knowsley safari park yearly pass

Knowsley Safari Ticket Portal

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It is the time you can arrive to Knowsley Safari from (not the time you need to do the Safari Drive) - we understand you may arrive a bit earlier, so we allow admission 15 minutes beforehand. We have limited space before our admission and no toilets.

We can allow entry 15 minutes before the time slot on your booking - please do not arrive earlier as we have limited space to wait.

Don't panic, bring them along on the day and we can accept contactless card payment on arrival for payment.

Carers Concession - From January 1st 2024 we will only be accepting the Nimbus disability Access Card as proof that a visitor requires an essential companion to assist you with your visit. To apply for an Access Card please click the following link.  https://www.knowsleysafariexperience.co.uk/access-card  Please allow 10 days for your application to be processed before visiting. Visitors without an Access Card will be charged the standard admission price on arrival.

Yes you can get out of your vehicle to experience our foot safari.

You must not get out of your car whilst on the safari drive.

We’re only taking online bookings to make your visit with us as contactless as possible. You can book an allowed time slot online even on the same day as your visit! However, with reduced capacity and allocated time slots we recommend booking in advance as tickets have been selling out.

Yes, if you’d rather not bring your own, we have wheelchairs, pushchairs and mobility scooters available to hire from the information centre. Take a look at our price list for 1-day hire below

Single Stroller £8.00

Double Stroller £12.00

Wheelchair £5.00 (£20.00 deposit)

Mobility Scooter £20.00 (£50.00 deposit)

If you are a blue badge holder, we have a dedicated parking area for those with disabilities. Disabled parking bays are adjacent to the entrance, next to the coach park. You can also access the walk around entrance with ease as there is no kerb between the parking bays and entrance.

If you have purchased tickets for The Lord Chamberlains Men outdoor theatre event you will have the option to have tickets posted out at a charge of £2. Alternatively you can opt for an e-ticket to download and print at home or sent to a mobile phone at a fee of £0.50.   For any other event at Knowsley Hall you will receive an e-ticket that you can show on your mobile phone or tablet.

Guests are not required to wear a face covering when inside the Hall

There are toilets in the Hall that will be open for use.  

Animals are not permitted on the Knowsley Estate.

Should you have a disability please alert us prior to your arrival so we can inform the team and advise you where best to park and enter the Hall.  Whilst we make every effort to make as many rooms in the Hall as wheelchair accessible as possible, due to the nature and age of the building we are unable to guarantee all the rooms have easy access.

Tickets to events are non-refundable and non-transferable.   You may be offered the option to move your booking to an alternative date should there be availability and you notify us within reasonable notice.  In the event of us cancelling the event you will be offered a full refund.

There is free parking facilities on site

There is no cash machine on site but we do have a card facility.

For Sat Nav purposes please use postcode L34 4AJ. This will take you to George Hale Avenue.

For our Guided Tours of Knowsley Hall a carer of a registered, paying, disabled visitor is entitled to complimentary admission to Knowsley Hall.  Carer’s must provide evidence such as a blue badge or documentation from the DWP.  Please call the estate office on 0151 489 4827 to notify us before purchasing your ticket. 

• Call us : 0151 430 9009
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• Registered Company Name : Stanley Enterprise
• Branch Address : Knowsley Safari Park, Prescot, Merseyside, L34 4AN
• Registered Company Address : Estate Office, Knowsley Hall, Knowsley Park, Prescot , Merseyside , L34 4AG

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Knowsley Safari Park

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Situated on the Earl of Derby’s estate, just outside Prescot in Merseyside, Knowsley Safari Park offers visitors the chance to take a 5-mile drive in their cars through enclosures filled with wildlife such as elephants, rhinos, bison, zebra, baboons, wildebeest, emus, tigers, and lions.

The Walkabout Area allows visitors to see some of the animals from outside their vehicles. Animals here include elephants, giraffes, otters, and meerkats. Mizzy Lake Farm features farmyard animals such as cows, rabbits, and pigs, while the Bug House is filled with insects, reptiles, and amphibians. The Sea Lion Show features performances from the park’s resident Californian sea lions. When not performing they can be observed through a large underwater viewing window.

Knowsley Safari Park also features a small amusement park with a number of rides catering to small children and Aerial Extreme, a high ropes adventure course.

Knowsley Safari Park is open every day between March 1 and October 31. Opening times are 10 am to 4 pm. In the winter months it is open at weekends only. It opens at 10.30 am with last admission at 3 pm.

Tickets cost £15 for adults (16 and over), and £11 for children (3 – 15) and pensioners (60 years and over). Tickets cover entry to the Safari Drive, Mizzy Lake Farm, Walkabout Area, Bug House, and Sea Lion Show. Tickets for Aerial Extreme and the amusement park must be purchased separately.

Visitors buying their tickets online from the official website receive a 10 percent discount. Voucher codes giving half price entry and other deals are frequently published on the official Knowsley Safari Park Facebook page.

