Located at the heart of Mongolia is the capital city Ulaanbaatar. Here is a full-day itinerary for you to enjoy the lesser-known city life of Mongolia.

 

Table of Content:

 

 

9:00 am: Start at Chinggis Square. The square is located at the center of the city which is the most accessible way to go anywhere in the city. The building of the Mongolian Parliament is in the center. You can explore the square and visit one of the traditional Mongolian restaurants for breakfast or brunch at Central Tower on the right. 

The Sükhbaatar Square in Ulaanbaatar
The Sükhbaatar Square in Ulaanbaatar. Source: atta

 

10:30 am: Choijin Lama Temple Museum. A 20 min walk from Central Tower will take you to the Choijin Lama Museum. Near the museum, there is a Shangri-La Mall with many traditional stores and Mongolian Brands. 

Choijin Lama Temple Museum
Choijin Lama Temple Museum Source: montsame

 

12:30 pm: Lunch in Shangri-La. The recommendations, if you are interested in Mongolian traditional cuisine, are Modern Nomads and Mongolian’s, where you can enjoy all types of Mongolian food such as steamed dumplings, fried noodles, milk tea, etc,.

The Interior and the Menu of Modern Nomads Restaurant.

The Interior and the Menu of Modern Nomads Restaurant
The Interior and the Menu of Modern Nomads Restaurant. Source: Modern Nomads

 

1:30 pm: Leave for Gandantegchinlen Monastery. You can take a bus from the station 10 min away from Shangri-La. Taking a Taxi is not expensive and is recommended for smooth travel. 

Gandantegchinlen Monastery.
Gandantegchinlen Monastery. Source: escapetomongolia

 

2:00 pm: Explore Gandantegchinlen Monastery. It is a Tibetan-style Buddhist Monastery in Ulaanbaatar with a rich history of the religion of Mongolia. You are allowed to feed the pigeons that live at the Monastery. You may buy special food from the Monastery and feed them. The pigeons are so used to humans that they may even come straight to your hand for the food. 

Gandantegchinlen Monastery.
Gandantegchinlen Monastery. Source: escapetomongolia

 

4:00 pm: Visit Bogd Khan Palace Museum of Mongolia and National History Museum. There are English interpreters available in the summer. 

Bogd Khan Palace Museum.
Bogd Khan Palace Museum. Source: www.bogdkhaanpalace.mn/

 

6:30 pm: Climb up Zaisan Monument. See the 360-degree view of the city. The monument will show you the Russian-Mongolian ally during the communist era of Mongolia and provide you with a different vibe from the rest of the city.

Zaisan Monument.
Zaisan Monument. Source:atta

7:30 pm: Dinner at Zaisan Hill. The Zaisan District has the greatest concentration of good restaurants in Ulaanbaatar. Click here for food recommendations. 

Zaisan Hill Complex.
Zaisan Hill Complex. Source: Zaisan Hill

8 pm: Night View from Zaisan Hill. Whether you want to go to a local bar or lounge, the Zaisan hill will provide you with a beautiful view of the city. If you want to see more go up the Zaisan Monument once again. The atmosphere from the daytime will be totally different after sunset.

Zaisan Monument in the evening.
Zaisan Monument in the evening. Source: mergili.at