Ulaanbaatar 3-Day Itinerary

Welcome to our 3-Day Itinerary of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia is a city of contrasts. Boasting towering mountains and intricate religious monuments, it’s also a busy metropolis filled with traffic, skyscrapers and a bustling population.

With a plethora of day trip options at your disposal, it’s also the gateway to Mongolia’s unspoiled wilderness – long stretches of greenery, gorgeous national parks, and an insight to the Mongolian nomadic lifestyle.

If you’re only in Ulaanbaatar for 3 days, then this Ulaanbaatar 3-Day Itinerary is perfect for you.

Arriving into Ulaanbaatar

Getting to Ulaanbaatar is relatively easy if you’re already flying from Asia

As the main entry point into Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar is relatively well-served by airlines flying from destinations such as Seoul, Busan, Beijing, Tokyo and Bangkok. It is still an up-and-coming destination so flights aren’t necessarily the cheapest, but its once-in-a-lifetime landscapes make the journey totally worth it.

To check for the cheapest flights, use our Skyscanner widget below.

From Ulaanbaatar Airport, you can use this private transfer service to your hotel.

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Getting around Ulaanbaatar

It may not look like it, but getting around Ulaanbaatar isn’t the easiest.

We’re not going to lie, getting around Ulaanbaatar can be pretty difficult because the city’s public transport system isn’t the most reliable, and taxis or rideshares aren’t really readily available. On top of that, traffic can get really bad here! We got around Ulaanbaatar by hiring a private driver for two day, and going on an organised day trip the other day to Terelj National Park and it surrounding attractions.

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Day Trips from Ulaanbaatar

The views from magnificent Aryabal Temple.

The best day trip we would recommend is to visit the Genghis Khan Statue Complex, Terelj National Park and Aryabal Temple. This is absolutely the best way to get a taste of Mongolia’s unbelievable nature on your short trip to Ulaanbaatar. On this trip, you’ll visit three must-do attractions all in one unforgettable day.

Genghis Khan Statue Complex in Terelj National Park

A 3-Day Mongolia Package Tour which includes all meals and accommodation is also an extremely popular way to get acquainted with the country. Check out this well-reviewed tour if you’re interested in this convenient option.

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Where to stay in Ulaanbaatar

Ulaanbaatar doesn’t have the greatest accommodation options given that it’s still emerging as a tourism destination, but there are a few nice hotels scattered around the city. We stayed at the Ramada by Wyndham Ulaanbaatar City Center and couldn’t have asked for a better stay.

Waking up to a view of Ulaanbaatar at the Ramada by Wyndham Ulaanbaatar City Center hotel.

The area felt totally safe, the staff all spoke fluent English and were super helpful to all my questions, and the rooms were clean, comfortable and best of all – that view! Plus, it’s connected to a mall that met all our shopping and dining needs. It was also in walking distance to some of the attractions on this list and could save you money in that way. As one of the only international hotel chains in the country, we were really thankful to have stayed here.

Panoramic views from my room at the Ramada Ulaanbaatar.

You can take a closer look at the Ramada by Wyndham Ulaanbaatar City Center by clicking here.

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What to do in Ulaanbaatar?

Day 1 – Day of Arrival

Depending on what time you arrive into Ulaanbaatar, you might only have a few hours’ worth of activities. Use this time to slowly get acquainted with the vibe of the city and take it easy. Here are some of things you could do on your first day in Ulaanbaatar.

‘Morning Ulaanbaatar’ Street

Colourful ‘Morning Ulaanbaatar’ Street.

The ‘Morning Ulaanbaatar’ Street is a new attraction that was only unveiled in 2021. It’s a street lined with colourful buildings, flower stores, cafés, boutiques and restaurants that more resembles the buildings found in Notting Hill in London rather than the rest of Ulaanbaatar. It’s since become a common hangout spot for Ulaanbaatar’s youth and young professionals.

Sukhbaatar Square

Ralph at Sukhbaatar Square

Sukhbaatar Square is Ulaanbaatar’s central square and is where you can find the city’s most important administrative buildings, such as Government Palace, the Mongolian Stock Exchange and Central Culture Palace Building.

A perfect example of Mongolian traditional life and modern life colliding in Sukhbaatar Square.

It is truly a huge square where you can see the contrast between Mongolia’s historic roots and its current modern state. This is also where important parades and violent riots have taken place throughout the decades (although it is completely safe to visit now).

Galleria Ulaanbaatar

Just a short walk from Sukhbaatar Square, Galleria Ulaanbaatar is considered the best place to buy legitimate cashmere in Ulaanbaatar. It’s here that you can find clothing from Mongolia’s most famous brands, such as Gobi, Michel Amazonka and Lusso. Not interested in cashmere? Galleria Ulaanbaatar is also great for souvenirs and local handicrafts.

Shangri-La Mall

Another popular mall nearby, the Shangri-La Mall is one of Ulaanbaatar’s biggest and most visited malls. Connected to the 5-star Shangri-La hotel, this modern shopping centre has everything you practically need – bubble tea, sports apparel, restaurants, cinemas and more.