The Safari Drive is a drive through attraction and visitors must travel in their own vehicles. Vehicles with soft tops are not permitted to enter the lion or baboon areas of the park.

Knowsley Safari Park is located around 8 miles east of Liverpool. To reach it, leave the M62 at Junction 6 and take the M57 (signposted for Southport). After driving for around 2 miles exit the M57 at Junction 2 and follow the brown tourist signs for Knowsley Safari Park. Visitors with satellite navigation systems can use the postcode L34 4AN to find it.

Map showing location of Knowsley Safari Park.

Address and postcode Knowsley Safari Park Prescot Merseyside United Kingdom L34 4AN

Visit Knowsley Safari Park Website

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Reviews and Additional Information

First time at the park today. It was fantastic and will be going back very soon. Everyone at at Knowsley very helpful and happy. Thank you for a great day.

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Knowsley Safari Park Annual Pass

excited99 · 18/08/2013 01:25

Sounds great.

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Knowsley Safari Park Access Register

About your application, thanks for applying to join the knowsley safari park access registration scheme..

This scheme will provide you with an access registration code to give you the opportunity to book accessible ticketing options at Knowsley Safari Park.

To do this there needs to be a consistent way to evidence and report access requirements to ensure that these valuable accessible resources are kept solely for the use of those that need them.

As such, this scheme is run in partnership with us; Nimbus Disability, the independent organisation and social enterprise behind the Access Card scheme.

We are an organisation run by and for disabled people who specialise in helping disabled people communicate their evidenced access requirements.

We do this by thinking about the barriers you face when visiting events by using a range of symbols which quickly communicate to Knowsley Safari Park booking teams what reasonable adjustments you might need.

Already got an Access Card?

Good news! If you already have an Access Card you're already registered with Knowsley Safari Park.

Find out how to link your Access Card details with the venue's access registration .

Please note; this only applies to Access Card holders and does not apply if you are members of a different access registration scheme

In the next pages, you will be asked some questions about your specific access requirements.

It is important to be aware that our decision-making is based on principles of the United Nations Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and local legislation, and we help you communicate the types of reasonable adjustments you should be legally entitled to.

This is not the same as other decision-making systems you may be used to such as claiming disability benefits.

Sometimes we may not award the access requirement that you might expect - for example:

• Not all people that need a level of support reach the threshold of legally being entitled to adjustments such as free/reduced rate companion tickets
• Not all people that use an accessible toilet will qualify for the WC symbol
• Not all assistance dogs reach the threshold of evidencing an appropriate level of training to say that they can perform their jobs in otherwise hostile environments
• People that can stand and queue but face other barriers that might otherwise make queuing difficult might find their needs represented with symbols and adjustments other than the standing and queuing symbol

For this reason, the threshold for making decisions is high and each adjustment we consider must have an appropriate description of need and supporting evidence.

It is essential that you read the guidance notes against each symbol before submitting an answer and give a good description of your need.

There is also guidance to ensure that the supporting information you upload is enough to back up the needs described in your application.

Still, we recommend that you submit what you have and the team can follow up for more information after your application has been submitted if needed.

Alongside the evidence that you provide, you will also need to upload a document, such as a driving licence or passport that confirms your identity, along with a passport-style photo for your pass. Please try to ensure that the image is clear and shows a true likeness.

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Knowsley Safari - 4 Person Day Pass W/Code

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• Adventure calls at Knowsley Safari, save 50% on a 4 person pass now!
• Meet baboons and lions on their 5-mile safari drive, the longest in the UK.
• Explore their tiger trail and experience sea lion and bird of prey displays.
• Pre-booking is required.
• Voucher valid from 1st July to 31st August 2024 for 4 individuals of any age.

• Voucher can only be used once.
• Voucher valid from 1st July - 31st August 2024.
• Valid for 4 individuals of any age.
• Price is based on gate price.
• Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount.
• Please note: You enter the park at your own risk, Knowsley Safari accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage caused to your vehicle by our animals. Please be aware that all children must be accompanied by an adult. Cars with soft tops or vinyl sunshine roofs are not permitted to drive through the Lion or Baboon enclosures. Convertibles must keep the roof closed for the entire safari drive, open-top vehicles are not permitted. Also, vehicles with PVC skylights will have to take the car-friendly route.
• Vehicles with cracked windscreens or any safety defects are not permitted in the baboon and lion enclosure. Rooftop boxes are not permitted through the baboon enclosure.
• We reserve the right to refuse entry of any vehicle to any part of the Safari drive on safety grounds for both public and animal welfare.
• We regret that dogs are not permitted except for assistance dogs where restrictions to certain areas apply.
• Please click the following link to redeem your unique code: tickets.knowsleysafariexperience.co.uk/eve…103
• Select 4 individual passes.
• Choose your date and time then enter your unique code at the checkout into the 'Discount Code' box.
• You will then be emailed your confirmation ticket which you will need to show on arrival.

