Sightseeing in Ulan-Ude - what to see. Complete travel guide
Ulan Ude is the capital of the Buryat Republic. The city is located not far from the Lake Baikal, the world-famous nature attraction. The city foundation began in 1666. Originally, it had the status of the important trade center, as it was located on the Tea Road. The wonderful historical district of Ulan Ude has been preserved to this day. It attracts thousands of tourists. The Old City District is quite small, so it is very pleasant to walk here.
When walking, travelers can see wonderful merchants’ mansions and wooden houses decorated with fine carvings. There are also several outstanding constructions built in the 17th century. Modern architectural masterpieces will also attract inquisitive tourists. The striking example of it is the incredibly beautiful building of the Buryat Drama Theatre.
The history and cultural heritage of Ulan Ude are unique. The city is in the list of the most important Historic Cities of Russia. In total, there are over 230 cultural objects, so the excursion program here is very eventful and diverse. In addition to architectural constructions, city monuments are interesting too. You can see fascinating sculptures in the territory of any district.
The cultural image of Ulan Ude is still developing. New architectural masterpieces regularly appear here. One of the most important events was the opening of the fountain on Theatre Square. Many people prefer admiring it after dark. When the sun sets, the fountain is decorated with spectacular artistic lights. The cultural life of the city is rich with beautiful holidays that may turn into an unforgettable adventure for travelers. Interesting national age-old holidays and noisy modern festivals are held here. Every year, interesting events are held in Buddhist monasteries. Everyone can witness some monks’ rites.
In the city surroundings, there are unique nature attractions. Nature admirers can see here the wonderful waterfall called Small Zhombolok. It is over 20 m high. Over hundreds of years, this waterfall has been a sacred object for the local people. Near the waterfall head, there is a small gazebo that has survived to this day. The waterfall is surrounded by amazing forests. The hiking route to it will turn into an unforgettable adventure.
Sable Lake is one of the biggest ponds in the region. It attracts tourists with its inimitable beauty. There are age-old forests growing along the lake shores. The shores have a spectacular view of the mountains. In a warm period, tourists can choose from dozens of hiking routes of different length.
The guests of Ulan Ude have an opportunity to visit one of the largest outdoor museums in Russia, the Ethnographic Museum of the People of Transbaikal. It occupies about 37 hectares. The museum presents over 40 architectural monuments transferred here from different parts of the region. Each of the old houses stores the collection of interesting historical and ethnographic exhibits. The museum collection includes over 11 000 artifacts. For the visitors’ convenience, the large area of the museum is divided into several themed zones.
As for religious monuments of Ulan Ude, one of the most famous is Atsagatsky Datsan (Temple) founded in 1825. It was being built without any prior official permission. The historic construction has been preserved in an excellent form to this day. It was built in accordance with national traditions. The temple has a view of picturesque natural landscapes surrounding it.
In the city, there is the interesting Geological Museum. Here, you will discover that in the surroundings of Ulan Ude deposits of rare minerals have been found. The museum is located in the beautiful historic mansion that belonged to the local wealthy merchant at one time. Here, you can see rare samples of minerals and rocks that are produced in Buryatia. Educational excursions are also held for children here.
In the beautiful pedestrian street called Buryatsky Arbat, there is the Ulan Ude History Museum. It houses the multifaceted collections of different exhibits, from historical documents and pieces of art to the natives’ personal items.
This guide to iconic landmarks and sights of Ulan-Ude is protected by the copyright law. You can re-publish this content with mandatory attribution: direct and active hyperlink to www.orangesmile.com.
City tours, excursions and tickets in Ulan-Ude and surroundings
Sights around Ulan-Ude from our guide 'Extreme places on Earth'
Lake Baikal
From the series “The Cleanest Lakes and Rivers of the Planet”
Check on the map: 
Distance from Ulan-Ude center - 154.2 km.
Scientists still don’t know exactly about the lake origin. Some say that it has appeared after the tectonic activity and the approximate age of the lake is estimated at 25 million years. There are about 2 600 species of the lake inhabitants. More than a half of water inhabitants are endemic, you can’t see them in any other basin of the world. The main ecological problem of Lake Baikal is the sewage. A large number of small and middle-sized rivers fall into the lake, and several of them are polluted with the industrial waste. …
Read further Distance from Ulan-Ude center - 154.2 km.
Baikal Lake
From the series “Top 15 Unesco Sites in Russia”
Check on the map: Distance from Ulan-Ude center - 154.1 km.
Baikal is remarkable not only for its impressive scale and unusual theory of formation. It is the center of a unique natural area. Directly in the lake there are more than 2600 species of animals, among which 50% are endemic animals. Baikal's water is rich in oxygen, which creates a comfortable environment for the development and residence of a variety of aquatic animal species. Nowadays, travellers have an opportunity to fully appreciate the beauty of the amazing Baikal. They can go on a cruise on the lake-sea or stroll along its picturesque shores. On its shores there are several interesting and original settlements. …
Read further Distance from Ulan-Ude center - 154.1 km.
Car rental on OrangeSmile.com
Expo 2020 in Dubai Was Visited by More Than 7 Million Visitors
If you haven’t visited this event yet, there is still time to book a hotel in Dubai because Expo 2020 Dubai runs until 31 March 2022. People who are unable to visit the emirate can make a virtual tour on the Expo 2020 website. By the way, the virtual visitation has already reached 31.6 million by the end of December.
Read this
27.09.2023
If you haven’t visited this event yet, there is still time to book a hotel in Dubai because Expo 2020 Dubai runs until 31 March 2022. People who are unable to visit the emirate can make a virtual tour on the Expo 2020 website. By the way, the virtual visitation has already reached 31.6 million by the end of December.
Read this
27.09.2023
Search touristic sites on the map of Ulan-Ude
All about Ulan-Ude, Russia - sightseeings, attractions, touristic spots, architecture, history, culture and cuisine. Prepare your trip together with OrangeSmile.com - find out the 'must see' things in Ulan-Ude, which places to visit, which excursions to take, where the breathtaking views are waiting for you. Planning your trip with this travel guide will help your to get the most out of Ulan-Ude in few days.
