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Ulaan Baatar or UB, the most remote capital.

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Ulaan Baatar is the capital of Mongolia. It also holds the record of the coldest capital in the World as it can be as cold as -46C. Its population is only 600 000 habitants.




	Arriving in the Mongolian capital

When arriving at the city on board the Trans-Siberian the first sight that you see is the industrial suburbs and concrete tower blocks. The capital was established in 1778. The town grew quickly as a religious, commercial and administrative centre. Various changes occured during the invasions by the Russians and by the Chinese. Ulaan Baatar means Red Hero. In 1924 it was declared the official capital.

Favourite spots:




	The Gandan Monasetry

The Gandan Monastery which means the Palace of Joy. The original monastery built in 1785 was destroyed but later rebuilt in 1938. It now hosts a giant Buddah 28 metres high. As well as the main temple there are also stupas and a library. Suhbaatar Square is the centre of town and at the middle you can find a statue of Suhbaatar, a Mongolian hero. You can also visit his mausoleum on the other side of the square, it has been preserved like the one of Lenin.

What's really great:




	View of UB from Zaisan memorial

The Zaisan memorial dedicated to Soviet heros, perched on a hill is the best way to see views over UB.

Sights:




	Bogd Khan Palace

Bogd Khan Palace (check opening days and times!!) is a wonderful old place, it is like the Forbidden City in Beijing on a smaller scale. There are exhibits of Thanghas which are Buddhist paintings as well as musical instruments, stuffed animals and Mongolian furnitures. You will need to pay a fee if you want to take pictures or videos.

Accommodations:




	Suhbaatar Square

Center Hotel offers good value for money and clean rooms. You also have a cafe on the second floor.

Nightlife:




	The Orchestra

The Tumen Ekh Ensemble Palace offers shows with traditional Mongolian music and throat singing.

Restaurants:




	View of the State Department Store

Chez Bernard offers excellent French pastries. For dinner, Ghinggis Restaurant offers nice food as well as salads.

Other recommendations:




	Inside Bogd Khan Palace

The Natural History Museum hosts exhibits about ancient burial sites, ethnic folk, art, and Buddhist ceremonial objects. You will also find a room dedicated to the life of Genghis Khan the famous Mongolian conqueror.
The State Department Store is a very good place to go shopping offering every thing you need.

Published on Thursday January 5th, 2006 by frenchfrog

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