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Wondering when we're open?

The last safari admission is 3.00 pm and the last entry to the safari drive is 3.30pm, our amusement rides are open from 12-5 pm on weekdays and from 11 - 5.30 pm on weekends and school holidays..

We are open Mondays to Fridays from 10 am to 5 pm and weekends from 10 am to 5:30 pm and the last entry onto the Safari Drive is 3:30 pm. Please do not attempt to enter the drive after the last entry time as you will be refused entry so allow plenty of time in your day to do everything.

Our amusement rides are open from 12-5 pm on weekdays and from 11 - 5:30 pm on weekends and school holidays.

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Untypical Russia: Buryatia Region

You are here.

Travelers going to Russia on Trans-Siberian tours often have no idea about what they'll actually be lucky to see, experience, and discover while there. Is it only narrowed down to balalaikas and matryoshkas? Certainly, not!

The biggest country in the world has many one-of-a-kind corners in stock, as such, the enigmatic Buryatia Region is among the most off-the-beaten-path destinations in Russia, boasting the combination of unique cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and pure nature with glorious Lake Baikal as icing on the cake.

A melting pot blending centuries of intertwining cultures and religions, a place to be fairly classified among “the world’s paths less traveled”, a destination that was once home to a “lost” city which wasn’t on the maps and closed for foreign visitors, a region with unparalleled nature... Buryatia will surely surprise you!

This ancient and magnificent place has everything for nature enthusiasts: the untouched beauty of the Siberian taiga, the worldwide famous freshwater Lake Baikal, crystal-clear rivers and waterfalls, majestic snow-covered peaks of the Sayan Mountains, and fresh air filled with the scent of wildflowers and herbs. What’s not to love?

Natural Wonders in Buryatia

• Siberian taiga;
• Lake Baikal;
• Sayan Mountains;
• Chamar-Daban Mountain Range;
• Ushkan Islands;
• Svyatoy Nos Peninsula.

A Few Facts About Buryatia

Many people wonder if Buryatia is actually a country (small spoiler: it’s not). The Republic of Buryatia is a subject of the Russian Federation and is part of Russia’s Siberian Federal District. Its administrative and cultural center is Ulan-Ude.

So where is Buryatia exactly? Speaking about the Buryatia location, it is beneficially placed on the crossroads between Russia, Mongolia, and China, explaining the region’s rich natural, historical, and cultural heritage. If you take a look at the world map, you will see that according to its size Buryatia can be easily compared to Germany.

The Buryatia climate is sharply continental with cold, dry, and frosty winters and hot summers with heavy rainfalls in July and August. The average temperature in summer is +18,5 ℃ (+64,4 °F), in winter -22 ℃ (-7,6 °F). Sudden weather changes are not typical for this region, so you can easily plan activities during your Trans-Siberian trip .

Lake Baikal

In eastern Siberia, between the Irkutsk Oblast to the northwest and Buryatia to the southeast is located another wonder of the planet, the world’s oldest (20 million–25 million years old) and deepest (1637 m or 5370,7 ft) freshwater lake, the Baikal.

The origins of the name are unknown, but people from different regions created their own versions: rich fire (Mongolian), rich lake (Turkic), deep water (Yakut), northern sea (Chinese). One thing’s certain: this UNESCO World Heritage treasure is absolutely well-worth visiting and undoubtedly should be included in your Russian travel itinerary !

Quick Buryatia Facts

• What is it? The Republic of Buryatia is a subject of the Russian Federation and is part of Russia’s Siberian Federal District.
• Where is it? It is located on the crossroad between Russia, Mongolia, and China.
• What's the weather like? The average temperature in summer is +18,5 ℃ (+64,4 °F), in winter -22 ℃ (-7,6 °F).

Unbelievable Ulan-Ude

During your trip to Buryatia paying a visit to its heart, Ulan-Ude , is one of the absolute must-dos! It is the capital of the Republic of Buryatia and home for the Buryat, Evenk, and Russian people. Being the major hub of the region, Ulan-Ude is one of eastern Siberia's most likable cities which has a distinct Asian-like vibe, perhaps because of the cultural mixture and proximity to Mongolia. Here you’ll definitely feel more of Asia than Russia as half of the people living here are Buryats.

Did you know that just a few decades ago Ulan-Ude was closed for all foreigners? Let's delve into the history of the city and solve this mystery together! Founded as a Cossack fort called Udinsk (later Verkhneudinsk) in 1666, the city prospered thanks to its title as the most important stop on the tea-caravan route from China via Troitskosavsk (now Kyakhta).

After being renamed to Ulan-Ude in 1934, it was a ghost city all the way up to the 1980s because of its secret military plants. Even now there are still mysterious blank spaces on the maps of the city. Are you ready to discover the lost pearl of Russia?

