The political heart of Mongolia beats in the city of Ulaanbaatar, which serves as the nation’s capital. In addition to that, it is the most important business and cultural hub in all of Mongolia. It is the most important city in Mongolia and the country’s primary point of entry because of its size. The city is characterised by a cosmopolitan outlook and is home to around one-third of Mongolia’s total population. There are a multitude of theatres, museums, circuses, and academies that define the contemporary Ulaanbaatar. This combination of culture and modernity makes Ulaanbaatar a unique and interesting city.
This nation’s capital city went under a few different titles before finally settling on its current one. In 1639, when it was first planted, it was given the name Orgoo (Urga), and it was located around 420 km distant from its present site. The city was designated as the nation’s capital for the first time in 1924, the same year it also received its definitive name. At that point in time, it had also developed into the administrative and commercial centre of the nation. Ulaanbaatar became a centre of culture due to the presence of religious buildings like as temples and monasteries. Ulaanbaatar has seen a period of profound transformation over the course of the last five years. At this point in time, the city has cast off its inhibitions and has gracefully changed itself into a reasonable combination of aestheticism and innovation.
Main Tourist Attractions of Ulaanbaatar
Gandantegchinlen Khiid Monastery
The Gandantegchinlen Khiid Monastery, also known as the Ganden Monastery, is Mongolia’s biggest and most well-known monastery. This classic composition in the manner of Tibet deserves its Tibetan meaning, which translates to “huge location of total delight,” by showcasing an extraordinary contrast of colour and vitality. The majesty of the Buddha statue that towers above the central temple at a height of 27 metres is a testament to the reverence that Mongolian culture holds. At this time, more than five hundred of the monks who now reside there may be seen reciting Buddhist prayers within the monastery.
Museum of Natural History
The Museum of Natural History in Mongolia offers visitors a look back into the country’s past. It presents the most important relics of Mongolia’s historical history and the country’s development economically. The museum provides a one-of-a-kind perspective on Mongolia’s development from an ancient to a modern liberal society. There is a tale to be learned from each and every display in the flora and fauna collection, animal and bird collection, and geographical exhibitions. Because the museum’s arrangement is so complicated, visitors will need to have a map with them at all times.
Palace of Culture
Celebrate Mongolian art and culture in style at the Palace of Culture, which is the perfect venue for such an event. It offers the ideal setting for any sort of performance to take place, whether it is ancient oral epics, the most recent movies, operas, or concerts. Both the inside and outside of the palace reveal a great deal about the cultural traditions of Mongolia. It has an impressive sound and lighting system in addition to its striking copper Mongolian roof.
Winter Palace of Bogd Khaan
The Winter Palace of Bogd Khaan is renowned for possessing an allure that transcends time. The palace got its name from the fact that it was the winter residence of Mongolia’s eighth Living Buddha, Jebtzun Damba Hutagt VIII (also known as Bogd Khaan), for a period of twenty years. The building of the palace began in 1893 and continued until 1903, when it was finally finished. The palace is a stunning piece of architecture that houses an exclusive collection of Bogd Khaan’s personal things as well as outstanding Buddhist artworks. Inside the palace, photography is allowed although there is a fee.
The National Museum of Mongolian History
The National Museum of Mongolian History was established in 1924 and is home to many artefacts that date back to Mongolia’s prehistoric era. The museum can be found in the centre of Ulaanbaatar, and its architecture incorporates 10 different galleries that provide extensive information on the culture and traditions of Mongolia. The museum has a wide variety of fascinating displays, including some on petroglyphs and deer stones. In addition to such treasures, there are other armors, jewels, and costumes on exhibit. In addition, there are several Buddhist artefacts on exhibit, such as the disputed Ganlin Horn, which is constructed from the thighbones of humans.
Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts
The Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts is well-known for the way in which it arranges its paintings, sculptures, and carvings according to certain themes. It displays around 10,000 aristocratic collections that are historically significant, relevant artwork by artist Zanabazar, painted thangkas, silk patterns, the Buddhist tsam dance, nomadic traditions, and paintings by master B. Sharav from the early 20th century. The majority of the exhibits that are presented are done so in English, which allows for them to be understood by all of the guests.
Victims of Political Persecution Memorial Museum
The Victims of Political Persecution Memorial Museum offers visitors a glimpse into the city of Ulaanbaatar’s turbulent political past. You’ll discover a variety of disturbing exhibits here that tell the history of various atrocities committed during communist purges. The former Prime Minister P. Genden, who was killed in 1937 for disobeying instructions from Stalin to carry out the purge, serves as the impetus for the museum’s design. Genden was killed because he refused to obey Stalin’s orders to carry out the purge. The names of approximately 20,000 martyrs are displayed on the walls of the ground floor of the museum, along with exclusive possessions and chronological excerpts of the prime minister, posters, and a real life portrayal of life in prison. In addition, the museum features a real life portrayal of life in prison.
Ulaanbaatar City Museum
The building of the Ulaanbaatar City Museum is reminiscent of Russian design, and it has exhibits that trace the development of Ulaanbaatar from its earliest days to the current day. The black-and-white photographs of the early inhabitants of Ulaanbaatar and the historic map of the ger village are two of the most interesting items that can be seen at the museum. Paintings, tapestries, and woodblock impressions are only some of the other amazing objects that were created by the artist Natsagdorjand. Another well-known tourist destination on this island is a tusk with an engraving of the nation’s capital city.
