Ulan Bator Mongolia 5 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore the City

  • Places to Visit:
    • Genghis Khan Square: This is a must-visit spot in Ulaanbaatar. It’s a large public square surrounded by buildings featuring traditional Mongolian architecture.
    • Zaisan Memorial: Located on top of a hill, this monument offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape.
  • Activities:
    • Visit the National Museum of Mongolia to learn about the country’s history, culture, and natural environment.
    • Explore the local market (Naran Tuul) for traditional handicrafts and souvenirs.
  • Where to Eat:
    • Bishrelt Cafe: A great spot to try Mongolian tea and snacks in a cozy atmosphere.
    • Black Rose Restaurant: Offers a mix of traditional and international cuisine.
  • Where to Stay:
    • The Blue Sky Hotel: Offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities.
    • The Hotel Gobi: Provides a unique experience with its design inspired by Mongolian culture.
  • Things to Know:
    • Respect for local customs, especially when visiting monasteries or attending cultural events.
    • Be prepared for variable weather conditions, including extreme cold in winter and hot summers.
  • Transportation:
    • Taxi: The most convenient way to get around the city, but be sure to agree on the fare before starting your journey.
    • Bus: A more affordable option, but be aware that some bus routes may not have English signage or announcements.
  • Tips and Tricks:
  • Learn a few basic Mongolian phrases like “Sain bane” (hello) and “Tergeldeg” (thank you).
  • Don’t drink tap water. Stick to bottled or filtered water for safe consumption.
  • Be prepared for occasional power outages, especially during peak summer months.
  • Visit the local post office to send a postcard home with a unique Mongolian stamp.

Day 2: Explore the Countryside

  • Places to Visit:
    • Gorkhi-Terelj National Park: A beautiful park featuring lush forests and rivers. It’s perfect for hiking, camping, or simply enjoying nature.
    • Tuvkhun Hermitage: A historic site that was once a place of solitude for the 13th Dalai Lama.
  • Activities:
    • Take a horseback ride through the scenic countryside.
    • Visit a local family to learn about traditional Mongolian culture and way of life.
  • Where to Eat:
    • Local restaurants in Tuvkhun Hermitage offer traditional cuisine.
    • Pack some snacks for your horseback ride or picnic in the park.
  • Where to Stay:
    • Camping within Gorkhi-Terelj National Park is a great way to connect with nature.
    • Consider booking a stay at the Terelj Hotel, which offers comfortable rooms and scenic views.
  • Things to Know:
    • Be prepared for variable weather conditions in the countryside.
    • Respect local customs and traditions when interacting with local families.
  • Transportation:
    • Taxi or bus from Ulaanbaatar to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park.
    • Horseback ride within the park.

Day 3: Cultural Experiences

  • Places to Visit:
    • Gandan Monastery: A beautiful and historic monastery that is home to several Buddhist monks.
    • The Central Museum of Mongolian Culture and History.
  • Activities:
    • Attend a traditional Mongolian dance performance.
    • Learn about Mongolian culture and traditions at the National Cultural Centre.
  • Where to Eat:
    • Local restaurants near Gandan Monastery offer traditional cuisine.
    • Try some Mongolian tea and snacks in a cozy atmosphere.
  • Where to Stay:
    • The Blue Sky Hotel offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities.
    • Consider booking a stay at the Hotel Gobi, which provides a unique experience with its design inspired by Mongolian culture.
  • Things to Know:
    • Respect for local customs and traditions is essential when visiting monasteries or attending cultural events.
    • Be prepared for variable weather conditions in the city.
  • Transportation:
    • Taxi: The most convenient way to get around the city, but be sure to agree on the fare before starting your journey.
    • Bus: A more affordable option, but be aware that some bus routes may not have English signage or announcements.

Day 4: Explore Ulaanbaatar

  • Places to Visit:
    • The National Museum of Mongolia to learn about the country’s history and culture.
    • Zaisan Memorial on top of a hill for panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape.
  • Activities:
    • Explore the local market (Naran Tuul) for traditional handicrafts and souvenirs.
    • Visit the Central Post Office to send a postcard home with a unique Mongolian stamp.
  • Where to Eat:
    • Bishrelt Cafe offers a great spot to try Mongolian tea and snacks in a cozy atmosphere.
    • Black Rose Restaurant provides a mix of traditional and international cuisine.
  • Where to Stay:
    • The Blue Sky Hotel offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities.
    • Consider booking a stay at the Hotel Gobi, which provides a unique experience with its design inspired by Mongolian culture.
  • Things to Know:
    • Respect for local customs and traditions is essential when visiting monasteries or attending cultural events.
    • Be prepared for variable weather conditions in the city.
  • Transportation:
    • Taxi: The most convenient way to get around the city, but be sure to agree on the fare before starting your journey.
    • Bus: A more affordable option, but be aware that some bus routes may not have English signage or announcements.

Day 5: More of Ulaanbaatar

  • Places to Visit:
    • The Zaisan Memorial for panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape.
    • The National Museum of Mongolia to learn about the country’s history and culture.
  • Activities:
    • Explore the local market (Naran Tuul) for traditional handicrafts and souvenirs.
    • Visit the Central Post Office to send a postcard home with a unique Mongolian stamp.
  • Where to Eat:
    • Bishrelt Cafe offers a great spot to try Mongolian tea and snacks in a cozy atmosphere.
    • Black Rose Restaurant provides a mix of traditional and international cuisine.
  • Where to Stay:
    • The Blue Sky Hotel offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities.
    • Consider booking a stay at the Hotel Gobi, which provides a unique experience with its design inspired by Mongolian culture.
  • Things to Know:
    • Respect for local customs and traditions is essential when visiting monasteries or attending cultural events.
    • Be prepared for variable weather conditions in the city.
  • Transportation:
    • Taxi: The most convenient way to get around the city, but be sure to agree on the fare before starting your journey.
    • Bus: A more affordable option, but be aware that some bus routes may not have English signage or announcements.