Ulaanbaatar tour: Five landmarks in one day with guide

Monks in prayer at a 26-meter Buddha statue, then a Soviet memorial with views across the whole city.

A guided tour of Ulaanbaatar's five key sites (Gandantegchinlen Monastery, Genghis Khan Museum, Bogd Khan Palace Museum, Zaisan Hill Memorial and Narantuul Market) over six to seven hours with private transportation, an English-speaking guide, lunch and dinner. Pickup is included at your agreed time. The tour operates in all weather and suits all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Gandantegchinlen Monastery1h · entry included
2. Bogd Khaan Palace Museum1h · entry included
3. Zaisan Memorial30m

Explore Ulaanbaatar's key attractions

• Visit Gandantegchinlen Monastery
• Tour Chinggis Khan Museum
• Explore Bogd Khan Winter Palace Museum
• Climb Zaisan Hill Memorial
• Shop at Narantuul Market

The experience

You start at Gandantegchinlen Monastery, Mongolia's largest active Buddhist monastery, where you watch monks in prayer and stand in front of the 26-meter-high statue of Migjid Janraisig. The guide explains the monastery's role in Mongolia's spiritual revival after communism. From there, the route moves to the Genghis Khan Museum, which holds over 10,000 artifacts (ancient weapons, armor, royal seals and rare manuscripts) that trace the rise of the Mongol Empire and its military strategies across the continent.

The Bogd Khan Palace Museum comes next, the former winter residence of Mongolia's last theocratic ruler. You walk through halls with intricate wood carvings and see his personal belongings, royal furniture and Buddhist artifacts, each one a window into Mongolia's royal and religious past. Then you climb the long staircase up Zaisan Hill to reach the Soviet-era memorial, a circular monument with colorful murals honoring Mongolian and Soviet soldiers from World War II. The panoramic view of Ulaanbaatar from the top is the payoff for the climb.

The final stop is Narantuul Market, the largest open-air marketplace in the city, where locals buy and sell traditional clothing, handmade crafts, horse-riding gear and fresh produce. You move through the stalls at your own pace, bargain with vendors and pick up affordable souvenirs. Because the market gets crowded, keep your belongings close. Lunch at a restaurant and dinner with a cultural experience are included. The guide handles the route and timing, so heavy city congestion won't catch you off guard.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your pickup point.
• English-speaking guide for the full day.
• admission to the Genghis Khan Museum.
• lunch at a restaurant and dinner with a cultural experience.
• bottled water throughout the tour.
• all taxes, fees and handling charges.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (8 and older) · Child (3 to 7 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Audio guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Rara Avis Travel

Is this one for you?Book this if you're visiting Ulaanbaatar for the first time and want a guide to drive you between major sites. You'll see the monastery, museums, and market in one day without figuring out transport or directions yourself.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 7 years); Infant (under 3).

What is the 26-meter statue at Gandantegchinlen Monastery?

The statue is Migjid Janraisig, a bodhisattva figure central to Mongolian Buddhism. You see it inside Mongolia's largest active Buddhist monastery, where monks gather for prayer throughout the day.

How many artifacts are in the Genghis Khan Museum?

The Genghis Khan Museum holds over 10,000 artifacts, including ancient weapons, armor, royal seals and rare manuscripts that document the Mongol Empire's rise and military strategies.

What does the Zaisan Hill memorial honor?

Zaisan Hill Memorial is a Soviet-era monument built to honor Mongolian and Soviet soldiers who fought together in World War II. The climb to the top ends at a circular memorial with colorful murals and a panoramic view of Ulaanbaatar.

What can I buy at Narantuul Market?

Narantuul Market, the largest open-air marketplace in Ulaanbaatar, sells traditional Mongolian clothing, handmade crafts, horse-riding gear, household items and fresh produce. Bargaining with vendors is expected, and prices are affordable for souvenirs.

Does the tour include meals?

Yes, both lunch at a restaurant and dinner with a cultural experience are included in the tour price.

What time does pickup happen?

Pickup occurs at the time you agree on when you book. The tour lasts six to seven hours and operates in all weather, so dress appropriately for the season.