Why Go? If Mongolia’s yin is its pristine countryside, then Ulaanbaa-tar (UB) conforms nicely to its yang. An enormous city of pulsating commerce, wild traffic, sinful nightlife and bohe-mian counter-culture, the Mongolian capital elicits as much shock as it does excitement. The contrasts within the city can be exasperating too: Armani-suited businessmen rub shoulders with mohawked punks and del-clad nomads fresh off the steppes. One minute you’re dodging the path of a Hummer H2 and the next you’re mystified by groaning Bud-dhist monks at Gandan Khiid. It’s a wild place that bursts into life after slumbering through a long winter. This cha-otic capital is not the easiest city to navigate, but with a little patience, travellers can take care of all their logistical needs, watch traditional theatre, sample international cuisine and party till three in the morning. This ever-changing city may be the biggest surprise of your Mongolian adventure.

%011, 021, 051, 7035 / PoP 1,287,100 / AreA 1368 sq km

Ulaanbaatar Улаанбаатар

When to Go

Early Jun Get giddy on Chil-dren’s Day and then run the Mon-golia Marathon.

Mid-Jul The city comes to a halt for Naadam and its wrestling, archery and horse racing.

Aug Lounge at street cafes and swill beer during the last throes of summer.

F DNOSAJJMAMJ

Ulaanbaatar°C/°F Temp

-30/-22

-20/-4

-10/14

10/50

30/86

20/68

0/32

0

0.8/20

2.4/60

4/100

3.2/80

1.6/40

Rainfall inches/mm

Best Places to Eat¨¨ millie’s Café (p80)

¨¨ Namaste (p81)

¨¨ mongolians (p82)

¨¨ rosewood kitchen + enoteca (p79)

Best Places to Stay¨¨ Lotus Guesthouse (p73)

¨¨ Zaya’s Hostel (p75)

¨¨ Hotel Örgöö (p74)

¨¨ Best Western Tuushin Hotel (p75)

Sights .......................... 58Activities .......................71Courses ........................71Festivals & Events ....... 72Sleeping....................... 73Eating ...........................77Drinking & Nightlife .... 82Entertainment ............. 84Shopping ..................... 87Information .................90Getting There & Away ......................... 92Getting Around ............ 95

#_

©Lonely¨Planet¨Publications¨Pty¨Ltd

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