Guide to Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar is the capital of Mongolia located in the northeastern part of the country. With a population of over 1.3 million, they make up 40% of Mongolia's total population. Ulaanbaatar is located in the valley of the Tuul River near the Bogd úl mountain massif. Thanks to its location at an altitude of over 1300 m above sea level, it is one of the coldest cities in the world with an average annual temperature of -10°C. In summer, temperatures reach 20 °C. Ulaanbaatar is a very important economic, industrial, political and cultural center of the country. The city is not considered to be of tourist interest, it is completely different from classic Asian cities. However, Mongolians love and worship him. Tourists who decide to visit Ulaanbaatar can get to know the friendly, accommodating and very hospitable behavior of the local residents.
Accommodation in Ulaanbaatar
In Ulábátar, we have prepared several tips for accommodation for you, from luxury accommodation to 3* and 4* hotels and guesthouses, cheap hostels, and popular apartments. Of the five-star hotels, we recommend the Kempinski Hotel Khan Palace with modern and spacious rooms, a fitness center, a Japanese restaurant and an attractive location in the city center. Also the Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel, The Blue Sky Hotel and Tower located in the tallest building in Ulaanbaatar. A category below, we offer the Ramada Ulaanbaatar Citycenter hotel with a stylish restaurant, bar, modern interiors, wellness center with sauna and steam room. Don't hesitate to book the following four-star hotels, such as UB City Hotel or Puma Imperial Hotel. They belong to the middle class of hotels that do not disappoint with the quality of services provided, equipment and prices starting at 42 Euros for a double room with breakfast per night. We will offer cheap accommodation in Danista Nomads Tour Hostel and Zaya Hostel.
History of Ulaanbaatar
The history of the city began to be written in the 17th century, specifically in 1639, when Buddhists founded the first monastery here. The monastery was itinerant, and many sources claim that this building definitely did not stand on the site of today's Ulaanbaatar. The permanent settlement dates back to 1778. The first name of the city was Urga, which in translation means Main Tent. Between 1911 and 1919, the city was called Niĭslel Khüree. In 1919, Ulaanbaatar was briefly occupied by China, two years later, with the help of the Red Army, Mongolia succeeded in becoming independent. As a memorial, the city was given the name Ulaan-Baatar (Red Hero).
Transportat to Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar is an important "cross road". Chinggis Khaan International Airport is located 18 km northwest of the center. Among the locals, the airport is still often called Bouyant Uka. The leading airlines are MIAT (Mongolian Airlines) with direct international flights to destinations such as Berlin, Seoul or Hong Kong. An important component of transport is the railway. Ulaanbaatar is connected to the Trans-Siberian highway and the Chinese railway network. You can travel by rail to Beijing. Traveling in Mongolia by car or other motor vehicle is quite interesting and in a way also adventurous. There are only a small number of paved roads. If you find one, you can almost 100% rely on her to lead you to Ulaanbaatar. As far as bus transport is concerned, timetables are established here, but their accuracy is completely fleeting. Buses stop mainly at frequented places. To get around the city, you can use taxis, buses or walk around the center.
Sights, attractions and activities in Ulaanbaatar
Until the middle of the 20th century, wooden or clay buildings made up a significant part of the city. Among them, Buddhist buildings stood out with distinctive golden elements and towers. The 1930s were the beginning of the construction of buildings in the Soviet style. Ulaanbaatar is not a very interesting city for tourists. Yurts - the traditional dwellings of nomadic tribes, wooden houses and industrial areas are rather discouraging elements. The 20-kilometer Míru avenue stretches through the city, where you can find countless shops, restaurants and bars. In the central square stands the monument and mausoleum of the revolutionary Süchbátar. Further on in the square you will find the opera house, the national theater and government buildings. There are a large number of monasteries in Ulaanbaatar, the most important of which are Gandan Monastery and Choijin Lama Monastery. Those who like museums should head to the Natural History Museum, the International Intellectual Museum or the Zanabazar Museum with its collection of objects from the Stone Age to the 20th century. You can buy household products, vegetables, fruits, spices, shoes, fabrics or pets at the Naran Tuul or black market, where you have to pay an entrance fee. If you love winter sports, you can go skiing or snowboarding in a ski resort 13 km away.