If you are planning to spend two days in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, you will need to consider how to spend your time. The city is home to a wide variety of attractions. From Seoul Street to Manjusri Monastery, you will be spoilt for choice. The following recommendations will help you get the most out of your visit.
Manjusri Monastery
If you are in Ulaanbaatar for a weekend or longer, spending 2 days at Manjusri Monaster is a great idea. This monastery, which dates back to 1733, has many Buddhist rock paintings and is a popular day trip from the city. It is situated near Bogd Khan National Park, and is easily accessible by car or by hiking. You can also get a guide to help you find the best ways to explore the area.
The main building of the monastery has been completely rebuilt, and is now a museum. It is decorated with rich carvings, and the outside pillars are painted. The museum’s captions are in English. The main building is usually busier in the morning, and quieter after lunch.
A visit to the monastery is worth taking despite the high altitude. This monastic complex is located high above Ulaanbaatar, and has a beautiful forest surrounding it. You can also visit a Buddhist temple – the Aglag Buteel Monastery – which was built by the Purevbat Lama.
The air pollution in Ulaanbaatar is pretty bad in winter, but the countryside air is beautiful. The city center is relatively small and stretches along Peace Avenue. You can easily navigate central UB by foot, but you may need to take a cab to see some sites that aren’t within walking distance. If you don’t have a car, you can also take a bus to get around the city. However, remember that you will need a U Money card to use the buses.
If you have enough time, you can also visit the Dailuo Ding Temple, located on the East Terrace of the monastery. It is a great place to enjoy panoramic views of Taihuai Town. There is also a cable car, which makes this a convenient option for those who are short on time.
If you have two days to spare, you might want to do some hiking while you’re in Ulaanbaatar. Bogd Khan Mountain is an enchanting location and is home to many rare species of flora and fauna. Hiking here can be challenging, but it’s possible for even the most beginner hiker. The highest point of the mountain is Tsetsee Gun, which stands at 2250 meters (7400 ft) above sea level.
Gorkhi Terelj National Park
One way to spend two days in Ulaanbaatar is to take a tour to the Gorkhi Terelj National Park. This park is home to one of the largest equestrian statues in the world, as well as other fascinating attractions. The tour also takes you on a pleasant hike.
The park is huge and offers a lot of different experiences. You can explore the park’s granite stone mountains and snow-covered valleys. You can also visit the mystical Turtle Rock and spend some time with nomadic families.
For hiking, head to the Terelj National Park, which is about 70 km away from Ulaanbaatar. Here you can visit the ruins of the Aryabal Monastery, 100 lama’s cave, and the Turtle Rock. You can also go horseback riding or hiking through the park.
Another popular tourist attraction in Mongolia is the Gorkhi Terelj National Park. This is the country’s third largest protected area. While it’s more than 80 km from the city, it’s still relatively easy to arrange cheap transportation there. If you plan to visit the park for the first time, it’s a good idea to talk to locals in Ulaanbaatar to get advice about the park.
While you’re in the area, take a ride on a camel or horseback. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even go dog sledding over the frozen Terelj River. The views are incredible!
Another option for spending 2 days in Ulaanbaater is to explore the Hustai National Park. Located on the northern edge of the Gobi, this park is the last remaining habitat of wild horses. The park is home to over 300 Takhi and Przewalski horses. You can also stay in a Mongolian ger camp to experience local life, including traditional food.
Visiting the State Department Store is another popular option for exploring the city. Here you can purchase local handicrafts and souvenirs. The State Department Store is also an excellent place to grab a bite to eat. The shopping center is also convenient for checking in for your international flight. If you plan to spend two days in Ulaanbaatar, you may also want to extend your stay.
Naadam Festival
If you’re planning to visit Ulaanbaatar during the Naadam Festival, you’ll want to plan your visit ahead of time. Tickets go on sale about a month before the festival, and you can expect to wait in line for a while. There are a few different ticket options, from standing in line for the opening ceremony to going on a guided tour of the stadium and grounds.
If you’re in Ulaanbaatar during the Naadam Festival, make sure to check out the opening ceremony and horse races at the nearby Khui Doloon Khudag horse race fields. You can get a close-up view of the Mongolian people’s unique culture during the Naadam festival.
The Naadam Festival is Mongolia’s national celebration of independence. It involves horse racing, archery, and wrestling. Originally, these games celebrated great victories and seasonal feasts. Today, it’s celebrated nationwide. While you’re in Ulaanbaatar for the Naadam Festival, you may want to plan a trip to Central Mongolia or the Gobi. There are plenty of half-day tours available from Ulaanbaatar.
After you’ve soaked up the cultural atmosphere of the Naadam Festival, head back to the city and explore the city on Day 8. You can see the beautiful skyline from the summit of Zaisan Memorial Hill and enjoy the stunning city views. Then, head to the Sukhbaatar square, where you’ll find several government buildings, theaters, and other places of interest.
If you’re visiting Ulaanbaatar during the Naadam Festival, be sure to take in the festival’s traditional sporting events. The games are held in the national stadium, where you can take in horse racing, archery, and other events. The competitions take inspiration from Genghis Khan’s legendary military. In the 11th century, archery was encouraged for battle preparation, and today, it is a popular sport.
Naadam is a three-day festival that honors the nation’s history, culture, and history. The opening ceremonies include a parade of horsemen, a ceremony to transfer the nine banners of the Great Mongol Empire, and a speech from the president. Throughout the festival, the country’s top athletes compete for titles in a variety of events. During the festival, Mongolian herders also drive into the towns to visit their family and friends.
Seoul Street
If you are planning a visit to Ulaanbaatar, you will probably need to spend at least two days on the city’s Seoul Street. This part of Ulaanbaatar is packed with shops, cafes, and street performers. There are also a few good places to try local food, and the streets are lined with bars and clubs. Whether you are looking for a fun night out or an educational tour, Seoul has it all.
Seoul Tower is a popular spot for tourists to visit and is often crowded, so make sure to plan your trip around it. This tower offers a great view of the city and the surrounding countryside, but you may have to queue for the cable car. Otherwise, you can hike the 45 minutes to get there. It’s a great experience, though the line will be long.
Gwangjang Market: If you want to try traditional Korean cuisine, head to Gwangjang Market (1.5 km/1 mile) and sample the delicious fare. You’ll find that Korean street food is available at reasonable prices. Whether you’re craving kimchi, spicy chicken, or beef, there’s sure to be a delicious option here.
Seoul is also popular with international travelers. There are several bus terminals in the city. Your hostel should be able to advise you on the best routes, so you can get around easily. There’s also a metro system that can take you almost everywhere. If you’re using Google Maps, you’ll need to install a local app to navigate.
The palace is open 9am-6pm from June to August. On Tuesdays, the palace is closed. During the summer, you can go see the Gate Guard Duty Performance, which takes place at 11am and 1pm. You can also take a guided tour of the palace with an audio commentary.
Ulaanbaatar is a perfect blend of past and present. It has several monuments, such as the enormous statue of Genghis Khan. These monuments stand in front of the government, parliament, and cultural palace. There are also modern buildings, including the Opera House and the Blue Sky Tower.