Hunting Museum
The Hunting Museum of Ulaanbaatar may be found on the second level of the Nature Palace in the city. The Gandan Khiid Monastery may be reached along the same roadway that leads up to the property. This museum is not an anomaly given the level of interest in hunting that exists in Ulaanbaatar; it has been there for quite some time. It features the skeletal remains of animals as well as hunting and trapping methods that date back hundreds of years and were utilised by nomads as well as urban cowboys. The museum is a fantastic delight for anybody who like hunting.
Mongolian Military Museum
The Mongolian Military Museum, which first opened its doors in 1996, is devoted to the country’s armed forces and can be found near the easternmost end of Peace Avenue. The museum provides insightful information on the military successes achieved by the Mongols during the 13th century as well as the history of the Mongolian army. The Museum is now under the supervision of the Ministry of Defense, which is also in responsibility of the institution’s upkeep.
GK Jukov Museum
Near the Military Museum and roughly 1.5 kilometres away from Drama Theatre is where you’ll find the GK Jukov Museum. The objects in the museum tell the story of the battle that took place along the Khalkhin river in 1939 against the Japanese. The building that now houses the museum was formerly the residence of General Jukov, who commanded the Russian and Mongolian soldiers who fought against the Japanese.
Gesar Sum
Gesar Sum, which is located in Gandan Khiid, is one of the few historic monasteries in Ulaanbaatar to have survived Stalin’s purges in the 1930s. Gesar Sum is a component of Gandan Khiid. The monastery was once the epicentre of Buddhist culture in Mongolia and now houses wonderful exhibits on the country’s history and various religious practises as well as historical relics. It is a home to dozens of monks and is also a popular location for folks to go to in order to perform a rite of blessing.
Choijin Lama Monastery Museum
The Choijin Lama Monastery Museum was finished between the years 1904 and 1908, and it is comprised of a series of temples dedicated to Choijin Lama, who was Bogd Khaan’s brother. Choijin Lama was a prominent person in Mongolian Buddhism and Tibetan Buddhism. The finest Buddhist artworks, real silk icons, and ceremonial tsam dance costumes and masks are on display at this wonderful temple museum.
Mongolian National Modern Art Gallery
The Mongolian National Modern Art Gallery, which first opened its doors in 1989 and is also known as the Fine Arts Gallery, is widely regarded as one of the country’s most prominent art institutions. It is the preeminent location for hosting expositions on both the national and international levels. The gallery is home to a sizable and varied collection of paintings and sculptures from Mongolia. The paintings depict prominent characters from Mongolian history, while the sculptures depict nomadic life and landscapes.
Sukhbaatar Square
Damdin Sukhbaatar, a Mongolian revolutionary, held demonstrations for independence from China in the location that is now known as Sukhbaatar Square. The square was named after Sukhbaatar. The monument of Sukhbaatar that is located in Sukhbaatar Square serves as a symbol of honour and serves to remind Mongolians of their victories against their adversaries. One way to gauge the significance of this location is to consider the fact that, to this day, every one of Mongolia’s most important celebrations and events takes place at Sukhbaatar Square.
Nairamdal Park
Children will find that the Nairamdal Park, also known as the National Recreational Park or the Children’s Park, is an engaging area to visit. Every Sunday, this amusement park is filled with hundreds of youngsters who come to have fun on the many rides, including a Ferris wheel that provides a breathtaking view from the observation deck at the top. The aerobicycle ride, which takes place on a monorail 3 metres above the ground, is another exciting aspect of the park. The park has a lake that may be used for a variety of activities, including ice skating in the winter and boat rides in the summer.
Zaisan Memorial
The Russian servicemen who died serving their country during World War II are honoured with the Zaisan Memorial, which was built in their honour. The circular monument that can be seen on top of the hill to the south of the city has hundreds of tales of friendship between Russians and Mongolians. A breathtaking panorama of Ulaanbaatar and the Tuul River may be enjoyed from the top of the hill. In addition to its significance in the educational sphere, the Zaisan Memorial is often the destination of field excursions organised for students by local schools.
Khan Brau
Khan Brau Khan Brau restaurant cum bar in Ulaanbaatar is not only the most popular place to dine in the city, but it is also a treat for anybody who has a passion for good cuisine. Beer enthusiasts will find this to be a true paradise. In the summer, due to its proximity to the National Theatre and location adjacent to Sukhbaatar Square, it offers the ideal atmosphere for mingling with colleagues while simultaneously appreciating Mongolian versions of German beers manufactured locally. Khan Brau is a restaurant and music venue that serves a variety of foreign cuisines and attracts affluent Mongolians and Westerners alike.
Manzushir Monastery Ruins
The ruins of the Manzushir Monastery may be found around 28.6 miles from Ulaanbaatar. The monastery, which dates back to the 18th century and serves as the southern entrance to Bogd Khaan National Park, was constructed at this location. In the 1930s, the monastery was in danger of being destroyed as a consequence of communist purges. The new temple that was erected adjacent to the old temple is a museum that preserves the relics of these ancient told tales. The ruins of the old temple have hundreds of stories to tell, and the new temple was built next to the old temple. The guests may take a relaxing walk on the verdant grasslands that surround the region, which are surrounded by mountain streams that have crystal pure water running through them.
Amarbayasgalant Khiid
The neighbourhood of Amarbayasgalant Khiid can be found in the Selenge aimag; it is not a part of Ulaanbaatar. It is possible to stop by on the way to or from Khovsgol Nuur National Park while travelling from Ulaanbaatar. It is generally agreed that Amarbayasgalant is one of the three most important Buddhist monasteries in Mongolia. This monastery was constructed between 1727 and 1737 by King Yongzheng, and it is dedicated to Zanabazar, who was a well-known Buddhist and artist. In 1937, around ten of the monastery’s 37 temples sustained damage, but with the assistance of UNESCO, they were repaired in following years.