Ulan-Ude Today

Today with its unique Asian spirit, fascinating architecture, and unique Mongol-Buddhist culture the Buryat capital, Ulan-Ude, welcomes tourists from all over the world with open arms! It is the perfect place for you to experience the wonders and mysticism of Siberia’s east.

Without a doubt, Ulan-Ude has a special atmosphere that differs from any other Russian city, as well as boasts its own ethnic holidays, festivals, sports, folklore, and style of life. It is still a significant commercial and industrial center and the third most populated Siberian city, located on the 5640th kilometer (9076th mile) of the Trans-Siberian Railway.

Best Places to Visit in Ulan-Ude

In fact, Ulan-Ude attractions are literally met at every step. Among the places worth a stop here is the Ulan-Ude Ethnographic Museum , an amusing outdoor museum with more than 11000 exhibits. In the downtown area, tourists can experience the enchantment of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Smolensk , while this cathedral was used as an anti-religious center during the Soviet Union, it has now been restored to its original purpose.

Moreover, prepare to see the top brand-maker of the Republic of Buryatia, one of the stark Soviet remnants - the largest Head of Vladimir Lenin statue which creates an unusual and interesting contrast against the heavily eastern influences.

Furthermore, the city is surrounded by a vast forest which is usual for the Siberian region and perfect for nature lovers. So whether you wish to explore the old town or go for a hike, Ulan-Ude is a wonderful addition to any vacation to Russia !

The Buryats and Their Unusual Culture

Although most foreigners who’d see a Buryat would most probably not even guess that he or she is a Russian, the Buryats are especially warm-hearted and vibrant people who are one of Russia’s most ancient indigenous clans and among the largest Siberian nationalities. Integral to the culture of south-central Siberia, the estimated Buryatia population is over 500 thousand people.

The Buryats treasure their historical heritage and carefully pass down their unique customs from generation to generation. Interestingly, the Buryat people are the descendants of Mongolian tribes, inhabiting the area for over a millennium. Many local traditions were created by Mongolians, including vertical writing script and the nomadic lifestyle.

Variety of Colors

The first distinctive feature that strikes the eye of foreigners is the fact that the Buryat culture is full of colors. They are actively used in their religious practices and every color has its special meaning, even the fabrics used for a Buryat traditional costume are also very bright and vivid.

The Buryats believe that everyone has their own color which is assigned to a person according to his or her birth year. During your Russia trip to Buryatia, you also have a unique chance to find out about your special color! You can do it in the most famous Buryat Buddhist temple, Ivolginsky Datsan, about which we tell you a bit later. So stay tuned!

Hospitality

Traditional Siberian hospitality is also worth mentioning. You can see all cultural peculiarities yourself during a visit to an ethnic Buryat village and the Russian Old-believers’ Village which are absolute “musts” for all guests of Buryatia.

Don’t miss the opportunity to get an insight into the fascinating character and lifestyle of the local people, treat yourself with delicious organic Buryat food (cooked according to ancient recipes), and let yourself be enchanted by unusual Buryat music, filled with sounds of the wild wind and singing of the Russian Old-believers’ choir, accredited by UNESCO as a part of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The Buryats The Buryats are especially warm-hearted and vibrant people who are one of Russia’s most ancient indigenous clans and among the largest Siberian nationalities. Integral to the culture of south-central Siberia, the estimated Buryatia population is over 500 thousand people.

Buryatia Language

Buryatia welcomes everyone with a warm “Mende!” on the lips, it is the equivalent of the English "Hello!". See? You already learned your first word in Buryat, let’s collect even more during your journey to this unusual part of Russia! The Buryat language is another wonder of the region which you can’t experience anywhere else in the world!

It's important to mention that the territory was colonized in the 17th century by the Russians who were looking for wealth, furs, and gold. This had a consequential impact on the way of local life and led to the formation of the Buryat ethnos. Moreover, the Soviet ideology had a significant impact on the traditional culture, religion, and of course language of the Buryats too. The Cyrillic script was adopted as the Buryat literary language and though Buryat as a language is still in use, can you believe that it is classified as endangered by UNESCO? The Soviet government restricted its use during the USSR, and as a result, the number of speakers has dropped, despite lifting the restriction at the end of the Soviet Union.

Religion in Buryatia

The events that took place in the history of Buryatia left a deep mark on the fate of its people, their system of social relations, culture, and, of course, religion. The whole region is thrown a cloak of legends and stories about local magical spirits and their mesmerizing spells. Want to learn more about them?

Buryatia is the place where numerous different religions and cultures have developed side by side for centuries, including Buddhism, Shamanism, Russian Orthodoxy, and Old-Believer Christianity. The Buryats' religious systems were led by shamans and were originally based on the deification of nature, belief in spirits, and their magical powers. Shamanism and Buddhism play the most important role in the present-day Buryat belief system. The Buryats from the south part of the region are mostly influenced by Tibetan Buddhism while Shamanism is more developed in the west.

