Ulaanbaatar

The world's largest equestrian statue - a 40-meter stainless steel Chinggis Khan on horseback at the exact spot where, according to legend, he found a golden whip. Located 54km east of Ulaanbaatar at Tsonjin Boldog, it is combined with a museum inside the horse's base and a full eagle-trainer demonstration.

📍Tsonjin Boldog, 54km east of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

A beautifully preserved 1904 Buddhist temple complex in central Ulaanbaatar with five temples, rare thankas and tsam dance masks, and the personal meditation chamber of Choijin Lama Luvsankhaidav. The collection of Mongolian Buddhist art is among the finest in existence and the temple survived the Soviet purge by becoming a museum.

📍Peace Avenue 3, Ulaanbaatar 14200, Mongolia

Mongolia's largest and most important Buddhist monastery, home to 900 monks and an enormous 26-meter gold-plated Megjid Janraisig statue. The morning prayer ceremonies starting at 10am are open to visitors and provide an extraordinary window into Mongolian Tibetan Buddhist practice - the most important cultural experience in the city.

📍Gandan, Ulaanbaatar 14200, Mongolia

The national stadium and surrounding grounds where Mongolia's greatest festival is held each July 11-13 - the Three Manly Games of wrestling, archery, and horse racing that have been celebrated for 800 years since the time of Chinggis Khan. Year-round the stadium hosts events; in July Naadam is Mongolia's essential cultural experience.

📍National Sports Stadium, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

The most comprehensive collection of Mongolian history from the Paleolithic through the Mongol Empire to the Soviet period, with extraordinary Chinggis Khan-era artifacts, traditional nomadic dress, and the finest collection of ancient bronze deer stones in the world. Essential context for any journey into the Mongolian countryside.

📍Juulchin Street 1, Ulaanbaatar 14201, Mongolia

The central public square of Mongolia flanked by the Government Palace with its imposing Chinggis Khan statue, the National Theatre, and the Central Tower with the Shangri-La hotel. The political and symbolic heart of the country where independence was declared in 1921 and major national celebrations are held.

📍Sukhbaatar Square, Ulaanbaatar 14241, Mongolia

The preserved 1893 palace complex of Mongolia's last theocratic ruler Bogd Khan VIII, with eight temples and ger palaces of extraordinary decorative richness including his personal collection of exotic gifts from foreign dignitaries. The Bogd Khan's stuffed elephant and snow leopard coat collection are particularly unforgettable.

📍Juulchin Street, Ulaanbaatar 14200, Mongolia

A striking Soviet-era war memorial on a hilltop south of the city with a circular mosaic mural depicting Soviet-Mongolian friendship and panoramic views over the entire Ulaanbaatar valley with the Bogd Khan mountains behind. The 300-step climb is rewarded with the best city view in Mongolia.

📍Zaisan, Khan Uul District, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia