What to do and see in Ulaanbaatar in winter?

Travelling to Mongolia in winter time? Wondering what to do in Ulaanbaatar? Here I listed some of the activities for you to do in Ulaanbaatar in cold season. 

1. Hiking to feel winter quietness and fresh air.

One of the things that make you feel the beauty of the winter season is the snow-covered mountains. There is common hiking route where mostly locals hike during weekend in south area of Ulaanbaatar called Bogd Khan Mt. hiking route. All the things you need to do is to get taxi or in a bus to “Chingisiin Urgoo Hotel and Restaurant” which is 6 km away from downtown to south. When you reach to the point, there are few routes to the peaks of the mountain. It is best to hike before afternoon.

Here is the map to the Chinggisiin Urgoo: https://goo.gl/maps/fYFfiLHfCJhZ2YX96

2. Sky Resort - Skiing and Sledding

Put on your warm clothes and head to the ski resort for some skiing or snowboarding. Experience the beauty of winter sports. Even if it fails, at least you will breathe fresh air. It is possible to kill two birds with one stone. Unfortunately, there is no public transportation to the resort so you need to get a taxi for you and your group.

Map link: https://goo.gl/maps/ZdTEHXJW4cxkPQkB8  
Website: https://skyresort.mn/en/ 

3. Experiencing Mongolian opera and ballet

It’s been 6 decades since a very first opera being held for Mongolians in National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Mongolia. In every season, the theatre holds many repertoires including national and world classic operas and ballets. In winter, most famous ballets are Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake and Nutcracker and Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet. Please check the theatre schedule in case tickets are sold out. The theatre is just left side of the Sukhbaatar’s Square where you can ask from their booth when you are in downtown. They usually hang the repertoire in English on the main gate.

Online ticket: https://www.ticket.mn/#filter=.ballet 

4. Visit museums

Ulaanbaatar has several beautiful museums you will certainly enjoy. Some recommendations are newly opened Genghis Khaan Museum, beautiful Bogd Khan Palace Museum and Choijin Lama Temple Museum, and interesting Intellectual Museum etc. 

5. Dog sledding

Dog sledding is a good chance to experience beautiful Mongolian winter. Traditionally dogs are effective guardians of nomad’s livestock and good companion of nomads. While today’s dog sledding is a relatively new practice. The nearest available place for dog sledding is on the river of Terelj in Terelj National Park. It takes just half an hour to reach the dog sledding camp from Ulaanbaatar. Dog sledding activity is available from November until March when there is enough thick ice on the river to slide on.

6. Visit Narantuul Black market

The outdoor market is in the foreigners’ attention as it sells some authentic Mongolian things: horse tacks, ger furniture, traditional shoes/boots, hats including furry winter ones, Buddhist and Shamanic items, traditional deels, carpets, fabric/sewing, processed animal skin, and souvenirs. Not only Mongolian goods, but the market is also full of Chinese products of different qualities. The traditional felt dwelling Ger parts are sold in the extension area to the east of the market. The vendors tell fair prices for the goods and tend not to bargain a lot it does in some other touristy Asian countries. Therefore, do not quibble over the price or do little.

The market is notorious for pickpockets. Keep your belongings safe!

7. Visit the nearest National Parks 

First recommendation is Terelj National Park which is one of the nearest and the most breathtaking national park. The park is 76 kilometers (47 miles) away northeast the capital Ulaanbaatar, and it takes around 1.5 hours to reach there. Terelj National Park is worth visiting place for travelers who wants to seek for wild beauty, dramatic landscapes, rich forests, picturesque rocky hills and crisp and fresh air as well.

Another nearest National Park is Hustai NP where you can experience wildlife within 100km from Ulaanbaatar. Visiting Hustai National Park in the cooler season is most recommended. The reason why wild animals are closer to the tourist camp and graze to the mountain base in larger number. 

8. Wine & Canvas

Want to spend your time with your family and friends or by yourself while doing indoor activity? There is a opportunity to make your own piece of art to keep it as a memory. Canvases, brushes and of course wine will be provided. Create your own art. 

9. Ice-Skating

"Steppe Arena" is Mongolia's first international standard ice-skating palace that can work regardless of the season. There is the biggest Ice-Skating field where you can enjoy one of the winter sports in Mongolia. The palace is not always open for public skating and there is schedule for public and private clubs so check the schedule before you go. Public transportation (Bus) will be stopped at 10pm during winter time.

Map link: https://goo.gl/maps/oXVPio1Gf7nWtEYx8
Website: https://www.facebook.com/SteppeArenaMongolia/