1-Day Terelj National Park & Chinggis Khaan Statue Tour
Explore the Chinggis Khaan Statue, Terelj National Park, Turtle Rock, Aryabal Temple and nomadic culture on a private day tour from Ulaanbaatar.
Discover some of Mongolia’s most iconic landscapes, history and nomadic culture on this private Terelj National Park day tour from Ulaanbaatar. Designed for travelers with limited time, this full-day journey combines the magnificent Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue, the granite mountains of Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, Turtle Rock, Aryabal Meditation Temple and an authentic encounter with Mongolia’s countryside lifestyle.
Your journey begins in the morning with hotel pick-up in Ulaanbaatar and a scenic drive east across the open Mongolian steppe. The first major stop is the Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue, one of Mongolia’s most impressive modern landmarks. Standing 40 meters high, the stainless-steel monument depicts Chinggis Khaan on horseback overlooking the surrounding grasslands. Visit the museum inside the complex and walk to the viewing platform for panoramic views of the Mongolian countryside.
From the statue complex, continue toward Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, one of the most popular natural destinations near Ulaanbaatar. Terelj is known for its dramatic granite formations, forested mountains, broad valleys, rivers and traditional nomadic communities. Despite being within easy reach of the capital, the national park offers a beautiful introduction to Mongolia’s vast landscapes.
Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch at a local restaurant or traditional ger camp before continuing deeper into the national park.
Visit Turtle Rock, one of Terelj’s best-known natural landmarks. This enormous granite formation has been shaped naturally over thousands of years and resembles a giant turtle resting among the mountains. There will be time for photography and a short walk around the surrounding area.
Next, travel to Aryabal Meditation Temple, peacefully located on a hillside overlooking the Terelj Valley. A gentle uphill walk leads to the Buddhist temple, passing prayer wheels and traditional Buddhist symbols along the way. From the temple area, enjoy beautiful panoramic views across the surrounding mountains and valleys.
When available, the tour also includes a visit to a local nomadic family, giving you an opportunity to learn more about traditional Mongolian life. Depending on the season and the family’s daily activities, you may see livestock, experience a traditional ger household and taste local dairy products or Mongolian milk tea.
Guests who would like to spend more time experiencing the countryside can also arrange an optional short horseback ride in Terelj National Park.
After a relaxed afternoon in the national park, return to Ulaanbaatar in the early evening and transfer directly to your hotel.
This 1-day Mongolia tour from Ulaanbaatar is a perfect choice for couples, families, solo travelers, business travelers and small private groups who want to experience Mongolia beyond the capital without committing to a multi-day tour.
The tour operates year-round. Summer brings green valleys and comfortable hiking conditions, autumn offers colourful landscapes and clear skies, while winter transforms Terelj into a peaceful landscape of snow-covered mountains and frozen valleys.
As a private tour, the programme can be adjusted to suit your interests and travel pace. Whether you are interested in history, photography, landscapes, Mongolian culture or simply want a memorable day outside Ulaanbaatar, this tour offers an excellent introduction to Mongolia.
Tour Highlights
Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue Complex
Gorkhi-Terelj National Park
Turtle Rock
Aryabal Meditation Temple
Mongolian countryside and mountain scenery
Local nomadic family visit when available
Traditional Mongolian lunch
Optional horseback riding
Private vehicle and English-speaking guide
Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Ulaanbaatar
Meet your private English-speaking guide and driver at your hotel and begin the journey east of Ulaanbaatar. As the city gradually gives way to open steppe, low mountains and wide countryside views, your guide will introduce the day’s route and share insights into Mongolia’s history, landscapes and nomadic culture.
Arrive at the impressive Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue, one of Mongolia’s most recognisable landmarks. The 40-metre stainless-steel monument depicts Chinggis Khaan on horseback overlooking the surrounding steppe. Visit the museum inside the complex to learn more about the Mongol Empire and Mongolia’s historical heritage, then take the elevator and stairs to the viewing platform above the horse’s head. From here, enjoy panoramic views across the vast grasslands and surrounding hills, with plenty of time for photography.
Continue toward Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, one of the most beautiful and easily accessible natural areas near Ulaanbaatar. The landscape gradually changes into forested hills, granite rock formations, river valleys and open pastureland. The drive itself is part of the experience, offering a glimpse of Mongolia’s peaceful countryside and
Enjoy a relaxed lunch at a local restaurant or traditional ger camp inside the national park. The meal typically features freshly prepared Mongolian dishes, giving you a chance to experience local flavours before continuing the afternoon programme. Vegetarian or other dietary requirements can be arranged with advance notice.
Visit the famous Turtle Rock, a huge naturally shaped granite formation resembling a giant turtle. Enjoy time to walk around the formation, take photographs and appreciate the surrounding mountain scenery. This is one of the best-known natural landmarks in Terelj and an easy, enjoyable stop for travelers of most ages.
Continue to Aryabal Meditation Temple, beautifully located on a hillside overlooking the Terelj Valley. A gentle uphill walk leads through a peaceful landscape toward the temple, passing Buddhist symbols and prayer wheels along the way. From the upper area, enjoy wide views across the national park and surrounding mountains. The visit offers a quieter and more reflective side of Terelj and is especially rewarding for travelers interested in photography, culture and peaceful natural settings.
Visit a local nomadic family when available and experience a small part of everyday Mongolian countryside life. Your guide will help introduce the family’s traditional lifestyle, livestock and seasonal routines. Depending on the time of year and the family’s activities, guests may have the opportunity to enter a traditional ger, taste Mongolian milk tea or seasonal dairy products, and learn how nomadic families continue to live closely connected to their animals and the land. For guests who would like a more active countryside experience, a short optional horseback ride can also be arranged locally.
After a relaxed afternoon in Terelj, begin the drive back to Ulaanbaatar. Sit back and enjoy the changing scenery as you leave the national park and return toward the capital.
Arrive back in Ulaanbaatar and transfer directly to your hotel. The exact return time may vary depending on traffic, weather and the pace of the day.
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