Gorkhi-Terelj National Park

Gorkhi-Terelj National Park (Горхи-Тэрэлж) is in Tuv of Mongolia, 55 km outside of Ulaanbaatar. It's one of Mongolia's top attractions.

Understand

Gorkhi-Terelj National Park

Turtle Rock

Terelj is considered one of the most scenic areas in all of Mongolia and is a short drive outside of the capital. It's a rather mountainous area with a beautiful river, forests and some interestingly shaped rocks. The beautiful, mostly unspoiled natural area is a popular place to go for a picnic or spend the weekend for Ulaanbaatar's residents. Due to its popularity, there are many tourist camps and activities inside the park.

Get in

Inside the park

By Bus

There are 2 buses per day from Ulaanbaatar (UB) to the park (July 2018).

Departing UB at 12:00 and 16:00, they are not conveniently timed for short visits to the park, but are the most inexpensive way of getting there.

The bus, Route XO4, has a sign for "тэрэлж" and leaves from a regular city bus stop on the south side of Peace Avenue, opposite and 150m east of the 'Narantuul Hotel' and about 300 meters to the east of the junction with Ondor Gegeen Zanabazaryn. The bus waits at the east end of the bus stop.

Buses take about 2 hours to the south end of the park, 2.5 hours to Turtle Rock and 3 hours to get to Terelj village, which is the final stop.

Coming back, they leave Terelj village at 08:00 and 16:00. The bus costs 2500 ₮ one way (all prices here June 2018).

Alternatively to get back, take the microbus from Terelj village to its last stop Nalaikh town (every two hours, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, etc., 2000 ₮). There buses leave for UB every 10 minutes (900 ₮).

By car

The road is paved all the way, fine for cars. Lots of UB residents come for the weekend, so you can probably find a ride back to UB pretty easily. Offer to help pay for petrol.

Fees and permits

3000 ₮ payable at the national park gate, 6 km from the turnoff for the park road. Depending on your mode of transport and the time of day/year there may be no one to collect the fee and/or the bus may not stop at the gate.

Get around

Vista inside the park

Terelj Monastery

See

• 1 The Turtle Rock. It is a giant rock that looks like a turtle. 
• 2 Rock Formation. 
• 3 Dinosaurs. 
• Aryabal Meditation Temple. Completed in 2004, the temple is often mistaken for the "Princess Temple."A total of 108 stone steps lead up to the temple, and the surrounding area features 108 small stupas, 8 religious offerings, and a metal fence adorned with symbolic motifs such as providential treasure and Soyombo. Additionally, there are 108 circles around the temple complex.On the pathway to the temple, you'll encounter plaques displaying quotes from the Buddha's teachings. There's also a silver wheel shrine, with the ceiling of the shrine bearing up to 150 arrow markings. Each arrow, when turned, points to a number that corresponds to a birthdate. The number indicated reveals a horoscope and is posted on a board along the approach to Aryabal Temple. (updated Aug 2024)

Do

Trekking, horse riding, rafting, and golf during summer. Cross-country skiing during winter.

Buy

There are a couple of standard shops in Terelj village if you want to stock up on bottled water, biscuits, vodka, etc. Tourist camps sell stuff as well but will have less variety and higher prices.

Sleep

• Ecotourism Ger Camp (You can phone Bert for a pick up from the bus, or directions are to turn right after the UB2 hotel and wade across the river. After that turn right (east) along the track alongside the river that follows the electricity poles. When you reach pole numbered 40 turn 90 degrees right and it's in front of you.), ☏ +976 99734710. The affable Bert and his family run a friendly ger camp away from the main tourist area. He can arrange horse riding further into the park, including Gunjiin Sum and there's good hiking in the area. The food's great (including homemade cheese). €20 per person per night including all meals. 
• Other Tourist Ger Camps. There are many tourist ger camps on the road as you approach Terelj village, some are closer to the road than others. Any of them can set you up with horse rental, otherwise you can just hike around the park. 25,000 ₮ for a 2-person ger (no meals included), you might be able to bargain a bit, since there are a bunch of tourist camps and they're fairly indistinguishable. 

• 1 Glory Resort Mongolia, Km 44, ☏ +97670702222, info@gloryresortmongolia.com. Check-in: 3:00 p.m., check-out: 11:00 a.m.. (updated Jul 2024)

Lodging

• Terelj Lodge Ger Camp, ☏ +976 11 34 4488. Traditional tourist camp. Provides accommodation in the round felt traditional houses (authentic Mongolian gers) used by nomads, western-style amenities, including a sink, toilet, twin beds and electricity. Western-style showers, bathroom facilities, and restaurant facilities. The gers are decorated with traditional colorful patterns and furnished with soft and cozy beds. Each ger is furnished with beds, blankets, bedding sheets, pillows, small towels, bath towels, a table, stools, candles and matches, thermos, glasses, etc. 
• Authentic Mongolian Ger Heating. Heated by the wood stove placed in the center of it. The ger keepers start fire for you and can keep setting fire from time to time during colder nights.