Gorkhi-Terelj, Mongolia: travel guide
A national park of granite rocks, ger camps and horse riding near the capital
Alpine national park ~60 km northeast of Ulaanbaatar, known for the Turtle Rock formation, Aryabal Meditation Temple, ger camps, horse riding and easy access from the capital.
About Gorkhi-Terelj
Gorkhi-Terelj is a national park rather than a town, a short drive north-east of Ulaanbaatar, with granite outcrops, meadows and forested valleys. It is the easiest place to experience the Mongolian countryside without leaving the capital's orbit.
Things to do include staying at a ger camp, riding horses along the river valley, hiking among the rocks and visiting the Turtle Rock formation. The Aryabal Meditation Temple sits on a hillside above the valley, and the huge stainless-steel Genghis Khan statue stands on the road from the capital.
It suits families, short-stay visitors and travellers with limited time. Summer is the best season, when the grass is green, and winter is cold but clear.
- Country
- Mongolia
- Currency
- MNT
- Time zone
- Asia/Ulaanbaatar
- Nearest airport
- UBN
Last updated
Top places to visit in Gorkhi-Terelj
Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue (Tsonjin Boldog)
monument · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
The world's largest equestrian statue — a 40 m stainless-steel Chinggis Khaan on horseback atop a museum complex. An elevator and walkway lead to a viewpoint on the horse's head looking over the steppe.
Gorkhi-Terelj National Park
national-park · 4.7 rating · about 6 h · check the fee at the gate
A scenic alpine park of granite tors, wildflower meadows and the Tuul and Terelj rivers, easily reached from Ulaanbaatar. The most accessible taste of the Mongolian wilderness, with ger camps, horse riding and hiking.
Turtle Rock (Melkhii Khad)
rock-formation · 4.5 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A 24 m granite formation uncannily shaped like a giant turtle — the most photographed landmark of Terelj and an easy stop with nearby souvenir stalls and short scrambles.
Aryabal Meditation Temple
temple · 4.5 rating · about 1.3 h · check the fee at the gate
A small Buddhist meditation temple set on a hillside above Terelj, reached by a footbridge and a stair climb lined with Buddhist proverbs. Rewards visitors with valley views and a peaceful atmosphere.
Things to do
- Terelj Horse Riding Adventure · 2 h · from MNT 90,000 per person
- Nomad Family Ger Homestay Cultural · 24 h · from MNT 100,000 per person
Day trips and tours
- Terelj National Park Highlights 9 h · from MNT 140,000
Where to stay in Gorkhi-Terelj
- Terelj Valley Ger Camps about MNT 200,000 per night
Ger camps and lodges spread along the Terelj river valley inside the national park — the scenic, nature-focused base near Ulaanbaatar.
Hotels
- Terelj Hotel 4-star · MNT 300,000 to MNT 650,000 per night
- Ayanchin Four Seasons Lodge 3-star · MNT 150,000 to MNT 350,000 per night
Where to eat
- Terelj Ger Camp Dining Mongolian · about MNT 30,000 per person
Getting to Gorkhi-Terelj
Nearest airport: Ulan Bator (ULN), about 55 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Animal Ride
- Offroad Vehicle
- Walking
More in Mongolia
Frequently asked questions about Gorkhi-Terelj
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Gorkhi-Terelj?
- The highest-rated places in our Gorkhi-Terelj guide are Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue (Tsonjin Boldog), Turtle Rock (Melkhii Khad), Aryabal Meditation Temple.
- Where should I stay in Gorkhi-Terelj?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Gorkhi-Terelj: Terelj Valley Ger Camps.
- How do I get around Gorkhi-Terelj?
- Ways to get around Gorkhi-Terelj covered in our guide: Animal ride, Off-road vehicle, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to Gorkhi-Terelj?
- The nearest airport to Gorkhi-Terelj has the code UBN.