Home › Itineraries › 7 Days

Nomads & Naadam: A Week in Ulaanbaatar

From Ancient Monasteries to Modern Mongolian Culture

Trip Overview

This week-long itinerary immerses you in the fascinating contrasts of Mongolia's capital, Ulaanbaatar. You'll explore ancient Buddhist monasteries and Soviet-era monuments, look into the nation's nomadic heritage at excellent museums, and experience the active pulse of modern Mongolian life through its food, art, and music. The pace is moderate, balancing cultural sightseeing with opportunities to wander local markets and relax in urban green spaces. Highlights include the grandeur of Gandan Monastery, the historic treasures of the National Museum, and the unique experience of a traditional Mongolian cultural show. This journey has a deep understanding of how Ulaanbaatar bridges its imperial, communist, and democratic pasts with a dynamic present.

Pace
Moderate
Daily Budget
$80-120 per day (mid-range)
Best Seasons
Late May to early October (for pleasant weather and all sites being open)
Ideal For
First-time visitors to Mongolia, Culture and history ensoiasts, Urban explorers

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Arrival & Sukhbaatar Square

City Center
Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, settle in, and get your bearings with an introductory walk around the nation's central plaza and a first taste of Mongolian cuisine.
Morning
Arrival and Hotel Check-in
Arrive at Chinggis Khaan International Airport (ULN). Take a pre-booked airport taxi or the Airport Express bus to your hotel in the city center. Check in, freshen up, and acclimate to the new time zone.
2-3 hours $15-20 (taxi)
Pre-book your airport transfer for ease. Hotels like the Ramada or Best Western offer reliable services.
Lunch
Modern Nomads 2 (Sukhbaatar Square Branch)
Traditional Mongolian Mid-range
Afternoon
Sukhbaatar Square & Parliament House
Stroll through Sukhbaatar Square, the heart of the city. See the statue of Damdin Sukhbaatar on his horse and the grand seated figure of Chinggis Khaan in front of the Parliament House (State Palace). Observe the changing of the guard (usually at noon). Admire the surrounding architecture blending modern glass with Soviet neoclassicism.
2 hours Free
Evening
Dinner and First Impressions
Have a relaxed dinner at 'Luna Blanca', a popular vegan restaurant offering Mongolian-inspired dishes, or try 'BD's Mongolian BBQ' for a customizable grill experience. Take a short evening walk along Peace Avenue.

Where to Stay Tonight

Sukhbaatar District, near the Square (Hotel (e.g., Ramada Ulaanbaatar Citycenter or Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel))

Central location makes the first day's exploration easy on foot and provides easy access to many restaurants and services.

Exchange a small amount of currency (USD to MNT) at the airport for immediate needs, but get a better rate at banks like Khan Bank or TDB in the city center. Withdraw local currency from ATMs for the best rates.
Day 1 Budget: $100
2

Spiritual Heart & National History

Gandan Khiid & National Museum
Visit Mongolia's most important Buddhist monastery and then trace the nation's epic history from the Stone Age to the modern day.
Morning
Gandan Khiid (Gandan Monastery)
Visit the center of Mongolian Buddhism. Witness monks in prayer, spin the prayer wheels, and explore the various temples. The highlight is the Migjid Janraisig Sum, housing a magnificent 26.5-meter-high gilded statue of Avalokiteśvara (Janraisig). The atmosphere is serene and deeply spiritual.
2.5 hours $3 (donation/entrance)
Arrive around 9-10 AM to hear the morning prayers. Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees). Photography inside temples may require a small fee.
Lunch
Gandan Kitchen
Mongolian & Asian Budget
Afternoon
National Museum of Mongolia
Take a complete journey through Mongolia's history across three floors. Start with ethnography and traditional life, move to the imperial era with artifacts from the Mongol Empire, and finish with the 20th-century history, including the democratic revolution. It's essential for context.
3 hours $5
An audio guide is highly recommended. Allocate most time for the Mongol Empire and ethnographic sections.
Evening
Cultural Show & Fine Dining
Attend the 'Mongolian Traditional Folk Art' performance at the Tumen Ekh Ensemble (usually at 5 PM or 6 PM). For dinner, try 'Hazara Indian Restaurant' for excellent North Indian cuisine in a cozy setting.

Where to Stay Tonight

Sukhbaatar District (Same as Day 1)

Central location remains convenient for evening activities and restaurants.

