Hotels in Ulaanbaatar

Ulaanbaatar: Mongolia's High-Altitude Capital on the Tuul River

Ulaanbaatar sits at 1,350 metres above sea level on the Tuul River, making it the world's coldest national capital by average annual temperature (−1.3 °C). Founded in 1639 as a moveable Buddhist monastic centre, the city settled permanently at its current location in 1778. Today roughly half of Mongolia's 3.3 million people live here, concentrated around Sükhbaatar Square and the Peace Avenue corridor. The Gandantegchinlen Monastery, active since 1838, remains the country's most significant Tibetan Buddhist complex and draws both pilgrims and travellers year-round.

Where to Stay in Ulaanbaatar

Most hotels cluster in the Central District around Sükhbaatar Square, within walking distance of the National Museum of Mongolia and the State Department Store. The Zaisan neighbourhood to the south offers quieter guesthouses with views of the Soviet-era Zaisan Memorial. Budget ger camps operate on the city's eastern fringe near the Nalaikh district for travellers who want a taste of traditional accommodation before heading to the steppe.

Practical Tips

• Climate: January lows reach −35 °C; pack extreme cold-weather gear for winter travel.
• Air quality: Ulaanbaatar ranks among Asia's most polluted cities November–March due to coal heating in ger districts.
• Currency: Mongolian tögrög (MNT); ATMs on Peace Avenue accept Visa and Mastercard.
• Airport: Chinggis Khaan International Airport (ULN) is 52 km south-west of the city centre; shared minibus shuttles run regularly.