Ulan Bator, Mongolia 5 Day Itinerary

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and City Exploration

• Morning: Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia. Check-in at Hotel Ulaanbaatar or similar.
• Afternoon: Visit the National Museum of Mongolia to learn about Mongolian history and culture.
• Evening: Walk around the Sukhbaatar Square, the heart of the city, and enjoy traditional Mongolian dinner at Modern Nomads.

Day 2: Buddhist Monasteries and Markets

• Morning: Visit the Gandan Monastery, one of the most important Buddhist monasteries in Mongolia.
• Afternoon: Explore the Black Market for a glimpse into Mongolian commerce and culture.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Bull and try some Mongolian BBQ.

Day 3: Genghis Khan and Nature

• Morning: Visit the Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue located on a hill overlooking the city.
• Afternoon: Take a day trip to the Bogd Khan Uul National Park, a beautiful nature reserve with hiking trails and scenic views.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Veranda and try some international cuisine.

Day 4: Cultural Experiences

• Morning: Attend a traditional Mongolian music and dance performance at the Mongolian State Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet.
• Afternoon: Visit the Zanabazar Museum to learn about Mongolian art and culture.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at Ikh Mongol and try some traditional Mongolian cuisine.

Day 5: Departure

• Morning: Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring the city.
• Afternoon: Depart from Ulaanbaatar, bringing back memories of an unforgettable trip to Mongolia.

Things to Know

• Language: Mongolian is the official language, but many locals speak English. It’s still a good idea to learn some basic Mongolian phrases.
• Currency: The Mongolian tögrög (MNT) is the local currency. You can exchange money at banks or currency exchange offices.
• Weather: Ulaanbaatar has a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Pack accordingly.
• Safety: Take usual precautions to ensure your safety, especially in crowded areas.

Transportation

• Airport Transfer: Book a transfer with your hotel or use taxi services like Ulaanbaatar Taxi.
• Getting Around: Use taxis, buses, or walking to get around the city.

Tips

• Respect Local Culture: Remove your shoes when entering monasteries or homes, and respect local customs.
• Try New Foods: Be adventurous and try new Mongolian dishes like boortsog (dried meat) and airag (fermented horse milk).
• Learn Some Mongolian: Greet locals with “Сайн байна уу” (Sain baina uu, or “Hello”) and show respect for the culture.

Other Things of Interest

• Naadam Festival: If you’re traveling in July, don’t miss the Naadam Festival, a traditional celebration of Mongolian sports and culture.
• Gobi Desert: Take a guided tour to explore the beautiful Gobi Desert, a unique natural wonder.
• Mongolian Ger Camps: Experience rural Mongolia by staying at a ger camp, where you can learn about traditional nomadic life.