Mongolia is not only the steppes, nomads with countless herds, scorpions in the desert and the famous cashmere. We tell you what to do in the city, where to go shopping and what to see in the surrounding area.
How to get there
You can get from Russian cities to Mongolia by planes, trains, and buses. If there is no direct flight from your city, we recommend flying to Irkutsk or Ulan-Ude, located relatively close to the border
There are daily direct flights from Moscow to Ulan-Ude. Prices start from 13,000 rubles* for a one-way ticket. Travel time is 6 hours. From Ulan-Ude to Ulaanbaatar you can take a regular bus or train. Trains between Irkutsk and Ulaanbaatar run twice a week.
Entry rules
Russians can stay in the country without a visa for up to 30 days. In this case, the total period of stay of Russians in Mongolia without visas should not exceed 90 days during a period of 180 days starting from the date of first entry.
Where to stay
The Blue Sky Hotel and Tower (rating 8.4 out of 10). Popular hotel located opposite the Government House. The building is a modern skyscraper, shaped like a sail. A night in a deluxe room will cost from 17,500 rubles*
Gana’s Guest House and Tours (rating 8.3 out of 10). There are standard rooms and comfortable rooftop yurts to choose from. A night in a standard room costs from 2,300 rubles*
Adventure Rider Mongolia (rating 9.3 out of 10). The hostel is located two km from the city center. A night will cost 950 rubles*
What to see in the city
Tall modern buildings and thousands of white yurts that dot the outskirts of the city look impressive against the backdrop of the mountain landscape. The calling card of the capital is Sukhbaatar Square. Here is the Palace of the Government of Mongolia, which houses the State Great Khural and the presidential office. Near the central square there is a monument to the national hero of Mongolia – Sukhbaatar. From here you can walk to the National Museum of History and get acquainted with the life of the Mongols since prehistoric times.
Worth a visit Genghis Khan Museum is the largest museum in Mongolia and the fifth in Asia. All periods of Mongolian statehood are represented on 8 floors: from the Xiongnu people to the 20th century. The halls have free WI-Fi and using a QR code you can get acquainted with the history of the exhibits in Russian. Particularly interesting specimens include a saddle made from horse teeth and a jade mirror from the Hunnic era with two silver dragons.
You can continue your acquaintance with history in Winter Palace of Bogdy Gegen– This is the last emperor of Mongolia. The walk from the center takes about half an hour. And at sunset, visit the monument to the military friendship of the Soviet and Mongolian troops Zaysan. Here you can see the whole of Ulaanbaatar from above.
There are many different datsans and temples in Ulaanbaatar. One of the city’s brightest attractions is Gandantegchenlin Monastery, which translated from Mongolian means «Great chariot of all-encompassing joy». Its main temple is decorated with a 24-meter gilded Buddha statue. You can visit the temples where morning services take place, as well as the Buddhist school where future lamas live and study.
While walking around the city, try hearty national dishes and traditional Mongolian green tea “sutei tsai”, with the addition of milk, salt, fat and rice.
Shopping in Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar is a paradise for those who miss the famous world brands that have left Russia: Dior, NYX Professional Makeup, Gucci, Lacoste, Nike, Reebok, Apple. And goods from South Korea, Turkey and China can be purchased at very reasonable prices. The range and prices in supermarkets are also attractive. For example, you can treat yourself to French cognac Meukow or buy udon noodles, which in stores costs 370 rubles* for 3 kilograms. But remember that goods with a total weight of no more than 35 kilograms are allowed to be exported across the border.
Narantuul Market
The largest and most famous market in the city. Here it is worth paying attention to locally produced goods: leather goods, carpets, wool clothing. It will be interesting to stroll through the shopping arcades with antiques: large Soviet binoculars, old cameras. Here you can find dinosaur bones, everything you need for horse riding, and national dresses. Lots of atmospheric things: parts for making a yurt, shamanic drums, various herbs, ritual things. And kilometers of rows with clothes and shoes from China. The market is closed on Tuesdays.
Central department store (Ikh Delgүүr)
The most famous shopping center. At the entrance you will be amazed by the dizzying aromas of overseas cosmetics. There is a wide selection of perfumes and jewelry from European, Asian and Russian manufacturers. As well as items from most famous world brands.
Shangri La Mall
One of the largest shopping centers in Ulaanbaatar. For those who want to buy goods from brands that have left the Russian Federation (Dior, Gucci, Lacoste, Nike, Apple), it is better to come here immediately.
