Gorkhi Terelj National Park

Situated about 55 kilometers (34 mi) in the Northwest from Ulaanbaatar, Gorkhi Terelj National Park is one of the finest landscapes in Mongolia. The Alpine scenery in the national park has offered a beautiful platform for the nature lovers. Mongolian is a very maverick destination for adventure lovers but for those who want to spend some time in the scenery of nature, it is one of the finest examples. There are plenty of activities that you can take part in here such as horse riding, rock climbing, hiking, rafting and even swimming. Dog sledding and skiing are some of the extreme sports options available for the adventurists.


From the capital city of Mongolia, this park is about two hours distance. From afar, this looks like a lush green area that is covered with Pine trees and other Alpine vegetation. For many, Mongolia can be a place to relax after a long tour of backpacking from China. This national park is one of the finest choices in your vacation where you can sit and enjoy the serenity of nature.
 From Ulaanbaatar, you can get a bus that drops you directly to this park. It costs somewhere around 2,500 Tugrik and will leave you right at the foot of the entry gate of Gorkhi Terelj National Park.
 First thing - arrange for accommodation and the most easily to find one is a ger camp. In fact, you can even get the booking done online. Depending on the tourist season and availability, it can cost somewhere around 40,000 Tugriks ($16) for two nights stay.

While there are options for guides, you can easily move around the national park on foot. If it is all about relaxation, you can wake up late, have a bowl of noodles and then move on to visit the hotspots. If hiking is you thing, pack your bags and move on. Make sure to carry mosquito repellents, more so if you are traveling during late summer.
 This is undoubtedly the most recognizable attractions in the park which you cannot miss. As its name implies, this is almost like a turtle carved by the forces of wind and rain. The majestic beauty is undeniably the main reason to visit this place. But many believe that the rock also brings wealth. Even if you are not a fan of such legends, you must go to this place for its spectacular view and breath-taking scenery.
 Going a few kilometers from the Turtle Rock, there is Ariyabal Meditation Temple. It is shaped as an elephant’s head, and getting in the temple is a hiking in itself. You have to go on foot. The 108 steps that symbolize the elephant’s elongated trunk. There's a belief that the hiking itself is a ritual. People who finish the hike are said to get away with all their sins. The temple is one a top steep hill, so, upon reaching, you will get an impressive view overlooking the park. Many monks reside here because the tranquility in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park offers one of the best places to meditate.
 The vast terrain of Gorkhi-Terelj will take around a week to explore completely. This is best done if you are hiking or involved in some form of adventure travel. And, interestingly, the National Park offers too many options to choose from. If you are an adventure junkie, make sure to enjoy all of them. Straddling through the alpine vegetation, dark, lush greenery on a Mongolian horse can be one of the most unforgettable memories of life. Make sure to click the nomads as you ride a camel. And lastly, there's always option of mountain climbing, hiking, or riding a hot air balloon.
 This is yet another unmissable points in Gorkhi Terelj National Park. The statue of Chinggis khan, or Genghis Khan on horseback is a great sight to behold. The spot has a historic significance. Here the Great Khaan discovered his golden whip, while he was overlooking the nearby Tuul River. This place is a tourist area and one can find a number of restaurant, shops and also museum. If you are interested, you can climb through the chest and neck of the horse. Make sure to carry your camera as this also provides a perfect panoramic view.

The Gorkhi-Terelj National Park is indisputably one of the finest places in Mongolia. If you are looking to get away from the hustle bustle of a big city yet experience the real Mongolia features, this is where you should be. Apart from camping, you can also go for picnicking, meet the nomad families, and take part in the local festivals. Irrespective of the season you are going, this park will offer a unique experience.