Things To Do
in Bulgan
Bulgan is a quiet provincial capital in northern Mongolia, surrounded by sweeping steppe and rugged mountains. It acts as a gateway to the Orkhon Valley and the scenic Khangai range that dominates the horizon. The town offers a window into traditional nomadic life, with horsemen, herders, and open skies shaping daily rhythms.
Visitors can explore nearby natural and cultural sites, from river valleys to ancient ruins, with a friendly, low-key pace.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Bulgan and check into your ger or guesthouse to settle in. Spend a leisurely hour walking around the central square and meeting local vendors. Learn about the region’s history at a nearby information center.
Head to the Bulgan Regional Museum to explore exhibitions on nomadic life and wildlife. Wander through the open-air market to sample fresh dairy products and purchase handcrafted souvenirs. Chat with shopkeepers and learn a few Mongolian words.
Enjoy a traditional dinner of buuz and airag in a family-run ger. Listen to folk stories and songs around the communal fire. Retire early under a blanket of stars for a good night’s rest.
Depart early for Khyalganat Waterfall, a 1-hour drive through rolling steppe. Hike along a well-marked trail to reach the 20-meter cascade. Stop at viewpoints to photograph the misty falls.
Enjoy a riverside picnic of local bread and cheese near the waterfall pool. Explore nearby forest glades and spot migrant birds darting overhead. Dip your toes in the cold mountain stream for a refreshing break.
Set up camp near the waterfall under the pine trees. Gather around a crackling campfire to grill meat skewers and share travel stories. Lie back and admire the Milky Way emerging above the canyon walls.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🥗Meal at a mid-range restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $2-4 |
| 🚕Local transport (short taxi ride) | $1-4 |
| 🛏️1 night in budget hotel | $15-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, low-key base with access to diverse landscapes
- Rich nomadic culture and close-to-nature experiences
- Limited nightlife and few high-end dining options
- Public transport outside the city can be sparse
- "Сайн байна уу" - Hello / Good day
- "Баярлалаа" - Thank you
- "Уучлаарай" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Хүрээд ирье" - I will be there soon
- "Тангарахдаа баярлалаа" - Nice to meet you
- "Хоол хүнсээ хараад байна" - I am looking at the menu
Places to Visit in Bulgan
Visit one of these nice places.
A wide, tranquil bend of the Orkhon River with golden light at dusk, reed beds, and grazing horses; a classic Mongolian landscape shot.
Elevated vantage over rolling green hills and distant mountains, especially dramatic during sunrise or overcast days for moody skies.
A peaceful riverside area with locals, boats, and seasonal flora; ideal for candid photography and golden-hour portraits.
Food in Bulgan
Bulgan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Steamed dumplings filled with minced meat (often lamb or beef) and onions; a staple comfort food found in most eateries and markets.
Must-Try!
Fried meat pies made from thin dough stuffed with savory meat and onion; crisp on the outside, flavorful inside.
Fermented mare’s milk, a traditional beverage that offers a tangy, slightly effervescent taste; often available in rural guesthouses and markets.
A festive Mongolian barbecue where meat is cooked with hot stones in a sealed container; more common at special events or traditional restaurants.
Noodle stew with meat and vegetables; a hearty one-pot dish perfect for colder days.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively market where locals buy vegetables, dairy, meat, and snacks; great for sampling street bites and buying fresh produce.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A firm handshake is common; addressing people with titles and a courteous, calm demeanor goes a long way.
Dress modestly when visiting monasteries or religious sites; remove hats indoors; avoid public displays of anger and respect local customs.
If invited to a nomadic home or guesthouse, bringing a small gift is appreciated; accept offers of dairy or tea with gratitude.
Safety
Tipping in Bulgan
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is modest and appreciated in tourist-facing places. Rounding up bills or leaving a small tip (about 5-10%) at restaurants or guides is common, but not mandatory.
Cash (MNT) is widely used; card acceptance may be limited in smaller towns. ATMs exist in town centers, but carry enough cash for remote areas and rural services.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with cool nights; occasional showers can occur. Pack light layers, sun protection, and lots of water; insect repellent is useful near the river.
Mild days with cooler evenings; foliage color along hillsides is vibrant. Bring layers for changing temperatures and a light rain jacket.
Very cold with strong winds; temperatures can plunge well below freezing. Pack insulated, windproof layers, thermal wear, and sturdy boots; travel may be slower due to snow.
Variable weather with thawing landscapes and muddy trails. Waterproof footwear and a versatile jacket are helpful as conditions shift quickly.
Bulgan at Night
Hiking in Bulgan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic hike through foothills and valleys along the Orkhon corridor, with historic sites visible from higher points.
A moderate trail offering panoramic views of rolling green hills and scattered pine stands.
A unique sand-dune landscape near Kharkhorin area; a great place for broad vistas and sunset photography.
Airports
How to reach Bulgan by plane.
Ulaanbaatar's main international gateway; significant for international arrivals and connections to Bulgan via overland travel.
A small, limited-service airstrip near Bulgan; domestic service is sparse and primarily used for charter or regional connections when available.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority in Bulgan province, with strong pastoral and rural traditions.
Smaller communities present in some rural areas, contributing to cultural diversity.
A visible and influential group around Bulgan, maintaining traditional livelihoods.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A central aspect of Mongolian culture and sport; popular for tourists and locals alike.
Buzkashi-like regional events and wrestling are part of Mongolia’s equestrian and cultural traditions.
A traditional pastime often seen during cultural celebrations and local gatherings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bulgan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Ask for vegetable-based dishes like egg dishes, dumplings filled with cheese or potato, legumes, rice, or noodle soups. Dairy and egg options are common; avoid meat-based broths if avoiding meat entirely.