Ulaanbaatar Quick Facts
Ulaanbaatar quick facts for travellers: population, history from Urga to capital, districts, climate, airport, time zone and the key sights to know.
Places
Natural wonders & historic sites
Not just photos: roads, fuel, mobile coverage and the right season. Four regions from the Gobi to the Altai.
Ulaanbaatar Guide
Capital facts, food, shopping, where to stay and nightlife.
Where to Eat in Ulaanbaatar
Where to eat in Ulaanbaatar: Mongolian canteens, Korean, Japanese and Western food, cafés and vegetarian options, explained by area with practical tips.
5 Best Shopping Places in Ulaanbaatar
Shopping in Ulaanbaatar: the State Department Store, Naran Tuul market, cashmere outlets, Gandan-area Buddhist shops and art galleries, with tips.
Where to Stay in Ulaanbaatar
Where to stay in Ulaanbaatar: the best areas from the centre to Zaisan and Terelj, plus hostels, mid-range hotels, luxury hotels and apartments by budget.
Nightlife in Ulaanbaatar
Nightlife in Ulaanbaatar: five kinds of night out, from folk shows and live music to bars, clubs, karaoke and jazz, plus essential safety advice.
Mongolia Experience
Top 10 places and things to do, Ulaanbaatar sights and dining, books.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Mongolia
Top 10 places to visit in Mongolia, from Ulaanbaatar and the Gobi dunes to Kharkhorin, Lake Khövsgöl and the Altai, with tips on planning your route.
Top 10 Things to Do in Mongolia
Top 10 things to do in Mongolia: stay with nomads, ride horses and camels, watch Naadam, hear throat singing and explore the Gobi and the Altai.
Things to Do & See in Ulaanbaatar
Things to do in Ulaanbaatar: Gandan Monastery, Sükhbaatar Square, the National Museum, Bogd Khan Palace, Zaisan, Choijin Lama Temple and folk shows.
Top 10 Dining Experiences in Ulaanbaatar
Top 10 dining experiences in Ulaanbaatar: khorkhog, buuz canteens, Korean BBQ, hot pot, fine dining, vegetarian food and cafés, with tips for travellers.
6 Recommended Books about Mongolia
Six recommended books about Mongolia, from The Secret History of the Mongols to Jack Weatherford and classic travel writing, to read before your trip.
Activities in Mongolia
Horse and camel riding, trekking, cycling and winter dog sledding.
Horseback Riding in Mongolia
Horseback riding in Mongolia: where to ride, what Mongolian horses are like, multi-day trek routes, saddles, safety and tips for beginner riders.
Camel Riding in Mongolia
Camel riding in Mongolia: where to ride Bactrian camels in the Gobi, how to mount, what treks involve, the camel festival and tips for a comfortable ride.
Hiking and Trekking in Mongolia
Hiking and trekking in Mongolia: the best regions from Terelj and Bogd Khan Uul to Khövsgöl and the Altai, when to go, navigation, permits and safety.
Biking and Cycling in Mongolia
Biking and cycling in Mongolia: mountain biking routes near Terelj and in central Mongolia, road conditions, bike gear, spare parts, season and safety.
Dog Sledding in Winter
Dog sledding in Mongolia in winter: trips around Terelj and frozen Lake Khövsgöl, best months, cold conditions, what to wear and how to choose an operator.
Travel Blog
Tourist camps, Gobi weather, Buddhism, Gobi facts and golf.
What is a Tourist Camp?
What is a tourist camp in Mongolia? Ger camps explained: what is inside a ger, meals, showers, electricity, camp types and how they differ from homestays.
Gobi Desert Weather by Month
Gobi Desert weather by month: day and night temperatures, spring dust storms, summer storms, the best time to visit and what to pack for the Mongolian Gobi.
Buddhism in Mongolia
Buddhism in Mongolia: its history from Kublai Khan to Zanabazar, the 1930s purges, revival after 1990, Gandan and Erdene Zuu monasteries and practice today.
15 Facts About the Gobi Desert
15 facts about the Gobi Desert: its size, cold climate, dunes, dinosaur fossils, Gobi bears, wild camels and mineral wealth, plus tips for visiting.
Golf in Mongolia
Golf in Mongolia: what to expect from the few courses near Ulaanbaatar, the short season, playing at altitude and the idea of steppe golf, with tips.