48 Hours in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, Mongolia
Whether you’re passing through Mongolia on the Trans-Siberian, or on a dedicated visit to Mongolia, the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park is a must see. Just an hour drive from the capital Ulaanbaatar, you find yourself in the vast openness of Mongolia’s nomadic, rural life. Here’s how to spend your 48 hours…
Statue of Genghis Khan
Before you reach the National Park stop off to see the giant Genghis Khan statue. The 40m tall stainless steal structure is strikingly big, even in the vast Mongolian countryside. You can enjoy a panoramic views from the viewing platform at the horses head.
The Ger Camp
There is only one way you should sleep in the Mongolian countryside – the Mongolian ger. These round, portable and decorated tents are iconic feature of Mongolian life, which continued to be used by nomadic Mongolians and can also be seen in some areas of the capital. The ger’s in the ‘tourist camps’ typically house up to 4 people, with a wood burning fire at their centre (essential for when the temperature drops in the evenings).
I stayed at the Guru Camp – ideally located for walking/hiking to Turtle Rock and the Aryapala Temple (see below). They have good facilities including a clean shower/toilet block, art gallery, archery, nearby horse riding, and a restaurant serving excellent, hearty Mongolian food.
On a a sunny day, I would recommend sitting on the restaurants veranda for an alfresco meal over looking the Mongolian landscape. At night, take walk to the hill top above the camp for spectacular star gazing, with the milky way in full view, before returning to the ger warmed by the wood-burning heater.
Walk / Hike
The best way to see the National Park is to get walking. The terrain is winding valleys – so you can make it it hard or as easy as you want, either going over the hills or meandering via the valley floor. Either way you will have beautiful views of Mongolian countryside. From the south-west edge of the National Park – where the Guru Camp and other accommodation is located – you can easily do a half day of walking to see the key attractions.
Turtle Rock
At 24 meters high, Turtle Rock (or ‘Melkhii Khad’) is literally unmissable. The natural formation strongly resembles a gigantic turtle and is a surreal (and fun!) sight in the pine lined valley.
Aryapala Temple
Further up the the valley you will start to reach the upward slop where the Aryapala Temple complex sits. As you walk along the pathways you will see numerous boards with Buddhist teachings written on them before reaching a small round pagoda like structure.
Walk further along until you reach the wooden foot bridge that leads to the main temple.
The main temple is nestled in the hill side, intricately decorated and with fantastic views over the valley. Do take you time to look over the detail of the temple and enjoy the views. The complex also has open front toilets available, which is probably the most scenic toilet break you will ever have!
(picture is my own).
Horseback Riding + Family Visit
During my time in Mongolia we made a visit to a local family and took a ride on their horses. It’s a great privilege to meet a local family in their home and see their way of life – they are very welcoming and will likely offer some food and Airag (fermented horse milk, which isn’t bad!). Do take a small a gift to offer in return. If you have longer in Mongolia, there are homestay visits available.
The horse riding over the Mongolian plains was amazing and one of the highlights of my trip to Mongolia, even for a highly inexperienced rider like me who was lucky enough to get the temperamental horse (we bonded eventually…).
(picture is my own).
What would you like to see the most? What’s your recommendations? Let me know in the comments!
All pictures are my own.
