Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Khan Uul District & Zaisan
Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan
MUSEUM
( 11-342 195; Chingisiin Örgön Chölöö; adult/student T5000/2000; 9am-5.30pm mid-
May-mid-Sep, 9.30am-4.30pm Fri-Tue mid-Sep-mid-May)
Built between 1893 and 1903, this
palace is where Mongolia's eighth Living Buddha, and last king, Jebtzun Damba Hutagt
VIII (often called the Bogd Khan), lived for 20 years. For reasons that are unclear, the
palace was spared destruction by the Russians and turned into a museum. The summer
palace, on the banks of Tuul Gol, was completely destroyed.
There are six temples in the grounds; each now contains Buddhist artwork, including
sculpture and
thangka
. The white building to the right as you enter is the Winter Palace
itself. It contains a collection of gifts received from foreign dignitaries, such as a pair of
golden boots from a Russian tsar, a robe made from 80 unfortunate foxes, and a ger lined
with the skins of 150 snow leopards. Mongolia's Declaration of Independence (from Ch-
ina in 1911) is among the exhibits.
The Bogd Khan's penchant for unusual wildlife explains the extraordinary array of
stuffed animals in the palace. Some of it had been part of his personal zoo - look out for
the photo of the Bogd's elephant, purchased from Russia for 22,000 roubles.
The Winter Palace is a few kilometres south of Chinggis Khaan Sq. It is a bit too far to
walk, so take a taxi or catch bus 7 or 19. There a fee of T50,000/70,000 to use a camera/
video.
Zaisan Memorial
MONUMENT
(Zaisan Hill)
The tall, thin landmark on top of the hill south of the city is the Zaisan
Memorial. Built by the Russians to commemorate 'unknown soldiers and heroes' from
various wars, it offers the best views of Ulaanbaatar and the surrounding hills. The
enormous tank at the bottom of the hill - part of the Mongolia People's Tank Brigade -
saw action against the Nazis during WWII. At the time of research an enormous property
development was underway on the hill itself. According to the company building it, the
site will include theatres, restaurants and cultural activities. Take bus 7 from the Bayan-
gol Hotel or Baga Toiruu.
Buddha Park
PARK
This peaceful park features an 18m-tall standing Sakyamuni image. When it was
erected in 2007, five tons of juniper were placed inside. Below the statue is a small room
containing
thangkas
, Sutras and images of the Buddha and his disciples. You can com-
