Granite rock outcrops and forested hills above green meadow with cabins and white gers in Terelj

National park · Töv Province, north-east of Ulaanbaatar

Gorkhi-Terelj National Park

Granite tors, larch forest and ger camps north-east of Ulaanbaatar, home of Turtle Rock

Ambient soundChinese bush warbler calling in Gorkhi-Terelj forest

Photo: Tuguldur Baatar (@tbaatar) / Unsplash

Discover Gorkhi-Terelj National Park

Gorkhi-Terelj is where many travellers first feel the open spaces of Mongolia. Less than two hours from the capital, the paved road winds into a valley of grassy meadows framed by granite outcrops that wind and rain have sculpted into strange shapes, with pine and larch forest climbing the ridges behind.

The most famous of these shapes is Turtle Rock, Melkhii Khad, a huge boulder that looks uncannily like a tortoise lifting its head. Around it the southern part of the park has a cluster of ger camps, horse-riding outfits and walking trails, while the wilder north rewards those who travel on by horse or on foot. It is an easy first taste of steppe life: sleeping in a felt ger, riding a sturdy Mongolian horse and watching the light change on the rocks at the end of the day.

Don’t miss

01Turtle Rock (Melkhii Khad), a granite boulder shaped like a turtle beside the main park road
02Aryaval meditation centre, a Buddhist retreat reached by a marked uphill trail from near Turtle Rock
03The Old Man Reading rock formation, a few kilometres further towards Terelj village
04Terelj and Tuul river valleys with meadows, larch and pine forest
05Ger camps offering overnight stays, horse riding and guided walks

History & culture

The story of Gorkhi-Terelj National Park

The park was established in 1993 and covers roughly 2,900 square kilometres of the Khentii mountain foothills, with the Tuul and Terelj rivers running through its valleys. Its name joins Gorkhi, the rugged area of rock formations, with Terelj, the river valley and small settlement that grew up as a weekend retreat for residents of Ulaanbaatar.

The rocks carry their own stories. Turtle Rock was formerly known as Mungut Khad, and local tradition holds that treasure was once hidden there during a war in the seventeenth century, which is why some people regard it as a rock that brings good fortune. A few kilometres further along the road another formation is known as the Old Man Reading a Book.

Local life & traditions

Herding families still graze livestock in and around the park, and many camps are run by local families, so a visit is a gentle introduction to nomadic customs. When entering a ger, step over rather than on the threshold, move clockwise inside, and accept offered tea or snacks with your right hand or both hands; it is polite to at least taste what is offered. Avoid pointing your feet at the hearth or at elders, and ask before photographing people.

Things to do

Experience it like a local

Most visitors base themselves at a ger camp in the southern zone and spend a day or two walking, horse riding and scrambling around the rock formations. The climb to the Aryaval meditation centre takes roughly half an hour to an hour each way and gives wide views over the valley. Short pony rides and longer guided horse treks can both be arranged locally.

In summer the river valleys are popular for picnics and gentle hiking, and some operators offer rafting; in winter the frozen landscape draws cross-country skiers. The park combines easily in one day with the Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue at Tsonjin Boldog, which lies on the way from the capital.

When to go

June to September is the main season, with green valleys and warm days, although summer rain showers are common and July and August are busiest, especially at weekends when residents of Ulaanbaatar head out. September brings golden larch colours and quieter trails. Winter is very cold but bright and still, and suits travellers prepared for sub-zero temperatures and snow activities.

Plan your visit

Travel tips

Weekends in summer are crowded with day-trippers from Ulaanbaatar; visit on a weekday if you can.
Carry layers and a rain jacket even in summer, as weather in the mountains changes quickly.
Ger camps vary greatly in standard; check bathroom and heating arrangements before booking.
A small park entry fee may be collected at the gate on the access road; carry some tugrik in cash.
Halal food is not generally available in the park; travellers who need it should arrange meals with their tour operator in advance.

General guidance from our specialists, not official information.

Around Gorkhi-Terelj National Park: food, markets & places to stay

The park is usually reached by private car or tour from Ulaanbaatar along a paved road via Nalaikh; a public bus also runs from the city to Terelj village, though the service is infrequent. Food in the park is mainly provided by the ger camps themselves, with a few small shops near the settlement. The Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue complex at Tsonjin Boldog lies close to the route from the capital and is commonly visited on the same trip.