From November to March, Ulaanbaatar turns into a winter wonderland, and there are plenty of fun activities for locals and visitors alike. To experience Ulaanbaatar, buy tickets for various events and activities throughout the year.
The city is great for families, with lots of fun activities and attractions to do together. These events are designed to create memories for the whole family, so everyone has a blast.
Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar is a city that has a mix of traditional and modern, perfect for holiday fun during winter. The city has thrilling rides and attractions for all ages.
To experience Ulaanbaatar, buy tickets to various events and activities throughout the year. The city has many food options, traditional Mongolian and modern restaurants. You can enjoy the festive atmosphere of the city, with Christmas trees and lights, during the holiday season.
If you want to plan ahead, the city’s app is available to download on google play. Ulaanbaatar has many magical experiences, from visiting historical landmarks to nightlife. The city is great for families, with lots of fun activities and attractions to do together.
You can meet Santa and do other holiday activities during winter. The city’s holiday events and activities are a great way to get into the holiday spirit and make memories.
Highlights:
- Ice skating on the frozen Tuul River.
- Dog sledding with huskies.
- Skiing and snowboarding at Sky Resort.
- Gorkhi-Terelj National Park in snow.
- Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan to learn about Mongolia’s history.
- Eagle hunting festivals to experience nomadic heritage.
- Tsenkher Hot Springs to relax in natural hot waters.
The cold temperatures and heavy snowfall make for a perfect winter wonderland. Many of these activities are free to enjoy, others have fun games to add to the festive atmosphere. Here are the top things to do near Ulaanbaatar during winter.
1.Magical Experiences: Ice Skating on Frozen Rivers
One of the most popular winter activities in Ulaanbaatar is ice skating on the frozen Tuul River, where you can also buy tickets for various ice events . As the temperature drops, the river turns into a natural ice rink, and families and friends come to skate for the day, plenty of photo opportunities .
Several vendors around the river rent out skates, so you don’t need to bring your own. Ice skating on the Tuul River is a unique chance to glide on the ice surrounded by Mongolia’s winter landscape. Don’t forget to take photos of your ice skating adventure.
2. Thrilling Rides: Dog Sledding Adventures
Dog sledding is an adrenaline rush to explore the wintery area around Ulaanbaatar. Several tour operators offer dog sledding tours where you can learn to mush a team of dogs, specifically huskies, through snowy trails.
These tours include safety briefings and guidance from experienced mushers, so everyone can have an exciting and safe adventure. Dog sledding is a fun and authentic experience of Mongolia’s winter and a must try for adventure seekers.
3. Skiing and Snowboarding at Sky Resort
Just outside Ulaanbaatar, Sky Resort is the best place to ski and snowboard in Mongolia. The resort has well maintained slopes for all levels, from beginners to advanced skiers.
Equipment rentals and lessons are available, and admission to the resort includes access to well maintained slopes, subject to availability, for all levels. Besides skiing and snowboarding, Sky Resort has other winter activities such as tubing and snowmobiling, and fun games so it’s the perfect event for winter lovers.
4. Gorkhi-Terelj National Park
Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, a beautiful park and destination 70km from Ulaanbaatar.
The park’s rugged landscapes covered in snow make for a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities. You can horse ride through snowy trails, hike to the Turtle Rock, or visit the Aryabal Meditation Temple.
The park also has cozy ger camps where you can warm up by the fire and experience Mongolian hospitality.
5. Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan
For a cultural experience visit the Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan, the former residence of Mongolia’s last king.
The palace, now a museum, shows Mongolia’s royal history and has a rich collection of artifacts, traditional costumes, Buddhist art and royal furnishings. Exploring the palace grounds covered in snow adds a magical touch to the historical experience, brings Mongolia’s history to life.
6. Eagle Hunting Festivals
Winter is the season for eagle hunting festivals in Mongolia, a tradition that has been practiced for centuries. These festivals are held in the nearby provinces and showcase the skills of Kazakh eagle hunters and their majestic birds of prey.
You can watch the hunters in action, participate in cultural performances and learn about the ancient art of eagle hunting. The festivals are a unique insight into Mongolia’s nomadic heritage, showcasing traditions that have been passed down for years and a must try for any winter trip, creating lifelong memories for participants.
7. Hot Springs Retreats
After a day of outdoor activities unwind at one of the hot springs retreats near Ulaanbaatar. Tsenkher Hot Springs, a few hours from the city, is a popular destination where you can soak in naturally heated mineral waters surrounded by snow.
The waters are believed to have healing properties, so it’s a perfect way to relax and rejuvenate during the cold winter months, add some life to you and often surprises.
8. Snow Leopard Tracking
For wildlife enthusiasts snow leopard tracking is an adventure. Several conservation organizations and tour operators offer guided treks into the mountains near Ulaanbaatar and a chance to spot these elusive and endangered big cats.
While sightings are rare, the experience of trekking through the winter wilderness and learning about snow leopard conservation is unforgettable.
9. Food and Drink
Ulaanbaatar has many delicious food options, traditional Mongolian and modern restaurants. You can try local specialties like boortsog and khuushuur.
The city has many cafes and bars serving a variety of drinks and beverages. If you want to try something new the city’s food scene is a mix of traditional and modern flavors. You can have a festive holiday dinner at one of the city’s many restaurants or cafes.
The city’s christmas markets are a great place to try local food and drinks and to buy unique gifts and souvenirs. Ulaanbaatar has many food festivals and events throughout the year showcasing the city’s culinary delights. You can join cooking classes and learn how to make traditional Mongolian dishes.
The city’s food scene is a way to experience the local culture and to create lifelong memories. Whether you are looking for traditional meal or modern twist of local flavors you will find Ulaanbaatar has something for you.
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