Genghis Khan Statue & Terelj National Park tour from Ulaanbaatar

The statue, the park, the monastery, and a nomad family in one day

A full-day guided tour from Ulaanbaatar combines two major stops: the Genghis Khan Statue Complex, a 131-foot stainless steel monument with an elevator to the horse's neck for panoramic views, and Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, where you hike to Aryabal Monastery, eat lunch at Turtle Rock, and spend the evening with a nomadic family. A local English-speaking guide, transport, and meals are included. The tour runs 6 to 8 hours and requires moderate fitness.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Genghis Khan Statue Complex2h · entry included
2. Gorkhi-Terelj National Park4h · entry included

Visit Genghis Khan Statue and Terelj Park

• Drive to Chonjinboldog area
• See Genghis Khan Monument
• Take elevator to horse neck viewpoint
• Visit archaeology museum and souvenir shops
• Travel to Terelj National Park
• Hike and explore rock formations
• Have lunch at Turtle Rock
• Hike to Aryabal Monastery
• Visit nomad family in evening
• Return to Ulaanbaatar

The experience

The Genghis Khan Statue Complex sits about an hour's drive from Ulaanbaatar on a paved road, and the tour starts there. The stainless steel statue stands 131 feet tall, currently the world's largest equestrian monument, and you can either take an elevator or walk up through the horse's chest and neck to reach the head, where you get a sweeping view of the surrounding countryside. At the base, a small archaeology museum lets you try on traditional Mongolian costumes, and there are restaurants and souvenir shops if you want to linger.

From the statue complex, the route continues into Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, the most accessible natural area outside the city. The park is known for distinctive rock formations: Turtle Rock and the Old Man Reading a Book (also called Praying Lama Rock), and you'll have lunch at Turtle Rock before heading out on a moderate hike to Aryabal Monastery. The path is decent and the scenery opens up as you climb.

In the evening, you visit a nomadic family to see how they live and experience their hospitality firsthand. The guide handles all logistics and translation, and you return to Ulaanbaatar after dark. The full day is structured around these stops, so you move between them with the same driver and guide rather than managing your own transport.

What’s included

• Local English-speaking guide and driver.
• transport from Ulaanbaatar to both the statue complex and Terelj National Park.
• lunch at Turtle Rock.
• entry to the Genghis Khan Statue Complex and access to the elevator up the horse's neck.
• the hike to Aryabal Monastery and the nomadic family visit.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Under 16: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by Travel Mongolia

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want a single guided day covering both the statue complex and Terelj National Park with a local guide, plus a nomad family visit that gives you direct access beyond typical tourist routes.

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Top questions

How far is the Genghis Khan Statue from Ulaanbaatar?

The statue complex is about 34 miles (54 kilometers) from the city on a paved road, roughly an hour's drive depending on traffic.

Can I go inside the Genghis Khan Statue or just look at it from outside?

You can go inside: an elevator takes you up to the horse's neck, or you can walk through the chest and back of the neck to reach the head for panoramic views of the area.

What is there to do at Turtle Rock in Terelj National Park?

Turtle Rock is where the tour stops for lunch, and it's one of the park's most recognizable formations: a rock shaped like a turtle. It's a good vantage point and a natural gathering spot in the park.

Is the hike to Aryabal Monastery difficult?

The hike follows a decent path and is rated for moderate fitness. The scenery is open and the climb is manageable for most travelers in reasonable condition.

What happens when you visit the nomadic family?

You spend the evening with them to experience traditional Mongolian lifestyle and hospitality: the guide translates and facilitates the visit before you return to Ulaanbaatar.