However, over the course of history, these two religious systems adopted many features and aspects of each other, such as colorful ribbons and material tied to branches and sticks symbolizing prayers. Going to Lake Baikal, you are surely going to encounter trees covered in multicolored ribbons, so now you know that this is more than just an element of decor.

A true miracle in the Buddhist world is the phenomenon of Pandito Khambo-Lama Dashi Dorzho Itigelov whose imperishable body was lifted to the surface of the Earth after its burial and remained intact for over 80 years!

This phenomenon was widely discussed in the mass media, many round tables and conferences were held, even a film was created and a lot of materials were collected about Itigelov’s life and activities, but even now nobody can give a clear explanation of this mystery. Wanna try to unravel this secret too? You can pay a visit to this great teacher and see his precious imperishable body in the most famous Buddhist temple of Buryatia – the Ivolginsky Datsan.

The Ivolginsky Datsan (or Khambyn Sume) is a large Buddhist monastic complex and the center of the Buddhist Traditional Sangha of Russia which is the biggest Buddhist community in Buryatia.

This temple is a unique monument of history and architecture, located in the Republic of Buryatia in the village of Verkhnyaya Ivolga, 36 km from the center of Ulan-Ude.

This landmark is visited by many pilgrims and tourists from different countries every year. Nowadays, held in the Datsan Khats-services are dedicated to the most important events of Buddhist history.

You can become a witness of daily rituals that are organized in honor of the protectors and guardians of the teachings and ancient rites that protect believers from various negative forces.

On the territory of the monastery, visitors can find the residence of Khambo Lama, the library building, the academic buildings of the Buddhist University Dashi Choinhorlin named after Damba Darja Zayaeva, and a museum of Buddhist art monuments.

All in all, Buryatia is a unique place and real symbol of Eurasia, representing the colorful mix of European and Asian cultures, with its special history, bright mentality, and special atmosphere which will take a part of your heart forever. All the mentioned above is far from being a complete list of what makes a visit to Buryatia during Trans-Siberian travel worth it, do you already feel like adding it to your bucket list?

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Ulan-Ude in Russia | Travel Guide to the Capital City of Buryatia

By Author Christian L.

Posted on Published: December 1, 2021  - Last updated: December 14, 2021

Categories Destinations , Europe , Russia

In the south of Russia, near the border of Mongolia, lies Ulan-Ude, Buryatia. This city is an intriguing mixture of cultural diversity and wondrous scenery. Ulan-Ude is a hidden gem famous for Siberian Buddhism and so much more. 

The Republic of Buryatia is a federal subject of Russia located on the outskirts of East Siberia. It sits just off the Selenga River, with fabulous attractions like Lake Baikal not too far away. There are only around 404,000 inhabitants with very few foreign travelers, which makes this unexplored territory for even the most seasoned travelers. Ulan-Ude is also the last stop along the Trans Mongolian railway in Russia.

Luckily, this guide will cover everything you need to know before your trip to Ulan-Ude, Siberia. Whether you’re planning a trip with the Trans-Siberian Railway or backpacking across Far East Russia, keep reading to learn more about the city, where to stay, and what to see.  

Why Ulan-Ude Should Be on Your Bucket List

Ulan-Ude, Russia, is particularly special. Here, you’ll find a mixed bag of activities, culture, and lush green, isolated rural regions. While this may not be the best place for a tropical holiday, it is certainly a wonderful addition to the curious traveler’s bucket list.

Ulan-Ude was founded in 1668, originally named Udinskoye because of the Uda River that runs straight through the middle of the city. It is home to Russians, Buryats, Tatars, and Ukrainians, among a few others. 

Ulan-Ude is known as the heart of Tibetan Buddhism in Russia but is also a safe haven for people of all religious backgrounds. The city’s ethnographic museum showcases this unique range of history, culture, and spirituality, which makes this a must-experience destination. 

The lush foothills of the Ulan-Burgas and Khamar-Daban mountain ranges offer a space for cattle and traditional agriculture techniques to flourish. The nomadic herding style ensures that animals are well-fed and healthy. 

This allows the city to boast delicious cuisine steeped in Mongolian and Russian influences. These influences are reflected through a combination of different flavors and techniques used when preparing the food. 

Besides the alluring history and delectable food, Ulan-Ude showcases a remarkable way of life connecting Russian and Asian influences that beckon to be explored.

Best Time to Visit Ulan-Ude City

Between the snow-covered mountains in winter and the sun-kissed, gushing river in summer, Ulan-Ude is a beautiful location at any time of the year. The summer months present average temperatures of 62°F (16℃), with July being the hottest month and boasting highs of up to 77°F (25℃). January is the coldest month of the year, and the cold season stretches from November to February with lows of -1°F (-18℃).

