The capital of the Russian republic of Buryatia, Ulan Ude lies in the country’s south east, north of Mongolia, 62 miles from Lake Baikal. Sitting astride the River Uda and nestled in the valley between the mountainous ranges of Khamar-Daban and Khrebet Ulan-Burgasy, it’s beautiful inside and out. Historically an important center for trade thanks to its advantageous location for Russia, China and Mongolia, it was given an extra boost by the Trans-Siberian Railway in the 1930s. For the same reason, the city has a distinctly multi-cultural feel.
Small enough to navigate on foot, Ulan Ude is packed with attractions for visitors to explore and discover during casual and pleasant strolls. The beautiful, historic town center is an excellent place to spot classic and Baroque architecture including the Odigitrievsky Cathedral, not to mention the fact that it’s home to the largest Lenin statue in the world. Other attractions include a wealth of theaters, museums and galleries, as well as plenty of places to sample the local cuisine.