Gorkhi-Terelj National Park in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Gorkhi-Terelj National Park is one of the national parks of Mongolia.
A small southern portion of the park is developed for tourists, with restaurants, souvenir shops, horses and camels for rent, and tourist ger camps,
many of them run by the Juulchin corporation, the former state tourism company.
However, most of the park is undeveloped and difficult to access.
Attractions include Khagiin Khar Lake, a 20 meter deep glacial lake 80 km upstream from the tourist camps, and Yestii Hot Water Springs,
natural hot springs 18 km further upstream.
The park also has a Buddhist monastery that is open to visitors.
Park wildlife includes brown bears and over 250 species of birds.
The Tuul River flows through the park.
The park has many rock formations for rock climbers, and includes two famous formations named for things they resemble:
Turtle Rock and the Old Man Reading a Book.
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.
Lying in the valley of the Terelj River 80 km northeast of Ulaanbaatar, Terelj national park has long been a holiday resort for people from the
capital and short – stay tourists.
It is one of the most visited areas in Mongolia due to its magnificient scenery and its proximity to Ulaanbaatar.
There are great opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, simming, rafting, riding and bird watching.
In winter frozen rivers provide skating and snow-covered valleys are ideal for cross- country skiing.
Terelj is picturesque place of high cliffs of granite, rivers and forests.
It is located in Khan Khenti Park.
Precious stones, cloudy crystals and pure crystals were mined more than a hundred years ago in this area.
A chunk of cloudy crystal of 7.5 tons of weight was founded there in 1960. 2864 sqare kilometers area of Gorkhi Terelj was taken to state protection
in 1993.
We can see here distinctive rock formation resembling a giant turtle and a person reading a book etc.
The Terelj River flows through Terelj Nationl Park.
This river takes its sources from Asralt Khaikhan mountain of Khentii mountain range and its rapid stream after 70 km flows in to the Tuul River.
Here is the 10 must see attractions and activities in TERELJ NP, that we suggest.
1. Terelj National Park Natural landscape – is colorful and with magnificent alpine scenery.
The National Park area is very impressive, with massive rock formations set among scenic valleys and hills with a winding river and groves of trees.
Travelers can take leisurely strolls on meadows carpeted with variety of wild flowers, view fascinating rock formations against a backdrop of
pine-covered mountains and wander along the wooded banks of a mountain stream.
2. Turtle Rock – The symbol of Terelj National Park is 24 meter high, giant rock formation like a lying turtle.
You will take a photo of rock and relaxing for a while in the shade of this giant turtle before to start for hiking towards Ariyabal meditation
temple.
3. Ariyabal Meditation Temple – was built in 1998-2004, because of its “Natural Energy”.
It is located on a steep hill.
The shape of temple is an elephants head and the set of 108 stairs leading up to the temple symbolizes the elephant’s elongated trunk.
Due to reach there you will cross the “Bridge of Heaven” and 108 stone stairs will lead you to the main temple and see 108 small stupas and 108
prayer wheels were placed around the temple.
4. Hiking.
Hiking is the best experience in the NP.
Sometimes it seems like rock climbing instead of hiking.
You will hike through the green meadows, strange shaped in the Rocky Mountains and side along the rivers of Terelj and Tuul.
5. Edelweiss – is well known mountain flower and there are variety of wild flowers in Terelj and looks very impressive and colorful in summer time.
Especially, you will enjoy for finding Edelweiss at high, rocky places.
The plant prefers rocky limestone places at about 1800 to 3000 meters altitude.
It is considered the symbol of immortal forever love, according to the fairy tale.
6. Horse and Camel riding – through the vast green steppes is the one of the adventurous activities for who came in nomadic Mongolia.
Mongolians are said that “Nations born on horseback”.
7. Visiting to nomad family – is the chance for exploring their real routine life and feel the hospitality.
Visitors are welcomed into the Mongolian ger and offered milk tea or mare’s milk.
You are able to know the herdsman how to care their livestock and the hostess does the daily indoor activities besides taking care of the children.
8. Camping at Mongol Ger.
The best comfortable option to sleep in Mongol ger is staying at tourist ger camp near UB.
The traditional gers have brightly colored furniture, beds and wood burning stove in the center.
The washing block and toilet are separated from the gers.
But it has opportunity to stay in luxury ger with private toilet and shower.
The gers are really enjoyable and authentic form of accommodation, warm in the winter, and cool in summer.
The best way to book is through local travel company, who would have most up-to-date information.
9. Archery – one of the traditional “Three Manly Games” of Naadam festival, as well as wrestling, horse racing and archery.
You can experience archery at some tourist camps in Terelj NP.
10. ATV – is a right way to spend your free time and hobby of youths and friends or people who loves adventure.
Whether you ride it for fun and sport.
You may rent ATV in some tourist camps in Terelj NP.
Like us and Join us at Xtreme Collections for more fun and knowledge.