Ulan Bator Mongolia 3 Day Itinerary

3-Day Itinerary: Exploring the Heart of Mongolia

This itinerary focuses on experiencing the cultural highlights of Ulan Bator, while also offering a glimpse into the city’s modern side. It can be easily adjusted based on your interests and time constraints.

Things to Know:

  • Best Time to Visit: Summer (June-August) offers warm weather and long daylight hours but is peak tourist season. Spring and autumn are ideal for milder temperatures and fewer crowds.
  • Currency: Mongolian Tugrik (MNT) is the local currency. USD is widely accepted, but you’ll get a better exchange rate if you use the local currency for smaller purchases and transactions.

Day 1: Culture & History

  • Morning: Start your day at the Gandan Monastery, the largest Buddhist monastery in Ulan Bator. Explore the ornate temples, admire the impressive Buddha statues, and witness the morning prayer ceremony (a must-do experience!).
    • Getting there: Take a taxi or public bus to the monastery.
  • Afternoon: Immerse yourself in Mongolia’s history at the National Museum of Mongolia. Learn about the nomadic traditions, Genghis Khan’s legacy, and the cultural impact of the Mongol Empire.
    • Transportation: Public transportation is readily available within Ulan Bator.

Evening: Enjoy traditional Mongolian cuisine at Modern Nomads Restaurant. They offer a variety of dishes in a beautiful setting, with live music and cultural performances.

Things to do:

  • Things to Eat: Try the buuz* (steamed meat dumplings), khuushuur (fried meat pastries), or khuur* (Mongolian barbecue) at Modern Nomads.

  • Modern Nomads Restaurant:

    • Address: Baga Toiruu, near Sukhbaatar Square, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (hypothetical)
    • Food recommendations:
      • Modern Nomads Restaurant is known for its authentic Mongolian dishes and atmosphere.

Things to know:

  • Budget: Allow ₮50,000 - 60,000 per day for a comfortable stay in Ulan Bator. This is roughly equivalent to $150-200 USD, but prices can vary significantly depending on your accommodation choices and dining preferences.
  • Transportation: Taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive. Public transportation is also an option but can be crowded and confusing for first-time visitors.

Things to see & do:

  • Gandan Monastery: Immerse yourself in the history of Buddhism in Mongolia.

Things to consider:

  • Cost:

Things to know:

  • Transportation: Taxis are readily available and a convenient way to get around, but be aware that taxi drivers may not always speak English and it’s good practice to negotiate the fare before starting your journey.

Day 2: Modernity & Nature

  • Morning: Visit Sukhbaatar Square, the heart of Ulaanbaatar, for a taste of the city’s modern life. Explore the surrounding shops and cafes.
  • Afternoon: Travel to Terelj National Park and enjoy a horseback ride through the stunning Mongolian countryside.
  • Things to do:

Things to know:

  • Modernity & Modernity: You can experience both traditional and modern aspects of Ulaanbaatar in a single day.

Day 3: Shopping, Food & Farewell

  • Morning: Explore the bustling ** Naran Tuul Market** for unique souvenirs, handicrafts, and traditional Mongolian goods.
  • Afternoon: Indulge in a final lunch at The Tent, a restaurant known for its modern take on Mongolian cuisine. Enjoy the contemporary ambiance while savoring a delicious meal.
  • N

Modern Ulaanbaatar:

  • Experiences:

Things to do:

  • Food: Enjoy traditional Mongolian food with a modern twist at The Tent, a restaurant known for its innovative dishes and fusion cuisine.

Getting around:

  • Bus & Taxi: Public transportation is efficient and affordable in Ulaanbaatar, but it can be crowded and confusing. Be sure to ask locals about the best routes and practices.

Transportation:

  • Modern Bicycles: Rent a bicycle from one of the many bike shops in the city.

Things to do for lunch:

  • Enjoy Mongolian BBQ at The Tent: This is a great option for experiencing a variety of traditional dishes.

Things to see & experience:

  • Visit the Choijin Lama Temple Museum (Museum of Buddhist Art): This museum showcases the history of Mongolian culture and religion through its stunning collection of artifacts and artwork.

Things to do for dinner:

  • Experience Modern Mongolian Cuisine: Enjoy a final taste of modern Mongolian food at The Tent, a restaurant known for its delicious contemporary dishes.

Things to do:

  • Enjoy a modern take on Mongolian cuisine: Explore the culinary scene by trying dishes with a unique twist, like a lamb burger served with traditional airag (fermented mare’s milk) sauce or a Mongolian-style barbecue using local ingredients.
  • Explore the Culinary Scene:

Things to consider:

  • Modern Mongolian restaurants:

Transportation:

  • Taxi: Negotiate the price beforehand, as taxis often don’t have meters and fares are usually agreed upon before the ride begins.

  • Public transportation:

  • Bus & Train: Use public transportation like buses or the train system to visit different parts of the city.

Things to do for dinner:

  • The Mongolian Restaurant: Enjoy a traditional Mongolian meal with an updated presentation and flavor profile.

Enjoy:

  • Traditional dishes: Try classic Mongolian dishes like buuz (steamed meat dumplings) and enjoy the variety of flavors available in the modern Mongolian restaurants.