🏞️ 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

📍 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.