Genghis Khan Statue and Terelj Park Day Tour with Camel Ride

Genghis Khan Statue Complex at Tsonjin Boldog

The Genghis Khan Statue Complex stands on the open steppe at Tsonjin Boldog, about 54 km east of Ulaanbaatar. Completed in 2008, the 40 m stainless-steel figure of the founder of the Mongol Empire on horseback is widely described as the largest equestrian statue in the world. It faces east towards his birthplace, and tradition says this is where he found a golden whip, a sign of good fortune.

Inside the round visitor centre that forms the base, you walk up through the horse to a viewing platform on its head, with sweeping views over the grasslands. Below is a small museum with Bronze Age objects and finds from the steppe empires, plus a giant traditional Mongolian boot. Your guide explains the history of the Mongol Empire as you go, and the visit takes about an hour of this Genghis Khan Statue tour.

Camel ride and the hunting eagle

Close to the statue you meet two symbols of nomadic Mongolia. The two-humped Bactrian camel has carried herders and their goods across the country for centuries, and a short ride gives you a feel for its slow, rocking gait. The camels are calm and used to visitors, so the ride is easy even for first-timers.

Next you can hold a hunting eagle on a thick leather glove for photos. Hunting with golden eagles is an ancient tradition, kept alive above all by Kazakh eagle hunters in the far west of Mongolia. Your guide, trained in photography, takes your pictures, and a traditional costume is available if you would like to dress up for the shot.

Gorkhi-Terelj National Park and Turtle Rock

Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, protected since 1993, is the most popular Terelj day trip from Ulaanbaatar and one of the closest wild landscapes to the capital. Granite peaks and boulders rise above alpine meadows and larch forest along the Tuul River valley, and herders' gers dot the valleys. In summer the meadows are full of wild flowers; in winter the park lies under snow.

The park's best-known landmark is Turtle Rock, a huge granite formation whose shape clearly resembles a turtle. You stop here for photos and, if you wish, a guided scramble on the rocks. The air is fresh and the views open, so this stop is often travellers' favourite part of the Terelj National Park tour.

Aryabal Meditation Temple

Aryabal Meditation Temple sits high on a forested hillside in Terelj, reached on foot by a path and a long flight of steps. Boards with Buddhist teachings line the way, inviting you to pause and reflect as you climb. The path and temple are laid out to suggest an elephant, with the stairs forming its trunk.

From the temple terrace the views stretch across the valley, the granite peaks and the larch forest, especially beautiful in the soft afternoon light. The hike is moderate, about 30 to 45 minutes there and back, and your guide sets an easy pace. Remove your shoes where asked and walk clockwise around the shrines, as is the Buddhist custom.

Lunch in a traditional ger

The day ends with a traditional Mongolian lunch inside a ger, the round felt tent of the nomads, with its wooden lattice walls, central stove and colourful painted furniture. Mongolian cooking centres on meat, flour and dairy, with dishes such as steamed dumplings, fried pastries and noodle stir-fries, and drinks are served with the meal.

Sitting in a ger is a chance to learn the customs of Mongolian hospitality: enter without stepping on the threshold, move clockwise inside and accept food with your right hand. After lunch you drive back to Ulaanbaatar, arriving in the late afternoon, so it is best to keep the rest of the day free in case of city traffic.