Nomiĭn Khüree, Ikh Khüree, Bogdiin Khuree, Da Khüree or simply Khüree, via Chinese into Western languages as “Kulun” or “Kuren” or Urga, in a few hundered years, there have been many names.
With independence in 1911 the city’s name was changed to Niĭslel Khüree (“Capital Camp”) and then in 1924 “Red Hero” or Ulan Batur. Not and never “UB”.
A hodge-podge of Soviet, classical Russian, squatter camps, central Asian bazaars and Buddhist monastries, the city is not why you have come to this end of the world country, but there’s stuff to see, and plenty which will grab your attention, if not your heart.
Ulan Batur means "red hero" and is spelled various ways. It is never called "UB", except by Lonely Planeteers.
It's not much to look at, but the markets are worth a peek, there are some Buddhist temples and monuments.
Trains arrive here from (China and Russia?) and it is the hub for departures to other parts.
Mongol belief systems are too complex to go into here: the Mongol empires absorbed widely from its conquered lands. Tibetan Buddhism is a major influence.
The 1810 Gandan Monastry is one such temple. Doing my homework now, I wish I had seen more of the monuments of the capital.
Besides the monastries, Ulan Batur has several musuems along the usual lines, as well as military, railway, theatrical and others.
The city centre has classical Russian influences, mixed with shabby office blocks and shops.
Nomad ger squat on vacant land, and Soviet style apartments protrude into the sky.
With a population of just 1.5million, the countryside is never far away.
Every Mongolian is a nomad at heart, even city dwellers. I visited these pastures outside town with people I met on the train in.
While you won't be coming to Mongolia for Ulan Batur, it's not a bad place, so relax and give it a chance.