I’ve decided to go somewhere a little different today than usual. Not that I’ve never written about cold places, but I think this is a particularly exotic and unique place. Ulan Bator (or UlaanBataar), Mongolia is the capital and largest city in the country. Meaning “Red Hero,” this city has a population of just over 1 million.
Suhkbataar Square is the central square in Ulan Bator. The Government Palace and in the middle of the square stands the statue of Suhk Janjin, the leader of Mongolia’s revolution against Russia in 1921. There are other statues in the square as well, like the one of Genghis Khan, who was the founder, ruler and emperor of the Mongol Empire in the 13th century. This square is still a central spot for major state ceremonies, cultural events, and exhibitions.
Gobi Desert is perhaps the most famous attraction in Mongolia. Even though it’s not right in Ulaanbataar (that would probably make them hard to live there anyways), it is nearby and close enough to visit. At 1,000 miles wide and 500 miles its length, this is Asia’s largest desert in the world, making it the world’s fifth. The Gobi is a cold desert and…check this out: it’s pretty common to see frost and snow on its dunes! It is a place with one of the most extreme temperatures you’ll find anywhere. Within 24 hours, it can go from freezing up to 100oF. When you visit the desert, tours and expeditions will allow you to go camel or horseback riding through the beautiful views, dig for fossils and treasures, or just enjoy the wildlife.
Other tourist attractions in Ulan Bator include the Terelj National Park where you can stay in tourist camping sites and enjoy the hot springs located there, the Gandan Monastery where you can relax and meditate for a while, and the Choijin Lam Temple Museum where you can check out some amazing artwork and artifacts that are dated back thousands of years. So check out Ulan Bator in Mongolia the next time you feel up for an adventure! J