At Gandan, you can purchase small bags of grain to feed the hundreds of pigeons in the courtyard—a popular local activity believed to bring merit.
Day 2 Budget: $85
3

Art, Bogd & Black Market

Zaisan, Winter Palace, Naran Tuul
Enjoy panoramic city views, explore the last king's palace, and dive into the active chaos of Asia's largest flea market.
Morning
Zaisan Memorial & Hill
Climb the steps to the Soviet-era Zaisan Memorial for a impressive 360-degree panoramic view of Ulaanbaatar and the surrounding hills and Tuul River. The circular mural depicts scenes of Soviet-Mongolian friendship. It's a great spot for photos, on a clear morning.
1.5 hours Free
Take a taxi to the base of the hill. The climb is about 300 steps. Go early to avoid haze and crowds.
Lunch
Rosewood Kitchen + Enoteca
International/Fusion Mid-range
Afternoon
Bogd Khaan Palace Museum
Visit the winter palace of Mongolia's last king, the 8th Bogd Jebtsundamba Khutuktu. The complex consists of a beautiful Tibetan-style temple and a European-style palace filled with his personal artifacts, including his elaborate ceremonial ger (yurt), gifts from foreign dignitaries, and a collection of taxidermied animals.
2 hours $5
Hire the on-site audio guide or a local guide to understand the fascinating and tragic story of the Bogd Khan.
Evening
Naran Tuul Market & Casual Dinner
Experience the sensory overload of Naran Tuul (the 'Black Market'). It's a vast, large market selling everything from traditional deels (robes) and riding boots to Soviet memorabilia and household goods. For dinner, head to 'Bull Hot Pot' nearby for a hearty Mongolian hot pot experience.

Where to Stay Tonight

Sukhbaatar District (Same as Day 1)

Returning to a familiar, central base after a day of varied exploration.

At Naran Tuul, keep your wallet/phone secure in a front pocket or money belt, be prepared to bargain (start at 50% of the asking price), and be aware the market is closed on Mondays.
Day 3 Budget: $75
4

Choijin Lama & Contemporary Culture

City Center & Arts District
Discover a hidden temple complex frozen in time, then explore Ulaanbaatar's burgeoning contemporary art and café scene.
Morning
Choijin Lama Temple Museum
Explore this well preserved monastery complex, once the home of the state oracle and brother of the Bogd Khan. It escaped the 1930s purges and remains a time capsule of pre-socialist religious art. The main temple houses impressive statues of Buddha, intricate thangka paintings, and a famous 'tsam' dance mask collection.
1.5 hours $3
It's centrally located but easy to miss—look for the walled compound. The small on-site museum provides good context.
Lunch
Le Bistro Français
French Mid-range
Afternoon
Mongolian National Modern Art Gallery & UB Arts District
Visit the Modern Art Gallery to see 20th and 21st-century Mongolian paintings and sculptures, offering a different perspective on the country's culture. Then, wander through the nearby Arts District around Tengis Cinema, popping into small galleries like '976' and boutique shops. Enjoy coffee at a local café like 'Caffe Bene' or 'Tom Yum Goong'.
3 hours $3 (Gallery)
Evening
Dinner and Jazz
Dine at 'Veranda Restaurant' for European cuisine with a great view. Afterwards, if it's a weekend, check out 'Blue Moon Jazz Club' for live music in an intimate setting.

Where to Stay Tonight

Sukhbaatar District (Same as Day 1)

Well situated between the temple museum and the arts district.

Many small galleries and boutiques in the Arts District are cash-only. The area is best explored by leisurely wandering—don't rely on a strict map.
Day 4 Budget: $90
5

Nature & Nomadic Life in the City

Gorkhi-Terelj National Park (Day Trip)
Escape the urban bustle on a day trip to the impressive granite formations and rolling hills of a nearby national park, experiencing a taste of the countryside.
Morning
Drive to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park
Take a pre-arranged tour or private car for the 1.5-hour drive northeast to Terelj. The landscape transforms into classic Mongolian grassland and dramatic rock formations. En route, you may stop at the giant Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue complex (optional, extra cost).
1.5-2 hours (drive) $40-60 (tour/private car for the day)
Book a day tour through your hotel or a reputable operator like 'Discover Mongolia' or 'Juulchin'. Ensure it includes a ger visit and lunch.
Lunch
Lunch at a Tourist Ger Camp
Traditional Mongolian (usually included in tour) Included
Afternoon
Park Exploration & Ger Visit
Hike to the iconic Turtle Rock (Melkhii Khad). Visit the Aryapala Meditation Temple, perched on a hillside with fantastic views. The highlight is visiting a tourist ger camp to experience the structure of a nomadic home, taste airag (fermented mare's milk), and perhaps try on a traditional deel.
4 hours Included in tour
Wear sturdy shoes for hiking. Be respectful when entering a ger—step over the threshold, not on it.
Evening
Return to UB & Relaxed Dinner
Return to the city by early evening. Enjoy a low-key dinner at 'California Restaurant' for burgers and comfort food, or 'Khaan Buuz' for steamed dumplings.

Where to Stay Tonight

Sukhbaatar District (Same as Day 1)

Returning to your established base after a long day out.

