Gorkhi-Terelj National Park

Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, is one of the most scenic and accessible parks in Mongolia, located just 50-76km (31-47 mies) northeast of Ulaanbaatar. The drive takes about 2 hours, making it a popular destination for day trips weekend getaways. With its dramatic rock formations, lush forests, wildflower meadows, and crisp mountain air, Terelj offers perfect escape into nature.

The name “Terelj’ comes from a local wild plant (Latin: Ledum0 that blooms in late spring and was once abundant in the area.

Geography:
Terelj is a beautiful area of rocky granite mountains, rivers, and forests located within Khan Khentii National Park. Its highest point is Avkhaan Mountain, which stands at 2664 meters above sea level, making the southeastern edge of Siberia.The Terelj River flows through the northern part of the park and joins the Tuul River, one of the Mongolia’s major rivers. He Tuul eventually flows into Lake Baikal in Russia.

This region lies at the southern edge of the Siberian Mountain range, and its forests are birch, cedar, pine, willow, larch and aspen. Wildlife commonly seen in the area includes foxes, wolves, and squirrels.

History:
Until 1960, smoke stone, pure crystal and amethyst were mined in Terelj. However, mining was stopped due to high groundwater pressure.  Samples of smoky crystals and water crystals are now kept in the Ulaanbaatar Museum of Natural History. In 1995, the Gorkhi-Terelj area was officially designated as a National Park. 

Attractions in Terelj National Park

Turtle Rock
Turtle Rock is one of the most iconic sights in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. Its natural shape closely resembles a resting turtle, which makes it easily recognizable to visitors.

You can take a photo of rock and relax, and enjoy the spectacular view, before hiking to the meditation temple.

According to legend, Galdan Khaan fought an uneven battle against the Manchu troops just before Mongolia came under Manchu rule. He stopped at Turtle Rock to regroup his remaining forces. Before fleeing west, he is said to have hidden his treasures in the top gorge of the rock. Since then, the turtle-shaped rock has been called “Mungut,” meaning Silver Rock.

Local people have long worshiped this rock, believing it brings well-being and protection in honor of Galdan Khaan. 

Ariyabal Meditation Temple
Ariyabal Meditation is located just a few kilometers north of Turtle Rock and is a peaceful place to visit. It was built between 1998-2004, and monks and lamas once used it for meditation.

When you enter the gate and, you will notice that the temple is designed to resemble an elephant’s head and the set of 108 stairs symbolizes the elephant’s elongated trunk. Once you reach the top of the hill and stand at the temple, you will be rewarded with a beautiful panoramic view of the entire park.

Ariyabal Meaning and Legend:
“Ariyabal” is the Sanskrit name of the god Megjid Janraisig, and it means “Precious jewel” or “Holder of Lotus”. Ariyabal listens to the prayers of all living beings and has vowed to save them from suffering. 

According to legend, when the god Avid saw Ariyabal struggling to help so many beings, he gave him 1,000 hands to assist him. The heart mantra of Ariyabal is “Um Ma Ni Bad Mi Hum”.