Genghis Khan Statue & Terelj Park tour: Camel ride, eagle photos

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  • Genghis Khan Statue & Terelj Park tour: Camel ride, eagle photos
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1/13
Duration7h–8h
GroupUp to 50
LanguagesEN
PickupAt your hotel

A full day across Mongolia's landmarks, from the world's tallest equestrian statue to granite peaks and a working eagle sanctuary.

This guided tour from Ulaanbaatar visits the Genghis Khan Statue Complex, Terelj Park and Aryabal Temple over 7 to 8 hours, with camel riding, golden eagle photos, guided hiking and traditional Mongolian lunch in a ger included. Your English-speaking guide handles all logistics—transport from the city, entrance fees and the camel and eagle experiences are arranged in advance. Children from age 1 are welcome, and the itinerary mixes cultural sites with outdoor walking and rock formations.

7h–8h

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Genghis Khan Statue and Terelj Park

  • Meet with guide and group
  • Visit Genghis Khan Statue Complex
  • Explore Gorkhi-Terelj Park and hike to Turtle Rock
  • Visit Aryabal Temple and meditation centre
  • Enjoy traditional Mongolian lunch in a ger
  • Experience camel riding and hold an eagle

The Experience

The Genghis Khan Statue Complex sits 54 km from Ulaanbaatar on the Tuul River at Tsonjin Boldog, the legendary site where Genghis Khan found a whip—a sign of fortune in Mongolian belief. The 40-meter steel equestrian statue is the world's largest of its kind, facing east toward his birthplace and the sunrise. A small museum at the base holds the history; your guide walks you through it and explains the empire and the traditions that shaped it. Before leaving, you'll hold a golden eagle for photos—the bird is part of a working sanctuary, and the handler shows you how to pose for the shot.

From there, the route heads into Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, where you hike to Turtle Rock, a 24-meter granite formation that rises from pine-covered foothills. The walk takes about an hour and opens onto panoramic valley views—a natural photo stop. The park sits roughly 60 km from the capital, and the landscape shifts from steppe to forested slopes as you climb. A camel ride is arranged at the park; you'll mount and ride through the terrain before heading deeper into the reserve.

The final stop is Aryabal Temple, a 45-minute hike from Turtle Rock up a mountain thick with larches and granite. You cross a wooden bridge marked "the bridge that leads beyond wisdom" to reach the meditation center. The main temple is dedicated to Kalachakra philosophy—the wheel of time—and holds a thangka painting of Shambhala, a mandala, and a gallery of 220 Buddhist philosophy paintings by the artist Bayantsagaan on the ground floor. Lunch happens in an authentic Mongolian ger, where you help prepare traditional dishes and eat alongside your hosts in a warm setting. Your guide and driver handle all transport between sites, and every entrance fee and experience is paid upfront.

What’s included

  • Your tour includes round-trip transport from Ulaanbaatar.
  • entrance to the Genghis Khan Statue Complex, Terelj Park and Aryabal Temple.
  • camel riding in the park.
  • golden eagle photo experience with handler instruction.
  • guided hikes to Turtle Rock and Aryabal Temple.
  • a visit to the museum at the statue base.
  • traditional Mongolian lunch prepared and eaten in a ger with local hosts.
  • expert photography guidance from your trained guide.
  • and an English-speaking guide and driver for the full day.
Good to know
Moderate physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Amazing Mongolia

Is this one for you?The tour runs 7 to 8 hours with two guided hikes (one hour to Turtle Rock, 45 minutes to the temple) and moderate walking between sites, so it suits travelers comfortable with a full day of movement and outdoor terrain. If you prefer a slower pace or have young children, the guide can adjust stops and rest time, though the core itinerary stays the same.

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Top questions

What is the Genghis Khan Statue Complex and why is it at Tsonjin Boldog?

The Genghis Khan Statue Complex holds a 40-meter steel equestrian statue—the world's tallest of its kind—at Tsonjin Boldog, 54 km from Ulaanbaatar on the Tuul River. Legend says Genghis Khan found a whip there, a sign of fortune and good destiny in Mongolian belief. The statue faces east toward his birthplace and the sunrise, and a small museum at its base tells the history of his empire.

How much walking and hiking is involved in this tour?

The tour includes a guided hike to Turtle Rock in Terelj Park (about one hour) and a 45-minute hike from Turtle Rock to Aryabal Temple up a mountain with larches and granite. Both are moderate walks with photo stops and valley views; the pace is set by your guide and the group stays together.

What happens during the camel ride and eagle photo experience?

Camel riding takes place in Gorkhi-Terelj Park as part of the day's route through the landscape. The golden eagle experience happens at the Genghis Khan Statue Complex, where a handler shows you how to hold the bird for photos—it's a working sanctuary and the eagle is part of the site's cultural program.

What is Aryabal Temple and what will I see there?

Aryabal Temple is a meditation center on a mountain in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, dedicated to Kalachakra philosophy, the wheel of time. The main temple holds a thangka painting of Shambhala, a Kalachakra mandala, and a gallery of 220 original Buddhist philosophy paintings by artist Bayantsagaan on the ground floor.

Is lunch included, and what kind of food will I eat?

Yes, traditional Mongolian lunch in a ger is included. You'll participate in preparing the dishes alongside local hosts and eat together in an authentic setting—the experience is part of the cultural immersion, not just a meal stop.

What is included in the tour price, and what do I need to arrange myself?

The tour includes all entrance fees (Genghis Khan Statue, Terelj Park, Aryabal Temple), round-trip transport from Ulaanbaatar, camel riding, golden eagle photos, guided hiking, traditional lunch in a ger, and an English-speaking guide. Your guide and driver handle all logistics; you bring personal items only.

Genghis Khan Statue & Terelj Park tour: Camel ride, eagle photos

7h–8h · EN · at your hotel

from US$ 79 per person

★★★★★★★★★★4.73351 reviewsVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider
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