Experience the World’s Coldest Capital During this Ulaanbaatar Winter Tour

Let us custom curate your perfect Ulaanbaatar winter itinerary now. Starting at $150 USD, local guide included.

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Ulaanbaatar is known as the world’s coldest capital thanks to reaching temperatures of −36 to −40 °C come winter in Mongolia. That’s colder than Moscow, Astana, Reykjavik, Helsinki, Tallin, and Ottawa, all notoriously cold and much more well-known cities, to claim the title.

It’s also what makes visiting Mongolia from November to March a rite of passage. If you’re one of those dark tourism seekers, looking for the type of travel experience that’s so hardcore it’s not for everyone, Mongolia is for you. Anyone can travel here in summer, but chances are you’ll be the first of your friends, or anyone you’ll ever meet, probably ever, to say they’ve been here in winter.

All that being said, winter in Mongolia is still an amazing time to visit. There are still plenty of incredible things to do and see in the city, people still fill the streets, there are less crowds at museums and popular tourist attractions, and hotel rates are at their cheapest.

You can also find guides and translators as well as drivers much more easily and you’ll be more likely to be able to negotiate rates. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out my guide on what to budget for a trip to Mongolia.

Despite the extremely cold temperatures, experience the warm hospitality Mongolia is known for by heading out on this Ulaanbaatar Winter Tour.

The price to book this Ulaanbaatar Winter Tour starts at $150 USD per person with a two person booking minimum, and dependent on the final itinerary curated.

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This day tour is custom curated based on interests and availability. Visit museums and monasteries, take a Mongolian painting class and choose to end your day at a cultural show, the opera, or ballet.

What’s Included in this Ulaanbaatar Winter Tour

Each city tour is custom curated to your interests. While this tour includes museum visits, a private art class, and cultural show in the evening, please note that these experiences are based on availability.

No matter what your itinerary includes, highlights of this day tour include:

Experience a day exploring the world’s coldest capital city with a local guide for the day. This will mostly be a walking tour, however taxis will be provided when necessary.
Discover modern Mongolia by meeting the local people and experiencing its culture, history, and art.
Warm up with a hot meal at one of the city’s best restaurants for lunch. (Meal costs are not included in the price and will be paid individually.)
Take a private Mongol Bichig painting class at one of the city’s coolest art galleries.
Learn about Mongolia’s most important historical figures, past and present, beyond Chinggis Khaan.
Begin to understand how Mongolia’s path to democracy was shaped after the fall of the Soviet Union.

This winter tour is available from November to March.

We kindly ask that you keep in mind Mongolia is just starting to understand the importance of winter tourism. Museums have shorter opening hours, cultural shows and experiences are not scheduled daily (like they are in the summer), and traffic may cause delays in getting around the city.

We will do our best to curate a seamless experience that highlights what life in Ulaanbaatar is really like, for better or worse.

Custom Curated Itinerary by Local Experts

This day tour is custom curated based on interests and availability. An example of what your day tour will include would be:

Meet in Sukhbaatar Square
Taxi to Gandantegchinlen Monastery
Visit the National Museum of Mongolia or the Chinggis Khaan Museum
Walk to one of our Favorite Restaurants for Lunch (Please note that lunch will be at your own cost.)
Stop into the Choijin Lama Temple and Museum or Narantuul Black Market
Mongol Bichig Painting
Watch a Mongolian Cultural Show

The price to book this Ulaanbaatar Winter Tour starts at $175 USD per person and the final cost will depend on the itinerary curated. Please note that meal costs are not included in this price and will be at your own expense.

Additional things that be added or included, upon availability, to this Ulaanbaatar day tour include:

Morning Yoga, Sound Meditation Session, and Tea Ceremony
Indoor Mongolian Archery Lesson
Mongolian Sculpture Artist Studio Visit
Mongolian Calligraphy Class
Private Mongolian Cuisine Cooking Class
Vintage Clothes Shopping
Watching Live Jazz in a Cool Underground Club
Attending the Opera, Ballet, or the Mongolian State Philharmonic

We will give the final itinerary price once all experiences during this day tour are confirmed.

This day trip to the Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue and Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, is also available for booking year round.

Temperature and Tips for Visiting the World’s Coldest Capital

Traveling to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia in the winter can be a unique and exciting experience, but it’s important to be prepared for the extremely cold weather. Here’s what you can expect in terms of temperature, weather, and how to dress.

Temperature and Weather

Extreme Cold: Ulaanbaatar experiences severe winters, with temperatures often dropping well below freezing. The winter months typically span from November to March.
Average Temperatures: During the winter, daytime temperatures can range from -10°C to -20°C (14°F to -4°F). However, it’s not uncommon for temperatures to plummet even further, reaching -30°C (-22°F) or lower, especially in the evenings.
Snow: Expect significant snowfall throughout the winter months, which can create a picturesque cityscape but also make walking in the city more challenging. Please wear appropriate shoes with traction made for walking on slippery and wet surfaces.
Short Daylight Hours: Winter in Ulaanbaatar is characterized by short daylight hours, with the sun rising late in the morning (9 am) and setting early in the afternoon (4 pm).

What to Wear

Layering: Layering is key to staying warm in Mongolia’s harsh winter. Start with thermal or woolen base layers to trap body heat. Add insulating layers like sweaters and down jackets.
Warm Coat: Invest in a high-quality, insulated winter coat that covers your body and has a hood to protect your head from wind and snow.
Accessories: Wear a warm hat that covers your ears, as well as gloves or mittens to protect your hands. A scarf or neck gaiter can help keep your neck and face warm.
Footwear: Insulated, waterproof boots with good traction are essential to keep your feet warm and dry in the snow.
Thermal Underwear: Thermal leggings and long underwear are a must to keep your legs warm.
Thick Socks: Opt for thick, woolen socks to keep your feet warm.
Protective Clothing: It’s essential to protect exposed skin from frostbite. Be diligent in covering up, especially in extreme cold.

Other Tips

Mongolia’s air pollution is notoriously bad in the winter. Pack KN95 face masks to help you breathe better when walking through the city.
Keep your electronics, camera, and phone protected from the cold, as extreme temperatures can drain batteries quickly.
HotHands hand and foot warmers are always a good idea to have with you.
Be prepared for the possibility of flight and transportation delays due to weather conditions, especially if you’re traveling to more congested areas of the city center.

By dressing warmly in layers and being prepared for the cold and snow, you can enjoy a memorable winter trip to Ulaanbaatar, and fully experience the unique charm of the city during this season.

The price to book this Ulaanbaatar Winter Tour starts at $150 USD per person with a two person booking minimum, and dependent on the final itinerary curated.