Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, is the single hub for trips to any destinations within Mongolia. The city hosts the only international airport of the country and the single international rail line - the Trans Siberian railway goes across the city from the north to the south. Ulaanbaatar, where 1 million people out of Mongolia's 2.8 million population, is the country's economic, cultural and political center and has a number of tourist attractions and hosts the most varied types of entertainment.
Ulaanbaatar is located on the bank of the Tuul River and surrounded by four sacred mountains with dense pine forests on the northern slopes and grassy steppes on the south. Mostly described, as sunny, peaceful and open, Ulaanbaatar is a city of contrast where modern life comfortably blends with Mongolian traditional lifestyle. Wide streets are flocked by modern cars, while horsemen and cattle are still common scene. Though modern style buildings characterize the city center, visitors arriving either from the Buyant-Uhaa airport or by train to the main railway would not fail to notice thousands of traditional Mongolian "Gers" in the vicinity, an area referred to by locals as "ger district".

Gandan is the largest and most significant monastery in Mongolia and one of Ulaanbaatar 's most interesting sights. Built in the mid 19th century, it is the only monastery where Buddhist services continued to function even during the communist past. Temples are flocked by visitors during religious services that start at 10 a.m. and last until mid day. The Migjid Janraisig Temple is an important part of Gandan Monastery. The temple houses the majestic new gilded statue of Migjid Janraisig, decorated with jewels. This 26 meter high 20 ton statue is a copy of another statue that was destroyed in the 1920's by communists. The statue was built with donations of Mongolian people as symbol of Buddhist revival in the mid 1990's.

This is one of the oldest museums which was founded in 1924 as the National Central Museum. In 1956 it was renamed the State Central Museum and in 1997 it became the Museum of Natural History, Today there are departments of Geography, Geology, Flora and Fauna, and Paleontology in the museum. Displays of stuffed and embalmed animals including the rare Gobi bear and wild camel, birds and fish will give you a good idea about the rich fauna of Mongolia . Most impressive is the Paleontology section. There are petrified eggs and bones of many dinosaurs that lived in the Gobi desert 60-70 million years ago and two complete skeletons of the flesh-eating giant Tarbosaurus and ihe duck-billed Saurolophus. Petrified bones of 5 kinds of dinosaurs out of 7 that are known today have been discovered in Mongolia. The museum also has samples of various minerals that are found in the country.

Set up recently, the museum occupies the building of the former Museum of Revolution . The museum offers the richest collection on the history of Mongolia , from Stone Age to modern times. It allows retrospect the unique culture of the horse riding steppe nomads and their lifestyle. The exhibition contains many artifacts and arts, military equipment and arms of Genghis Khan Warriors. Outside the museum, the large modern sculpture is a memorial for the victims of the 1930s political repression. Also collection included Traditional Mongolian customs & jewelers. Open at 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday. Closed on Wednesday.

The Zanabazar Fine Arts Museum is a full collection of art works by artists, sculptors and painters of Mongolia all generation from the ancient era to the modern time. The museum houses a number of rock inscriptions, graphic arts, Buddhist tankas, embroideries, unique Tsam dancing costumes. The most valuable and beautiful exhibits include works of Zanabazar, the great sculptor and artist of the 17th century, who is also the first theocratic ruler of Mongolia.
The museum, facing the taxi stand on Khudaldaany Gudamj, is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Built between 1893 and 1903, the Winter Palace of Bogdo Khan was the home of Mongolia 's last king Javzan Damba Hutagt VIII. This complex of temples and houses contain a number of Buddhist artworks and the private collection of Javnzan Damba Hutagt composed of gifts of rulers and kings from all over the world. Situated half way to Zaisan hill to the south of the city center.

The Choijin Lama Temple , built in 1904-1908 is a classic example of the traditional Buddhist architecture. This was the home of Luvsan Haidav Choijin Lama, brother of Bogd Khaan and a prominent lama. The museum is famous for its collection of Buddhist art works, original silk icons and tsam dancing masks.

This tall landmark in front of the city offers the best views of Ulaanbaatar and the surrounding nature. The large monuments on the top of the hill were erected for the memory of soldiers died in the World War II.

This is the main square in the heart of Ulaanbaatar . A large statue of Sukhbaatar, the famous patriot characterizes the square, and the square is named after this historic figure. Such important buildings as the Parliament House, Stock Exchange, the Drama Theater and Cultural Palace are located surrounding the square.

There are many uniquely Mongolian artifacts can buy in Ulaanbaatar. Perhaps the most popular product with tourists is the high quality cashmere made here. You can buy from the factory shops, the department store and various museum shops. Camel hair is wonderfully warm and thicker than cashmere and is left its natural tan color. It is slightly cheaper than cashmere and makes beautiful waistcoats and jackets.
There are different versions of the traditional 'deel' which is made from multicolored silks, cotton and velvet: summer, autumn and winter ones (according to material and lining) ' a party deel' which is more fitted and ornate and there is also the 'dan' which is totally fitted, sleeveless and is either full length or half length. There are deels in the Department Store.
Traditional hats (summer and winter), children clothes, boots (felt or leather with patterned leather appliqué and stitching), snuff bottles and their embroidered pouches and games using sheep's anklebones "shagai" can also be bought from the Department Store.
Jewelry and silverwork in particular, are very fine and you can buy traditional designs at the State Jewelry Store. If you are into horses you can buy a wooden decorated saddle with intricate silverwork or bridle.
Traditional Mongolian art is very evocative of its unique culture and you can buy various sizes of paintings on paper, canvas or wood as well as Buddhist Tankas on silk. Buy from museum shops, large hotel shops and art shops.
For Buddhist paraphernalia visit Gandan Monastery and the shops there.