Ulan Ude is capital of the republic of Buryatia and is one of the few Russian cities that has a slightly Asian feel to it due to its proximity to Mongolia and traditional importance as a trading settlement between Russia, Mongolia and China. Famed for having the largest Lenin head in the world the chief attractions are found outside of the city including the Ivolginsky Datsan, a beautiful buddhist monastery. They city itself is friendly and makes for a pleasant, relaxed stop for those not rushing to or from Irkutsk and Ulaanbaatar.
BEST MONTHS TO VISIT ULAN UDE
ULAN UDE WEATHER AVERAGES
REASON TO VISIT ULAN UDE
For those on an extended trip Ulan Ude is a popular stopover although we feel it should be at the expense of time spent in Mongolia or Irkutsk which have more to offer the traveller.
ULAN UDE TRAVEL TIP
Long an important stop between Irkutsk and Ulaanbaatar there are plenty of trains to choose from to make an Ulan Ude stopover.
HIGHLIGHTS OF ULAN UDE
Lenin – At least his head in sculpture and the world’s largest Lenin head for what it is worth. Located in the city’s main square.
Merchant Houses – Along the banks of the Uda River are old mansions that belonged to merchants in the pre-Soviet period.
Lenin Street – Ulan Ude’s version of Moscow’s Arbat and the best place to soak up the city’s atmosphere.
Odigitrievsky Cathedral – Was Ulan Ude’s first stone building constructed in 1741.
Rimpoche Bagsha – A new Buddhist temple that also offers a panoramic view of the city.
Visit one of the few remaining settlements of the Old Believers.
Ivolginsky Datsan – Located 23km outside of the city yet one of the main draws in the area this beautiful temple also lets you experience the countryside of Buryatia as well.
Ethnographic Museum – Learn all about the Buryats and Buryatia at this large complex which includes reconstructed streets and traditional homes.
Fine Art Museum – Covers the local specialities including traditional Buryat paintings, Buddhist Thankas and horse hair tapestry.
HAND PICKED ULAN UDE ACCOMMODATION
Ulan Ude has a very poor selection of hotels so we usually recommend a home stay here which provides decent accommodation as well as a superb cultural experience. If you do prefer a hotel the Mergen Bator Hotel is about the best option.
We hold ATOL license 10287 so booking with us gives you 100% financial protection. We are also members of the Association of British Travel Agents. ABTA has strict membership requirements and we are required to adhere to the associations high standards. Our ABTA number is Y1699.
