Ulaanbaatar & Terelj

Mongolia's capital and gateway, with Gandan Monastery, the Genghis Khan statue and ger camps in Terelj National Park—the shortest route to experiencing nomadic life on the steppe.

Ulaanbaatar is the capital of Mongolia, set in the Tuul River valley in the north-central part of the country at about 1,350 m above sea level. Ringed by four sacred mountains including Bogd Khan Uul, it has a population of about 1.7 million, nearly half of the country's total. It is the world's coldest capital: the average temperature in January is below −20°C, with extremes reaching −40°C, and coal heating in winter causes serious air pollution. Summer, from June to August, has daytime temperatures of 20–28°C, plenty of sun and the greenest steppe, and is the only season recommended for travel; the Naadam Festival (wrestling, horse racing, archery) on July 11–13 is the highlight of the year and needs booking several months ahead. The main sights fall into three areas: first, the city center, where Chinggis Khaan Square (formerly Sükhbaatar Square) is surrounded by the National Museum, the Genghis Khan National Museum, the State Opera House and the State Department Store, with Gandan Monastery and Choijin Lama Temple within walking distance; second, the Zaisan Memorial and the large Buddha at the foot of Bogd Khan Uul in the south; and third, Terelj National Park and the Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue 50–70 km to the east, typically visited as a day trip or with a night in a ger camp in Terelj, with horse riding, Turtle Rock and a hike up to Aryabal Temple. Farther afield are Kharkhorin (Erdene Zuu Monastery, 5–6 hours by car) and the South Gobi. Getting there: Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN) is about 50 km southwest of the city, with an airport bus or taxi taking about 1 hour. From China you can take the Beijing–Ulaanbaatar international train (about 27 hours, via Erenhot), or cross at Erenhot and take a train or bus to Zamyn-Üüd and then continue north. In the city, use apps such as UBCab for taxis; buses are crowded with little English signage, and the city center is best explored on foot. For Terelj, most people hire a car or join a tour (about 100–150 yuan per person per day). Chinese citizens have been able to enter Mongolia visa-free (30-day stay) since 2024. Suggested length: 1–2 days in the city plus 1–2 days in Terelj, 3–4 days in total. Notes: the currency is the tugrik (MNT); cards work in the city, but carry cash in the countryside; traffic jams in the city are severe, so allow plenty of time for cross-city trips; the steppe has large day–night temperature swings and strong UV in summer, and gers are cold at night; follow local etiquette when entering gers and temples (don't step on the threshold, walk clockwise); watch for pickpockets and drunks at night, and avoid walking alone in small alleys.

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Where to eat

Itineraries