Ulan Ude is an important commercial and industrial center of Eastern Siberia, located on the 5640th kilometer of the Trans-Siberian Railway.Ulan-Ude is a favorite city along the Trans-Siberian.Ulan-Ude is situated at the junction of two rivers (Uda andSelenga) between two mountain ranges: Khamar-Daban and Ulan-Burgasy.

The first occupants of the area where Ulan-Udenow stands were the Evenks and, later, the Buryat Mongols. Ulan-Ude(old name Verkhneudinsk) was founded in 1666 by the Russian Cossacks as fortress Udinskoye. Due to its favorable geographical position, the city grew rapidly and became a large trade centre which connected Russia with China and Mongolia.  The Trans-Siberian Railway reached the city in 1900 causing an explosion in growth. 1934 the city was renamedUlan-Ude (Red Gates orRed River).

Nowadays it is the capital of Buryatia republic that is a home for Buryat, Evenk and Russian people. More than 50% of people inUlan-Udeare native Buryats. The city itself has a distinct Asian-like feel, perhaps because of the cultural mix and proximity toMongolia. There are about 400 000 inhabitants, but it seems to be very calm and local people are friendly to visitors. The main attractions are considered to be the Buddhist Datsan, Ethnographic Museum, a History and Nature Museums in the city, and, of course, Lake Baikal, which is250 kilometersaway.

Spend a couple of days in the city, walk around, visit the local History Museum (great expositions of local and Buddhist culture) and Museum of Nature (interesting exposition about history, flora and fauna of Baikal lake).
Go out of the city to visit Ivolginsky Datsan (30 minutes by bus). It is located in a dale surrounded by the mountains – very picturesque. There’s also a village nearby, and a cheap hotel inside the Datsan. If you like camping, it is a perfect spot. Just go behind the Datsan and put your tent there. In the morning you can refresh yourself in a small lively river.
Visit the Ethnographic Museum (10 min by bus from the center of the city + 15 minutes walking). You can learn there about history and traditions of native tribes (Buryats and Evenks), see how they yurts looked like. You can go inside all the houses, and see how people lived many years ago.

On the main square there is Lenin’s head-monument. The bronze head was built in 1970 and is 12 tons and13,5 metershigh. The monument was found the best one among others Lenin’s monuments.

In the city there is a number of theatres, also known abroad. It is Buryat State Theatre of Drama n.a. Khots Namsaraev, State Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet,RepublicanArt Museumn.a. Sampilov. There are several museums, galleries that introduce you to Buryat history and culture.

The city is authentic and very friendly; it is an unusual and charming city. Ulan Ude has all to make your holiday comfortable, amazing and broad-ranging. 

GMT +9 hours

Ulan Ude city website: www.uude.ru