Zaisan Memorial

The Zaisan Memorial crowns a hill on the southern edge of Ulaanbaatar and is the most popular viewpoint in the capital. It was built in 1971 as a monument to Soviet and Mongolian soldiers who died in the Second World War and as a symbol of friendship between the two countries. A broad staircase of 612 steps climbs the hillside to a circular platform, around which runs a ring of colourful mosaic and relief panels showing scenes of Mongolians in deels alongside Soviet soldiers, workers and doctors, a nod to the first Mongolian in space, and images of the war. A Soviet tank monument marks the foot of the hill, while the top gives a sweeping view over the river, the apartment blocks, the central square and the green slopes of Bogd Khan Mountain behind you. Entry is free and the site is open all day, which makes it an easy add-on to any city itinerary. The view is best at sunset, and in winter it is a stark, beautiful look at a very cold capital.

Decide how you want to climb. The full staircase from the base is steady rather than steep, and it takes ten to fifteen minutes at an unhurried pace, with benches for rests. Many visitors skip the first half by driving partway up the side road and starting from a higher car park, which saves effort and is especially welcome in winter or at altitude.

Once at the top, walk the full circle of the panels, because the artwork rewards close attention, then pause at each of the four sides for views of the city, the river and the surrounding hills.

Winter requires care. Stairs and paths can be icy, and a fall is more likely than at any other attraction on this list, so wear boots with real grip and use the handrails. Wind is strong at the top and temperatures feel much colder there, so layer up, with a face covering if possible.

Air pollution from stoves in the ger districts peaks in cold weather and can dim the view, so a clear day after fresh snow is ideal. If conditions look poor, consider shifting the visit to a later day, because the hill is a classic place to take photographs of the city under a blue winter sky.

The memorial sits close to the Bogd Khan Palace Museum, so a southern loop makes sense: palace in the morning, then Zaisan, then lunch in the centre. Taxis are the easiest way to reach it, and many city tours stop here for a photo break. There is no ticket, no queue and no real schedule, although staff or vendors near the bottom may sell snacks and souvenirs.

Treat it as a short stop of an hour, or two if you walk both ways, and aim for the late afternoon when the light softens and the city begins to glow.