Horseback Riding in Terelj National Park: 3-Hour Ride

Gallop past Turtle Rock and Genghis Khan’s statue with a nomad guide by your side

Horseback riding in Terelj National Park near Ulaanbaatar is a 3-hour guided ride through rolling terrain and rock formations, led by an experienced nomadic horseman. The experience includes round-trip transportation from Ulaanbaatar, visits to Turtle Rock and Aryabal temple, lunch, and all protective gear. You choose between a morning or afternoon departure at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Horseback riding and sightseeing tour

• Travel from Ulaanbaatar to Terelj Park
• Ride horses for 1.5 hours in the park
• Visit Turtle Rock formation
• Climb path to Aryabal Buddhist temple
• Return to Ulaanbaatar

The experience

The ride starts with a 1.5-hour loop through Terelj's open landscapes (rolling hills, rock formations, and forests) before you stop at Turtle Rock, a natural formation shaped like its namesake and popular for climbing and photos. The second half takes you to Aryabal, a Buddhist temple set in the hills where a path lined with proverbs leads up to the entrance. It's a meaningful stop if you're interested in the cultural side of the park. Your guide is a local horseman who knows the terrain and the animals, and you'll wear protective gear for the ride. The whole outing, including transport from Ulaanbaatar and lunch, runs about 7 hours door to door.

You'll also pass the Genghis Khan Statue, Mongolia's most famous monument, during the journey. National park fees are included, so there's nothing extra to arrange once you're in the saddle. The experience operates in all weather, so pack layers and dress for conditions on the day you go. Riders need to be at least 18 and in moderate physical fitness. The operator asks that you mention any dietary requirements when you book.

What’s included

• Round-trip transportation from Ulaanbaatar.
• 3-hour guided horseback ride with a professional wrangler.
• protective gear.
• lunch.
• national park fees.
• visits to Turtle Rock and Aryabal temple.

Options for this experience

2 options

Morning HorsebackGuide in English · 10:00The tour departs from Big Sky Lodge at Terelj, located 55 km from Ulaanbaatar. Starting point: Big Sky Lodge Terelj, Mongolia, Nalaikh District, ND - 6 khoroo, Ulaanbaatar 12739, Mongolia.

Horseback RidingGuide in English · 08:00The tour departs from Ulaanbaatar, starting at Shangri La Hotel, 19 Olympic Street 19, District-1, Ulaanbaatar 14241, Mongolia.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 10:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupUp to 7

Live guideEnglish

Audio guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Rara Avis Travel

Is this one for you?Pick the morning departure for clearer light and fewer riders on the trails, or choose afternoon if you need more time to get ready in the city before heading out.

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Top questions

Can I choose between a morning or afternoon ride?

Yes, you pick either the morning or afternoon departure when you book. Both follow the same 3-hour route and include the same stops.

What is Turtle Rock and why do people visit it?

Turtle Rock is a natural rock formation in Terelj National Park that resembles a turtle. It's a popular spot for climbing and photography, and you'll have time to explore it during the ride.

Is the ride suitable if I've never ridden a horse before?

The ride is led by an experienced guide and assumes moderate physical fitness. If you're new to riding, let the operator know at booking so they can match you with an appropriate horse and offer guidance on handling.

What's included in the 7-hour experience?

Round-trip transportation from Ulaanbaatar, the 3-hour guided ride, protective gear, lunch, and national park fees are all included. You don't pay extra for entry to Terelj.

What should I wear for a ride in Mongolia's weather?

The experience runs in all weather conditions, so dress in layers and bring a jacket. Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes or boots for riding. The operator will provide protective gear for the horse activity itself.