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Gorkhi-Terelj National Park (Горхи-Тэрэлж) is in Tuv of Mongolia, only 55 km outside of Ulaanbaatar.

Understand

Turtle Rock

Terelj is considered one of the most scenic areas in all of Mongolia and is only 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.

History

Landscape

Flora and fauna

Climate

Get in

Inside the park

By Bus

There is a bus from Ulaanbaatar to the park.

It leaves from a bus stop on the south side of Peace Avenue, opposite of the big 'Narantuul Hotel', 150 meters East of the junction with Ondor Gegeen Zanabazaryn Gudamj, which is the road that runs south from Gandan Khiid. The bus waits at the east end of the bus stop. The bus stand has a large "Pepsi" signs on it (GPS N47.91545 E106.89782). Stand with the hotel to your back, cross the road, walk a few metres to the left.

Buses leave at 12:00 noon and take 2 1/2 hours to get to Terelj village, which is the penultimate stop.

Coming back, they leave Terelj village at 19:00. The bus costs 2500 MNT one way (all prices here August 2015).

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

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/Permits

3000 MNT payable at the national park gate, 6km from the turnoff for the park road.

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.

Do

summer in Terelj

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.

Eat

Drink

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 home made cheese). 20 EUR Per person per night including all meals.
  • Other Tourist Ger Camps. There are numerous 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 Tk 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.

Lodging

  • Chinggis Tourist Camp. 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. There six gers with two beds, seven gers with three beds. 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.

Camping

Backcountry

Stay safe

Go next


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