More than 20 times the capital of Mongolia changed its location until it settled in a city called the air and railway gates of the country. Ulaanbaatar, whose attractions will be a real shock for European tourists, deserves special attention.
Ancient traditions and modernity
Before the collapse of the USSR, Mongolia adhered to the course of socialism, which affected the architectural appearance of cities. Ulaanbaatar is no exception, therefore, local administrative buildings differ little from those in which Soviet party organizations of other regions were located.
After the perestroika began in our country, the Asian state began to develop in a different vein, which positively influenced the development of tourism, which has become a significant income item over the past decades.
A city with a rich culture was founded in 1639 as one of the main Buddhist monasteries. It successfully combines ancient traditions and modern innovations: the abundance of skyscrapers in the city center and unpretentious yurts on its outskirts, and horseback riders ride along the wide streets with shiny foreign cars.
The capital of Mongolia welcomes everyone who wants to see firsthand how two different worlds get along.
Mausoleum
Several decades ago, everyone who came to Ulan Bator (Mongolia), whose sights can be visited for a long time, came to the Mausoleum, which was considered a copy of Moscow. The bodies of Suhebator, the leader of the 1921 revolution and political leader Choibalsan, rested there. Eleven years ago, local authorities decided to rebury them. Cremation was held with the participation of Buddhist leaders in all traditional religious rites.
The monumental building was demolished, and instead a monument to Genghis Khan was erected on this site.
Gandantecchinling Monastery
After the revolution in Mongolia, many Buddhist monasteries were destroyed, and the remaining temples were considered the property of the state. Now the surviving shrines are returned to the clergy, and some of them must be acquainted.
The most famous religious sites are of great cultural value. Ulan Bator is proud of a true spiritual center, which began work in the 19th century. During the period of repression, it was closed, and after it opened its doors to the pilgrims, it became the only temple in the country operating until 1990.
Once, about 14 thousand monks lived in it, now there are 150 ministers. The vast territory of the monastery complex made of stone and wood is filled with temples, and in 1970 a Buddhist university was opened here. The leadership of Gandantecchinling takes care of the preservation of spiritual education and strongly supports it.
Attracting Pilgrims Statue
The temple, considered one of the most beautiful architectural structures, attracts a huge number of worshipers because it houses a gilded statue of Avalokiteshvara (the embodiment of endless suffering), erected on the collected donations.
The monastery and the divine figure located in it are not the only attractions of interest to tourists.
G. Ulan Bator. Manshire Monastery
In 1733, an amazing religious complex was created in the valley of Bogdan Khan, which includes about 20 temples. Due to the fact that it is located next to the national park in a very picturesque place, it is visited by a huge number of people enjoying natural views at the same time.
Unfortunately, now there is only one active temple, restored in the 30s of the last century. The ancient rocks behind it are painted with religious drawings, and on the territory of the monastery there are a large number of Buddha statues.
Ih-Bogd-Uul
Well-known all over the world and natural city attractions. Tourists strive to Ulaanbaatar to be alone with the majestic mountain system of Khentei, in particular, to see the famous Ikh-Bogd-Uul, located in the south of the capital.
In historical chronicles there is a mention that Genghis Khan rested here with the army before the battle. It is believed that it was he who made this zone reserved, forbidding cutting down the forest and hunting. The mountain, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is striking in its special beauty, and the protected area gives peace and an unforgettable experience.
Mount Wushghine Uul
Of particular value to local residents are sacred sights located near the capital of Mongolia. Ulaanbaatar allocates funds to help the village of Murena preserve the burial mound, considered the oldest burial place for posterity.
Several centuries ago tribes of cattle breeders inhabiting this territory left burial places marked by so-called “deer” stones. They are vertical blocks of stone up to five meters high, covered with runes and images of deer.
It is not known what tools the ancient tribes used, but the jewelry accuracy and craftsmanship of stone engraving amaze contemporaries.
