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.
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Arriving in the Mongolian capital
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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.
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| Favourite spots: |
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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.
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| What's really great: |
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View of UB from Zaisan memorial
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The Zaisan memorial dedicated to Soviet heros, perched on a hill is the best way to see views over UB.
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| Sights: |
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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.
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| Accommodations: |
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Center Hotel offers good value for money and clean rooms. You also have a cafe on the second floor.
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| Nightlife: |
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The Tumen Ekh Ensemble Palace offers shows with traditional Mongolian music and throat singing.
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View of the State Department Store
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Chez Bernard offers excellent French pastries. For dinner, Ghinggis Restaurant offers nice food as well as salads.
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| Other recommendations: |
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.
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Published on Thursday January 5th, 2006
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Publish on Facebook
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Wed, Aug 15 2007 - 08:27 AM
 by maehof
| really good report Isabelle, it makes me want to go there , mostly to see open space , desert, mountains, ( can't complaint on lack of it downunder) but also music , unique throat singing, i wish i could hear it live oneday (mongolia' exported "huun-huur-tu" as the only throat singing group in the world, but nothing is better than live concert), greetings , martin |
Sat, Feb 17 2007 - 07:51 PM
 by travler
| I learned a lot from your report on this unusual destingation. |
Sun, Mar 12 2006 - 11:49 AM
by marianne
I especially like the photo of the train in late afternoon light. maybe you could add some more information about the hotel and the restuarant. What did you eat? Russian specialtities?
Marianne |
Wed, Feb 01 2006 - 04:17 PM
by shsmrsb
Thanks for bringing back memories. We visited Ulaan Baatar in 1987, still a soviet satellite country at that time. Nevertheless very interesting. We remember the state store having only wooden trains and hola hoops as childrens toys, one set of old fashioned bedroom furniture in the furniture section and cheese graters with virtually nothing else on offer! How it must have changed!!
Thank you for sharing your memories with us.
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Sat, Jan 21 2006 - 09:24 AM
by karden
| Wow!Mongolia looks really attractive, thanks for pics. I'm also wondering about prices over there can you please provide more info :) |
Sun, Jan 08 2006 - 09:31 PM
by eirekay
Isabelle, you offer some great information - makes me want more! Terrific report but I would like to hear more of your impressions.
Eire |
Sat, Jan 07 2006 - 11:22 AM
by bootlegga
| Interesting report on a unique destination. Would have liked a bit more info, but it was still great! |
Sat, Jan 07 2006 - 08:13 AM
by magsalex
Fri, Jan 06 2006 - 09:40 AM
by davidx
| Well done, isabelle. A fine report on a little known place. |
Fri, Jan 06 2006 - 05:42 AM
 by wojtekd
| Pictures are very nice... Could you add some down-to-earth info, please... Transport, costs... is this expensive place for traveller... The most remote capital... Hmm... How about Thimpu in Bhutan or Honiara on Solomon Islands?... |
Fri, Jan 06 2006 - 02:30 AM
by mamielle
Bravo, les photos sont très belles, le voyage a du être fabuleux. Le voyage en trans-sibéren me fait rêver !
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Thu, Jan 05 2006 - 11:56 PM
by ravinderkumarsi
Thu, Jan 05 2006 - 05:19 PM
by rangutan
| Fantastic! GLOBOs first report of Mongolia. The pictures are amazing too. |
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