15 PLACES TO VISIT IN MONGOLIA

Best Places to Visit in Mongolia

A true traveler will go to a place just to experience what it is in a heartbeat. It’s not about the shopping districts or the big malls and the skyscrapers. Sure, it would be nice to go to a place with modern amenities left and right but Mongolia is not like that at all. Actually, the country brings so much more than that. If you are in the truest sense a “traveler”, go to Mongolia. Here are the best places to visit in Mongolia and experience it with a backpacker’s heart.

1. Gorkhi-Terelj National Park

The top one landmark of Mongolia and a famous tourist attraction in the country is the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. From the capital, you will have to travel thirty seven kilometers east, which on a fast truck will take you 10-15 minutes. Along the way, there are many tourist bed camps, food houses and souvenir shops. Rock climbing is the main activity here but there are other things to do as well. If you love nature and like seeing new things, you will love this park.

2. Erdene Zuu Monastery

The Erdene Zuu Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the inscription Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape. It was inscribed in 2004 with criteria levels ii, iii and iv.

The monastery was initiated by Abtai Sain Khan in 1585 and like many temples in Mongolia; it has a Tibetan-Buddhist architectural style. If you are planning to see this monastery, then, you will be in for a treat because there many other structures to explore in the valley. One day is not enough, literally.

3. Choijin Lama Temple

The Choijin Lama Temple is situated in Ulaanbaatar and it was established in 1904. One of the places to visit in Mongolia is this Tibetan-Buddhist type temple because it boasts of its intricate roof designs, unlike any other Buddhist temple in the country. After its establishment in 1904, construction began and after four years, the temple was completed. The temple was for Choijin Lama Luvsankhaidav, the brother of Bogd Khan, and it was named after him. A statue of Choijin Lama Luvsankhaidav is present in the temple area.

4. Chinggis Square

The Chinggis Square is also termed as the Sükhbaatar Square. Some people call it the Genghis Khan Square because it was constructed in his honor. He is by the way the founder of Mongolia and the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. No wonder the country filled with monuments in his name.

There are many structures within the square like the Government Palace, the Ulaanbaatar Bank and the Sükhbaatar monument, among others. It is a historical place which shows a glimpse of past and future Mongolia.

5. Gandantegchinlen Monastery

Another one of the most famous attractions in Mongolia is the Gandantegchinlen Monastery. It is a Tibetan Buddhist temple which was constructed in 1727 by the Yongzheng Emperor. It has more than 150 monks at the moment and it belongs in the Gelug sect.

The whole complex has a Golden Temple and a Golden Indoor Statue called the Avalokiteśvara. The same statue has been recognized as the highest indoor statue in the whole world which towers at 16.5 meters. The statue is 20 years old at this time.

6. Tsenkher Hot Spa

One of the places to visit in Mongolia is the Tsenkher Hot Spa or Hot Springs. It is located in Arkhangai which used to be a volcano-infested place. It was believed that the hot spa was formed because of a volcanic eruption millions of years ago. Ever since then, water on the spa has always been at 85.5°C. Too warm but a good kind of warm, right?

The locals also believe that the hot springs has a medicinal effect. People with diseases of the nervous system bathe in the springs for its therapeutic result.

7. Sky Resort

The Sky Resort is a ski resort near the capital city, Ulaanbaatar of Mongolia. The trails were divided in three categories – Easier, More Difficult and Most Difficult. The newbies can try the Easier trail. There is also a ski school and a slope for those who want to use the snow sled.

One of the things to do in Mongolia is to visit the Sky Resort. There are tour packages being offered along with various winter activities to go with it. The best time to go here is anytime between the months of November to early April.

8. The Flaming Cliffs

The The Flaming Cliffs has many names. Some locals call it the Bayan Zag. Others refer to it as the Bain-Dzak. In English, people call it the Red Cliffs. So many names for a grand natural attraction – the Flaming Cliffs are located at the Ömnögovi Province and are a part of the Gobi Desert. It is an important location because dinosaur remains were found here. There were eggs that were also discovered in the area as well. Why is it called the Flaming Cliffs? Have you seen its picture? Well, because of sandstone, the colors change during sunset and it appears to be reddish orange.

9. Orkhon Khurkhree and Tuvkhun Monastery

The Orkhon Khurkhree is also known as the Waterfall Ulaan Tsutgalan (Orkhon) and it is one of the best places to visit in Mongolia. The falls is majestic, according to its many spectators and people hike up the mountain just to see its splendor. The falls is continuously flowing 16 meters down. If you carefully observe the river where the falls is connected with, the water is so pristine. The whole place is just magical. Some tourists bring their overnight pack and sleep in the area. Tuvkhun Monastery is within the vicinity, too.

10. Khorgo Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park

Travelers who have been to Mongolia say good things about the Khorgo Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park. It is located in Arkhangai province and is known as a park that “takes your breath away”. It is a bit far from Ulaanbaatar and you will have to travel almost 600 kilometers just to get there. Even if it is a long drive, the journey is worth it and you will surely love the national park. It is surrounded by the Khangai Mountains and some endangered flora species live there too. You will also see wild animals and rare forest herbs within the vicinity.

11. Khugnu Khan Mountain National Park

The Khugnu Khan Mountain National Park is a nature reserve which means that the national park is being managed and maintained by an organization to preserve the trees, plants and flowers living there as well as the animal wildlife present in the park. It is a mountainous region and a part of Gobi desert is right there too which you can explore. You can go horseback riding or jump on the back of a camel for a change. There are many things to do in Mongolia and one of those is to explore the Khugnu Khan.

12. Ugii Lake

The Ugii Lake or Ögii Lake for some Mongolian people is a Ramsar Site of International Importance. This title is bestowed only on natural attractions that are conserved – it is a treaty and a convention on wetlands by many countries in the world. It is a shallow lake and its deepest part is around fifteen meters only. Birds and fish live and thrive on and around the lake. Because of its importance and scenic appeal, tourists stay at the camps and preoccupy themselves with things to do around the area.

13. Genghis Khan Statue Complex

Who in this world doesn’t know the name Genghis Khan? By the mere mention of his name, people shiver in fear. He was a fearless Nomadic leader and even after his death, he was praised and his ways was followed. This is the reason why the Genghis Khan Statue Complex was constructed – so that even after centuries, his legend remains. The complex is home to the Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue which was finished in 2008. One of the places to visit in Mongolia is this complex so that you’ll have more knowledge about the great Genghis Khan.

14. Zaisan Memorial

Mongolia has suffered deeply during the World War II and to commemorate the fallen soldiers in their land, the Zaisan Memorial was erected. The monument is a clear example of undying friendship between the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and Mongolia and it is a nice structure to see with such history. You just need to walk up the hill in order to view the monument. While on top, you will also bear witness to the beauty of Ulaanbaatar as you can get a bird’s eye view. You will also see the Tuul River flowing below the valley.

15. Holy Trinity Orthodox Church

One of the places to visit in Mongolia is the Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Ulaanbaatar. It is a Russian-affiliated Christian place of worship which they also call the Trinity Church and it can be found in Bayanzurkh Street. The temple was created because of the Convention of Peking agreement between the Russians in 1860. The Consulate brought with him people who were Christian believers and they required a religious monument. So in 1864, the church was inaugurated and the first mass was held. It has always been well-maintained as you can see in the picture and was renovated seven years ago.