The best time of year to visit Ulan-Ude falls during the shoulder season from May to September. Off-season traveling to Ulan-Ude means that you can avoid the busier months of May, August, and October. Luckily, you can expect temperate conditions, which make traveling all the more enticing and comfortable, as well as cheaper accommodation options. 

It’s always best to keep tabs on the weather forecast before planning your trip. Although, if you’re visiting in January, you can always pack your skis. 

Best Attractions in Ulan-Ude, Russia 

Many travelers adore the enticing attractions in Moscow or the thrilling things to do in St. Petersburg , but that is just a taste of what Russia has on offer. Here’s a look at some of the compelling pastimes available in Ulan-Ude.  

Historical City Center and The largest Lenin head in the world

The city contains over 200 sites that display its rich history and cultural heritage. If you’re walking through the city center, you’ll see miniature wooden houses that provide imagery of Russian folk tales as well as evidence of the city’s narrative. 

Ulan-Ude is also home to the Square of the Soviets. Nestled on the modern side of the city, you can see the largest monument of Vladimir Lenin in the world. The bronze and granite bust of the leader is a cornerstone monument in Ulan-Ude. 

Book this walking tour for the best sights coupled with knowledgeable commentary. 

Ivolginsky Datsan

At first glance, a Buddhist temple in Russia feels a bit out of place. Believe it or not, the Ivolginsky Datsan was formed in 1945 and became the spiritual center for the Soviet Union (USSR). 

It later became the residence for Russian Lamas and specifically the head of the Russian Buddhist Lamas. The temple also houses Dashi-Dorzho Itigelov, a Buryat monk who died mid-meditation and upon exhumation was found not to have decayed much at all. 

Itigelov is said to have chanted the prayer of death while sitting in the lotus position and died during that meditation. He was buried in the same position. Itigelov told his followers to exhume his body 30 years later, and once they did, followers found that he had not decayed as much as would be expected. 

Followers at the time hid his body in an unmarked grave. It wasn’t until 2002 that he was exhumed once more and housed in the Ivolginsky Datsan. The well-preserved body was never mummified or embalmed and is still a mystery to pathologists and scientists alike. 

Explore this spiritual center for pilgrims with an English guide by booking this tour.  

The Odigitrievsky Cathedral

Odigitrievsky Cathedral is the oldest stone building in the region, dating back to 1714, is one of the easiest buildings to recognize in Ulan-Ude.

While it might not look too impressive compared to other Cathedrals in Russia, but in this part of Russia, it´s impressive.

Open-Air Ethnographic Museum

This outdoor museum can be found just a few miles north of Ulan-Ude in the village of Upper Berezovka. There are 40 architectural monuments and over 11,000 exhibits. 

It is considered the largest open-air museum in Russia and explores everything from the Buryat people to the Baikal and Evenki heritage. 

Book a skip-the-line ticket for a private tour of this impressive establishment. 

Buryat Village

The Buryats are believed to be indigenous to Mongolia. Historical records also suggest that Genghis Khan was the first to subjugate the Buryat people. Hundreds of years later, they were then absorbed into the Russian empire.  

The roots of the Buryat people start in Mongolia, and they have since been exposed to Buddhist and Christian ways. While the 19th century saw an increase in Buddhist beliefs, the ancient ways of agriculture and isolation are still prevalent in rural Ulan-Ude. 

The deep cultural and historical heritage is prevalent in the Buryat village of Ulan-Ude, also called Dom Muzey Agvana Dorzhiyeva. Here you can get acquainted with the locals, learn about their nomadic herding lifestyle and immerse yourself in the diverse customs and traditions. 

Book this tour for a traditional dinner and a chance to explore the museum and Datsan Buddhist temple. 

Lake Baikal

Lake Baikal is just a few miles away from the city. It’s a definite must-see, either on your way to or from Ulan-Ude. This ancient lake is arguably one of the deepest in the world and is also considered the Earth’s largest freshwater lake. 

You can access the lake through hiking trails. After a long trek, you can sit back and watch the Baikal seals in the lake. In winter, it is used for ice-skating, and in summer for wildlife observation. 

Book this tour crossing Lake Baikal, where you’ll visit Olkhon island and camp in the middle of the lake. 

Accommodation in Russia’s Ulan-Ude

The city may be small, but the lodging options are quite broad. You can choose between luxury resorts, backpackers, or 3-star hotels. Here are some of the most esteemed accommodation options in Ulan-Ude, suited to any kind of traveler. 

Perfectly Located: Hotel Mergen Bator

This hotel is perfect for on-the-go travelers. You can expect to pay a little less to get around, with a train station right next door and convenient shuttle services to boot. The hotel is near the Sovetov Square as well as the Ballet and Opera theater, and just 5 minutes from the city center. 

Click here to book accommodation at Hotel Mergen Bator

Budget Luxury: Baikal Plaza

This gorgeous 4-star hotel is great for budget luxury travelers. You can expect vibrant decor that welcomes you into a hotel with all of the best amenities like a sauna, fitness center, and several international restaurants. The restaurants offer Uzbek as well as Siberian dishes with a delectable breakfast buffet and a modern bar area.  

