The capital of Mongolia is Ulaanbaatar, a city with a rich history. Set in the rolling foothills of Bogd Mountain range, on the banks of the majestic Tuul River. Ulaanbaatar is the gateway to Mongolia. Ulaanbaatar, historically known as “Urga”, was originally established in 1639 as a nomadic encampment, which shifted from place to place until it settled in its present location in 1778, at an altitude of 1351 meters above sea level. Ulaanbaatar has a population over 1.000.000. Four sacre4d mountains surround the capital city: to the west Songinokhairkhan Mountain, to the east Bayanzurkh Mountain, to the north Chingeltei Mountain, and to the south the beautiful forest-clad slopes of the Bogd Khan Mountain. The city has the Trans-Siberian railway crosses Mongolia from north to south, stopping in Ulaanbaatar, connesting Moscow and Beijing.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Sukhbaatar Square
An equestrian statue of revolutionary hero Sukhbaatar features in the center of the square, who led the Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Movement in 1921. The square neighbors with Government House in its north. In front of the Government House is a big bronze statue of Genghis Khan flanked by Ugudei Khan and Kubilai Khan Statues. The backyard of the government house bears the state stamp figure and is open to the public where you can chill in the garden. There are other main buildings around the square such as the City Hall, Stock Exchange, Cultural Palace, Drama Theater, museums, and the main post office. The square is a big open space in the middle of the town where the locals meet, chat, ride bikes, and skate. There is something happens most of the days; some evens, wedding, school graduation celebration, and parades.
Gandantegchileng Monastery
Tibetan, Chinese, and Mongolian style monastery Gandantegchilen is active all year round. The monastery was established in 1835. It is one of the places you should visit in Ulaanbaatar. Except for its main activity and seeing the believers in their local worshiping moods, a 26, 5 m statue of Migjid Janraisag Buddha (Buddhist Bodhisattva) in one of the monastery’s old temple is another thing of interest. It’s one of the biggest indoor statues in the world. The monastery located among the ger district in the downtown of Ulaanbaatar, the first and the oldest permanent residing area of the city.
National Folk Song and Dance Ensemble
Tumen Ekh is one of the most entertaining, authentic, and must-see things in Ulaanbaatar. The performance shows throat singing, contortion, drawling song, Tsam religious dance, short song, and colorful traditional dances. There are many Mongolian folk songs and dance bands performing in every corner of the world and have been rated good. Mongolians, particularly performance actors are known in the world as the people wrapped in silk. If you decide to visit Mongolia, do not miss the opportunity to watch the show in their homeland. The show always gets good compliments from the audience.
The National Museum of Mongolian History
The National Museum of Mongolia was established in 1924, the largest museum in Mongolia requires 1-3 hours when seeing the displays. It is advisable to visit the museum before starting your countryside tour. It will be your first introduction to the country and learn a lot about Mongolian culture, history, daily life, custom, and ethnics. Mongolia is extremely rich in historical heritage. The displays date back to the 700,000
years ago Paleolithic Age through the next historical periods such as Mesolithic Age, Neolithic Age, The Bronze Age, ancient Mongol States, Great Mongol Empire, Soviet Mongolia to the present day. 46000 items related to Mongolian history, ethnicity, traditional clothing, and daily life ornaments of the nomads are on display. The Museum location is just next to Sukhbaatar Square at the heart of Ulaanbaatar.
Dinosaur Museums in Ulaanbaatar
There are two dinosaur museums in Ulaanbaatar. The Central Museum of Mongolian Dinosaurs is located in the downtown while the other museum in Hunnu Mall on the way to the airport. Both museums are quite impressive as all the fossils showcased are originals and complete skeletons of all shapes, sizes, and appetites, but do not require much time. Some of the species were found only in Mongolia. The endemic species, complete skeletons, and rare findings make Mongolia the third important paleontological site in the world. In addition to the museums, you can have a chance to explore the dinosaur fossils in nature while touring in the Gobi desert.
Bogd Khan Palace Museum
There were eight people named Bogd Khaan (living Buddha), lived between 1639 and 1924. The Bogd Khan Palace was built for 8th living Buddha Bogd Jabuzandamba, who was Mongolian last religious leader and king of the state. The Palace was built between 1893 and 1906. It consists of a two-story European style building and ten temple style buildings. The king lived in this Winter Palace for more than 20 years with his queen Dondogdulam. Since 1926, the palace has been serving as a museum. The two-story wooden house displays items used by the queen and king such as some collections, dresses, a ger, and their rooms, etc. while the temple buildings show wonderful religious masterpieces and artifacts from the 17th to 20th century.
Zanabazar Fine Art Museum
The Zanabazar Fine Art Museum named after Zanabazar who was a pre-eminent religious leader and artist in the 17th century. It is worth visiting the museum if you would like to see Mongolian art and understand some cultural insights. The museum has nine halls: antique hall, hall of Zanabazar’s creation, hall displaying paintings drawn with natural colors or tanka, appliqué hall, hall of tsam religious dance, fine arts hall and hall of Maider Buddha. The Treasure’s Fond of Mongolia registered over 200 artistic creations as they rated the creations rare and unrepeatable. 50 of them are on display in the museum.
Choijin Lama Temple Museum
Choijin Lama (a monastic title) Temple Museum is an architectural masterpiece of the 19th and 20th centuries. It is the only temple could remain without much destruction during the communist purge. The museum location is convenient in the downtown, just 10 minutes walking in the south of Central Square/Sukhbaatar Square. The Red sect Buddhism temple was erected by Mongolian architects between 1904 and 1908 in honor of an influential monk who was a younger brother of Mongolian last king VIII Bogd Gegeen. The temple was active until 1936 and closed in 1938 by the communists. Since 1942, it has been serving as a temple museum, displaying more than 8600 items such as the work of master painters, cast carvings, Mongolian silk appliqué, embroidery, Tsam dancing mask, and sculptures in the six temples.
Zaisan Hill Memorial
Zaisan Hill Memorial is on the foothill of strictly protected Bogd Khaan Mountain located in the south of Ulaanbaatar neighboring Buddha’s Garden. It is a viewpoint where you will see the panoramic views of Ulaanbaatar after about 10 min climb on stairs. Either the night climb worth when seeing the city lights and breathe the cooling air.
