Mongolia
Ulaanbaatar
A capital at the heart of the steppe
Ulaanbaatar is the coldest capital on earth and the centre of Mongolian culture, commerce and travel. Sükhbaatar Square to Gandantegchinlen Monastery is a walk; the Bogd Khan Uul reserve begins where the city ends.
Things to do
Gandantegchinlen Monastery
Mongolia's largest working monastery. Arrive for morning prayers and the 26-metre Migjid Janraisig statue.
National Museum of Mongolia
Bronze Age to the present, with a strong Mongol Empire hall and a deep costume collection.
Gorkhi-Terelj National Park
60 km out. Turtle Rock, ger camps and horse riding — comfortable as a day trip.
Naadam Festival
11–13 July. Wrestling, horse racing and archery. Book tickets and rooms well ahead.