Mongolia: Genghis Khan Statue, Terelj & Camel Ride Day Trip

Summary

Steel giants, silent hills, and a Ger lunch in Mongolia

You’ll stand beneath Mongolia’s towering Genghis Khan Statue, ride camels with local herders, and hike through Terelj’s wild granite landscapes before sharing lunch in a traditional Ger tent. Expect moments of laughter (and maybe nerves) holding an eagle or crossing “the bridge beyond wisdom”—and leave with memories that linger long after you’ve left those wide-open hills behind.

What’s the experience like?

First thing that happened—our driver grinned when I tried to pronounce “Tsonjin Boldog.” It was early but the sun already bounced off the Genghis Khan Statue like it was trying to blind us. You really can’t imagine how big this thing is until you’re standing under its steel legs. Our guide, Naraa, told us about the legend of Genghis finding a whip here for luck. She pointed east and said his mother’s statue was out there somewhere, always watching. I didn’t expect to feel small in front of a horse (well, steel horse), but there it is.

Inside the little museum at the base, it smelled faintly of old leather and metal—like someone had just taken off their riding boots. There were kids racing up the stairs for the panoramic view from inside the horse’s head. The wind up there nearly knocked my phone out of my hand while I tried to get a photo of those endless green hills. Someone handed me an eagle for a picture—I was nervous but its feathers felt softer than I thought. Then we met some local herders with camels outside; their laughter made me forget how awkward I looked trying to climb on. The camel ride was bumpier than I expected, but honestly kind of fun once you get over yourself.

The drive out to Terelj felt like drifting through a painting—larch trees everywhere and these weird granite shapes popping up along the road. Turtle Rock really does look like a turtle if you squint (Naraa laughed when I said it looked more like bread). We started hiking toward Aryabal Monastery; there’s this little wooden bridge with a sign about “beyond wisdom,” which made me pause longer than I meant to. The climb isn’t hard but your legs will notice it by the end. Inside the temple it was quiet except for our shoes on wood and some prayer flags fluttering outside—felt peaceful in a way that stuck with me.

Lunch was in a Ger—a round tent that smelled faintly of milk tea and wood smoke. Our hosts brought out plates of dumplings and salty soup; everyone just sat cross-legged sharing stories in half-English, half-laughter. Mongolian food is simple but fills you up after all that walking. On the drive back to Ulaanbaatar, I watched clouds chase each other over those rolling hills and realized I’d probably never see anything quite like this again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Genghis Khan Statue and Terelj Park

• Meet at designated location
• Visit Genghis Khan Statue Complex
• Explore historical museum at statue base
• Enjoy panoramic countryside views
• Take camel ride and hold eagle
• Travel to Terelj National Park
• Hike to Turtle Rock formation
• Hike to Aryabal Monastery
• Have traditional Mongolian lunch in Ger

Top questions

How far is the Genghis Khan Statue from Ulaanbaatar?

It’s about 54 km from Ulaanbaatar by paved road.

Is camel riding included in this day trip?

Yes, camel rides are included as part of the experience.

Do we get to hold an eagle for photos?

Yes, there’s an opportunity to hold a hunting eagle for photos at the statue complex.

What is Turtle Rock and where is it?

Turtle Rock is a 24-meter-high granite formation in Terelj that resembles a turtle.

How long does it take to hike to Aryabal Monastery?

The hike from Turtle Rock to Aryabal Monastery takes about 45 minutes.

Is lunch provided during this tour?

Yes, lunch is served inside a traditional Mongolian Ger tent during the tour.

Are transportation options wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible on this tour.

Is hotel pickup included in Ulaanbaatar?

The tour includes pickup; check details when booking for exact arrangements.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Ulaanbaatar, all entry fees at both the Genghis Khan Statue Complex and Terelj park areas, a camel ride and time with hunting eagles for photos, plus lunch inside a cozy Ger tent before heading back in comfort with your guide.