Home › Destinations › Winter Palace of Bogd Khan
Winter Palace of Bogd Khan, Монгол улс ᠮᠤᠩᠭᠤᠯ ᠤᠯᠤᠰ - Things to Do in Winter Palace of Bogd Khan

Things to Do in Winter Palace of Bogd Khan

Winter Palace of Bogd Khan, Монгол улс ᠮᠤᠩᠭᠤᠯ ᠤᠯᠤᠰ - Complete Travel Guide

The Winter Palace of Bogd Khan, located in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, serves as one of the country's most significant historical and cultural landmarks. This remarkable complex was the residence of Mongolia's eighth Jebtsundamba Khutughtu, who became Bogd Khan (Holy King) when Mongolia declared independence from the Qing Dynasty in 1911. The palace complex showcases traditional Mongolian and Chinese architectural styles, housing an extraordinary collection of artifacts that illuminate Mongolia's rich imperial history and Buddhist heritage. Today, the Winter Palace operates as a museum complex featuring seven temples and the main residential building, displaying over 8,600 exhibits including religious artifacts, ceremonial items, and personal belongings of the Bogd Khan. Visitors can explore intricately decorated temples, admire rare Buddhist sculptures and thangkas, and gain insight into Mongolia's transition from a theocratic state to a modern nation. The palace grounds also feature beautiful gardens and traditional Mongolian architecture, making it an essential destination for understanding Mongolia's cultural identity and historical significance.

Top Things to Do in Winter Palace of Bogd Khan

Explore the Main Palace Museum

Tour the seven temples and main residential building to view the extensive collection of religious artifacts, ceremonial robes, and personal items of the last Bogd Khan. The museum showcases rare Buddhist sculptures, intricate thangkas, and traditional Mongolian royal regalia that provide deep insights into Mongolia's theocratic period.

Booking Tip: Entry tickets cost around 5,000-8,000 MNT (2-3 USD) and can be purchased at the entrance. Visit during weekday mornings for smaller crowds, and consider hiring a local guide for 15,000-20,000 MNT to fully understand the historical significance of the exhibits.

Photography in the Temple Courtyards

Capture stunning photographs of the traditional Mongolian and Chinese architectural elements throughout the palace complex. The colorful temple roofs, ornate decorations, and peaceful courtyards offer excellent opportunities for architectural and cultural photography.

Booking Tip: Photography is generally allowed in outdoor areas but may require an additional fee (2,000-3,000 MNT) for interior shots. Best lighting occurs during golden hour in early morning or late afternoon, and respect any photography restrictions in sacred areas.

Buddhist Art and Sculpture Viewing

Examine the remarkable collection of Buddhist art including bronze sculptures, religious paintings, and ceremonial objects that represent centuries of Mongolian Buddhist tradition. The collection includes rare pieces that survived the socialist period's religious purges.

Booking Tip: Allow 2-3 hours for a thorough visit to appreciate all the art collections. Audio guides may be available for 3,000-5,000 MNT, or download information beforehand as English descriptions can be limited for some exhibits.

Traditional Garden Stroll

Walk through the palace gardens to experience traditional Mongolian landscaping and enjoy peaceful moments away from the city bustle. The gardens feature traditional plants and offer views of the palace buildings from different angles.

Booking Tip: Gardens are included with museum admission and are best enjoyed during spring through early autumn (May-September). Bring comfortable walking shoes and consider combining with nearby Choijin Lama Temple for a full cultural day.

Royal Regalia and Ceremonial Items Display

View the impressive collection of royal clothing, ceremonial weapons, and court artifacts that belonged to the Bogd Khan and his court. These items showcase the opulence and cultural sophistication of Mongolia's last theocratic ruler.

Booking Tip: These exhibits are housed in climate-controlled rooms with specific viewing hours, typically 9 AM-5 PM. Visit early in your trip to Mongolia to better understand the country's history before exploring other cultural sites.

Getting There

The Winter Palace of Bogd Khan is located in central Ulaanbaatar, easily accessible from Chinggis Khaan International Airport via taxi (45-60 minutes, 25,000-35,000 MNT) or airport shuttle bus. From the city center, it's within walking distance of major hotels and can be reached by local bus, taxi (2,000-5,000 MNT), or on foot from Sükhbaatar Square in about 15-20 minutes. The palace is well-signposted and located near other major attractions like the National Museum of Mongolia.

Getting Around

Ulaanbaatar offers various transportation options including taxis, local buses, and ride-sharing apps, though walking is often the best way to explore the central district where the Winter Palace is located. Taxis are affordable and convenient for longer distances, while the city center is compact enough for walking between major attractions. Public buses serve most areas but can be crowded, and many visitors prefer using hotel shuttle services or organized tours that include transportation to multiple cultural sites.

Where to Stay

Sükhbaatar Square area
Peace Avenue district
Government Palace vicinity
Khan-Uul district
Bayanzürkh area
Chingeltei district

Food & Dining

Ulaanbaatar's dining scene offers everything from traditional Mongolian cuisine to international options, with many restaurants located within walking distance of the Winter Palace. Try traditional dishes like mutton hotpot, buuz (steamed dumplings), and khorkhog (barbecued meat) at local restaurants, or visit upscale establishments serving modern interpretations of Mongolian classics. The city center features numerous cafes, international restaurants, and traditional ger restaurants that provide authentic cultural dining experiences alongside your palace visit.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Ulaanbaatar

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

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)

When to Visit

The best time to visit the Winter Palace is during late spring through early autumn (May to September) when weather is mild and comfortable for walking around the complex. Summer months offer the warmest weather and longest daylight hours, though this is also peak tourist season. Winter visits are possible but require warm clothing as temperatures can drop significantly, though the indoor museum areas are heated and the snowy palace grounds can be quite beautiful.

Insider Tips

Purchase a combined ticket if planning to visit other nearby museums like the National Museum of Mongolia or Choijin Lama Temple for better value
Bring layers of clothing as museum interiors can be cool even in summer, and remove shoes when entering certain temple areas
Learn a few basic Mongolian phrases or bring a translation app, as English signage can be limited in some sections of the museum

Explore Activities in Winter Palace of Bogd Khan