Ulaanbaatar Travel Guide, Mongolia

Ulaanbaatar is the capital of Mongolia and the country’s largest city. In fact, it is so large compared to other Mongolian cities that more than one third of the country’s population lives in Ulaanbaatar. The city was founded in the first half of the 17th century by nomadic Buddhist monks, but it has since then flourished into Mongolia’s foremost financial, industrial and cultural centre. Ulaanbaatar is located at a high altitude, but the city has become increasingly modern in the 20th century, and it has grown into a major Asian manufacturing point. The city is connected to the famous Trans-Siberian railways, so it is easily accessible from other places, both in Asia and in European Russia. This Ulaanbaatar Travel Guide offers some useful information for tourists who’d like to discover the charm of this unique city.

Ulaanbaatar Travel Guide - Transport

Mongolia’s international airport, Chinggis Khaan International Airport, is located at 18 kilometers from the capital. Mongolian Airlines operates flights between Ulaanbaatar and other major Asian airports, such as Seoul, Beijing and Tokyo, but also smaller airports that are relatively close, such as Bratsk. Seeing as Ulaanbaatar is located on the Trans-Siberian railway line, it is no surprise that the easiest way to reach it is by train. Although the journey from Moscow or Beijing on the Trans-Mongolian part of the railway line is quite lengthy, the train carriages are quite comfortable, and you get the chance to see half the continent from the window. There are also frequent trains to and from Irkutsk, Siberia. If you are already in Mongolia, it is not difficult to find a bus going to the capital. The Ulaanbaatar city centre is not very large, so the best way to see it is on foot. However, you still have the option of hailing a taxi or jumping on a local bus.

Ulaanbaatar Travel Guide - Accommodation

Although Ulaanbaatar is perhaps not the most popular tourist destination in Asia, there are surprisingly many accommodation options in the city. Especially backpackers will have a hard time choosing one of the numerous budget hotels available. Zaya Guesthouse, located in the city centre, has individual apartments with great facilities, including free Wi-Fi. Petite Marmotte is a small traditionally decorated guesthouse with very comfortable rooms and friendly French and English speaking staff. Red Rose Hotel is an elegant three-star establishment that offers nicely furnished rooms and modern facilities. If you are planning to go on a splurge, this Ulaanbaatar Travel Guide recommends Narantuul Hotel, allegedly the best hotel in the city. The rooms are very high-standard, and the service is worth every single cent. A Hilton hotel is currently under construction in Ulaanbaatar, and it is scheduled to open in 2009.