Terelj National Park Tour: Horse Riding & Camel Trek

Three days riding horses through Terelj, then camels across sand dunes on the way to Mongolia's old capital

A 3-day tour from Ulaanbaatar through Terelj National Park and central Mongolia, with an English-speaking guide and hotel pickup. You ride horses in the park, trek by camel near Kharkhorin, visit the Genghis Khan Statue Complex and the Erdene Zuu monastery, and stay overnight in local guesthouses. Minimum age is 18.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Explore Terelj National Park

• Visit Bogd Khan Palace Museum
• See Zaisan Memorial
• Visit Genghis Khan Statue Complex
• Explore Turtle Rock formation
• Hike in Terelj National Park
• Horse ride in beautiful landscape

Day 2: Drive to Kharkhorin and Camel Ride

• Drive to Kharkhorin
• Stop at Elsen Tasarkhai sand dune
• Ride a camel
• Visit Erdene Zuu Monastery

Day 3: Return to Ulaanbaatar

• See historical findings in Kharkhorin
• Return to Ulaanbaatar

The experience

The tour starts at the Bogd Khan Palace Museum in Ulaanbaatar, then heads east to Terelj National Park. You ride horses across the landscape (the staff will teach you how if you've never done it), and hike to Turtle Rock, a granite formation in the park. The Genghis Khan Statue Complex, a 40-meter bronze figure on horseback, stands 54 km east of the city at the spot where legend says he found a whip. You spend the first night in a ger hostel within the park.

Day two takes you west toward Kharkhorin, the first Mongolian capital. On the way you stop at the Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes to ride a two-humped camel: a moment the operator calls a lifetime experience. You'll visit the Erdene Zuu monastery, built in 1585 using stones from the ruins of the ancient capital of Karakorum. The night is spent in a local guesthouse near Kharkhorin.

The final day brings you back to Ulaanbaatar, passing through Kharkhorin to see the historical findings there before returning to your hotel. The tour moves at a pace that fits the riding and the distances. You're not rushed through the stops, but you're also not lingering for days at any one place.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup in Ulaanbaatar.
• an English-speaking guide for all three days.
• horse riding instruction and rides in Terelj National Park.
• camel riding at Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes.
• entry to the Genghis Khan Statue Complex, Bogd Khan Palace Museum, Zaisan Memorial, and Erdene Zuu monastery.
• two nights' accommodation in a ger hostel and local guesthouse.
• return transport to your Ulaanbaatar hotel.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 to 81 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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 today

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Danista Nomads Tour

Is this one for you?Choose this 3-day tour if you have a long weekend and want to cover Terelj National Park, Karakorum's historical sites, and both horse and camel riding without committing to a week-long trip.

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Top questions

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.

Can I ride a horse if I've never done it before?

Yes. The staff will teach you how to ride during the horse riding portion in Terelj National Park, so no prior experience is needed.

What is the Genghis Khan Statue Complex?

The Genghis Khan Statue Complex is a 40-meter tall bronze statue of Genghis Khan on horseback, located 54 km east of Ulaanbaatar at Tsonjin Boldog, the legendary spot where he found a whip.

Where do I stay during the 3 days?

You stay in a ger hostel in Terelj National Park on the first night and in a local guesthouse near Kharkhorin on the second night, then return to your hotel in Ulaanbaatar on day three.

What is Erdene Zuu monastery?

Erdene Zuu monastery was built in 1585 using stones from the ruins of Karakorum, the ancient Mongol capital, after the declaration of Tibetan Buddhism as Mongolia's state religion.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup from your hotel in Ulaanbaatar is included in the tour.