Mongolia: A Nation Rich in Cultural and Historical Attractions

Mongolia is a land-locked country bordered by Russia and China and rich with cultural, historical and geographical attractions which are well worth making the trip for. To provide tourists with a guide when visiting Mongolia, here are some of the most incredible places and attractions to visit in this beautiful country.

1. Gorkhi-Terelj National Park (Ulaanbaatar)

The Gorkhi-Terelj National Park is one of the most beautiful national parks in Mongolia. The national park features a river, forests, and interesting rock formations set against a mountainous landscape. It also contains a number tourist camps where visitors could stay and enjoy the expanse of the park. These tourist camps also sell stuff including bottled waters and some food. Moreover, tourists could do several activities at the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park including trekking, sightseeing, and horse riding.

2. Genghis Khan Statue Complex (Ulaanbaatar)

The Genghis Khan Statue Complex is another favorite attraction worth sightseeing when in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. It is a visitor center with 36 columns which represent the 36 Khans from Genghis Khan to Ligdan Khan. Moreover, the complex is where the Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue could be found. The statue is a 40-meter statue of Genghis Khan riding a horse. According to legend, it is on this place where the revered hero found a golden whip. The site should not be missed when sightseeing around Mongolia.

3. National Museum of Mongolian History (Ulaanbaatar)

Located in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, the National Museum of Mongolia is the cultural, scientific, and educational organization which aims to collect, interpret, and conserve several artifacts which exhibit the rich history and culture of Mongolia. Exhibits include artifacts from several periods in Mongolia including prehistory, the Mongol empire, and Mongolia during the qing rule. The ethnographic collection of the museum contains displays of traditional dresses from various ethnic groups of Mongolia. Sightseeing around the museum will allow tourists to discover more of the history of Mongolia.

4. Genghis Khan Square (Ulaanbaatar)

The Genghis Khan Square, officially called the Sükhbaatar Square, is the central square of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Formerly called Chinggis Square, the name of the site was formally changed in 2013 to honor Genghis Khan. In 2016, its name was changed back to its present name. The central portion of the square features a statue of Damdin Sükhbaatar, one of the leaders of the 1921 revolution which took place in Mongolia. When sightseeing around the square, tourists could witness several buildings including the Government Palace, and several monuments and statues of significant Mongolian personalities.

5. Gandantegchenlin Monastery (Ulaanbaatar)

The Gandantegchenlin Monastery is a Buddhist monastery in Mongolia which has been restored since 1990. Its name derived from the Tibetan language which means, "Great Place of Complete Joy." At present, the monastery has over 150 monks residing. Built in 1809, the structure of the monastery is influenced by Chinese, Mongol, and Tibetan architectural style. The statue of Avalokiteśvara which could be found inside the monastery features over 2,000 precious stones and is thinly covered with gold leaf. The monastery is a recommended attraction for sightseeing to know more about the culture of Mongolia.

6. Hustai National Park (Ulaanbaatar)

The Hustai National Park, officially called the Khustain Nuruu National Park, is one of the national parks of Mongolia. The Tuul River, a sacred river among the native of Mongolia, runs through the park. The national park is further known for being a fascinating protected area which aims to conserve the ecosystem and the biodiversity of the place. As a matter of fact, it contains more than 450 species of vascular plants, 44 species of mammals including Mongolian gazelle and Eurasian lynx, and 217 species of birds including the Daurian Partridge, among others. Indeed, the Hustai National Park is a great place to enjoy nature in Mongolia.

7. Zaisan Memorial (Ulaanbaatar)

The Zaisan Memorial is a memorial situated on a hill in the southern portion of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. It serves as a tribute to the allied Mongolian and Soviet soldiers who risked their lives during the World War II. It also features a circular memorial painting which portrays several scenes between the people of Mongolia and the USSR. Such scenes include the victory over Nazi Germany and the Soviet support for Mongolia's independence declaration in 1921. You will truly learn more about the history of Mongolia during the 20th century when sightseeing around the area.

8. Choijin Lama Temple Museum (Ulaanbaatar)

The Choijin Lama Temple Museum is a temple and a museum which is found in the middle part of the capital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar. It was the home of Luvsan Haidav Choijin Lama, a state oracle of Mongolia. There are five temples which could be found in the area. Statues of significant figures including ltung Choimba and Sakyamuni could also be found in the temple museum. Moreover, you could also see paintings and masks which are native in Mongolia when you are sightseeing around the site. You could avail of an audio guide for more information about the place.

9. Altai Tavan Bogd National Park (Olgiy)

The Altai Tavan Bogd National Park is another national park located on the Westernmost portion of Mongolia. The national park features vast mountainous areas which are ideal sightseeing spots. For tourists who would like to go sightseeing around the park, you may visit Altai Tavan Bogd National Park from June to October since these are the months when the temperature is warmer, and tour camps are operating. Aside from sightseeing and camping, tourists could also do several activities including mountain climbing and skiing.

10. Bogd Khan Palace Museum (Ulaanbaatar)

The Bogd Khan Palace Museum, or the Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan, is located in the southern portion of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Formerly the residence of the Bogd Khan or the emperor of Mongolia, the palace is now converted into a museum. The complex is designed with Chinese influences. It includes six temples, each of them containing Buddhist artwork such as a sculpture and thangka. It also displays several of the Bogd Khan's possessions including bed and throne. It is one of the few historical destinations for sightseeing in Mongolia that remains untouched after all these years.

◎ Closing

Mongolia is rich in attractions such as museums and national parks. It is home to several destinations which allow those who are sightseeing in Mongolia to learn more about the history and culture of the country. When you are sightseeing around Mongolia, you should consider visiting such attractions.