Tonyukuk Monument
Iconic hill memorial offering stunning 360-degree views of Ulaanbaatar and a glimpse into Soviet-Mongolian history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light for photos
Tonyukuk Monument
Best Time
Magical light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic hill memorial offering stunning 360-degree views of Ulaanbaatar and a glimpse into Soviet-Mongolian history.
"The definitive perspective of Ulaanbaatar, a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view."
👟 Conquer the Stairs
612 steps await! Wear comfortable shoes. You can drive closer, but the full experience is worth the climb.
📸 Capture the Vista
The panoramic views are incredible, especially at sunrise or sunset. Bring your camera!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City Views
Summit of Zaisan Hill
Breathtaking 360-degree views of Ulaanbaatar, contrasting modern towers with traditional ger districts.
Socialist-Era Mural
Circular summit mural
A massive, colorful mural depicting Soviet-Mongolian friendship and historical victories.
Zaisan Mall & Surroundings
Base of Zaisan Hill
Modern shopping, dining, and entertainment options at the foot of the monument.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Climb for the Views
Historical Context
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Conquer the Stairs
612 steps await! Wear comfortable shoes. You can drive closer, but the full experience is worth the climb.
📸 Capture the Vista
The panoramic views are incredible, especially at sunrise or sunset. Bring your camera!
🛍️ Explore the Base
The Zaisan Mall at the bottom offers food and shopping. A great spot to relax after your climb.
🧐 Understand the History
The monument celebrates Soviet-Mongolian friendship. Learn about its context for a richer visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Conquer the Stairs
612 steps await! Wear comfortable shoes. You can drive closer, but the full experience is worth the climb.
📸 Capture the Vista
The panoramic views are incredible, especially at sunrise or sunset. Bring your camera!
🛍️ Explore the Base
The Zaisan Mall at the bottom offers food and shopping. A great spot to relax after your climb.
🧐 Understand the History
The monument celebrates Soviet-Mongolian friendship. Learn about its context for a richer visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking panoramic views of Ulaanbaatar from Zaisan Hill, calling it a must-visit for any tourist. The historical mural and the convenience of the Zaisan Mall at the base are also highlighted as positives. Some find the climb challenging, but the reward is widely considered worth the effort.
"One of the must visit place for tourist where you can get panoramic view of Ulaanbaarar city. also very popular hangout place for Mongolians. There is also Zaisan Mall down, plenty of eating and shopping place."
Anand Mongol
"Incredible! Highly recommend coming to see Zaisan Monument. There’s also great food in the shopping center at the bottom of the stairs. Do be aware, the flight of stairs is 612 steps with 300 metres elevation. There’s a small parking lot at the base of the stairs. The views of the city are gorgeous too!"
emily p
"You can drove all the way to the foot of the monument and climb about 250 steps to the top. The entire Ulaanbaatar city will come into view. The monument itself s also very nicely constructed and colourful. Highly recommended!"
Eng Siong Lee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a taxi or a local bus towards the southern hills. Many visitors opt for a taxi for convenience, which can also take you closer to the base of the monument. Some tours might include transportation. +1
Yes, there is a small parking lot available at the base of the stairs leading up to the monument.
While it's a significant distance from the city center, it's possible to walk if you enjoy long hikes. However, most visitors use transportation to reach the base.
Many local tour operators in Ulaanbaatar include Zaisan Hill Monument as part of their city tours. It's a popular stop for experiencing the capital.
Taking a taxi is often recommended for ease of access to the base. You can then choose to climb the stairs or drive further up if possible. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the monument and the surrounding area is generally free. There are no admission fees to climb the stairs or enjoy the views.
The monument is typically accessible throughout the day, but it's best to visit during daylight hours for the best views and safety. Some sources suggest it's open now after a temporary closure.
While generally accessible, there was a period where it was reported as closed. It appears to be open again as of recent visitor accounts.
No specific restrictions are widely reported, but it's always advisable to be respectful of the monument and its surroundings.