GOBI and EVSEG brand stores
GOBI is the most famous and largest manufacturer of cashmere items in the world. The brand is premium and the prices are appropriate.
EVSEG is the second most famous cashmere producer. EVSEG has two main stores: one in the center near Sukhbaatar Square, and the other near the Bogd Khan Palace.
What to see outside the city
Surely you have heard about the Gobi Desert, Karakorum – the ancient capital of Mongolia, Lake Khubsugul. What can you see near the capital?
Khustain Nuruu National Park
Hustai Park is located 100 kilometers west of the capital. Here the Russian scientist and traveler N.M. Przhevalsky discovered an ancient species of horse. Tourists come here to watch this cautious and timid animal. Together with a guide, you can go on a photo hunt in the park. The Tahoe Horse is not found in the wild today. The goal of the reserve is their gradual introduction in the eastern region of Mongolia. Not far from the park there are two tourist centers, a museum and a souvenir shop. The park offers walking tours, jeep routes and horseback riding. And another reason why you should go to this park is that on the way to it you will pass the Moltsog-Els sand dunes.
Complex “Mongolia 13th century”
100 kilometers from the city there is an entertainment complex that recreates the living conditions of the medieval Mongols. It will take a whole day to visit this park. The road is partially unpaved, with holes and potholes, so the immersion into past centuries will begin already on the way. Tickets can only be purchased in Ulaanbaatar at the address: Chinggis Khan Avenue, 5, Bayalgiin Xyv Hotel. Take water and snack on the road. You can get to the park by rented car or book a tour at the hotel. The “13th Century” park consists of 6 locations: a military camp, a craftsman’s camp, a khan’s camp, a shaman’s camp, a nomad’s camp, and a school. The excursion route begins at the main gate of the park. The tickets are checked by a medieval warrior in armor. The ticket price includes: a hearty Mongolian lunch in the Khan’s yurt, fitting of armor in the commander’s yurt, photography in costume, camel and horse riding, archery and guide services (in Mongolian).
Genghis Khan statue
The tourist complex “Genghis Khan Statue” is located 53 kilometers east of Ulaanbaatar. It is the largest Genghis Khan monument in Mongolia and the largest equestrian statue in the world. Inside the complex there are several interesting objects: an art gallery, a historical museum of the Xiongnu era, a conference hall, a restaurant, a bar and a souvenir shop. From the exhibition hall, visitors take the stairs or elevator to the observation deck and find themselves on the mane of a horse, face to face with Genghis Khan. From here there is a panorama in all directions of the endless steppe. A trip to the Genghis Khan statue can be combined with a visit to the Gorkhi Terelj National Park.
Gorkhi Terelj National Park
One of the most picturesque national parks in Mongolia is Gorkhi-Terelj. The park is located just 80 kilometers from Ulaanbaatar. You can get there by bus or by rented car. Thanks to natural erosion, the rocks have acquired bizarre shapes and resemble various creatures and animals. The most famous rock — Melchii-hal, its height is 24 meters. Looks like a giant turtle crawling onto the road. A few kilometers from the “Turtle” is the Buddhist temple of Aryaabal. It is open to tourists. Aryaabal is a functioning meditation center. You can walk up the steps and into the main building. From the building itself there is a beautiful panorama of the Terelzh valley. In the southern part of the national park there are a lot of tourist centers and cafes, and trails for easy walking. At any camp site you can arrange horseback riding and camel riding. And here, under the guidance of paleontologists, a park of original dinosaur sculptures was created.
Of particular interest among the variety of tourist centers in Gorkhi-Terelj is the spa hotel Terelj Hotel & Spa. If you like a comfortable stay, then there is everything for that.
Conclusion
In Mongolia, the older generation speaks a little Russian, and some of the younger generation speak English quite well. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to install a translator on your phone. He will help you in stores, in cafes, and on the road. Not all menus in the cafe are illustrated, so that there is no gastronomic surprise, use a translator.
If you have booked an apartment, guest house, room, it is better to contact the owner in advance. It may turn out that the apartment will be occupied at the time of your arrival, although you have received a booking confirmation on the website.
Visa and Mastercard cards issued in Russia do not work abroad. Therefore, you will have to import money in cash and no more than $10,000. In Ulaanbaatar, at the Naiman Sharga exchange points, you will be exchanged rubles for tugriks — the official Mongolian currency.
After visiting the capital of Mongolia and its surroundings, you will definitely want to return to see more.
*Prices are current at the time of publication.
