Things To Do
in Choybalsan

Choibalsan is the fourth largest city in Mongolia, located in the eastern part of the country. It is known for its historical significance as a center of resistance during the Mongolian Revolution of 1921. The city's economy is driven by industries such as agriculture, mining, and livestock breeding.

Choibalsan is also a gateway to the beautiful natural landscapes of the Dornod region, attracting tourists with its scenic beauty and unique wildlife.

  • "Sain baina uu" - Hello
  • "Bayarlalaa" - Thank you
  • "Sain" - Good
  • "Yamar site ve?" - How are you?
  • "Uulzakh tsag ni hezee we?" - When shall we meet?

Prices

  • 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $10 - $30
  • 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
  • Coffee: $1 - $3
  • 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.30 - $0.50
  • 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $50
  • 🏋️‍♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Explore Choybalsan
morning
:

Start your day at the local market to experience the vibrant culture and pick up some traditional snacks. Visit the Choybalsan Memorial to learn about the city's history.

afternoon
:

Take a leisurely walk in the Central Park, enjoying the greenery and local art installations. Grab lunch at a nearby cafe and try some Mongolian dumplings.

evening
:

Dine at a local restaurant, sampling authentic Mongolian barbecue. Once finished, take a stroll under the stars for a relaxing end to your day.

day 2
Nature Retreat
morning
:

Head to the nearby Kherlen River for a morning hike along its banks. The fresh air and scenic views will invigorate your spirit.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a picnic lunch by the river, surrounded by nature. Try your hand at fishing or just relax with a good book.

evening
:

Return to Choybalsan and enjoy dinner at a riverside restaurant. Reflect on your day while watching the sunset over the water.

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich cultural heritage and history.
  • Beautiful natural landscapes, including mountains and rivers.
  • Lower cost of living compared to urban centers.
  • Opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and camping.
  • A growing interest in tourism, leading to potential local economic development.
  • Limited infrastructure and public services.
  • Harsh climate with extreme temperatures.
  • Limited job opportunities and economic development.
  • Isolation from major cities, which can affect accessibility.
  • Potential challenges with healthcare and education resources.

Best Activities in Choybalsan

Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!

Hiking in the nearby mountains

Choybalsan is surrounded by beautiful mountainous landscapes that offer great opportunities for hiking and exploration.

Visiting the Khar Zurkhnii Khukh Nuur (Blue Lake)

This stunning lake is located near Choybalsan and is popular for outdoor activities such as swimming, fishing, and picnicking.

Exploring the Choybalsan National Park

This park offers a range of outdoor activities including bird-watching, wildlife spotting, and nature walks.

Tours

Uncover the best of Choybalsan with these unforgettable tours.

Places to Visit in Choybalsan

Visit one of these nice places.

Choybalsan Hill

Offers panoramic views of Choybalsan and the surrounding area, great for photography.

Buchiin Dugan Hill

Another vantage point providing stunning views of the city and its picturesque surroundings.

Sumber Hill

Known for its beautiful sunset views and excellent photo opportunities.

Galan Hill

Popular spot for capturing the scenic beauty of Choybalsan and the nearby landscapes.

Food in Choybalsan

Mongolian cuisine is a reflection of its nomadic culture, featuring hearty meat-based dishes and dairy products. In Choybalsan, you can savor traditional Mongolian flavors while also discovering influences from neighboring regions.

Choybalsan Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Buuz

These steamed dumplings are typically filled with minced meat, such as mutton or beef, mixed with onion and spices.

Must-Try!

Khuushuur

Similar to Buuz, these are deep-fried pockets of dough filled with minced meat and sometimes vegetables.

Bantan

This hearty soup is made with meat, rice, and spices, providing a warming and satisfying meal.

Airag

A traditional Mongolian beverage made from fermented mare's milk, known for its tangy flavor.

Unique Experiences

Get to know Choybalsan better with these unique experiences.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Choybalsan Central Market

This bustling market offers an array of fresh produce, local meats, and dairy products, giving visitors a glimpse into daily Mongolian food shopping. You can also find street vendors selling Buuz and Khuushuur.

Weather

Located in eastern Mongolia, the climate is characterized as a continental climate, featuring cold winters and warm summers. Average temperatures in winter can plummet to around -20°C (-4°F) or lower, while summer temperatures can rise to about 30°C (86°F) or more. Precipitation is relatively low, with most of it occurring during the summer months, and the area experiences a significant amount of sunny days throughout the year. The cold season typically extends from November to March, during which snow cover is common. The brief warm season, lasting from June to August, brings increased vegetation and a more vibrant landscape. Winds can be strong, particularly in spring, contributing to a dry and harsh environment. Overall, the region's climate presents a stark contrast between its seasonal extremes, fostering a unique ecosystem adapted to these conditions.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greeting etiquette

In Choybalsan, it is customary to greet people with a handshake, particularly when meeting someone for the first time. It is also respectful to address elders and people in positions of authority with a traditional greeting, which may involve a slight bow or nod of the head.

