Things To Do
in Ulaangom
Ulaangom sits in northwestern Mongolia near the Uvs Lake basin, surrounded by open steppe and distant hills. It serves as a modest hub for herding families and travelers exploring the region’s nomadic culture. The town experiences a harsh continental climate with cold winters and short, bright summers.
Visitors can expect welcoming locals, simple amenities, and a gateway to vast, untouched landscapes.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Ulaangom and settle into your accommodation, soaking in the serene atmosphere of this quaint town. Take a short walk around to familiarize yourself with your surroundings and enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains. Treat yourself to a traditional Mongolian breakfast at a local café.
Join a guided tour to explore the town's highlights, including the local museum that showcases the rich history and culture of the region. You can also visit a nearby market to experience the vibrant local life and pick up some artisan crafts. Experience the hospitality of the locals as you try some authentic Mongolian dishes for lunch.
Relax in a cozy restaurant while taking in the peaceful ambiance of Ulaangom. Enjoy a warm bowl of noodle soup as you reflect on your day's experiences. Conclude the evening by stargazing, as the clear sky of Mongolia offers breathtaking views of the Milky Way.
Begin your day with a visit to a traditional ger (yurt) of a local family to get an authentic glimpse of nomadic life. Participate in morning rituals and savor a homemade breakfast made from fresh dairy products. Learn about traditional Mongolian customs and the significance of the ger structure in their culture.
Return to Ulaangom and spend time at the local cultural center where various forms of Mongolian arts and crafts are displayed. Engage in a workshop to learn about traditional Mongolian throat singing or crafting. Capture the vibrancy of local life through photographs and interactions with artisans.
Enjoy an outdoor barbecue dinner featuring Mongolian styles of cooking under the stars. Share stories and laughter with fellow travelers as you enjoy the communal atmosphere. Wind down with a bonfire, reminiscing about the rich experiences of the day.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $1-3 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $15-40 |
| 🚌Local transport or taxi ride | $1-5 |
| 🍽Two-course restaurant meal for two | $15-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich nomadic culture and welcoming locals
- Stunning, expansive landscapes with easy access from Ulaangom
- Relatively affordable travel and simple, hearty cuisine
- Low crowds compared with more visited destinations
- Limited infrastructure and amenities in rural areas
- Language barrier can be challenging outside tourist spots
- Weather can be extreme and travel times long
- Sparse nightlife and nightlife amenities
- "Sain bainaa uu?" - Hello!/Are you well?
- "Bayartai" - Thank you
- "Uuchlaarai" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Englishel med ve?" - Do you speak English?
- "Haana baih ve?" - Where is...?
- "Tanii ger yaad ve?" - Where is your guesthouse?
- "Baigaa bol, bayarlalaa" - If you have it, thank you (polite).
- "Tanii nuluulal shataaraa" - Nice to meet you.
Places to Visit in Ulaangom
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide-open reflections on the water with mountains in the distance; best during golden hour for dramatic skies and tranquil silhouettes.
Photograph traditional circumpasture life with colorful yurts, livestock, and herders against the vast steppe.
Simple hill climbs offer sweeping views over rolling terrain and distant ranges, ideal for wide-angle landscape shots.
Quiet riverbank scenes with locals gathering, children playing, and the occasional ferry or boat to capture authentic everyday life.
Clear, star-filled skies in rural areas provide classic Milky Way photography on clear nights.
Food in Ulaangom
Ulaangom Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Steamed dumplings filled with minced meat and onions; a staple at markets and homes alike.
Must-Try!
Deep-fried meat pies often served with herbs and onions; a popular street-food option.
Noodle stew with meat and vegetables, a comforting, filling dish for cooler days.
Traditional dairy beverage enjoyed in moderation; offered in some cafes and ger camps in the region.
Strong, salted or unsalted milk tea common in households and eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A small-town market where you can buy fresh dairy, meat, bread, and seasonal produce; great for observing daily life and sampling snacks like fried dough (boortsog) and warm dumplings.
Casual stalls offering khuushuur, fried pastries, and hot drinks; ideal for quick, inexpensive meals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A simple greeting such as Sain bainaa is appreciated; addressing elders with courtesy and avoiding overly loud behavior in public is customary.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially children or nomadic families gathered in their camps.
If invited into a ger, remove shoes at the entry or follow the host’s lead; modest dress is appreciated indoors.
Safety
Tipping in Ulaangom
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. In tourist-focused services, small tips (a dollar or two) are common for guiding, drivers, and hotel staff after good service.
Cash (MNT) is the most reliable method in markets and countryside. Cards are increasingly accepted in some cafes and larger shops, but many places rely on cash, especially outside town centers.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Days are longer and temperatures are mild to warm; expect occasional showers and a lively outdoor scene with markets and festivals.
Mild days with cool nights; the grass turns golden and landscapes glow with autumn colors, making for striking photography and comfortable hiking.
Very cold, dry winters with strong winds; travel can be challenging due to ice and snow; layers and waterproof gear are essential.
Variables in temperature and wind; melt from snow can create muddy trails but landscapes begin to green up quickly.
Ulaangom at Night
Hiking in Ulaangom
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Moderate day hikes with panoramic views of steppe and distant ranges; suitable for families and solo trekkers.
Gentle trails along the lake’s edge offering waterbird viewing and serene vistas.
Easy loops that pass through traditional camps, providing cultural insight and photo opportunities.
Airports
How to reach Ulaangom by plane.
A small regional airstrip near Ulaangom offering domestic flights to the capital; schedules may be limited and subject to weather.
Main international gateway to Mongolia; most travelers reach Ulaangom via a domestic flight from here or overland/travel connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents are ethnic Mongols, with a strong nomadic heritage and traditional lifestyle evident in daily routines.
Smaller groups, including Kazakh and other regional communities, contribute to a diverse cultural tapestry in western Mongolia.
Many residents maintain a nomadic lifestyle, moving with livestock across the steppe in seasonal patterns.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A core part of Mongolian culture; expect guided rides through steppe and near lakes, suitable for beginners and experienced riders.
A historic sport that occasionally appears during festivals and cultural events in the region.
Another traditional pursuit; practice or demonstrations may be offered at cultural centers and camps.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ulaangom.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but dishes are often meat-centric. Communicate requirements clearly; ask for vegetable dumplings, noodle dishes without meat, and dairy-free soups. Fresh fruits and bread from the market can be reliable staples.