Nearly half of Mongolia’s three million populace are nomads, and most of the relax live in Ulaanbaatar—the country's capital and major city. The cultural, economic, and moving hub on the Tuul River is the preliminary point for two-humped Bactrian camel treks and other exotic Gobi desert expeditions, but its ten museums, close closeness to national parks, and compilation of imperial palaces and Buddhist monasteries succeed Ulaanbaatar as a purpose rather than way station.
Wander during the Narantuul, a 2,501-vendor, open-air market; visit Gandan Monastery—Mongolia’s largest performance Buddhist monastery—and the adjoining Megjid Janraisig and Kalachakra Temples; and view mineral and Bronze Age artifacts, sacred relics, and fossilized fossil bones and eggs found in the Gobi at the National and Natural History Museums. During the July 11-13 National Holiday, Ulaanbaatar hosts the nation’s major Naadam Festival, a famous cultural celebration featuring wrestling, archery and cross-country horse racing competitions, plus customary costumes and dance.