Respect for personal space

Mongolians value personal space and it is important to maintain a respectful distance when interacting with others. Additionally, it is considered polite to remove your shoes when entering someone's home or a sacred place, such as a temple or monastery.

Customs and traditions

It is important to be mindful of local customs and traditions, such as showing respect for the national flag and participating in traditional rituals and ceremonies if invited. Additionally, it is customary to offer and receive gifts with both hands.

Hidden Gems

Discover the hidden gems of Choybalsan with these exclusive activities.

Safety

Safety in this city is generally considered to be manageable, with some common urban precautions recommended. Like many places, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and avoid areas that may seem unsafe, especially at night. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, can occur, particularly in crowded areas or public transport. The local authorities maintain law and order, and violent crime is relatively low compared to larger cities. However, travelers should still take standard safety measures, such as securing belongings and not displaying valuables unnecessarily. Understanding local customs and ensuring respectful interactions can also contribute to a safer experience in the community. In terms of health and safety, access to medical facilities might be more limited than in larger urban centers, so travelers should be prepared for basic medical needs and consider travel insurance. Overall, with caution and awareness, visitors can navigate the safety landscape effectively.

Tipping in Choybalsan

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping

In Choybalsan, Mongolia, tipping is not considered a common practice. However, in some upscale hotels and restaurants, a service charge may be included in the bill. If no service charge is included, leaving a small tip or rounding up the bill would be appreciated, but it is not obligatory.

Payment

In Choybalsan, Mongolia, cash is the primary form of payment. Credit and debit cards are not widely accepted, especially in smaller establishments. It is advisable to carry enough cash for transactions. Some larger hotels, restaurants, and stores in urban areas may accept card payments, but it is always best to inquire beforehand.

Top Things To Do

Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Choybalsan.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring (April to June)

Spring is a great time to visit Choybalsan, Mongolia. The temperatures are mild, and the landscapes are coming to life with colorful wildflowers. It's a good time for outdoor activities like hiking and birdwatching.

Summer (July to August)

Summer is the peak tourist season in Choybalsan. The weather is warm, and the days are long, providing ample opportunity for outdoor adventures. The Naadam Festival, Mongolia's biggest national festival, usually takes place in July, offering a glimpse into the country's rich cultural traditions.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn brings cooler temperatures and stunning foliage to Choybalsan. It's a beautiful time to visit if you enjoy picturesque landscapes and milder weather. The changing colors of the trees make for excellent photography opportunities.

Winter (December to February)

Winter in Choybalsan is cold and snowy, but it's also a unique and beautiful time to visit for those interested in winter sports and experiencing Mongolia's winter traditions. The town is quieter, and you may have the chance to witness traditional Mongolian winter activities like ice skating, dog sledding, and ice sculpting.

Choybalsan at Night

As the largest city in eastern Mongolia, Choybalsan offers a unique and intimate nightlife experience, markedly different from the bustling scenes of larger cities like Ulaanbaatar. While it may not feature the high-energy clubs and extensive bar districts found in major urban centers, there are several local spots that capture the town's distinct charm and communal spirit. Small bars and pubs serve as the primary venues for nighttime entertainment. These establishments often have a cozy, welcoming atmosphere where locals and visitors alike can enjoy a variety of Mongolian beers, spirits, and sometimes even locally-produced wine. It is not uncommon to find live music performances, with musicians playing traditional Mongolian instruments or covering popular international songs. For those looking for a more relaxed evening, many restaurants stay open late, providing an opportunity to enjoy Mongolian cuisine under the starlit sky. These dining spots sometimes feature outdoor seating, creating a serene environment to savor dishes such as buuz (steamed dumplings) or khuushuur (fried meat pies). Additionally, community events and gatherings play a significant role in Choybalsan's nightlife. During the warmer months, outdoor festivals and cultural events may take place, offering a glimpse into the local traditions and providing entertainment well into the evening. Traditional dance performances and song contests can be a highlight, fostering a sense of community and cultural pride. While nightlife in Choybalsan may not revolve around the high-energy vibe of larger cities, it offers a more relaxed and culturally immersive experience, allowing visitors to connect more deeply with the local way of life.

Hiking in Choybalsan

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Khan Khentii National Park

A vast natural park that offers diverse hiking trails through scenic landscapes, featuring forests, mountains, and rivers near Choybalsan.

Onon-Balj National Park

Known for its beautiful scenery and historical significance, this park provides various hiking routes amidst rich flora and fauna, located not far from Choybalsan.

Buir Lake

A picturesque lake surrounded by mountains, offering hiking trails that feature stunning vistas and opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Shiveet Khairkhan Mountain

A popular destination for hikers, this mountain offers rewarding views and challenging trails just a short distance from Choybalsan.

Turgen Mountain

This mountain provides a range of hiking options, with trails that lead to beautiful vantage points and encounters with nature.

Unforgettable Journeys

Delve deeper into Choybalsan through these rare and unique activities.