Weather in the mountains can change rapidly. Bring layers, a windproof jacket, sunscreen, and a hat even in summer.
Day 5 Budget: $110
6

Free Exploration & Last-Minute Souvenirs

Various - Personal Choice
A flexible day to revisit favorite spots, explore missed museums, or shop for quality souvenirs at dedicated stores.
Morning
Free Time / Optional Museum
Options include: The 'Mongolian Natural History Museum' to see the famous dinosaur fossils (including fighting Tarbosaurus and Protoceratops). The 'Dinosaur Museum' (Central Museum of Mongolian Dinosaurs) for a more modern exhibit. Or, simply revisit the National Museum or relax in a café.
3 hours $3-5
Lunch
Shangri-La Lounge (in Shangri-La Hotel)
International Buffet Upscale
Afternoon
Quality Souvenir Shopping
Skip the market chaos and visit reputable stores for high-quality souvenirs. 'Mary & Martha Mongolia' sells beautiful fair-trade felt products and cashmere. 'Gobi Cashmere' flagship store offers the best selection of Mongolia's famous cashmere. 'State Department Store' (Ikh Delguur) upper floors also have reliable souvenir sections.
2.5 hours Variable ($$)
Cashmere is a true Mongolian specialty. Check the 'Made in Mongolia' label.
Evening
Farewell Dinner
Splurge on a farewell dinner at 'Mongolia's' for upscale traditional cuisine in a stylish setting, or at 'Bella Vista' for Italian food with a great city view.

Where to Stay Tonight

Sukhbaatar District (Same as Day 1)

Convenient for last-night packing and easy departure the next day.

If you buy a large item like a carpet or painting, most reputable shops can arrange shipping internationally. Keep your receipts for customs.
Day 6 Budget: $130
7

Departure & Final Reflections

City Center to Airport
Enjoy a final Mongolian breakfast, do some last-minute shopping, and depart for the airport with a deeper understanding of this unique capital.
Morning
Last-Minute Stroll & Breakfast
Take a final walk around Sukhbaatar Square in the morning light. Have a hearty breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café like 'Café Amsterdam'. Pick up any last-minute items or snacks for the journey.
2 hours $10-15
Confirm your airport transfer time with your hotel the night before.
Lunch
Airport Lounge or Quick Bite at ULN
Various Mid-range
Afternoon
Transfer to Airport & Departure
Check out of your hotel and take your pre-arranged transfer to Chinggis Khaan International Airport (ULN). Allow ample time for check-in and security. Browse the duty-free for last-minute gifts like Mongolian vodka or chocolate.
3-4 hours (including travel) $15-20 (taxi)
Aim to be at the airport 3 hours before your international flight.
Evening
Departure
Board your flight home or to your next destination.

Where to Stay Tonight

N/A (N/A)

Departure day.

Save some small Mongolian Tugrik (MNT) notes and coins. They make great souvenirs or gifts for collectors back home, as they are difficult to exchange outside Mongolia.
Day 7 Budget: $50

Practical Information

Getting Around

Within Ulaanbaatar, walking is best for the compact city center. For longer distances (e.g., Zaisan, Naran Tuul), use taxis. Always use the 'UB Cab' app or have your hotel call a metered taxi to avoid overcharging. For the Terelj day trip, booking a tour with transport is the most practical option. Public buses are cheap but challenging for non-Mongolian speakers.

Book Ahead

Book your airport transfer for arrival, your hotel for all nights, and the day trip to Terelj National Park. If visiting during the Naadam Festival (July 11-13), book everything months in advance.

Packing Essentials

Layers are key—even in summer, evenings are cool. Include a warm fleece, wind/rain jacket, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, power adapter (European 2-pin), moisturizer (air is dry), and hand sanitizer. A scarf is useful for covering shoulders in temples.

Total Budget

$650-850 (excluding international flights)

Customize Your Trip

Budget Version

Stay in hostels like 'Golden Gobi' or 'Zaya Hostel'. Eat at local canteens (guanz) and street food stalls. Use public buses and walk extensively. Skip the upscale restaurants and cultural shows. Visit free sights like Zaisan Hill and Sukhbaatar Square. Daily budget can drop to $30-50.

Luxury Upgrade

Stay at the Shangri-La Hotel or Kempinski Khan Palace. Hire a private car with driver/guide for the entire week for flexible, comfortable exploration. Dine at top restaurants like 'Mongolia's' and 'Hazara'. Book a private Terelj tour with a luxury ger camp lunch. Include a day at the 'Mongol Naadam' show if not during the festival.

Family-Friendly

Focus on interactive sights: the dinosaur museums, the Cultural Show, feeding pigeons at Gandan, and the Terelj day trip (with horse or camel riding for kids). Choose hotels with family rooms (e.g., Ramada). The State Department Store has a food court with familiar options. Keep days shorter and include playground visits at Children's Park.

Book Activities for Your Trip

Tours, tickets, and experiences in Ulaanbaatar

Continue Planning Your Trip

Things to Do

Top attractions and activities for Ulaanbaatar

Budget Guide

Trip costs and money tips for Ulaanbaatar

Getting Around

Transport options and tips for Ulaanbaatar

Where to Stay

Accommodation guide for Ulaanbaatar

Plan Your Perfect Trip

Get insider tips and travel guides delivered to your inbox

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.