Long Read

Ulaanbaatar: Where the Cold Bites and the Culture Thrives

@Sarah Bloom2/12/2026blog
Ulaanbaatar: Where the Cold Bites and the Culture Thrives

the air bites like a thousand needles right now, i just checked. feels like -12.78c, which is basically a personal challenge. if you get bored, nearby cities are just a short drive away, though honestly, why leave this frozen wonderland? someone told me the local coffee is terrible, but i heard that from a drunk guy at 3am outside the ger district. i heard that too. the hostel i stayed in? rumor has bedbugs. drunk advice, but hey, it's something.

*gear list (because even in the cold, you need to look semi-decent):
- thermal underwear (layers, layers, layers)
- fur-lined boots (no, seriously)
- a hat that covers your ears (or you'll lose them)
- a camera (to capture the stark beauty, or just to look busy)
- a thermos of hot chocolate (essential)

pro-tip: if you're feeling adventurous, try the local street food. someone told me the goat meat dumplings are life-changing. i heard that too.

overheard gossip: the museum curator is apparently obsessed with taxidermy. i heard that from the janitor.

map time:


visuals:

cheetah walking on brown grass field during daytime

shallow focus photography of leopard

A cheetah laying in the grass with its eyes closed


links:
- TripAdvisor: Ulaanbaatar Ger District
- Yelp: Local Mongolian Restaurants
- Ulaanbaatar City Guide

final thought*: embrace the cold. it's the only thing that makes the warm, steaming bowls of buuz taste so damn good. i heard that from a very happy local.

#travel #ulannbaatar #budgetstudent #messytravel #vibe

p.s. if you see a ghost, tell it i said hi. i heard that from a very bored tour guide.


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About the author: Sarah Bloom

Collecting ideas and sharing the best ones with you.

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