Aiports

How to reach Choybalsan by plane.

Chinggis Khaan International Airport (ULN)

The largest international airport in Mongolia, located in Ulaanbaatar, approximately 660 km from Choybalsan.

Baikal International Airport (IKT)

An international airport located in Irkutsk, Russia, about 1,250 km from Choybalsan.

Harbin Taiping International Airport (HRB)

An international airport in Harbin, China, located approximately 1,350 km from Choybalsan.

Yakutsk Airport (YKS)

An international airport in Yakutsk, Russia, approximately 1,640 km from Choybalsan.

Hohhot Baita International Airport (HET)

Located in Hohhot, China, about 1,500 km from Choybalsan.

Walkability

In this city, walkability can vary significantly depending on the area. The central parts often feature a mix of residential, commercial, and public spaces, making it easier for pedestrians to navigate. Sidewalks may be present but could be inconsistent in quality, with some areas having well-maintained paths while others might be less developed. Street crossings may not always have signals, and traffic can be unpredictable, which might pose challenges for pedestrians. Local amenities, such as shops, markets, and parks, are generally accessible on foot, contributing positively to the walkable experience. The climate can also influence walkability, with colder months potentially deterring people from walking long distances. Overall, while there are walkable areas, improvements to infrastructure and pedestrian safety could enhance the experience for residents and visitors alike.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Mongols

The largest ethnic group in Choybalsan, making up the majority of the population.

Buryats

A Mongolic ethnic group, present in smaller numbers compared to Mongols, primarily residing in the eastern regions.

Other Ethnic Minorities

Includes smaller populations of Kazakhs, Russians, and other ethnicities that contribute to the cultural diversity of the region.

The Soul of Choybalsan

Discover the essence of Choybalsan through these truly unique experiences.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Basketball

A popular team sport played in schools and local leagues, known for its fast pace and community involvement.

Football (Soccer)

Widely played and followed by many in Choybalsan, with local clubs participating in regional leagues.

Wrestling

A traditional sport in Mongolia, with local tournaments and cultural significance, often associated with national festivities.

Athletics

Track and field events are often organized in schools and local competitions, promoting fitness and talent among youth.

Volleyball

Increasingly popular in schools and parks, with many local teams and friendly matches taking place.

Traffic

The city is characterized by a mix of urban traffic and local transport dynamics. Roads tend to be relatively narrow, and the traffic can be congested during peak hours, especially in areas near markets and schools. The presence of both motor vehicles and non-motorized transport, such as bicycles and pedestrians, contributes to the complexity of traffic flow. Public transportation is available, primarily in the form of buses, which serve both local residents and visitors. It's common to see a variety of vehicles on the roads, including taxis, private cars, and larger trucks, which can sometimes cause delays. Additionally, the city's layout and infrastructure might not be as developed as in larger metropolitan areas, leading to unique challenges in traffic management. Drivers often have to navigate a blend of poorly maintained roads and occasional construction projects, impacting travel times. Furthermore, local customs and driving behaviors can lead to unpredictable traffic patterns, adding to the overall experience of traveling through the area.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Choybalsan.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

While traditional Mongolian cuisine is meat-centric, some restaurants in Choybalsan offer vegetable-based dishes and salads. Additionally, international cuisine establishments provide vegetarian and vegan options.

Gluten-free Options

Considering the prevalence of dairy and meat in Mongolian dishes, individuals with gluten intolerance can enjoy meals consisting of grilled meats, rice, and fresh dairy products, while being mindful of seasonings and sauces.

Cultural Immersions

Experience the heart and soul of Choybalsan with these cultural adventures.

Healthcare

Healthcare in this region is typically governed by the regulations and structure established by the Mongolian government, which provides a mix of public and private healthcare services. The healthcare system is characterized by efforts to improve access to medical facilities and services, especially in rural areas. Primary healthcare services are delivered through state-owned hospitals, polyclinics, and clinics, focusing on preventive care, maternal and child health, and treatment of common illnesses. The Choybalsan district has a central hospital that serves as a referral center for surrounding areas. While healthcare providers are trained to address a variety of medical issues, there can be challenges related to the availability of resources, equipment, and specialized medical services. The region has been gradually improving its healthcare infrastructure but still faces issues such as a shortage of medical personnel, particularly specialists, and ongoing challenges related to the funding and quality of healthcare services. Initiatives to enhance the healthcare system often involve collaboration with non-governmental organizations and international bodies aiming to address health concerns specific to the population, such as infectious diseases, maternal health, and the management of chronic conditions. Access to healthcare can be impacted by geographic factors, as those in remote areas may find it difficult to reach medical facilities. Efforts to promote health education and community health initiatives are crucial in raising awareness about preventive care and available services. Overall, while there have been strides in improving healthcare quality and access in Choybalsan, ongoing investment and support are important to address the lingering challenges within the healthcare system.

Discover Mongolia

Read more in our Mongolia 2024 Travel Guide.

Mongolia Travel Guide