If you only have time to visit one national park during your trip to Mongolia, make it Gorkhi-Terelj National Park.
Just over an hour’s drive northeast of Ulaanbaatar, it is one of the country’s most popular destinations and offers visitors an excellent introduction to Mongolia’s spectacular natural scenery. Towering granite rock formations, peaceful valleys, winding rivers and endless grasslands combine to create a landscape that feels a world away from the busy streets of the capital.
Whether you visit on a day trip or to spend a few nights in a traditional ger camp, Gorkhi-Terelj National Park is one of those places that leaves a lasting impression.
TABLE OF CONTENTS: VISITING GORKHI-TERELJ NATIONAL PARK
| 📌 QUICK FACTS FOR YOUR VISIT TO GORKHI-TERELJ NATIONAL PARK | |
|---|---|
| 📍 Location: One hour north-east of Ulaanbaatar | 💰 Entrance Fee: 3,000 tugrik per person, less than one US dollar |
| 🌍 Interesting Fact: Home to the famous Turtle Rock and Aryabal Meditation Temple | 🏞️ What to Expect: Stunning scenery, beautiful granite rocks and relaxing nature |
| ⏱️ Time Needed for Visit: Ideally a full day or more | ⭐ Worth Visiting: Definitely, a highlight of any vacation to Mongolia |
After visiting the Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex earlier in the day, my tour guide and I headed to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park for the afternoon on what would be my first evening exploring beautiful Mongolia outside of the capital.
A Welcome Escape from the City
After spending time exploring Ulaanbaatar, arriving in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park feels like entering a completely different world. The traffic disappears, apartment buildings are replaced by open countryside, and the fresh mountain air quickly reminds you why Mongolia is often called the Land of the Eternal Blue Sky.
The drive itself is enjoyable, passing rolling hills, grazing livestock and occasional groups of horse riders. Before long, enormous granite rock formations begin appearing beside the road, giving the park its distinctive appearance.
Unlike many national parks around the world, Gorkhi-Terelj National Park isn’t about dense forests or dramatic waterfalls. Its beauty comes from its wide-open spaces, unusual rock formations and peaceful atmosphere. It is a place where you can simply slow down and enjoy the scenery.
Spectacular Scenery around Every Corner
One of the things I enjoyed most about the park was how varied the landscape is despite being relatively compact. One moment you are driving through broad valleys filled with grazing yaks and horses. The next, you are surrounded by towering granite cliffs that appear to have been carefully sculpted by nature over millions of years.
The Tuul River winds through parts of the park, adding another layer of beauty to the landscape, while pine forests cover many of the surrounding hillsides. No matter which direction you look, there always seems to be another photograph waiting to be taken.
If you’re visiting during the summer months, like I did, the green countryside contrasts beautifully against the blue sky, making it one of Mongolia’s most photogenic destinations.
Famous Attractions Inside Gorkhi-Terelj National Park
Although the scenery is reason enough to visit, Gorkhi-Terelj National Park is also home to several of Mongolia’s best-known attractions.
The most famous is undoubtedly Turtle Rock, an enormous granite formation that remarkably resembles a giant turtle. It has become one of Mongolia’s most photographed natural landmarks and is a popular stop for virtually every visitor to the park.
Another highlight is the beautiful Aryabal Meditation Temple, perched high on a hillside overlooking the surrounding valley. Reaching the temple involves a short uphill walk while reading many readings from Buddha, but the views from the top make the effort worthwhile.
Since I have written separate articles about both Turtle Rock and Aryabal Meditation Temple, I won’t duplicate the details here. Just know that they are two attractions you shouldn’t miss during your visit to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park.
More than Just Sightseeing
While many visitors explore the park on a day trip from Ulaanbaatar, spending a night or two here allows you to experience another side of Mongolia. Several traditional ger camps operate within the national park, giving visitors the opportunity to sleep in Mongolia’s famous circular tents while enjoying modern comforts. Waking up surrounded by mountains instead of city traffic is an experience that is difficult to beat.
Horse riding is another popular activity, with local guides offering rides through the valleys and surrounding countryside. Even if you’ve never ridden a horse before, there are options suitable for beginners.
Hiking is also popular, with numerous trails leading through forests, across open grasslands and up into the surrounding hills. Unlike some national parks where marked trails can become crowded, here you often feel as though you have the landscape almost entirely to yourself.
On the afternoon that I visited, after I explored Turtle Rock, I walked into the surrounding mountains, close to the hotel at which I was staying, to admire the scenery and get a feeling for the beautiful Mongolian countryside.
Wildlife and Nature
Although most visitors come for the scenery, Gorkhi-Terelj National Park is also home to a variety of wildlife. Marmots, foxes, deer and numerous bird species can all be found within the park, while the surrounding mountains provide habitat for larger animals that are rarely seen by visitors.
More commonly, you’ll encounter grazing yaks, cattle, goats, sheep and horses, many belonging to the nomadic families who continue to live traditional lifestyles within and around the park. Seeing these animals roaming freely across the grasslands adds to the authentic Mongolian experience and provides countless photographic opportunities.
A Photographer’s Paradise
If you enjoy photography, Gorkhi-Terelj National Park is one of those places where it’s difficult to take a bad picture. The changing light throughout the day transforms the landscape, while the granite formations create dramatic foregrounds for landscape shots.
Traditional gers, grazing animals, colorful wildflowers during summer and endless mountain views all combine to produce photographs that perfectly capture the beauty of Mongolia.
Sunrise and sunset are particularly rewarding, as the soft golden light brings out the texture and color of the granite rocks while casting long shadows across the valleys.
Even if photography isn’t your main hobby, you’ll probably find yourself reaching for your camera more often than expected.
Is Gorkhi-Terelj National Park Worth Visiting?
Absolutely, yes. If you’re visiting Mongolia for the first time, Gorkhi-Terelj National Park offers an ideal combination of spectacular scenery, fascinating attractions and easy accessibility. Its proximity to Ulaanbaatar means you don’t need to travel for days to experience Mongolia’s beautiful countryside, yet once you arrive, it feels wonderfully remote.
Whether you’re admiring the unusual rock formations, visiting Turtle Rock, climbing to Aryabal Meditation Temple, spending the night in a traditional ger or simply enjoying the peaceful landscapes, the park showcases everything that makes Mongolia such a rewarding destination. It is easy to see why Gorkhi-Terelj National Park has become one of the country’s most visited natural attractions.
If your Mongolia itinerary includes time in Ulaanbaatar, setting aside a day or two for Gorkhi-Terelj National Park is a super addition to your vacation. The scenery is unforgettable, the atmosphere is wonderfully peaceful and there’s an excellent chance that, like me, you’ll leave with many happy memories from your time in this part of Mongolia.
Find Gorkhi-Terelj National Park on Google Maps.
When I visited Terelj National Park I stayed at Domogt Melkhii Khad hostel near Turtle Rock.
Otherwise consider other accommodation options in Gorkhi Terelj National Park by clicking in the box below.
My visit to Mongolia, outside of the capital, was coordinated by Molomjamts Naranzul, someone who I now consider a good friend. Find Molomjamts Naranzul on Instagram, from where contact may be started by direct message.
Consider reading the other posts on Mongolia by Two Passports Packed.
(Visited in June 2025)