The closest mountain to Ulaanbaatar City for training purposes is Bogd Khan Uul, located approximately 1–5 km south of Ulaanbaatar. It is accessible from the city center in 10–60 minutes by taxi or public transportation, making it a historically and naturally significant mountain situated in the Khan-Uul District on the southern side of Mongolia’s capital, Ulaanbaatar. With an elevation of about 2,261 meters above sea level, the mountain features multiple hiking trails suitable for beginners to intermediate hikers, making it ideal for training. Notably, the route starting from Zaisan Hill is relatively easy and takes about 2–4 hours. Bogd Khan Uul has been a protected area since 1778, during the Manchu Qing Dynasty, for environmental conservation purposes, making it Mongolia’s oldest nature reserve and one of the world’s earliest protected areas. Historically, it has been a significant symbol in Mongolian culture and religion, revered as a sacred site for shamanism and Buddhism since ancient times. The mountain is home to numerous temples and historical sites, with the most famous being the Manzushir Khiid, established in the 18th century, which now attracts tourists as ruins and a museum. In terms of natural features, it boasts abundant forests of pine, larch, Siberian cedar, and birch, as well as rare animals such as deer, leopards, wolves, foxes, and wild boars, along with a rich variety of medicinal plants, rare trees, and flowers. As one of the closest recreational spots for Ulaanbaatar residents, attractions like Manzushir Khiid, Zaisan Hill, and Chinggis Camp draw travelers’ attention, while the views of Ulaanbaatar from the Tuul River and Zaisan Hill leave a particularly striking impression. The mountain offers numerous trails suitable for climbing and hiking, with popular routes including Tsetsee Gun, Baruun Shireet, and Zaisan Am. The summit of Tsetsee Gun, in particular, provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city of Ulaanbaatar.
Hiking Guide to Zaisan Memorial
1. Departure: Bayangol Hotel Bus Stop
- Bus: Take the "Ч-52" bus ("Ч" is a Cyrillic letter in Mongolian and part of the route number).
- Duration: Approximately 30 minutes to the final stop.
- Note: Bayangol Hotel is a well-known hotel in central Ulaanbaatar, so the bus stop is very close by.
2. Start Hiking from the Final Stop
- Movement: After getting off the bus, head toward the tourist camp parking lot.
- Route: You’ll pass through a crowded area, but there’s little worry about getting lost. It’s a straightforward path to the top.
- Landmark: At the top, there’s a small plaza with a "statue resembling a mythical bird" in the center. This is a distinctive feature of the Zaisan Memorial.
3. Hiking Duration
- Time: Varies by individual, but if you take it slow with breaks, it’s about 1 hour 20 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes uphill.
- Feature: Many people hike this popular route daily, so the chances of getting lost are low.
4. Precautions
- Trail Characteristics: There’s no formal hiking trail or clear markers, but the route is a gentle slope between two mountains, so you won’t wander off elsewhere.
- Direction: From the top, you can head in various directions, so make sure to remember the path you took.
- Preparation: There are no shops or restrooms along the way, so bring water, snacks, and other essentials beforehand.
- Natural Risks: Though close to Ulaanbaatar, this is still a wilderness area. There’s a risk of getting lost or injured, so stay cautious.
- Guide Consideration: If you’re worried, it’s a good idea to bring a local guide who knows the way.
Advice for Japanese Travelers
- What to Bring: Pack water, light snacks like onigiri or sweets, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes. Even in spring (as of March 24), the weather can change, so a light jacket is a safe bet.
- Safety First: Mongolia’s nature is vast and beautiful, but don’t overdo it in unfamiliar terrain. A guide can help overcome language barriers and provide peace of mind.
- Highlights: From the top of Zaisan Memorial, you get a stunning view of Ulaanbaatar! Don’t forget to take photos.
