Best things to do in Ulaanbaatar

Ulaanbaatar Essentials

Ulaanbaatar’s landscape reflects a transition from ancient Buddhist traditions to Soviet influence and modern growth. This selection features the 19th-century Gandantegchinlen Monastery and the Bogd Khan Palace Museum, alongside the 40-meter Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue. Visitors can explore Mongolian history at the National Museum, view the city from the Zaisan Memorial, or witness traditional throat singing at the Tumen Ekh Ensemble. The central Sukhbaatar Square and the historic State Department Store remain the city's primary social and commercial landmarks.

Ulaanbaatar Essentials — Map

Stéphane Passet (1875-1942) / Public domain

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Gandantegchinlen Monastery

Gandantegchinlen Monastery, also known as Gandan Monastery, is a Buddhist monastery in Bayangol District, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

//www.flickr.com/photos/yeowatzup/ / CC BY 2.0

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Bogd Khan Palace Museum

The Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan, or the Bogd Khan Palace Museum, is a museum complex located in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

//www.flickr.com/photos/yeowatzup/ / CC BY 2.0

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Choijin Lama Temple Museum

The Choijin Lama Temple is a Buddhist monastery in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia.

Exsanguinator / CC BY 2.5

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National Museum of Mongolia

The National Museum of Mongolia formerly known as the National Museum of Mongolian History is a history museum focusing on Mongolian…

alex_and_stacy / CC BY 2.0

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Zaisan Memorial

The Zaisan Memorial is a memorial in Khan Uul, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia that honors allied Mongolian and Soviet soldiers killed in World War…

Bgelo777 / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Equestrian statue of Genghis Khan

The Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue, part of the Genghis Khan Statue Complex, is a 40-metre tall, stainless steel statue of Genghis Khan on…

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Sukhbaatar square

Sükhbaatar Square is the central square of Mongolia's capital Ulaanbaatar.

Sergio Conti / CC BY-SA 2.0

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Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum is a repository and research institution located in Chingeltei, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

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State Department Store

Originally established in 1921, this Soviet-era landmark is Mongolia's largest shopping center. It serves as a central hub for traditional cashmere, local handicrafts, and souvenirs, alongside modern retail brands.

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Tumen Ekh Ensemble

A traditional performing arts group showcasing Mongolian throat singing, contortionism, and ritualistic mask dances. Performances feature the morin khuur (horse-head fiddle) and traditional folk songs.

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Manjusri Monastery

Mañjuśrī Monastery is a former gompa established in 1733 and destroyed by Mongolian communists in 1937.