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State Department Store, Монгол улс ᠮᠤᠩᠭᠤᠯ ᠤᠯᠤᠰ - Things to Do in State Department Store

State Department Store

State Department Store, Монгол улс ᠮᠤᠩᠭᠤᠯ ᠤᠯᠤᠰ - Complete Travel Guide

State Department Store in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, stands as an iconic landmark in the heart of the capital city, representing both the country's Soviet-era heritage and its modern commercial evolution. This historic building, originally constructed during the socialist period, has been transformed into a modern shopping complex while maintaining its architectural significance and central location on Peace Avenue, making it a natural starting point for exploring Mongolia's fascinating capital. Ulaanbaatar itself is a captivating blend of ancient nomadic traditions and rapid modernization, where traditional gers (yurts) coexist with gleaming skyscrapers, and Buddhist monasteries stand alongside Soviet-era monuments. The city serves as the gateway to Mongolia's vast wilderness and nomadic culture, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience one of the world's last great nomadic civilizations while enjoying urban amenities and cultural attractions.

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Traditional Markets and Shopping Districts

Wander through Ulaanbaatar's bustling markets including the famous Black Market (Narantuul Market) and modern shopping areas around State Department Store. These venues offer everything from traditional Mongolian crafts, cashmere products, and felt goods to modern electronics and clothing, providing insight into both traditional and contemporary Mongolian commerce.

Booking Tip: Markets are best visited in the morning when selection is freshest and crowds are lighter. Bargaining is expected at traditional markets - start at 30-40% of the asking price. For authentic cashmere, budget $50-200 for quality items.

Buddhist Monasteries and Temples

Discover Ulaanbaatar's rich Buddhist heritage by visiting active monasteries like Gandan Monastery, home to a spectacular 26-meter golden Buddha statue. These spiritual centers offer glimpses into Mongolia's religious traditions, with morning prayer ceremonies and traditional architecture providing peaceful respites from city life.

Booking Tip: Visit monasteries early morning (8-10 AM) to witness prayer ceremonies. Entry fees are typically $2-5 USD. Photography inside temples may require additional fees of $5-10. Dress modestly and remove hats when entering.

Traditional Mongolian Cuisine

start culinary adventures sampling authentic Mongolian dishes like mutton hotpot, buuz (steamed dumplings), and airag (fermented mare's milk). Food tours and cooking classes provide opportunities to understand the nomadic food culture and learn about ingredients adapted to harsh climates and mobile lifestyles.

Booking Tip: Food tours cost $40-80 per person and typically last 3-4 hours. Book through reputable operators who can accommodate dietary restrictions. Try local restaurants during lunch hours (12-2 PM) for authentic atmosphere and better prices.

Day Trips to Nomadic Families

Venture outside the city to visit authentic nomadic families living in traditional gers, experiencing horseback riding, traditional games, and learning about the ancient pastoral lifestyle. These excursions often include overnight stays in ger camps, providing immersive cultural experiences and impressive countryside views.

Booking Tip: Day trips range from $60-120 per person including transportation and meals. Multi-day experiences cost $80-150 per day. Choose operators with good reviews for family interactions and real feels rather than tourist-focused ger camps.

Museums and Cultural Centers

Explore Mongolia's rich history through world-class museums featuring dinosaur fossils, traditional costumes, and artifacts from the Mongol Empire. The National Museum and Natural History Museum offer complete introductions to Mongolian culture, while smaller galleries showcase contemporary Mongolian art and crafts.

Booking Tip: Museum entry fees range from $3-8 USD. Many museums are closed on Mondays. Allow 2-3 hours per major museum. Photography tickets cost additional $5-10. Consider guided tours ($15-25) for deeper historical context.

Getting There

Ulaanbaatar is accessible via Chinggis Khaan International Airport, located about 52 kilometers southwest of the city center. The airport serves international flights from major Asian cities including Beijing, Seoul, Tokyo, Moscow, and Frankfurt. From the airport, buses, taxis, and private transfers are available, with the journey taking 45-60 minutes depending on traffic. Overland options include the Trans-Mongolian Railway connecting to Russia and China, and long-distance buses from neighboring countries, though these require more time and planning.

Getting Around

Ulaanbaatar's public transportation consists primarily of buses and shared taxis, though the system can be challenging for visitors due to limited English signage. Taxis are widely available and affordable, with rides within the city center typically costing $3-8 USD. Many visitors opt for ride-sharing apps or arrange transportation through hotels. Walking is feasible in the central district around State Department Store, Peace Avenue, and Sukhbaatar Square, but distances between major attractions can be significant. For day trips outside the city, organized tours or private drivers are recommended.

Where to Stay

Sukhbaatar Square Area
Peace Avenue District
Zaisan Memorial Area
Seoul Street Vicinity
Khan-Uul District
Bayangol District

Food & Dining

Ulaanbaatar's dining scene ranges from traditional Mongolian restaurants serving mutton-based dishes and dairy products to international cuisines reflecting the city's growing cosmopolitan character. Traditional restaurants offer real feels with dishes like khuushuur (fried meat pastries) and aaruul (dried cheese curds), while modern establishments serve Korean, Chinese, European, and fusion cuisines. The area around State Department Store and Peace Avenue features numerous dining options from street food vendors to upscale restaurants. Vegetarian options are increasingly available, though traditional Mongolian cuisine is heavily meat and dairy-focused.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Ulaanbaatar

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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DeQuattro by Rosewood

4.5 /5
(990 reviews) 2

Naadam Bar & Restaurant, Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar

4.5 /5
(552 reviews)
bar

Namaste Baga toiruu

4.5 /5
(434 reviews) 2

Namaste Olympic Street

4.6 /5
(424 reviews)

Sakura Bakery Cafe

4.6 /5
(404 reviews) 2

Hutong Restaurant, Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar

4.6 /5
(327 reviews)

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit Ulaanbaatar is during summer months (June through August) when temperatures are warm and comfortable, ranging from 15-25°C (59-77°F), and most tourist services operate at full capacity. Spring (May) and early autumn (September) offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds but some services may have limited schedules. Winter visits (November-March) provide unique experiences like ice festivals and winter sports, but temperatures can drop below -30°C (-22°F), requiring appropriate clothing and preparation for harsh conditions. Summer also coincides with Naadam Festival in July, Mongolia's most important cultural celebration.

Insider Tips

Exchange money at official banks or authorized dealers rather than on the street, and keep US dollars or Euros as backup since ATMs can be unreliable outside the city center
Learn basic Mongolian greetings and carry a translation app, as English is not widely spoken outside tourist areas and hotels
Pack layers and warm clothing even in summer, as temperatures can drop significantly at night due to the high altitude and continental climate

Activities in State Department Store