Click here to book accommodation at Baikal Plaza .

Low-Budget: Ulan Hotel

Wake up to a delightful breakfast at Ulan Hotel, where you can explore the tastes of traditional specialties right around the corner. The hotel is ideally located near several cafés and offers great value for money with amenities like airport shuttles and close proximity to a bus stop and major Sagaan Morin shopping center. 

Click here to book accommodation at Ulan Hotel . 

Ultimate Luxury: Reston Hotel and Spa

This hotel is perfect for anyone yearning for some luxury relaxation. From plush white robes and slippers to the spacious suites and indoor swimming pool, the Reston Hotel and Spa understands hospitality. You can explore the local cuisine at the on-site restaurant and dine with the best views of the city, heightened by welcoming room service and super spa services. 

Click here to book accommodation at Reston Hotel and Spa

Where to Eat In Ulan-Ude

The best way to learn about any country is through the culture that their food presents. With a distinct history and unique cultural influences, the cuisine found in the Buryatia region differs from that of other Russian cities. 

You can expect a mixture of cuisines, from Russian food to Asian as well as Italian and other European influences. While you’re in Ulan-Ude, you’ll have to try delicacies like buuzy , which comprises meat wrapped in a soft dumpling. Also, taste bukhuler , which is a meat broth, and of course, finish it off with a delicious glass of fermented mare’s milk called airag.  

Get the best experiences and the tastiest dishes at some of Ulan-Ude’s best restaurants: 

• Tengis Restaurant
• Pub Churchill

Getting to Ulan-Ude

There are a few airports in and around Ulan-Ude, so traveling here should not be an issue. You can easily make your way to international airports in Moscow or St. Petersburg. From there, you could also fly into Ulan-Ude in just under six hours. 

If you’d prefer a more scenic route, you can make use of the Trans-Siberian Railway, which is the longest railway in the world. This train starts in Moscow and travels through Russia. It joins the Trans-Mongolian line as well as the Trans-Manchurian line. It will take around 3 days from Moscow to Ulan-Ude by train. 

You can also complete a 12-day tour along the Trans-Siberian Railway that will take you from Russia, through Ulan-Ude, around the Gobi desert, and into Beijing. While this tour doesn’t spend too much time in Ulan-Ude itself, it’s still a great way to explore the Russian, Mongolian and Chinese regions.  

Since Ulan-Ude is the last stop in Russia along the Trans Mongolian railway, so is this the last stop for you to pick up some Russian souvenirs. NB. It´s both faster and cheaper to take the local bus from Ulan Ude to Ulaanbaatar, the Capital of Mongolia, than to take the train across to Mongolia.

There´s a daily bus leaving at 7:30 AM from Ulan-Ude to Ulaanbaatar, the journey takes around 10-12 hours. I did this bus journey, however, while it´s both cheaper and faster than the train, it´s definitely not more comfortable, this bus journey is personally one of the worst I’ve ever taken. Tickets can be purchased at travel agency offices, or ask your guesthouse to buy them for you at 1100 Rub. There are also daily shared taxis going to Mongolia.

Ulan-Ude Mapped Out

Whether you’ve decided to travel through the urban city or rural wilderness, an Ulan-Ude map will help you find your way. Just in case you’ve gotten disconnected from your GPS , there are a few things to remember. 

Ulan-Ude is on the south side of Lake Baikal, a mere 85 miles (136km)  away. If you’re driving from the neighboring city Irkutsk (around 280 miles/450 km), you’ll travel along the P-258 highway and stay on that road. 

Once you’re at the foothills of Ulan-Ude, the A-340 highway will take you down into Mongolia. So, if you’re planning on staying in the country, you’ll want to continue along the P-258 highway onto the AH6 highway, which will direct you to other cities like Chita and lead to Yakutsk. 

Russia is vast, and travel times between neighboring cities are quite lengthy. So, be sure to keep these major highways in mind, and you’ll easily find your way back.    

Final Say on Ulan-Ude, Republic of Buryatia

Ulan-Ude is a fabulous addition to any traveler’s bucket list. There are so many enriching experiences to be had here that there is no doubt you’ll leave the city richer. 

Between the excellent accommodation options and culturally diverse experiences, there is a unique adventure waiting to be explored. So, go ahead and book your visa, and get ready for an exciting journey. 

• Ulan-Ude – The Capital Of The Buryatia Republic

Buryatia is a Russian federal subject that is situated in Siberia which occupies an area of about 135,600 square miles. Buryatia is surrounded by Tuva, Zabaykalsky Krai, Irkutsk Oblast , Lake Balkan, and various Mongolian provinces (Selenge, Khovsgol, and Bulgan). It is in the Russian Far East, and it had a population of about 972,021 people in 2010. Buryatia occupies over 60% of Lake Baikal’s shoreline. Mount Munku-Sardyk is the highest point in Buryatia.

