Terelj National Park
Gorkhi Terelj National Park is located 65 km northeast of Ulaanbaatar by paved road. High granite stone mountains with forest-covered northern slopes, multitudes of wildflower meadows along with the spectacular shape rocks formed by wind is a favorite scenery for the visitors. Fast-flowing rivers and streams make the national park more beautiful.
An average altitude of the 293.168 ha national park is 1600 m above sea level and the highest point is 2664 m Avkhan mountain. The national park is one of the most visited national parks due to its close location. There are numerous ger camps and resorts in the tourist zone before the Terelj River. The rest of the protection zones start after the Terelj River and become less touristy, less inhabited with pristine nature. The depths of the mountain forest are rich in wild animals, including boar, red deer, roe deer, fox, wolves, etc while birds of prey fly everywhere. Except for the natural beauty, Terelj was a mining area of smokestone, amethyst, and pure crystal till 1960.
Top Things to Do in Gorkhi Terelj National Park.
1. See Turtle Rock - The National Park is known for its outstanding rock formations. Among them, 24 m tall Turtle shaped rock is worth to see.
2. Hiking - Either walking through the green meadows in summer and snow-covered valleys in winter are amazing experiences. More picturesque views will reward you if you climb one of the hills or mountains.
3. Horse riding - Gorkhi Terelj National Park is a destination both for amateurs and experienced riders. Amateurs can ride an hour to several hours in the tourist zone while the adventure riders travel on horseback for several days among the pristine areas of the mountainous.
4. Yak/ox cart tour - Are you looking for doing spectacular things not traveling too far from Ulaanbaatar? If yes, you may take a yak cart tour or yak car supported trekking. This tour takes place in the less-traveled areas out of the tourist zone.
5. Rafting - Make your journey adventurous rafting on the Terelj River or Tuul River.
6. Visit temple - Visit the Ariyabal meditation temple located about 1 km from the Turtle Rock. You should walk 20-30 min after parking at the parking lot. The temple was built between 1998 and 2004 in a scenic and energetic area. The vista is expanse and picturesque when seeing from the temple elevation.
7. Visit nomads - The Mongolian tour is not complete without a visit or a stay with the nomadic family. Visit one of the nomadic families to glance at the nomadic way of life.
8. Stay in a ger - The tourist zone of the national park is full of ger resorts of different categories. Stay one of the gers and feel the uniqueness of the nomadic dwelling.
9. Try Archery - Not all, but few of the national park ger camps offer the archery experience.
10. Dog sledding - The national park is an easily accessible famous destination either in winter, where people travel for dog sledding among many other winter activities.
11. ATV & snowmobile - Rent and ride ATV in summer and snowmobile in winter.
