Terelj is one the most beautiful national parks in Mongolia and very close to Ulaanbaatar. It is a part of Khentii mountain range. The highest peak is Avkhaan Mountain which is 2664meters above the sea level. The Terelj has been the protected area of Mongolian government since 1960. There are about 100 different types of plants and vegetation in Terelj. This tour gives a opportunity to hike to the Ariyapala meditation Center, to see the biggest horseman statue in the world and ride Mongolian horses.
Ulaanbaatar
In the morning
Terelj is one of the most touristic attractions around Ulaanbaatar city. It has been the strictly protected area since 1965. It’s connected with Ulaanbaatar by a paved road. The park wildlife includes brown bears, grey wolves, foxes and over two hundred species of birds. Also the Tuul river flows through the national park. The Gorkhi-Terelj National park has many rock formations for rock climbers. Many Westerners were introduced to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park when the CBS reality television program The Amazing Race visited the park in the second episode of its tenth season.
It is formed naturally by the wind and water erosion. The turtle rock is 24 meters and surrounded by the Khan Khentii mountain ranges. In Mongolian culture, the turtle is the symbol of the peace and long living.
Ariyapala meditation center was established by the Mongolian Buddhism center Gandantegchilen Monastery, Lamrin temple. The meditation center was completed from 1998 to 2004. There are a hundred and eight praying wheels around the temple. Also the mantra is carved on the mountain.
The Genghis Khan Statue, part of the Genghis Khan Statue Complex is a 40-metre (130 ft) tall statue of Genghis Khan on horseback, on the bank of the Tuul river at Tsonjin Boldog. The statue is symbolically pointed east towards his birthplace. It is on top of the Genghis Khan Statue Complex, a visitor centre, itself 10 meters (33 ft) tall, with 36 columns representing the 36 from Genghis to Ligdan Khan. It was designed by sculptor Erdenebileg and architect Enkhjargal and established in 2008. Visitors walk to the head of the horse through its chest and neck, where they have a panoramic view. Inside the statue complex you will visit two different museums.
