Ulaanbaatar private tours

Ulaanbaatar is a city woven with contrasts, where echoes of ancient nomadic life meet the vibrant rhythm of modernity. In Mongolia's bustling capital, the scent of incense from age-old temples mingles with the aroma of sizzling street fare. Here, tradition and progress engage in a harmonious dance. A local guide turns Ulaanbaatar tours into a personal exploration of this unique fusion. On walking tours through lively markets, your guide's narratives animate every corner, from the sacred chants of Gandan Monastery to the diverse art of the National Gallery. With skip-the-line access, delve into the history of the Khans, while the ...

Ulaanbaatar is a city woven with contrasts, where echoes of ancient nomadic life meet the vibrant rhythm of modernity. In Mongolia's bustling capital, the scent of incense from age-old temples mingles with the aroma of sizzling street fare. Here, tradition and progress engage in a harmonious dance. A local guide turns Ulaanbaatar tours into a personal exploration of this unique fusion. On walking tours through lively markets, your guide's narratives animate every corner, from the sacred chants of Gandan Monastery to the diverse art of the National Gallery. With skip-the-line access, delve into the history of the Khans, while the food and wine tour acquaints you with the earthy tastes of Mongolian cuisine. Your private tours in Ulaanbaatar unfold the layers, unveiling a city as inviting and warm as its inhabitants. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Ulaanbaatar.

Explore Ulaanbaatar your way

At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Ulaanbaatar tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Ulaanbaatar for every interest, including:

Nature and Wildlife tours: You can ride out to Hustai National Park to look for wild takhi (Przewalski's horses) at dusk and scan the steppe for marmots and deer with a guide who knows the terrain. Or spend a day in Gorkhi-Terelj hiking to Turtle Rock and the Aryabal Temple, with a short horse ride along the Tuul River built into your tour.

History tours: Explore Sukhbaatar Square and the National Museum of Mongolia for a clear story of the khanates, then step into Gandantegchinlen Monastery to see the towering Migjid Janraisig statue. Add the Bogd Khan Winter Palace Museum and the Zaisan Memorial hill for royal artefacts and city views in one tour.

Layover tours: With airport pickup at Chinggis Khaan International, you can fit in a quick loop to Sukhbaatar Square, Gandan Monastery, and a stop for hot buuz and milk tea before returning on time. If your layover is longer, your guide can add the Zaisan viewpoint or a fast dash to Terelj and still watch the clock for you.

The city centre around Sukhbaatar Square is walkable, and buses run widely but can be slow and require a fare card; traffic can be heavy across long distances. You can book chauffeured tours or ask your local guide to arrange private transportation to keep travel times predictable.

This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Ulaanbaatar inside and out.

Walking tours & neighbourhoods

Day trip ideas from Ulaanbaatar

From Ulaanbaatar you can reach open steppe, rocky valleys, and forested hills on simple day trips, using your tour to focus on wildlife, culture, or easy hikes. These Ulaanbaatar day trips keep travel time reasonable while still feeling far from the city.

Gorkhi‑Terelj National Park: Granite towers, the Tuul River, and broad meadows make this a flexible day out, with short hikes to Aryabal Monastery and a stop at Turtle Rock. It works well for light activity, river views, and a look at ger camp life.

Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue Complex: East of the city, this giant stainless-steel statue anchors a small museum and a lookout with wide steppe views. Pair it with Terelj for history plus nature in one loop.

Hustai National Park: Known for the reintroduced takhi wild horses, Hustai offers sunset wildlife viewing across rolling hills. Your tour can time the drive for the best light, with chances to see marmots, red deer, and raptors.

Bogd Khan Mountain and Manzushir Monastery: South of the city, forest trails lead to the ruins of a 17th‑century monastery and a modest museum. It’s a good option for cooler temperatures, birdlife, and broad views back to Ulaanbaatar.

Gun‑Galuut Nature Reserve: Wetlands and steppe support cranes, argali sheep, and other wildlife, and open terrain means easy walking. Ideal for birders and anyone who wants big skies and quiet roads within a day.

A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Ulaanbaatar most travellers miss.