Terelj National Park

Mongolia, Asia

Terelj National Park is a stunning natural wonder in Mongolia, renowned for its dramatic landscapes, granite rock formations, and lush valleys. Visitors can explore the iconic Turtle Rock, hike through scenic trails, and experience nomadic culture with local ger stays. The park is also a hub for outdoor activities such as horseback riding, rock climbing, and traditional ger camping, making it a perfect escape into nature just a short drive from Ulaanbaatar.

Quick facts

Target stay

3-5 days

Type

Nature Reserve

Vibe

Active

Airport

Buyant Ukhaa

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

10 Best Things to Do in Terelj National Park

1

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore Turtle Rock

Hike to this iconic rock formation resembling a turtle.

No booking required
2

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Aryapala Meditation Temple

Discover peace at this serene Buddhist temple.

No booking required
3

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Horseback Riding in the Steppe

Experience Mongolia's vast landscapes on horseback.

Booking required
4

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Stay in a Ger Camp

Experience traditional Mongolian hospitality in a ger.

Booking required
5

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Genghis Khan Statue Complex

Check out the world’s largest equestrian statue.

No booking required
6

Est. 4 hrs

Year round

Adults only

Go Rock Climbing

Challenge yourself with thrilling rock climbing routes.

Booking required
7

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Hike to the Chinggis Khaan Statue

Enjoy stunning views from this towering statue.

No booking required
8

Est. 3 hrs

Seasonal

Adults only

Take a River Rafting Tour

Experience thrilling rafting on the Terelj River.

Booking required
9

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Local Nomadic Families

Learn about traditional nomadic lifestyle firsthand.

No booking required
10

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Photography at the Yestii River

Capture breathtaking landscapes and nature scenes.

No booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

Expected (~10%)

Tapwater

Not safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

High

LGBTQ+ safety score

-3 (#70 globally)

Cost

Cheap

Currency

Tugrik

Majority religion

Buddhist

Language

Mongolian

(<20% speak English)

Best dishes to try

Buuz

Steamed dumplings filled with meat. (National dish)

Khuushuur

Fried meat-filled pastries, crispy outside.

Tsuivan

Stir-fried noodles with meat and vegetables.

Boodog

Whole goat cooked in its own skin.

Khorkhog

Meat cooked with hot stones in a pot.

Phrases to learn

English

Mongolian

Hello

Sain baina uu

(Sah-een bahy-nah oo)

Yes/No

Tiim / Ugui

(Teem / Oo-gwee)

Thank you

Bayarlaa

(Bah-yar-la)

Excuse me

Uuchlaarai

(Ooch-lah-rai)

How much?

Khed ve?

(Khed veh)