No, there is no entrance fee to visit the Zaisan Hill Memorial. Access to the monument and the viewing areas is free of charge.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
There are approximately 612 steps to reach the top of Zaisan Hill. Some visitors mention driving closer to reduce the climb to around 250 steps. +1
It's most famous for the stunning panoramic views of Ulaanbaatar city and the surrounding landscape. The historical mural is also a significant feature. +1
Yes, families can visit. The climb might be challenging for very young children, but the views and the historical aspect can be engaging.
The monument is a socialist-era memorial celebrating Soviet-Mongolian friendship and commemorating victories in World War II.
Absolutely. The monument offers a definitive 360-degree perspective of the sprawling city, from modern downtown to traditional ger districts. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Zaisan Mall located at the base of the hill offers a variety of dining options, from local Mongolian cuisine to international fast food.
You can find a range of choices, including fast food options like KFC, which has a surprisingly diverse menu in Mongolia, and other local eateries. +1
Many visitors find the mall a convenient place to grab a meal after visiting the monument, with good reviews for its variety and accessibility.
While the mall has modern options, exploring slightly further into the city or asking locals can lead you to more traditional Mongolian restaurants.
While the monument itself doesn't have dining facilities, the Zaisan Mall at the base offers places to eat with views of the surrounding area.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for capturing the city and the monument. Clear days provide excellent visibility.
You can capture stunning panoramic cityscapes, the historical mural, and the monument itself against the backdrop of the Mongolian landscape.
The wide vantage point makes it easy to get great shots. Just be mindful of the sun's position for optimal lighting.
The entire summit offers incredible photo opportunities. The mural itself is a unique subject, and the different angles of the city provide endless possibilities.
Experiment with different angles from the summit. Capturing the monument with the city spread out behind it is a popular choice.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
At the base, the Zaisan Mall provides a convenient place for snacks, meals, and a break from climbing. It offers familiar fast-food options that kids often enjoy, alongside local choices. Consider visiting during cooler parts of the day to make the climb more comfortable for everyone.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Once there, you can enjoy the spectacular views and the historical monument without spending a dime. For food, the Zaisan Mall offers affordable options, including local eateries that are generally less expensive than tourist-focused restaurants in the city center.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't miss the opportunity to photograph the vibrant socialist-era mural at the summit, which provides a distinct artistic subject. Experiment with wide-angle lenses to capture the expansive cityscape and telephoto lenses to focus on specific architectural details.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Symbolism of Zaisan Hill
Visiting Zaisan Hill offers a unique opportunity to connect with Mongolia's 20th-century history. The monument's design and artistic style are deeply rooted in the political and cultural landscape of the Soviet era. Understanding this context enriches the visitor's experience, transforming a scenic overlook into a place of historical reflection. It's a powerful reminder of the geopolitical ties that shaped Mongolia during that period.
Beyond its historical narrative, the monument's location on a prominent hill overlooking the city was strategically chosen. It serves as a constant, visible reminder of the nation's past and its enduring relationships, offering a different perspective on the capital city's development and identity.
Experiencing Ulaanbaatar from Above
The Tuul River gracefully winds its way through the landscape, adding another layer to the scenic beauty. On clear days, the majestic Bogd Khan Mountain Range provides a stunning natural backdrop, framing the urban expanse. Whether you visit at sunrise, under the bright midday sun, or as the city lights begin to twinkle at dusk, the view from Zaisan Hill is consistently spectacular and offers a definitive perspective of Ulaanbaatar.
Many travelers find the climb itself to be part of the experience, with the 612 steps offering a sense of accomplishment before being rewarded with the incredible scenery. The sheer scale of the city laid out before you is often a surprise to visitors, highlighting Ulaanbaatar's status as one of the largest and most populous capitals in the region.
Modern Amenities at the Base
Within the mall, you can find a range of eateries, including international fast-food chains like KFC, which surprisingly offers a unique menu in Mongolia.
The development at the base also includes other entertainment options, making Zaisan Hill a well-rounded destination. It's a place where historical significance meets contemporary urban life, offering something for every visitor.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit