is free with great city views.

Dining: Traditional mutton dishes at Modern Nomads cost 15,000-25,000 MNT ($5.36-8.93). Buuz dumplings run 2,000-4,000 MNT ($0.71-1.43) for 8-10 pieces. Mongolian barbecue ranges 12,000-20,000 MNT ($4.29-7.14). Airag (fermented mare milk) costs 3,000-5,000 MNT ($1.07-1.79).

Shopping: State Department Store offers cashmere scarves for 80,000-200,000 MNT ($29-71). Traditional dels (robes) cost 150,000-400,000 MNT ($54-143). Narantuul Market sells crafts for 5,000-50,000 MNT ($1.79-17.86). Mongolian boots run 120,000-300,000 MNT ($43-107).

When to Visit

Summer (June-August) offers the warmest weather with temperatures ranging from 15-25°C, perfect for exploring the city and nearby countryside. Expect occasional rainfall (50-80mm monthly) and peak tourist prices 40-60% higher than off-season. The spectacular Naadam Festival occurs July 11-13, featuring traditional wrestling, archery, and horse racing. Spring (April-May) brings mild temperatures (5-18°C) with occasional dust storms but fewer crowds and moderate pricing. Autumn (September-October) delivers crisp, clear days (0-15°C) with impressive fall colors and 20-30% lower accommodation costs – ideal for photography ensoiasts and budget travelers. Winter (November-March) is brutally cold (-15 to -25°C) but has authentic local experiences, rock-bottom prices (50-70% discounts), and unique activities like ice festivals. The Tsagaan Sar (Lunar New Year) typically falls in February, providing cultural immersion opportunities. Adventure seekers should visit June-September for comfortable camping and outdoor activities, while culture ensoiasts will find winter's indoor attractions and festivals equally rewarding, though they must brave harsh conditions and limited daylight hours.