I wasn’t sure what to make of Ulaanbaatar when I first arrived. On one hand, UB (as the locals call it) seemed to be relatively modern, compared to what I expected in Mongolia. People did too, although it was interesting seeing locals using their cellphones as foreigners do while wearing traditional garb, or holding birds of prey.
On the other hand, being in UB made me want to leave UB. Whether looking out over the sprawling skyline from a viewpoint and seeing the wild horizon, or seeing Mongolians who looked like they’d come from far afield and wondering where that place was, I hate itchy feet—I wanted to see the rest of Mongolia.
So, is Ulaanbaatar worth visiting? This might seem like a pointless question, since you have no choice but to arrive here when you come to Mongolia. But I’d like to dig in deeper, if you don’t mind.
Why Mongolia is Such a Hot Travel Topic Right Now
When United announced flights to Ulaanbaatar (albeit via Tokyo-Narita) last year, I was surprised by the reaction on social media. On every post that referenced the new service, dozens or even hundreds of people commented, saying that they would definitely visit in 2025. This shocked me, as I can guarantee most of them do not truly know what to expect when it comes to travel in Mongolia.
Nor do all of them have a grasp of very practical travel information, such as how to get the right visa, or whether Tokyo is even the right transit point. When I went to Mongolia, for example, I transited via Beijing (as most travelers do), which allowed me to reconnect with that underrated city for a few days before I ventured into the unknown. And trust me: Mongolia is definitely the unknown!
5 Reasons I Came to Love Ulaanbaatar
It has electricity
As you venture out into the Gobi Desert and beyond, you may notice that…well, there is no electricity in most places. While your tour company may bring along portable generators for you to use at night, many rural Mongolians live completely without electricity. By contrast, Ulaanbaatar is basically 100% electrified, which will seem almost amazing by the time you get back at the end of your trip.
It has toilets (and showers)
Another thing that makes Ulaanbaatar worth visiting? Real toilets! I don’t mean to be crude, but 99% of toilets in rural Mongolia are simply holes or ditches. To make matters worse, you won’t be able to shower until you get back to UB, which can make the entire experience feel more filthy, literally. You won’t take the “throne” for granted by the time you return to the capital!
You can explore independently
Tours in Mongolia aren’t like the ones in, say, Iran or North Korea, where you legally have to be with a guide 24/7. Here, however, you’ll want to stay with your guide, since there are no roads in rural Mongolia (it’s easy to get lost) and sometimes vicious dogs fiercely guard people’s property. Being able to independently explore UB attractions like the Zaisan Memorial Viewpoint and the Chinggis Khan Monument will be refreshing.
You can eat food besides mutton
Think you’re going to arrive in Mongolia and sit down for every meal at a performative “Mongolian grill”? Think again. Indeed, while UB is home to cuisine from all around the world (and especially Korea, for some reason), you eat basically one item when you’re outside the city: mutton, or the adult (and less delicious) version of lamb. Potatoes and carrots, too, but mutton all-day, every day.
It will make you feel nostalgia
A strange thing happens when I travel, and when I “bookend” my trip with stays in the same city. Even if it’s my first time in a country, I feel a sense of what I can only describe as nostalgia during my second pass through the city in question. This definitely occurs in Ulaanbaatar, even if it’s slightly less intense, on account of the sheer relief you feel being able to shower and use a real toilet!
How Many Days Do You Need in Ulaanbaatar?
There’s not a lot of “attractions” in UB per se, but that doesn’t mean that you should touch and go. For starters, you might need to work out details of your trip with your Mongolia tour company, whether that’s making final payment, or providing them with documentation. That alone could take a full day. Plus, you’ll probably want at least a day to explore independently, since the rest of your Mongolia sightseeing will be fully guided.
The other quirk, when it comes to deciding how many days in Ulaanbaatar you need? You will likely want to spend no less than one night in UB upon finishing your tour, for reasons I describe above. And even if you don’t “want” to, for whatever reason, this might end up being necessary, such as if you’re flying to destinations that aren’t served nonstop every day, such as Bangkok or Frankfurt.
Other FAQ About Visiting Ulaanbaatar
Do people speak English in Ulaanbaatar?
You might be surprised to learn this, but many people speak English in Ulaanbaatar—everyone who works in any tourism-related job, certainly. With this being said, it’s arguable that in Mongolia as a whole, Russian is a more useful language to know.
Is it safe to walk in Ulaanbaatar?
Ulaanbaatar’s city center is perfectly safe for walking, though you should of course use caution if walking alone at night. In the outskirts, meanwhile, you sometimes have to use caution due to a lack of sidewalks, and also the fact that many stray dogs will be present.
Can you drink tap water in Ulaanbaatar?
I would highly advise against drinking the tap water in Ulaanbaatar. As is the case in most developing cities, the safety of this water is always in question. Unless you are staying at a very fancy hotel with an advertised filtration system, please stick to bottled water only.
The Bottom Line
Is Ulaanbaatar worth visiting? In one sense, the question is moot, given that you have to enter Mongolia via the city’s airport. In another way, however, I think UB’s merits as a destination are worth exploring. You see, I initially found that the city divided me, even if aspects of its were certainly fascinating. The thing is, after more than a week in the “real” Mongolia—in other words, going without electricity, showers or real toilets for more than a week—I was practically kissing the ground when I returned to the capital. Want more insights and inspiration in advance of your own Mongolia trip? Consider hiring me as your Travel Coach!
