Host City

International Conferences on Block and Sublevel Caving
Caving 2026 | 11–13 August 2026 | Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Welcome to our host city: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

The ACG is excited to host Caving 2026 in the capital and largest city of Mongolia: Ulaanbaatar.

About Ulaanbaatar

Ulaanbaatar sits in a valley along the Tuul River and is surrounded by mountains and wide open steppe landscapes. The city is a mix of traditional Mongolian culture and modern urban development. You will see glass towers, shopping malls and international style hotels in the city centre, while large ger districts (traditional round tents known as gers) spread across many outer areas. This blend gives Ulaanbaatar a unique feel that combines modern life with deep cultural roots.

Ulaanbaatar is the cultural, political and economic heart of the country. Many of Mongolia’s key museums, theatres, universities and government buildings are located here. It is also a hub for travel into the countryside, including national parks and historical sites. Visitors often describe the city as lively, interesting and full of contrasts.

Key Areas of the City

Sukhbaatar Square

This is the main central square. It is surrounded by the Parliament House, important government buildings, cultural sites and several large hotels. Many city tours start here.

Peace Avenue

This is the main commercial street with shops, restaurants, department stores and major bus routes.

Zaisan District

A popular residential and leisure area in the south of the city. It features cafes, shopping, the Zaisan Memorial and views over the city from the hillside.

Ger Districts

Large neighbourhoods where many Mongolians live in gers or small houses. These areas are part of the real life of the city. They are not tourist attractions, but they shape the character and culture of Ulaanbaatar.

Things to Do in Ulaanbaatar

Cultural and Historical Attractions

Gandan Khiid (Gandantegchinlen Monastery)
A major centre of Mongolian Buddhism. You can see monks chanting, watch rituals and visit the impressive statue of Migjid Janraisig inside the main temple.

Bogd Khan Palace Museum
The winter residence of the last Mongolian king. It has beautiful historical buildings and collections of cultural items, traditional clothing and art.

Choijin Lama Temple Museum
A peaceful temple complex in the middle of the city. It contains historic Buddhist art, sculptures and masks.

National Museum of Mongolia
A great place to learn about Mongolian history, from ancient nomadic life to the era of the Mongol Empire.

The State Opera and Ballet Academic Theatre
You can sometimes attend performances of classical ballet, opera or traditional Mongolian music.

Urban Experiences

Naran Tuul Black Market
An enormous open market with clothing, horse saddles, souvenirs, tools, traditional boots, carpets and much more. Keep personal belongings secure.

Sky Resort or Zaisan Hill Area
Good areas for dining, walking and city views. Sky Resort also hosts recreational activities such as skiing in winter and hiking in warmer months.

Shopping and Dining
Ulaanbaatar has modern shopping malls such as Shangri La Centre and Ulaanbaatar Department Store. There are restaurants offering Mongolian food, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, European and American cuisine.

Getting around Ulaanbaatar: public transport, taxis, ride-share

Buses/trolleybuses/microbuses
  • Ulaanbaatar has a public bus/trolleybus/microbus network covering much of the city. Cash is not accepted on board: you need a reloadable “smart card” (U Money card). Go MonGOlia. Fare: around 500 MNT per ride. Smart cards can be bought and topped up at kiosks or certain convenience-store outlets. Route information can be limited (bus numbers often in Cyrillic), so it’s helpful to ask hotel staff for guidance, or use a map / translation app.

Note: Buses and trolleybuses get crowded at peak hours (morning, evening). For those with luggage or travelling at odd hours, consider taxis / ride-share instead.

Taxis & ride-share apps
  • Trusted ride-share apps and services in UB include UBCab and sometimes local variants depending on availability.
  • Taxi fares within the city centre are often modest: short rides typically cost 5,000–15,000 MNT (~USD 1.5–5). When hailing a taxi off the street (not via app), exercise caution: many are unofficial/unregulated. Without a meter or clear fare I.D., tourists may be overcharged. Use licensed taxis or ride-share for safety. 
Car rental/self-drive
  • Car rental is possible: if you plan to travel outside the city (e.g. countryside, national parks) a sturdy 4×4 is recommended.You may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an English-translated license.

  • In-city driving is often slow due to traffic congestion. As of recent data, average peak-hour speed in UB is low; many locals and travellers prefer public transit or ride-share over driving.

Bicycles/walking
  • Bicycling is possible but limited: bike-lane infrastructure is weak, and traffic can be hectic. If you do rent a bike, be cautious, especially outside dedicated park paths.

  • For fairly short central-area trips, walking can be feasible but sidewalks may be uneven.

Things to Do Outside or Near the City

Terelj National Park
A popular day trip area about an hour from the city. It features forested valleys, rock formations, temples and hiking trails. Turtle Rock and the Aryapala Meditation Centre are main highlights.

Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue Complex
A huge stainless steel statue of Chinggis Khaan on horseback. Inside the structure you can ride a lift up for panoramic views. There is also a museum and exhibitions.

Hustai National Park
Famous for the reintroduction of the wild Przewalski horses known locally as Takhi. You can see wild horses, hike and enjoy peaceful steppe scenery. It is a longer trip than Terelj and often done as a half day or full day tour.

Manzushir Monastery and Bogd Khan Mountain
Located to the south of the city. A peaceful natural area with the ruins of an old monastery, forest paths and mountain scenery. Good for hiking.