There are some beautiful and unique sites to see on your trip to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Some of the most interesting and must-see attractions include: Gandantegchelin Monastery, Manzushir Monastery, Ghorki-Terelj National Park, Hustai National Park, Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve, and Chinggis Khan Statue Complex.
Ulaanbaatar, which has changed its location and name more than twenty times since 1600, is the capital of Mongolia. Today, the city is a vibrant place with more than a million inhabitants where a nomadic and modern lifestyle is practiced. The city has a lot of scenery and culture to offer tourists to experience and see.
Gandantegchilen Monastery
Currently an active monastery, this is the only Buddhist monastery left standing today. One of the temples houses the tallest standing Buddha statue in Central and East Asia and is called the Buddha of the Future. The artistic designs and ancient polished ceilings have been well maintained for many centuries. Many generations of antiquities and historical events have happened in this monastery. Experiencing history here will surely take you back and let you experience the lifestyle during the 17th century.
Mazushir Monastery
Located at the southern end of the Bogd Khaan National Park, this monastery was built in 1733 and destroyed in 1932 by the communists. Now restored, visitors to this site can enjoy the beautiful scenery and have the chance to touch the copper bowl that fed 1,000 priests. Travelers can also visit the cave paintings of Taras and the deities that dominate the valley.
Gorkhi-Terelj National Park
Named after the Terelj River, this national park is the third largest protected area in Ulaanbaatar. It is the most visited place for its natural beauty. Visitors can engage in various outdoor activities such as horseback riding, skiing, camping, mountain biking, hiking, and rafting. This is a beautiful place to discover the picturesque rock formation of the park’s mountain.
Hustay National Park
You can find the world’s last wild horses, called Przewalski or Takhi horses, in the Hustai National Park. The park is home to a beautiful landscape of grasslands and forests. Tourists can see a large herd of gazelles and deer during the early morning hours and late afternoon. For lovers of archaeological artifacts, the reserve also has an archaeological complex, Turkish and Stone Age tombs nearby.
Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve
Combined with the natural beauty of mountains, lakes, and rivers, this Reserve is one of the most popular eco-tourism destinations in Mongolia. You can find rare species and wild animals in danger of extinction. Currently, there are more than 130 Argali sheep living in the reserve. Visitors staying in the reserve can experience a nomadic lifestyle. Tourists can go camping; take photos; visit nomads; and ride a horse, yak or camel. It is a wonderful place for a traveler to relax and learn.
Chinggis Khan statue complex
The Genghis Khan statue is huge! The statue of Chinggis Khan astride a horse holds a golden whip in his right hand and is only 54 km from Ulaanbaatar. As one of the most storied tourist destinations, visitors can ride the horse’s head in an elevator to find a breathtaking panoramic view of the area.
Careful planning of your visit to Ulaanbaatar will surely make your trip to Mongolia interesting and unforgettable. Have a happy trip!
