Terelj National Park Day Tour: Genghis Khan Statue Visit

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/16

Duration7h–10h

GroupPrivate

LanguagesEN

PickupAt your hotel

The 131-foot Genghis Khan Statue rises above the steppe on the way to Terelj's granite peaks.

A private day tour from Ulaanbaatar to Terelj National Park includes hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, a full lunch, and stops at the Genghis Khan Statue Complex, Turtle Rock and Ariyabal Meditation Temple. The tour runs 7 to 10 hours and suits all fitness levels; optional horseback or camel riding can be added during the day.

7h–10h

Step-by-step itinerary

Ulaanbaatar to Terelj National Park tour

Hotel pickup in Ulaanbaatar at 9 am
Drive 1.5 hours to Terelj National Park
Stop at Ovoo rock pile on mountain pass
Visit Genghis Khan Statue Complex
Climb to viewing deck on horse’s head
Explore museum inside statue complex
See Turtle Rock granite formation
Hike to Ariyabal Meditation Temple
Enjoy panoramic views and prayer wheels
Optional activities: horseback, camel riding, eagle viewing, shopping

The Experience

The tour starts with hotel pickup at 9 am and a 1.5-hour drive northeast to the park. On the way you stop at an Ovoo—a rock pile on a mountain pass used in Mongolian worship—before reaching the Genghis Khan Statue Complex. The statue itself stands 131 feet high, the world's tallest equestrian monument, and you climb to a viewing deck on the horse's head for panoramic views across the steppe. A museum inside the complex traces Mongolia's history and culture.

From there the tour moves into Terelj's landscape of granite formations, alpine meadows and forests. Turtle Rock, a massive granite outcrop shaped like a giant turtle, is the park's most photographed landmark and a natural stopping point. Then comes a peaceful uphill walk to Ariyabal Meditation Temple, perched on a hilltop overlooking the park's dramatic terrain. The temple has prayer wheels and quiet spaces for reflection, with views back across the valleys you've just crossed.

Lunch is a four-course set menu or hot pot at a local restaurant, with the guide and driver eating with you. Water is provided throughout the day. The tour operates in all weather, so bring layers and sturdy shoes for the temple hike. If you want to add horseback riding or camel riding with a local guide, you can arrange that during the day for an extra fee; golden eagle viewing and cashmere shopping are also available as add-ons.

What’s included

Your tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Ulaanbaatar.
a private English-speaking guide and experienced driver.
entry to the Genghis Khan Statue Complex and Terelj National Park.
a four-course lunch or hot pot meal with the guide and driver.
and complementary water throughout the day.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats available

Operated by Amicus Travel Mongolia

Is this one for you?The full day—7 to 10 hours—is what fits three major stops and a temple hike into one trip without rushing between them. If you have only a half-day or need to leave Ulaanbaatar in the afternoon, this tour won't work; if you want to see the steppe's biggest landmarks and have time to walk and reflect, the length holds it all together.