Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¼´Ê±¿ª½±

Turtle Rock

Getty Images/Moment Open

Gorkhi-Terelj National Park

Mongolia


Located 55km northeast of Ulaanbaatar, this popular national park is characterised by picturesque alpine scenery. It offers great opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, swimming (in icy-cold water), rafting and horse riding. For hard-core extreme-sports fanatics, there's skiing and dog-sledding in the depths of winter. The southern section caters to tourists, so it's hardly pristine (and a bit crowded with ger camps), but hikers and horse riders can easily get away from the hustle and bustle by trekking further north into the park.

Be prepared for mosquitoes, especially in late summer.

Pay the admission fee at the park entrance. Note, passengers on the public bus from Ulaanbaatar rarely have to pay this as the bus usually drives past the entrance without stopping.


Contact

Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¼´Ê±¿ª½±'s must-see attractions

Nearby Mongolia attractions

1. Terelj Village

1.23 MILES

Terelj Village is about 27km from the park entrance, at the end of a paved road. It has a nice location near the river, and is a good spot to arrange a…

2. Old Man Reading A Book

2.21 MILES

One of several impressive rock formations in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, this evocative natural landmark resembles a monk in prayer. Look out for it on…

3. Aryapala Initiation & Meditation Centre

2.75 MILES

Head north 3km from Turtle Rock and you'll reach this Buddhist site, built on a spectacular rocky hillside. Set aside 45 minutes here to walk the circuit…

4. Turtle Rock

4.58 MILES

In a side valley to the south of Terelj, take the signed turn-off from the main road to Aryapala Initiation & Meditation Centre, and you'll pass this…

5. 100 Lama's Cave

9.55 MILES

Right by the side of the road in the south of the national park is this rocky outcrop that you can scramble up to squeeze within its cavernous space. It's…

6. Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex

11.34 MILES

Few tourists come to Mongolia without visiting its most iconic landmark, a 40m-high glistening silver Chinggis Khaan statue. Constructed in 2008 from…

7. Statue of Hoelun

12.67 MILES

Located 1km east of the Chinggis Khaan monument stands the statue of his mother, Hoelun, who gazes back towards her son. A restaurant and hotel complex…

8. Günjiin Süm

15.41 MILES

Surrounded by magnificent forest and not far from a lovely river, the Baruun Bayan Gol, this Buddhist temple (elevation 1713m) was built in 1740 by Efu…