Gorkhi-Terelj National Park
Incredibly picturesque metropolitan attractions. Ulaanbaatar is a city that cares about the environment and creates national parks for outdoor recreation. The most famous natural area is Gorkhi-Terelj, whose landscapes are considered the most beautiful in the country. In the last century, semi-precious stones were mined on its territory, and smoky quartz weighing more than seven kilograms was famous throughout Mongolia.
Pristine nature, emerald valleys, bizarre-shaped cliffs, mountain rivers, impenetrable forests and clean air - all this attracts locals and visitors of Mongolia, celebrating wonderful landscapes.
Hubsugul Lake
The main lake of the country is Khubsugul, which is often compared to Lake Baikal: there is the same fresh water, suitable for drinking raw. About six million years ago there was an active volcano in this area, and after it went out, a reservoir with crystal clear, clear water appeared in a giant crater.
In addition to the unique lake, tourists see three islands, rumored to be associated with shamanistic rites, and the fourth has recently plunged into the abyss.
Since 1992, the lake with the adjacent territory is part of the National Park (Ulan Bator). Sights, photos of which are presented in the article, make you think about the grandeur of nature, which created such beauty. After a noisy and polluted city car exhaust, this quiet oasis will become a real gift for people tired of fuss.
Buddha park
The Mongolian authorities are thinking about the religious and cultural heritage, creating special centers and anxiously guarding their sights. G. Ulan-Bator became the place where, at the initiative of the Minister of Nature and the Korean Hambo Lama, in 2006 they established the Buddha International Park near Zaysan Hill, which is an equipped recreation area with a playground and a cafe.
In the center of the park, an 18-meter statue of a young Buddha was erected, made of yulight material, which is very popular in South Korea. It is resistant to all natural phenomena and requires only a color update once every seven years. On the sides of the statue are the bronze peace bell and drum. And at the base there were lotus flowers and the symbol of Mongolia - the Hangard bird. Locals and tourists love this corner, which has become the most popular holiday destination.
Bogdykhan Palace
Sights telling about ancient times are especially interesting for city guests. Ulaanbaatar, considered the pearl of Mongolia, is known for its palace complex, recognized as a historical monument.
Bogdykhan's palace was built at the end of the 19th century for the country's only monarch. The "Holy Sovereign" ruled Mongolia during the years of Chinese occupation and was considered the leader of the country before its entry into the Soviet bloc. After 1924, the complex turned into a museum. Now it is the most famous and visited historical monument, which is divided into two halves: a Chinese-style summer palace and a winter residence. They store about eight thousand exhibits related to the life and work of Bogdykhan.
Summer palace
Palace sights consisting of seven temples deserve much attention. Tourists from all over the world come to Ulan Bator to admire the ancient buildings decorated with images of mythical animals and deities.
Winter residence
Of particular interest to history buffs is the winter palace, built on projects donated to the Mongol ruler by Emperor Nicholas II. The entrance of the two-story building is decorated with lions with delicate patterns on the backs. Guests are greeted by the carriage on which Bogdykhan and his wife rode, and in the other wing there is a yurt covered with leopard skins.
The room consisting of several halls surprises with unusual exhibits. For example, a gift from Nicholas II - two preserved armchairs that publish a beautiful melody when guests sat on them.
Museum of the History of the Capital of Mongolia
One can not help but mention the main historical museum of the capital of Mongolia, leading a story about its attractions. G. Ulan-Bator, whose interesting places are difficult to describe in one article, is presented in the current expositions, telling about bygone days and present.
The history of the ancient city is stored in archaeological artifacts, drawings, books, photo and video documents. Forty years ago, a building built for personal use by Buryat Badmazhapov was recognized as an architectural monument of the country.
Of course, in a short article you cannot touch on all the many attractions of Ulan Bator, because the city can be called a real museum, where unique exhibits of art, culture, architecture and religion are concentrated. Probably a whole vacation is not enough to get to know each of them closely. Therefore, many tourists return to the colorful city to continue communication.