All trips in Mongolia begin at Ulaanbaatar, the beautiful capital of Mongolia because it is the only city in the country that has an international airport and railway system with the Trans-Siberian Railway connecting Russia and China through it. Ulaanbaatar was founded as a Buddhist monastic center in 1639 and changed locations twenty eight times before it settled in 1778 where it stands today. In the 20th century it grew as an industrial center and is today the economic, political and cultural center of Mongolia.
Ulaanbaatar is situated on the banks of the Tuul River at the foothills of the Bogd Khan Uul Mountain range. While a modern infrastructure is clearly visible in the city’s landscape, one can see the existence of a traditional lifestyle alongside a completely modern lifestyle that is found in the city center. The traditional ‘gers’ can be noticed as you enter the city on the way from the airport or while passing-by via train. This part of the city is known as the ‘Ger District’. Ulaanbaatar offers various attractions within the city as well as outside it in neighboring areas.
The most notable monastery in the Capital is the 19th century Gandan Monastery, which is still in service today and famous for its 26-meter high bejeweled gilded statue of Migjid Janraisig. Another monastery of great repute is the Choijin Lama Monastery, which was built between 1904 and 1908 and converted into a museum in 1942 and displays Buddhist artwork.
Among the four imperial residences the only one that remains today is the Winter Palace of Bogd Khan. Built between 1893 and 1903, the complex consists of six temples while the main building has been converted into a museum that exhibits the Royal possessions of the king and his queen. Museums include the National Museum of Mongolian History, The Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts and the Natural History Museum.
Sukhbaatar Square is the city center and comprises of the Mongolian Parliament, Ulaanbaatar Opera House, the Stock Exchange and the Cultural Palace. A huge statue of Sukhbataar stands tall in the center of Sukhbaatar Square. Attractions outside the city include the most popular Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, the Bogd Khan National Park and the Hustai National Park. Trips to other regions of Mongolia are undertaken from Ulaanbaatar.
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