Bear yourself, because this week is going to be the first post in the $10 series about a city in Mongolia, even though it's not the only thing Mongolian that I have covered in this blog! 😉
A few years ago, I got a chance to write about a Mongolian artisan cosmetic brand Lhamour on Around The World With The Beauties series, in which their their Nettle Hair Oil became my favorite.
Today, we're going to the capital city of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar to talk about how far you could get for $10 in the city.
Thanks to Patricia of Spanish Nomad, let's get around Mongolia and see how many budget-friendly things you can do in the city under $10!
It is no secret that the highlight of Mongolia is the countryside and its varied jaw-dropping landscapes. However, Ulaanbaatar is the perfect spot to recover from your adventure and indulge yourself in those simple pleasures you could not get in the great outdoors.
Mongolia's national currency is the Tugrik and 2850 ₮ which is around 1 buck. The city is relatively cheap, so here are a few things to do in Ulaanbaatar for less than 28500 MNT, the equivalent of $10.
Did you know?
Mongolia is the 18th largest country in the world. And the capital city Ulaanbaatar was previously named Niislel Khuree before it changed its name into Ulaanbaatar, which means “red hero” in honor of Mongolia's national hero Damdin Sukhbaatar liberated Mongol from Ungern von Sternberg's troops and Chinese occupation with the Soviet Red Army.
Eat some Mongolian staples like buuz and khuushuur
Don't leave the country without trying some Mongolian staples like buuz (Mongolilan dumplings) or khuushuur, a flat, deep-fried empanada stuffed with beef or mutton. You can get them relatively anywhere, although khuushuur is more of a Summer food.
They are super cheap too, one piece of khuushuur can go from 1300 ₮ to 2000 ₮, which is less than a dollar. After being in the countryside for a few days you will probably be craving some veggie dishes. In that case, visit Loving Hut or Café Lohas, who have the best vegan food in the city. Order the menu of the day, which includes two items, for less than ₮15K, a little over 5 USD.
Quilting Center in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Shop the budget-friendly yet luxurious cashmere goods
Mongolia is known around the world for its cashmere, and even though it is considered a luxury product, you can get a small item such as a pair of gloves for around $10 USD, depending on the brand. If you want to buy a unique item made by a local artisan try Mary and Martha or the Quilting Center.
Both social enterprises help local families earn a dignified wage and you can find the perfect gift for as low as ₮5000, less than $2 USD.
If you are into cosmetics, don't forget to visit Lhamour pop-up store in Shangri-la mall. They have lip balms made with local ingredients from ₮ 8000. The eco GER store has beautiful copper rings and bracelets starting from 8k.
Gandan Monastery in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Learn the National History at the Museums Nearby
If you are interested in history, there are a few museums to choose from in the capital city. My favorite one is the National Museum of Mongolia, near Sukhbaatar Square, and it costs 10000₮, around $3.5 USD. This museum will soon be replaced by the Chinggis Khaan museum which is currently under construction.
I also recommend visiting the Gandan Monastery in the north area of the city. Walking around the complex is free and access to the Buddha statue is only ₮3500, around $1.20. Both the Museum of the Bogd Khan and the Choijin Lama temple are Buddhist temples, they're both worth visiting and you can visit them for ₮8000 each.
Moving around the city is relatively easy and most spots are in the center at walking distance from each other, except for the Gandan Monastery complex, which is a bit further away. Taking the bus costs ₮500 per ride or alternatively you can flag a “gipsy” taxi for ₮1000 per km.
Contributor: Patricia from Spanish Nomad
Spanish Nomad is a travel blogger based in Mongolia who shares her travel and cultural experiences around the world and helps responsible travelers make a positive impact in the places they visit.
