Discovering Mongolia’s Red Hero - Ulan Bator
Ulan Bator, also known as Ulaanbaatar is the pride and largest city of Mongolia, which serves as the center for business and tourism. Amidst the tranquil countryside of Mongolia, this place has seemed to create a variation and upbeat society which have drawn many tourists around the world. It combines modernization with heritage as it also homes a wide selection of palaces, museums, monasteries, and courtyards. Amidst its soaring skylines, thriving night life, and busy streets you can still feel its strong cultural resemblance and unique way of living. From time to time, nomads would drop by the city to take a rest or pay homage.
Ulan Bator's magnificent view of its thriving metropolis
Canvas store along Ulan Bator's open-air market
The most unique kind of shoes you'll ever see in Ulan Bator's shopping centre
Shopping Spree
Ulan Bator is very famous for its upbeat city and shopping centers. Its main street features a variety of shops and restaurants where you can great deals and offers. When you reach Peace Avenue, you can start to feel its aura. You can also find here the famous cashmere of Mongolia. Narantuul is even greater with over 2000 vendors ready to sell you a wide selection of products. In fact, it is the biggest open-air markets in the region. If you are traveling around the city centre, make sure to bring enough cash to suite your shopping needs.
Colorful canvas for sale at Narantuul
Ulan Bator is is particularly located at Mongolia's northern portion
The precious Migjid Janraisig statue
Ulan Bator's Museum of Natural HIstory
Choijin Lama Temple
Palace of Bogdo Khan
Museums and other Cultural Features
If you move to the central square, you would start to feel the city’s overwhelming culture as it is the seat of some famous landmarks such as the Drama Theater, Stock Exchange, Parliament House, and Cultural Palace. One tradition that many visitors do not miss when coming to the metropolis is to take a photo with the outstanding statue of Sukhbaatar, by which the plaza is named after.
Ulan Bator is also a haven of prestigious monasteries, one of which is Gandan. Established in 19th century, it is the only the only Buddhist monastery in the communist era. Another precious monastery which serves as the home Migjid Janraisig statue is the Migjid Janraisig Temple. Until now, the locals are doing their best to preserve both symbolic structures because they are the only symbols of Mongolia’s Buddhist faith. The Choijin Lama Temple features a traditional Buddhist architecture. Visitors are allowed to go inside to take a look at its marvelous exhibits of original Buddhist art pieces, tsam dancing masks, and silk items.
There are also numerous museums in the city that highlights Mongolia’s past, the oldest of which is Natural History Museum. Here, you will also learn the different yet amazing animal species that previously inhabited the place such as the desert camels and the Gobi bear. You will also be impressed with its Paleontology section where you can find a great collection of remains of bones, skeletons, and even dinosaur eggs. Believe it or not, but dinosaurs are said to have dominated the Gobi desert million years ago. Winter Palace of Bogdo Khan used to be a palace but it is now counted as one of the city’s most treasured museums being the home of the former king Javzan Damba Hutagt VIII’s arts collection.
Gandantegchinlen Monastery
Things to remember when you enter the temples
Dos
| Don'ts
|
---|---|
dress moderately
| shout, make noise, and play
|
bow your head when praying
| wear shorts and slippers
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do not touch the Buddhas
| eat or litter
|
Ulan Bator's aerial view during winter season
Weather Information
The best time to visit Mongolia is during summertime. The months of January to February are the coldest months of Mongolia and if you visit during this month, you would not be able to enjoy its upbeat streets. In fact, it has been known to be the coldest county in the world during winter season. Before visiting Ulan Bator, it is best to book your accommodation in advance to ensure a spot once you reach the place.