Gorkhi-Terelj National Park Mongolia, also known as Terelj National Park, is one of the most beautiful worth visiting places in Mongolia that is best known for its rolling hills, which provide stunning views, and its many rivers and lakes, which make for great fishing spots.
Visitors to the park can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, horse riding, and visiting nomad family and stay overnight in traditional Ger dwelling at one of the numerous ger camps within a short period and visit many tourist attractions that the park can offer.
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy the great outdoors and learn about Mongolian history, whether in winter or summer, Terelj National Park Mongolia is the perfect destination.
Overview of Terelj National Park Mongolia
Terelj National Park is a stunning natural reserve located in the northern central part of Mongolia, approximately 55km northeast of Ulaanbaatar. Renowned for its picturesque alpine scenery, the park is a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
The unique rock formations, such as Turtle Rock and Praying Lama Rock, add to the park’s allure, making it one of the most visited national parks in Mongolia.
Terelj National Park Mongolia offers a range of exciting activities for visitors. Whether you’re interested in horse riding through scenic valleys, hiking along rugged trails, rock climbing on ancient formations, or even dog sledding in the winter, the park has something for everyone.
Beyond its natural beauty, the park provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in traditional nomadic life and experience the rich cultural heritage of Mongolia.
With its diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife, Terelj National Park Mongolia is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the great outdoors.
Gorkhi-Terelj National Park location
The Terelj National Park is located east of Ulaanbaatar, at a distance of 50-76 kilometers. It is a beautiful natural area with rocky mountain formations that are unique in the world and a beautiful river.
The national park covers the southern branch of the Baga Khenti mountain range, as well as the Ar Ovor stream and basin of the Zaan-Terelj river, as well as adjacent terrain around headwater sources for the Tuul River.
The park sits at an average altitude of 5,249 feet (1,600 m). The highest point of the park is Avkhan Mountain, at 8,740 feet (2,664 m).
Unique Landscapes and Rock Formations
Terelj National Park is characterized by its unique landscapes and rock formations, which are a result of millions of years of geological activity.
The park’s rock formations, such as Turtle Rock and Praying Lama Rock, are not only breathtakingly beautiful but also hold significant cultural and spiritual importance.
These formations have been sculpted by natural forces over time, creating stunning and unusual shapes that captivate visitors.
The park’s diverse landscapes include verdant valleys, rugged mountains, and crystal-clear rivers, making it a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Visitors can explore the park’s numerous hiking trails, take a horseback ride through the scenic valleys, or simply sit back and enjoy the stunning views.
The combination of unique rock formations and picturesque alpine scenery makes Terelj National Park a truly special place to visit.
Gorkhi-Terelj National Park is a protected area that covers an impressive 293,168 hectares of land. The park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including brown bears, boars, red deer, and over 100 species of birds.
The park’s average altitude is 1,600 meters above sea level, with the highest point being Avkhan Mountain, which stands at 2,664 meters.
The park is also home to several unique rock formations, including Turtle Rock and Praying Lama Rock, which are popular attractions among tourists.
These formations, along with the park’s stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, make Gorkhi-Terelj National Park a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Mongolia.
Whether you’re interested in exploring the park’s diverse landscapes, observing its wildlife, or learning about its history, Gorkhi-Terelj National Park offers an unforgettable experience.
Gorkhi-Terelj National Park Mongolia facts
Fact#1
The Gorkhi Terelj National Park, located in Mongolia’s Töv Province, is a beautiful place with a diverse ecosystem. There are over 1,000 different kinds of plants and wildflowers that bloom in the mountains. Larch trees, sycamore-alder trees, and cedar trees are also among the flora.
Fact#2
Various species of wild animals may be found there, including red deer, roe deer, wolves, muskrats rabbits, and partridges. The park is home to about 265 species of birds, including the endangered red-crowned crane as well as terns nightingales woodpeckers wild pigeons crows magpies.
Fact#3
Terelj was a mining area of smokystone, amethyst, and pure crystal till 1960. However, due to the high water pressure from below ground, mining was halted.
Terelj was a mining area of smokestone, amethyst, and pure crystal till 1960. However, due to the high water pressure from below ground, mining was halted.
Fact#4
The rock formations of the area are made of rocks that were created during the Mesozoic era.
These rocks have been eroded over time by water, wind, and other natural forces into strange shapes. One example is a big rock that has the shape of a frog, known as “Turtle Rock”.
There are several types of natural formations, including ‘Turtle rock”, “Camel rock”, “Cave of three friends”, “Lenin rock”, and “Praying Lama Rock” (a.k.a Old Man Reading a Book) and so on.
The north end of the region is home to a variety of rocky mountain peaks with distinct shapes.
Fact#5
In addition to its natural beauty, Terelj National Park is also home to some important historical sites and attractions. The park is the site of the Battle of Khalkhin Gol, which was a pivotal moment in Mongolian history.
You can also visit Ariyabal Meditation Temple. Located about 1 km from Turtle Rock, Ariyabal Meditation Temple was built in 1998-2004, because of its “Natural Energy”.
Fact#6
There is a Terelj settlement in the national park that is a developed tourist area that provides visitors with a chance to shop and eat at the local restaurants.
The Terelj settlement is located in the valley of the Terelj River. There are many tourist camps and resorts in the area, where you may participate in a variety of fascinating activities.
Tour operators in the area provide various packages that include stays in these camps and guided tours to explore the park’s attractions.
Top 5 things you can do
Explore many of the fascinating rock formations and caves mentioned above. Two of the more famous rock croppings include Turtle Rock and Praying Lama Rock.
From Turtle rock, you can drive to Ariyabal temple in about 5 minutes.
- Hike across one of the hills, the green meadows, or mountains for more picturesque vistas. And if you like adventure activities, you can go rock climbing instead of hiking.
- Terelj National Park is a popular destination for both amateur and expert horseback riders. Amateurs can ride in the tourist region for an hour to many hours, whereas adventure riders may go on horseback for several days through the pristine regions of the mountainous terrain.
- And if you can’t ride a horse, don’t worry. You can still go on camel riding tour or yak cart tour.
- You can make your trip more exciting by rafting on the Terelj or Tuul Rivers. In winter you can go dog sledding on the frozen Terelj river.
- You may also view ancient monuments and visit a nomadic family in the area. Stay in one of the yurts, (traditional ger dwelling of Mongolia) and experience the nomadic lifestyle for yourself.
Gorkhi-Terelj National Park history
The Gorkhi-Terelj National Park is home to a rich history that stretches back centuries. The park was first established in the early 1990s as a protected zone to protect the natural resources and wildlife in the area.
Since its establishment, the park has become a popular tourist destination. Visitors come to enjoy the natural beauty of the park, as well as to participate in outdoor activities such as hiking and camping, and to visit a nomadic family.
The park is also home to a few small villages, which offer visitors a glimpse into traditional Mongolian life.
The history of the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park is fascinating and full of surprises. It is a unique place that offers visitors a chance to experience both nature and history at its finest.
The Gorkhi-Terelj National Park is the ideal place for you if you want to get away from it all and appreciate nature’s beauty.
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