Choijin Lama Temple Museum

Entrance to Choijin Lama Temple Museum

Established as early as 1904, the Choijin Lama Temple is a beautiful temple complex consisting of six ornately decorated Buddhist temples. At Choijin Lama, you can find a range of Buddhist artifacts and stunning religious items – be warned, some of the items look pretty interesting to say the least!

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Day 2 – Exploring Ulaanbaatar’s Best Sights

Use today to explore Ulaanbaatar’s top attractions – dive deep into the city’s religious background, learn more about its nomadic roots and how locals live.

Zaisan Monument

Breathtaking Zaisan Monument, Ulaanbaatar

The Zaisan Monument is my FAVOURITE attraction in Ulaanbaatar city. Not only it is an extremely interesting reminder of Mongolia’s soviet past – it’s also the best viewpoint you can get of Ulaanbaatar.

Panoramic views from Zaisan Monument

After climbing 612 steps, the memorial is dedicated to soldiers who were killed in World War II, depicting scenes of friendship between the USSR and Mongolia. The view up there is absolutely gorgeous, as you can see just how large of a city Ulaanbaatar actually is (you can also see a thick layer of pollution, which was also eye-opening in an entirely different way).

As beautiful as it is, you can still see a thick layer of pollution from the Zaisan Monument.

Bogd Khaan Palace

Entrance to the Bogd Khan Palace

If you only have time to visit one historical attraction during your trip, make it the Bogd Khan Palace. Built in 1893, this palace was established as an imperial residence of the eight Jebtsundamba Khutughtu (later proclaimed the ruler of Mongolia, or ‘Bogd Khan’). The Mongolian Empire used to be one of the largest and most powerful in the world, so this palace used to be an incredibly important building.

These traditional Mongolian houses are called ‘gers’, and you can find out within the Bogd Khan Palace complex.

Throughout the palace complex, visitors will be able to find a range of the Bogd Khan’s possessions such as his art collection, stuffed animals, jewellery and his throne.

Gandantegchenling Monastery

Outside view of Gandantegchenling Monastery

There used to be a time where the Gandantegchinlen Monastery was the only active monastery in the country because religious persecution. A stunning complex of temples and statues, there is truly so much to explore here.

So much to explore at the Gandantegchinlen Monastery.

Don’t miss out on seeing the Statue of Avalokitesvara, a gigantic golden statue that will leave you in awe. Please bear in mind that this is an active monastery where monks worship every day, so visit respectfully.

National History Museum

National Museum of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar

The National History Museum (or National Museum of Mongolia) is the best place you can visit to dig deep into Mongolia’s storied history. Exhibitions cover Mongolia’s prehistory, pre-Mongol empire history, Mongol Empire, traditional life and modern history. This is definitely one of the most comprehensive collections of historical items found in the country.

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Day 3 – Day Trip to Terelj National Park from Ulaanbaatar

Asher at Terelj National Park, Mongolia

Terelj National Park is the most scenic national park in the vicinity of Ulaanbaatar. Of course, there are other national parks that are absolutely worth visiting too, but they aren’t within a day trip’s reach from the capital. When exploring Terelj on a day trip, there are three distinct attractions you can visit.

Genghis Khan Statue Complex

Gigantic steel statue of Genghis Khan Statue Complex.

As you pull up to the Genghis Khan Statue Complex, it will literally be impossible to miss the giant steel statue of Genghis Khan riding a horse. Located on the ban of the Tuul River at Tsonjin Boldog, the statue was completed relatively recently in 2008, but has since become of the country’s most recognisable landmarks.

At 40m (130 ft) tall, visitors are able to walk through the chest and neck of the horse to reach the horse’s head, where they will be treated to a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. You can also explore a visitor’s centre where you can learn more about the construction of this gigantic statue, considered the largest equestrian statue in the world.

Turtle Rock

Does this rock resemble a turtle to you? Turtle Rock, Terelj National Park

Turtle Rock is a large rock formation clocking in at 24m (79 ft) high. It’s gained notoriety because its shape resembles a turtle, and is one of the best things to see in Terelj National Park.

After taking photographs of Turtle Rock, you can also head to the souvenir store right next to it. I bought a lot of souvenirs here such as wool socks, magnets and traditional clothing at a very reasonable price.

Aryabal Meditation Temple

Epic views of Mongolian mountains at Aryabal Meditation Temple (Terelj National Park)

Aryabal Meditation Temple was the highlight of my entire Ulaanbaatar trip. This is a really scenic, peaceful meditation temple located high up in the mountains. Built in 1810 as a retreat for monks, when I visited, I didn’t see another soul in sight.

Marveling at how gorgeous Aryabal Meditation Temple was.

Not only are the temples gorgeous, but the view up there is spellbinding. I spent several hours here just taking photographs of the insane panorama.

👉 The easiest way to do this day trip is to book this Viator tour. It includes all the attractions mentioned on this day. 👈

We hoped you enjoyed our Ulaanbaatar 3-Day Itinerary! Let us know in the comments below if you have any questions at all.