Gorkhi Terelj National Park, meaning “stream – rhododendron,” is situated about 55 kilometers (34.18 miles) east of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital. The park is in the Khentii Mountains, within the strictly protected area of Khentii. It is easily accessible via a tarred road, with a travel time of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours from Ulaanbaatar by car.
Covering an area of 2,932 hectares, Gorkhi Terelj National Park is a mountainous region composed of wooded steppes. The park’s average elevation is 1,600 meters (0.99 miles) above sea level, with its highest point being Avkhan Mountain at 2,664 meters. This diverse terrain features high granite stone mountains with forest-covered northern slopes, vast green meadows, and numerous rivers and streams, including the Tuul, Terelj, and Baruunbayan Rivers.
The park is renowned for its striking rock formations sculpted by erosion. Notable landmarks include Turtle Rock, a 24-meter (78.74 feet) high rock formation resembling a turtle, and the rock of the old man reading. These formations, along with the park’s picturesque landscapes, provide a stunning backdrop for visitors.
Gorkhi Terelj National Park offers a plethora of activities and sights for visitors to explore and enjoy. One of the park’s most iconic landmarks is Turtle Rock, a towering granite formation that resembles a turtle, providing an excellent spot for photography and a starting point for various hikes. Nearby, the Ariyabal Meditation Temple stands majestically, shaped like an elephant and boasting panoramic views of the park’s scenic beauty. Climbing the 108 stairs to the temple is not just a physical journey but a spiritual one, symbolizing the elongated trunk of an elephant.
For nature enthusiasts, hiking trails crisscross the park, offering opportunities to traverse green meadows in the summer and snow-covered valleys in the winter. Horse and camel riding are also popular activities, catering to both beginners and experienced riders, with trails that showcase the park’s diverse landscapes.
Adventure seekers will find excitement in rafting along the Terelj River or the Tuul River, while fishing enthusiasts can try their luck in catching wild brown trout and grayling in the pristine waters of the Terelj River. Cultural experiences abound as well, with opportunities to visit nomadic families, stay in traditional gers (yurts), and try their hand at traditional Mongolian archery. In winter, dog sledding and snowmobile riding offer thrilling ways to explore the snowy landscapes of the park.
Gorkhi Terelj National Park is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including species such as elks, bears, boar, red deer, roe deer, foxes, and wolves. Bird enthusiasts can spot around 250 different species of birds, including birds of prey. The park’s flora is equally diverse, with fields of wildflowers and edelweisses adorning the plains.
Gorkhi Terelj National Park experiences a continental climate characterized by long, cold winters and short, mild summers. This climate is typical of the broader Mongolian region, which is influenced by its high elevation and landlocked position, far from any moderating oceanic effects.
Gorkhi Terelj National Park experiences a continental climate with cold winters and mild summers. Winter temperatures range from -30°C to -15°C (-22°F to 5°F), while summers are milder, ranging from 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F). Spring and autumn see temperatures between -10°C and 15°C (14°F to 59°F). The park receives most of its annual precipitation, around 250-400 mm (10-16 inches), during the summer months.
