Terelj National Park Horseback Riding Day Trip: Chinggis Khaan Statue

Ride through Terelj's rock formations and climb to a Buddhist temple in one day from Ulaanbaatar

A full-day tour from Ulaanbaatar that combines the world's largest equestrian statue, an hour of horseback riding through Terelj National Park's valleys, a hike to Ariyabal Temple, and lunch. A private guide in English, Russian or Turkish leads the group. Pickup from accommodation or the airport is included. The day runs 6 to 8 hours and suits all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Chinggis Khaan Statue and Terelj National Park

• Pick up from accommodation
• Visit Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue
• Have lunch
• Drive to Terelj National Park
• Horseback riding in Terelj valley
• See Eagle on shoulder near Turtle Rock
• Hike to Ariyabal Temple
• Return to Ulaanbaatar accommodation or airport

The experience

The day starts early with pickup from your Ulaanbaatar hotel or airport, heading east to the Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue at Tsonjin Boldog Complex. The 40-meter bronze statue is the world's largest equestrian monument, and the site holds historical significance tied to Chinggis Khaan's discovery of a golden whip. You'll spend time here learning about the Great Mongolian Empire and the history of Mongolian conquest across Asia before heading to lunch.

After eating, you drive to Terelj National Park and mount up for an hour-long horseback ride through the valley. The landscape here is shaped by millions of years of water and wind erosion, creating dramatic granite formations and rock outcrops. Terelj sits at the edge of the Siberian taiga, so the air is crisp and the forest dense. Horseback riding was central to Mongolian nomadic life, and this ride lets you move through the terrain the way herders did. Near Turtle Rock, you'll have the chance to hold an eagle on your shoulder: a moment many travelers photograph.

The final stop is Ariyabal Temple, perched on a mountainside 56 kilometers from Ulaanbaatar. The 108-step climb to the temple is steep but short. The stairs are designed to resemble an elephant's trunk, and the temple itself is built in the shape of an elephant's head. Buddhist teachings in English and Mongolian line the path. The surrounding granite formations and scenic valleys make this a strong spot for photos before the drive back to the city.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your Ulaanbaatar hotel or airport.
• one hour of horseback riding through Terelj National Park.
• lunch.
• entrance fees to the Chinggis Khaan Statue complex and Terelj National Park.
• a live guide in English, Russian or Turkish.
• return transfer to the city or airport.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00, 09:00 and 10:00

Book up to2d before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Russian and Turkish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 12 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats available

Operated by Meet Mongolia Join Tours LLC

Is this one for you?This is a private, guided tour, so you travel with your own driver and guide rather than joining a shared group: ideal if you want to set the pace and ask questions without waiting for others. The horseback riding is one hour at a walk suitable for all levels, not a backcountry expedition, so it works for first-time riders and families with children.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Russian and Turkish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the horseback riding part of the day?

The horseback ride through Terelj National Park lasts one hour and takes place in the afternoon after you visit the Chinggis Khaan Statue and have lunch.

What is the Ariyabal Temple and why is it worth visiting?

Ariyabal Temple sits on a mountainside near Turtle Rock and is built in the shape of an elephant's head. The 108-step staircase leading up symbolizes the elephant's trunk, and the temple honors the Buddhist god Aryabal. The surrounding granite formations and valleys offer scenic views and photo opportunities.

Is this tour private or shared with other travelers?

This is a private tour with your own guide and transportation. Your guide speaks English, Russian or Turkish and leads only your group throughout the day.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

The tour includes private transportation, the one-hour horseback ride, lunch, all park fees and taxes, and a live guide. Pickup from your Ulaanbaatar accommodation or airport is included. Bring comfortable hiking shoes, a hat, sunscreen and a camera for the temple and rock formations.

Can I do this tour if I've never ridden a horse before?

Yes. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and the horseback riding portion is one hour at a pace the guide sets for the group. If you have concerns about riding, mention them during booking so the operator can advise on the terrain and your comfort.