The Capital of Buryatia

Ulan-Ude is the capital and most populous city in Buryatia that had a population of 404,426 people in 2010. Ulan-Ude is the third-biggest city by population in the Russian Far East . Ulan-Ude is at the base of Ulan-Burgasy and Khamar-Daban mountain ranges right near the confluence of River Selenga and river Uda (its branch). It is 62 miles to the southeastern side of Lake Balkan and 3,500 miles to the east of Moscow .

History of Ulan-Ude

The first inhabitants of the region were the Evenks followed by the Buryats. The first Russian settlement in Ulan-Ude was established by the Russian Cossacks in 1966 when they built the Udinskoye fortress. Ulan-Ude grew faster and became a huge trading center that linked Russia to Mongolia and China. The first administrative center was developed in the Transbaikal region in 1690. The region was referred to as the Udinsk by 1775, but it became a city in 1783, and its name was changed to Verkhneudinsk. The city was rebuilt after being burned down by a fire in 1878. The arrival of the Trans-Siberian Railway in 1900 helped the city grow both in size and population at a very high rate. The city’s population grew from 3,500 (1880) to 126,000 (1939). Verkhneudinsk served as the capital of Far Eastern Republic from April 1920 to October 1920 before it was renamed Ulan-Ude on July 27, 1934.

Demographics

Ulan-Ude is the largest city in Eastern Siberia by population. The city’s population almost doubled from 1970 (253,600) to 2017 (431,922). According to the 2010 census, 62.1% of the residents were Russians, Buryats (31.9%), Ukrainians (0.6%), and Tatars (0.5%).

The city has short humid summers and long cool winters with low precipitation. Ulan-Ude has an average of 89 snowy days and 83 rainy days. The city experiences 2,418 sunshine hours per year with the highest temperature recorded in the city being 40.6°C. Ulan-Ude receives an average precipitation of about 10.5 inches annually. January is the coldest month in the Ulan-Ude when they record an average low of about -17.9°C and a high of approximately -0.4°C.

Ulan-Ude was closed to outsiders until 1991. There is a large ethnographic museum in the city showcasing the history of the region’s inhabitants. There are numerous old-merchant mansions that are decorated with stone carvings and wood at the city’s historic center along the river banks. There is a highly unusual and huge head statue of Vladimir Lenin at the central square. It is the world’s biggest head statue that was built in 1970. The statue weighs about 42 tons and its about 25 feet tall.

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City center

• The World's Largest Lenin Head is in Ploshchad Sovietov, the main city square. The head is 7.7m tall and weighs 42 tons. It was unveiled in 1970 in honor of Lenin's 100th birthday and to remind the local population who was in charge. It is now a common meeting place.
• The merchant's mansions , richly decorated with wood and stone carvings. Historical relics of the town's prosperity as a trading center. The mansions are located along the banks of the Uda River.
• Lenina Street, also called Arbat street . Part of the street is pedestrian-only. It is the main place for meeting, walking, shopping for locals and a good place for people-watching.
• Gostiniye Ryady , the former shopping arcade.
• Revolution Square was the location of bazaars during historical times. There is a victory arch with a two-headed Russian eagle.
• Embankment of Selenga (at Pioner mall, close to main bus station). A good place for people-watching.

• Geological Museum , Lenina Str., 59 ( In the city centre ), ☏ +7 (3012) 2 29 09 . M-F: 11:00AM-4:30PM; Sa-Su: Closed . Features the largest collection of minerals, rocks, gems, and stones from the Lake Baikal region.  

Stay healthy

• Medical Institute for Mongolian, Buddhist and Tibetan Studies , 6 Sakhyanovoi Street , ☏ +7 8 (3012) 433 551 , [email protected] . 8:30AM-6:00PM . A good place to receive treatment for both acute and chronic ailments using traditional Tibetan herbal compounds.  

The international code for Russia is +7; the code for Ulan Ude is 301.

For information on purchasing a SIM card in Russia, see Russia#Contact .

Note that SIM cards purchased elsewhere, such as in Moscow or Saint Petersburg , may be subject to roaming charges.

Free WiFi is available in most hotels, shopping malls, university buildings, cinemas, restaurants and cafes, and some public areas and parks. There are also plenty of WiFi hotspots for which you must pay. There are internet cafes in the city centre. You can also buy a mobile GPRS card to enable data transfer via the cellular networks. For more information, see Russia#Contact .

In addition to continuing on to cities on Trans-Siberian Railway and the Trans-Mongolian Railway , it is worth making a diversion to Lake Baikal , the deepest and oldest lake in the world and, by volume of water, also the largest freshwater body of water. It contains 20% of the world's liquid fresh water and is 2   km (1.2   mi) deep. The lake can be reached by bus.

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