Bulgan, Mongolia

Welcome to Bulgan, the administrative center of the Bulgan Province in Mongolia. With a population of over 11,000 people, Bulgan is a small town located at an elevation of 1,208 meters in the heart of Mongolia, 468 kilometers from the bustling capital city of Ulaanbaatar. Founded in 1938, Bulgan has a rich history and a number of interesting sights that make it well worth a visit.

One of the main attractions in Bulgan is the museum located in a former military point in the south of the town, which dates back to 1921. This museum is housed in a building that was used as a shop before 1921 and is notable for its display on Mongolia’s first man in space, J. Gurragchaa, who was born in Bulgan Aimag in 1947.

Another must-see museum in the center of town showcases the history and culture of Bulgan and the surrounding area. One of the highlights of this museum is a mausoleum dedicated to Khatanbaatar Magsarjav, a national hero who liberated the Mongolian town of Khovd from the Chinese in 1912. Visitors can also explore the Dashchoinkhorlon Khiid monastery, which was rebuilt in 1992 on the site of the former Bangiin Khuree monastery that had been inhabited by about 1000 monks before it was destroyed by order of Khorloogiin Choibalsan in 1937.

For nature lovers, the Uran Togoo Tulga Nature Reserve located about 60 km west of Bulgan is a must-visit destination. The reserve covers an area of 1600 hectares and is famous for its extinct volcanoes, including Uran Uul. Visitors can explore the unique landscape and enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including hiking and bird-watching.

Getting to and from Bulgan is easy. The town is linked by a paved road to Erdenet and Ulaanbaatar, and the Bulgan Airport (UGA/ZMBN) has one unpaved runway and is served by regular flights to Ulaanbaatar, Khovd, and Mörön.

Bulgan experiences a subarctic climate with mild summers and severely cold winters, so visitors should be prepared for extreme weather conditions if visiting during the winter months. However, the stunning natural beauty, rich history, and unique cultural attractions of Bulgan make it a destination that should not be missed by any traveler to Mongolia.