Ulan Bator, the coldest capital city in the world, is far from the Mongolian ideal of vaste, green steppes. However, you should explore it, if only to understand the harsh realities facing its people.
Ulan Bator, the coldest capital city in the world, is far from the Mongolian ideal of vaste, green steppes. However, you should explore it, if only to understand the harsh realities facing its people.
My suggestion
Check out the Black Market, a sprawling mass that sells everything under the sun, be it shoes, saddles, yurt furniture, yurts and all at a great price. But beware of pickpockets!
Marc Sigala
Seasoned Traveller
2
Ulan Bator is the capital city, as well as the country's economic, political and industrial hub. It's like no other town in Mongolia and is home to a third of the country's population - which explains why there are so few people elsewhere.
My suggestion
My advice is simple - don't stay longer than necessary in Ulan Bator. Make the most of it by sorting out what you need for your trip and then head as quickly as possible to the steppe.
Anonymous traveller
Seasoned Traveller
5
Ulan Bator is Mongolia's astonishing capital city, where contempory life and tradition merge and yurts sit proud next to modern buildings. This noisy, chaotic city is situated in the heart of an immense and semi-desertic steppe that was once home to Genghis Khan.
My suggestion
Whether you enjoy unusual holiday destinations love a bit of culture, are travelling alone or in company, like to party, can tolerate temperatures that range from -30°C to 30°C, welcome to this unique and fascinating capital, the true Queen of Nadam.
So hop on a bus and head off to see some unusual rock formations! The moment you're out of the capital, nature takes over and buses wind their way past the steppe until they reach the Gorkhi Terelj National Park, home to clusters of majestic rocks that dominate the landscape.
With its infinite landscapes and silent expanses, Mongolia offers its visitors a retreat from the world. You can focus on yourself, harmonise with nature and appreciate the freedom of nomadic life; a world where every element plays an essential role.
A nomadic people with Turkish origins, the Tsaatan are reindeer-herders. They live in the Mongolian Taïga and as far as the border with Russia. Going to meet them is like discovering a whole new world; you'll be captivated by their distinctive lifestyle.
With hair-raising sports and plenty of colour, this event is the most eagerly awaited of the year. A national celebration of independence, this is one festival that no Mongolian wants to miss. Cloaked in deels, the traditional Mongolian outer dress, participants spend the 11th and 12th of July either taking part in a variety of games or cheering on their favourite competitors.