Gorkhi Terelj National Park
🏞️ GORKHI-TERELJ NATIONAL PARK
Gorkhi-Terelj National Park is one of Mongolia’s most accessible and breathtaking national parks, located just 60 km northeast of Ulaanbaatar. With its alpine meadows, iconic granite rock formations, ancient monasteries, and nomadic families, it offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion.
📌 QUICK FACTS
🔹 FACT | 🔍 DETAILS |
---|---|
🗺️ Location | 60 km northeast of Ulaanbaatar |
🏔️ Elevation Range | 1,300–2,900 meters |
🌱 Established | 1993 as part of the Khan Khentii area |
🧭 GPS Coordinates | 47.8971° N, 107.5758° E |
🐾 Wildlife | Red deer, foxes, marmots, eagles |
⛺ Popular Activities | Hiking, horse riding, camping, temples |
📸 Best Photo Spots | Turtle Rock, Ariyabal Temple, rivers |

📍 LOCATION
Distance from Ulaanbaatar: 60 km (approx. 1.5 hours by car)
Province: Tuv Aimag (Central Mongolia)
🌄 HIGHLIGHTS
🐢 TURTLE ROCK (MELKHII KHIREEG)
A naturally sculpted granite formation that resembles a giant turtle—one of the park’s most famous photo spots.
🛕 ARIYABAL MEDITATION TEMPLE
Nestled on a hilltop, this Buddhist temple offers panoramic views and a peaceful spiritual atmosphere.
🐴 NOMADIC CULTURE
Stay with local herders in a traditional ger (yurt) and experience horseback riding, dairy production, and nomadic hospitality.
🧗♂️ HIKING & ROCK CLIMBING
Enjoy hiking trails that meander through valleys and forests or test your limits with guided rock climbing adventures.
❄️ WINTER ACTIVITIES
In colder months, try cross-country skiing, ice skating on frozen rivers, or dog sledding in surrounding areas.
🌿 FLORA & FAUNA
Gorkhi-Terelj boasts a wide range of vegetation and wildlife:
Flora: Siberian larch forests, wildflowers, alpine meadows
Fauna: Red deer, marmots, foxes, steppe eagles, and occasionally wolves and bears in remote parts
🏕️ ACCOMMODATION
Options range from traditional nomadic ger camps to eco-lodges and small hotels. Ger camps often include local meals, cultural activities, and horse rentals.
📆 BEST TIME TO VISIT
Summer (June–August): Ideal for hiking, cultural tours, and horse riding
Winter (November–March): Magical snowy landscapes and winter sports
Spring & Fall: Fewer tourists, cooler temperatures, and changing landscapes
⚙️ TRAVEL TIPS
Getting There: Best accessed by private vehicle or guided tour from Ulaanbaatar
Mobile Coverage: Limited in deep valleys
Currency: MNT (Tugrik) — bring cash as card payment is rare
Clothing: Layered clothing is recommended due to rapid weather changes
📣 WHY VISIT GORKHI-TERELJ NATIONAL PARK?
Whether you’re seeking outdoor thrills, spiritual serenity, or an authentic encounter with Mongolia’s nomadic lifestyle, Gorkhi-Terelj National Park has something to offer in every season.
RELATED DESTINATIONS
Explore Bogd Khan Mountain National Park, the world’s oldest protected area, offering serene forest hikes and sacred Buddhist sites near Ulaanbaatar.
Explore Gorkhi-Terelj National Park—lush valleys, granite cliffs, nomads, and Buddhist temples just 60 km from Ulaanbaatar in Central Mongolia.
Visit the Genghis Khan Statue Complex near Ulaanbaatar—world’s tallest equestrian statue with museums, views, and Mongol history all in one place.