Here's some trivia we bet you didn't know: Ulaanbaatar (variously spelled Ulan Batar and even Ulan Bator) is the world's coldest capital city, with winter temperatures falling to minus 40 degrees F. But then, only the truly brave venture to Mongolia during the winter months — those (literally) in search of chills and thrills or on the trail of the elusive snow leopard.

For the rest of us, Mongolia is an enigma waiting to be discovered, and the best place to start is its capital city. Originally founded in 1639 C.E., Ulaanbaatar was part of the network of trading routes known as the Silk Road, and now sits neatly at the center of this landlocked country located between modern-day Russia and China.

With United Airlines adding a one-stop connection flight to Ulaanbaatar from several U.S. airports via Tokyo beginning in May, this fascinating, once-remote country is closer than ever for U.S. travelers looking for something truly off the beaten track.

Once you leave the capital city, luxury hotels — like the popular Three Camel Lodge in the Gobi desert down south or the newly opened Yeruu due north — are few and far between. But staying in a traditional dome-like tent known as ger (or yurt in some regions) is an unforgettable and unmissable experience in this part of the world. 

And the sheer diversity and magnificence of the landscapes across the country — from blue lakes up north to the arid desert of Gobi in the south with its abundance of still undiscovered dinosaur fossil sites, all the way to the ragged peaks of the Altai mountains in the west — are sure to take your breath away.

What to See

To get an idea about the history, culture, and customs of this country, it's best to start with a visit to the National Museum of Mongolia in Ulaanbaatar with its thousands of exhibits — some with artifacts dating back to the Paleolithic Age — that include textiles, jewelry, kitchen tools, and musical instruments. Another interesting site is the late 19th-century Bogd Khaan Palace Museum, which used to be the winter residence of the last monarch of Mongolia. It was spared by the Russian communist government during a destruction spree, and eventually turned into a museum in 1926, along with six temples complete with Buddhist thangka paintings and statues. 

Speaking of spared temples, don't forget to drop in at the 200-year-old Choijin Lama Temple Museum in the heart of the city to admire both its classical architecture and its marvelous collection of art and artifacts (look out for the fierce Tsam dance masks) housed in the multiple shrines within the complex. And to see how Tibetan Buddhism has managed to survive and even thrive in this country, head to Gandantegchilen Monastery, with its scores of active worshippers near the imposing Bodhisattva (Buddha of Compassion) statue.

And if you're feeling all cultured out, spend an evening of people-watching at the central plaza known as Sukhbaatar Square, surrounded by government buildings and museums.

The name is in honor of revolutionary leader Damdiny Sukhbaatar, under whose statue locals meet to socialize, play, and protest.

Where to eat

Given the harsh climate for several months of the year, Mongolian cuisine is hearty and heavy on meat, all of it usually washed down with airag (a drink of fermented mare's milk), arkhi (a distilled alcohol made from airag) or a shot of local vodka. Be sure to try the steamed dumplings known as buuz, the deep-fried, meat-filled hot pockets called huushuur, and the dish of fried noodles with meat called tsuvian.

Ulaanbaatar is like any modern capital city, with plenty of dining options — from traditional Mongolian cuisine (with young chefs giving it a fresh twist) to modern, even vegan restaurants. Modern Nomads has several outlets across town and is a great place to try Mongolian food; locals love to eat here, so you know it's likely to be good. Naadam Bar and Restaurant at Shangri La Hotel has a multi-cuisine menu, with vegetarian options as well as a limited selection of excellent Mongolian dishes. 

Both locals and tourists throng the Grand Khaan Irish Pub most evenings, so head there to knock back a potent pint of Mongolian Chinggis beer before dinner. But if one beer turns to four, just know that their food menu is decent, with a wide selection ranging from soups and salads to pizzas and burgers. And if you want a change from local fare, then make your way to Terazza for a Mediterranean meal that includes pastas and pizzas (try the lamb kofta pizza) or La Rosa Tapas and Tequila Bar for some delightful Spanish-Mexican fusion food.

Where to shop

Find your pick of soft Mongolian cashmere products at Gobi Cashmere or Evseg Cashmere, both boutiques situated within walking distance of Sukhbaatar Square. Mongolian vodka is another great souvenir to carry home, even if only for the exquisite collectible bottles. Look for Chinggis Khan Gold or Eden, easily available in supermarkets across town. Golden Gobi Mongolian chocolate is surprisingly good and comes in attractive ger-shaped packaging with cute Mongolian motifs.

And just for a lark — or who knows, you may perhaps find something of interest to buy — visit the multistoried State Department Store. A relic of olden days when the government controlled everything in the country, this is now a swanky(ish) supermarket-meets-shopping mall that sells everything from cheeses and chocolates to leather boots and lipsticks, not to forget fridge magnets and assorted touristy gewgaws.

Where to stay

For a luxury stay with familiar brand names, you can't do better than the Kempinski Hotel Khan Palace and the Shangri La, both located in the city center and with multiple dining options. The Blue Sky Hotel and Tower, named for its signature sailboat-shaped façade (reminiscent of Dubai's iconic Burj Al Arab Jumeirah) has 200 spacious rooms and a rooftop lounge bar on the 24th floor offering small bites, cocktails, and a commanding view of the bustling heart of the city. Edelweiss Art Hotel is a stylish boutique hotel located away from the bustle of the downtown area, where the walls are laden with gorgeous paintings from local artists. 

How to get there

The Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar is your main entry point into the country, from where you can travel onwards by road or air to other destinations. Flight connections are getting better every year, connecting Europe and the U.S. with one stopover in an Asian city like Hong Kong, Tokyo, or Seoul.

When to go

June to August is summertime in Mongolia and when most tourists prefer to visit the country. However, it can get blazing hot in the capital and the Gobi region, so try to go between mid-May and mid-June or between late August and early October for more comfortable weather. 

Know before you go

• Cash is king in this country, so don't depend on plastic for eating and shopping, especially outside Ulaanbaatar, and even in the smaller shops and restaurants within.
  
  
• Don't miss a Tumen Ekh ensemble performance, which serves up a mix of traditional music and dance, including the masked Tsam dance that is integral to Tibetan Buddhist culture, and the singularly mesmerizing Mongolian throat singing.
  
  
• Domestic flights are pretty unreliable and operate only on certain days of the week, so keep some leeway in your travel plans within Mongolia.