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Zaisan Memorial

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Zaisan Memorial (Mongolia)

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The Zaisan Memorial, perched atop a hill in southern Ulaanbaatar, is a massive concrete structure commemorating the partnership between the Soviet Union and Mongolia. Built in 1971 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Mongolian People's Revolution, the monument specifically honors the Soviet soldiers who fell in various conflicts, most notably the Battle of Khalkhin Gol in 1939 against the Japanese Kwantung Army. The memorial features a giant circular ring adorned with bustling mosaics on the interior wall, depicting scenes of joint military victories, the development of socialist industry, and the historic 1981 space mission of the first Mongolian cosmonaut, Jugderdemidiin Gurragchaa. To reach the top, visitors must climb over 600 steps, a journey that gives increasingly grand views of the capital city's rapidly expanding skyline, the winding Tuul River, and the sacred Bogd Khan Mountain. Despite the shift away from socialist ideologies after 1990, the site remains highly respected and popular among locals for its historical significance and its status as the best vantage point in the city. The hill has also become a center for modern leisure, with high-end apartments and commercial centers developing at its base, illustrating the stark contrast between Mongolia's Soviet past and its dynamic, globalized present.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-21-18-9171517158-1-11-19
Rain mm3461029486861251184

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Zaisan Memorial is an open-air monument on a hill, visitable at any time. The climb to the viewing platform features a broad panorama of Ulaanbaatar and the valley.
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Typical hours
The memorial is accessible 24/7, but best visited during daylight hours. Early morning or late afternoon have the fewest people and the best light.
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Photography
Photography is encouraged, especially the large mosaic gives impressive shots. However, avoid drone use as the monument lies in the airport approach path.
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Time needed
The climb on foot takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and the monument itself about 20 minutes. In total, budget half an hour to an hour.
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Combine with
The memorial is in southern Ulaanbaatar and can be combined with Gandantegchinlen Monastery or Bogd Khan Palace. The walk back to the city center has a pleasant stroll along the Tuul River.
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Getting there
The memorial is reachable by taxi or public buses; lines 7, 11, and 21 stop nearby. From the city center, it is also a pleasant one-hour walk along the river.
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Insider tip
Visit the memorial at sunset - the golden colors over the city are remarkable. Bring a jacket as the wind on the hill can be cool even in summer.

Geography

Coordinates
47.88390, 106.91610

Facts

  • Completed in 1971
  • Over 600 stairs to climb
  • Commemorates Battle of Khalkhin Gol
  • Features socialist realist mosaics
  • 360-degree city panorama
  • Located on Zaisan Tolgoi Hill

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Buddha Park UlaanbaatarBuddha Park Ulaanbaatar<1 km · SWExplore →
Gandantegchinlen MonasteryGandantegchinlen Monastery3 km · SWExplore →
Ulaanbaatar Botanical GardenUlaanbaatar Botanical Garden5 km · NExplore →
ZüünmodZüünmod7 km · NEExplore →
Amgalan Thermal Power PlantAmgalan Thermal Power Plant7 km · NExplore →
Bogd Khan Uul ForestBogd Khan Uul Forest8 km · NExplore →
Ulaanbaatar Thermal Power Plant No. 4Ulaanbaatar Thermal Power Plant No. 412 km · SExplore →
Khushigt Valley Economic ZoneKhushigt Valley Economic Zone13 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Zaisan Memorial (6)

Natural History Museum🏛 museum

Houses world-renowned dinosaur fossils and skeletons discovered in the Gobi Desert.

Ikh tengeriin am📍 landmark

A protected mountain valley on Bogd Khan Uul, known for its scenic hiking trails.

Ikh tengeriin amny khadny zurag🏺 historical

Ancient petroglyphs on the cliffs of Bogd Khan Mountain depicting animals and symbols.

Dugui tsagaan🌿 nature

A popular circular clearing and rest stop for hikers on the slopes of Bogd Khan Uul.

hadnii ehlel📍 landmark

The distinctive starting point of a rocky ascent into the Bogd Khan mountain range.

Zaisan Memorial📍 landmark

A hilltop memorial featuring a massive circular mural of Mongolian-Soviet friendship.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Zaisan Memorial?
A memorial for Soviet soldiers with a panoramic view.
Do I have to pay an entrance fee?
No, the visit is free.
How many steps are there?
Over 500 steps, so be fit.
Best time of day for photos?
At sunset for a great view of Ulaanbaatar.
Is the place accessible?
Unfortunately no, the stairs are the main barrier.
Zaisan Memorial: where is it located?
Zaisan Memorial is located in Mongolia.
Zaisan Memorial: what is there to see?
Highlights include Natural History Museum, Ikh tengeriin am, Ikh tengeriin amny khadny zurag.
Zaisan Memorial: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Zaisan Memorial: why is it worth visiting?
The Zaisan Memorial, perched atop a hill in southern Ulaanbaatar, is a massive concrete structure commemorating the partnership between the Soviet Union and Mongolia.
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Ulaanbaatar — Zaisan Memorial (Mongolia)
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Nalaikh — Zaisan Memorial (Mongolia)
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Nalaikh, formerly the most important coal mine for Ulaanbaatar, is today a remote district.
Terelj — Zaisan Memorial (Mongolia)
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A stunning national park near Ulaanbaatar, famous for its bizarre rock formations and green alpine valleys.
Gun-Galuut — Zaisan Memorial (Mongolia)
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A scenic nature reserve combining high mountains, steppes, and wetlands along the Kherlen River.

Nature

Tuul River — Zaisan Memorial (Mongolia)
Tuul River
This sacred river meanders through the Khentii Mountains and flows directly through the capital city of Ulaanbaatar.

More places

Buddha Park Ulaanbaatar — Zaisan Memorial (Mongolia)
Buddha Park Ulaanbaatar
A tranquil park at the foot of Zaisan Hill, dominated by an 18-meter-tall golden Buddha statue, serving as a place of reflection.
Bogd Khan Palace Museum — Zaisan Memorial (Mongolia)
Bogd Khan Palace Museum
The Bogd Khan Palace Museum in Ulaanbaatar served as the Winter Palace for the eighth Jebtsundamba Khutuktu, Mongolia's last theocratic r…
National Amusement Park — Zaisan Memorial (Mongolia)
National Amusement Park
The largest amusement park in Ulaanbaatar offers rides, a Ferris wheel, and artificial lakes, making it a popular weekend destination for…
Choijin Lama Temple — Zaisan Memorial (Mongolia)
Choijin Lama Temple
The Choijin Lama Temple is a fascinating architectural complex in downtown Ulaanbaatar.
Sükhbaatar Square — Zaisan Memorial (Mongolia)
Sükhbaatar Square
Sükhbaatar Square is the vibrant heart of the capital Ulaanbaatar.
Misheel Kids Park — Zaisan Memorial (Mongolia)
Misheel Kids Park
A modern indoor and outdoor entertainment center in Ulaanbaatar specializing in interactive play areas and trampolines for young children.
Gandantegchinlen Monastery — Zaisan Memorial (Mongolia)
Gandantegchinlen Monastery
Gandantegchinlen Monastery is the largest active Buddhist center in Ulaanbaatar.
Gobi Cashmere Factory — Zaisan Memorial (Mongolia)
Gobi Cashmere Factory
One of the world's largest cashmere processing facilities, producing luxury textiles for the global market.