ZAISAN MEMORIAL

Very interesting place that this memorial dedicated to the unknown soldier. Built by the Russians in the 1960s, it pays tribute to all members of the Soviet army who died during the Second World War. The monument has a circular shape, covered inside with a beautiful mosaic. In its center, we guess the space reserved for the eternal flame, mostly extinguished, lit only during commemorations or important events. The mosaic also dwells on the Russian-Mongolian friendship that it depicts through some frescoes. The four main scenes to recognize are the Russian support during the Mongolian independence wrested from China in 1921, the very symbolic Japanese defeat of 1939 at Khalhkin Gol on the border, the Russian victory over Nazism and the first flights into space.
To reach the top of the monument, there are two possibilities. The first one is to go up the hill with your own car or by cab (it costs 500 T to enter). Then there will be about 300 steps to climb. The other option is to take your time and climb the 600 steps that separate the memorial from the bottom of the hill on which it was erected. It takes about 20 minutes, but it is well worth it. At the top, the best possible view of Ulaanbaatar is revealed. It allows to realize the rapid evolution of the city these last years. On the other hand, two impressive towers cast in concrete, planted in front, spoil a little the view