ULANBATOR ATTRACTIONS
FLIGHTS, ACCOMMODATION AND MOVEMENT AT Ulaanbaatar
From Helsinki via Moscow to Ulaanbaatar
There are no direct flights from Finland to Mongolia, but the exchange will be successful in Moscow, from where Aeroflot and the Mongolian airline MIAT will fly to the capital Ulaanbaatar. Travel time from Moscow is about six hours. A Russian visa is not required for the exchange. Usually, return trips via Moscow cost about 900-1200 euros.
Trans-Mongolian train
Most tourists arrive in Ulaanbaatar by train as part of a Trans-Siberian trip.
It is possible to reach Mongolia by train from Helsinki. Without stopovers, you can travel to Mongolia via Moscow a few times a week. The shorter train ride to Ulaanbaatar is from Beijing. In summer, train tickets should be purchased in advance, as Trans-Siberia is a particularly popular route at the time.
A traveler to Mongolia also needs a visa issued by the Honorary Consulate of Mongolia in Kirkkonummi.
Accommodation in Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar’s range of accommodation is unmatched by the world’s metropolises. Large hotel chains have not found their way into the city, and there is little choice, especially for hotels.
Most hostel-type accommodation is available. Ulaanbaatar’s numerous guesthouses offer tourists affordable accommodation in basic rooms and sanitary facilities are shared.
Those looking for an authentic Mongolian atmosphere can also stay in a yurt in Ulaanbaatar. The yurts are furnished with normal furniture such as beds and tables, but your own sleeping bag or bedding may be necessary.
Getting around in Ulaanbaatar
Attractions in the downtown area of Ulaanbaatar are within walking distance, and most tourists move around the city on foot. However, a few of the attractions are far enough away that a bus or taxi ride is necessary.
The condition of the city’s buses varies, and reliability is not of a European standard. For buses, feel free to ask for guidance from your accommodation. Taxi’s general guidelines apply to the use of taxis: use only official taxis and agree on the price in advance.
The traffic in Ulaanbaatar is chaotic and pedestrians are not respected. In particular, caution is required when crossing the streets.
Ulaanbaatar ATTRACTIONS
Sühbataar Square is a showcase for Mongolia
Sühbataar Square is the heart of Ulaanbaatar and a showcase for modern Mongolia. Covering an area of wide square is located in the city’s major attractions include Parliament House, known especially for the front of the Giant Buddha and located in the courtyard jurtastaan. The square is bordered by the most modern office buildings in Mongolia.
In the middle of Sühbataar Square is a statue of Damdin Sühbatar, the leader of the Mongolian Revolution . The square also houses the Mongolian Opera House, where you can visit to watch performances.
See the 20-meter Buddha statue at Gandan Monastery
In Mongolia, many religious buildings, especially monasteries, were destroyed during Stalin’s time. The Gandan Monastery in Ulaanbaatar is one of the few monasteries that has been spared from destruction and is one of the main attractions of Ulaanbaatar.
The extensive monastery area is a short walk from the center. There are buildings from different times in the area. Of particular note is the 20-meter-high golden Buddha statue inside a monastery building.
Gandan is worth a visit in the mornings to see the monks ’prayer moments.
Bogd Khan Palace and Museum
Bogd Khan’s Winter Palace was built between 1893 and 1903, and Bogh Khan, the last monarch ruler of Mongolia, lived in the palace area.
Part of the palace area was destroyed during the Russian era, but the remaining parts have been converted into a museum. The area is reminiscent of Beijing’s Forbidden City.
Zaizan Monuments
On the mountain south of Ulaanbaatar is the Zaizan Monument, erected in honor of World War II military cooperation between the Mongols and Russians. The monument also honors Russia’s space program.
The mountain offers a great view of the city of Ulaanbaatar, and it is also worth visiting the Buddha statue in the area.
Natural History Museum
Some dinosaur fossils have been found in Mongolia. Some of the finds are on display at the Ulaanbaatar Natural History Museum, which many consider to be Ulaanbaatar’s most interesting museum.
THE BEST OF Ulaanbaatar
Experience these in Ulaanbaatar
- Check out the traditional Tumen Ekh dance and music show, where you can hear Mongolian throat singing and see traditional dances
- Shop at the state department store
- Eat and sleep in a yurt
- Embark on an excursion to the surrounding countryside
- Taste traditional Mongolian dishes
