Gorkhi-Terelj National Park
(1-3 days)

short description

DAY 1-3
Gorkhi-Terelj National Park

Option
Trekking to Gunjiin Sum

Detailed description

Gorkhi-Terelj National Park

In the morning we will leave for Terelj located about 70 km Northeast of Ulaanbaatar. It is part of Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. The park with its granite rocks, pine trees and river is a picturesque area that is perfect for hiking, horse riding, swimming or just sit back, relax and enjoy the view.

We will visit several sightseeing places in the area.

Our first stop will be the Genghis Khan Monument. The Genghis Khan Monument is a vast aluminium monument of Genghis Khan on his horse. It’s possible to climb to the top of the monument from where you have a gear view of the surrounding area. There is a little museum that explains Mongol empire history.

After visiting the monument, we will be driving further into the park and stop at 100 monks cave. This small cave was once used by 100 monks as hiding place during communist persecution. You can see the cave wall blackened as a result of fire and smoke.

We will visit further Turtle rock and Aryaval meditation monastery at the foot of mountain.

There are good possibilities for hiking, climbing, horseback riding or, for those who are not afraid of the cold water, swimming. You can try canoeing if water level and current make it possible.

At the end of the afternoon we will drive back to Ulaanbaatar or overnight in a Ger Camp.

(L)

Option: Trekking to Gunjiin Sum

Gunjiin Sum or Princess Monastery is surrounded by magnificent forest of Khentii mountain range. King of one of four Mongolian aymags in the 18th century, Dovdondorj was married to a princess of Manchurian King Enkh-Amgalan in 1697. When the princess died after long happy marriage, Dovdondorj king had special temple built at about 100km from current Ulaanbaatar and buried her under the temple. The temple is valuable architectural and cultural heritage of 18th century Mongolia.

Surrounded by magnificent forest this was once huge monastery built in the 18^th century by Mongolian lord in a memory of his wife. Today, only the main temple and some of the wall remains.