TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
Ulaanbaatar - The capital city
The capital of Mongolia is Ulaanbaatar, a city with a long and rich history. Set in the rolling foothills of the Bogd Mountain range, on the banks of the majestic Tuul River, Ulaanbaatar is the gateway to Mongolia. Ulaanbaatar, historically known as Urga, was originally established in 1639 as a nomadic encampment, which shifted from place to place until it settled in its present location in 1778. The city, situated at an altitude of 1,351 meters above sea level, stretches from east to west across the Tuul River valley. It has a population of around 800 000 and a surface area of 135,800 hectares. Holy mountains surround it; the Bogd Uul Mountain to the south, the Songino Mountain to the west, the Bayanzurkh Mountain to the east and the Chingeltei Mountain to the north.

Sukhbaatar Square
This large and famous landmark is the heart of Ulaanbaatar where the Parliament, the Government House, Stock Exchange and many other important establishments are concentrated. It is named after Sukhbaatar, the famous patriot, whose statue is the main attraction on this square.

Gandan Monastery
Gandan is the largest and most significant monastery in Mongolia and one of Ulaanbaatar's most interesting sights. Built in the mid 19th century, it is the only monastery where Buddhist services continued during the communist years. Temples are flocked by visitors during religious services that start at 10 a.m. and last until mid day. Most important part of a monastery is the Megjid Janraiseg temple.

Winter Palace of Bogd Khan
Built between 1893 and 1903, the Winter Palace of Bogd Khan was the home of the Mongolia's last king Javzun Damba Khutagt VIII. This complex of temples and houses contains a number of Buddhist artworks and the private collection of the Bogd Khan, composed of gifts from rulers and kings from all over the world. The artworks displayed here were made by the top Mongolian, Tibetan and Chinese master-sculptors of the 18th and 19th centuries and represent the gods of the Buddhist pantheon.

Manzushir monastery
This monastery is about 8 km east from the Zuunmod city of the central aimag and situated at the beautiful natural landscape, which is over 1800 m above sea level of the forested side of Bogd khaan Mountain. Monastery was built in 1,733.