A Detailed One-Day Tour Around Ulaanbaatar

Traveling around Ulaanbaatar can be somewhat challenging, and visiting nearby areas typically involves joining a tour or renting a private vehicle. Prior to my arrival, I heard that hotels could help with tour arrangements, but I was concerned about potential language barriers and communication difficulties. To address this, I hired a Mongolian guide who provided a Chinese-speaking driver. A classic one-day tour itinerary includes a visit to the Chinggis Khan Statue and Terelj National Park. The Chinggis Khan Statue is located about 55 kilometers from the city center and can be reached in approximately an hour and a half. It's less crowded than Ulaanbaatar, and the statue is both majestic and visually stunning, offering an experience far beyond what photos can capture. The elevator takes you up to the third floor, where you can climb a few steps to reach the horse's head. From there, you can look back and see Chinggis Khan's face, which evokes a mix of awe and excitement. Terelj in autumn is particularly beautiful, with the landscape filled with golden pine trees. Near the Big Turtle Stone, there are souvenir shops (in the form of Mongolian yurts) and restaurants where you can enjoy a simple meal. The Ariyabal Temple, situated on a hill surrounded by pine forests, is just a short drive from the Turtle Stone. The autumnal valleys surrounding the temple are a sight to behold, with their vibrant colors. This small forest is ideal for photography, looking stunning in any shot, especially on a sunny day, where live photos under the sun are perfectly fine. Horseback riding is available for 30,000 Mongolian Tugriks per person. If you prefer not to ride, you can opt for camel rides and eagle photography at the Turtle Stone (and also at the Chinggis Khan Statue). Additional horseback riding opportunities are available just a short drive from the Turtle Stone, at the same price of 30,000 Mongolian Tugriks.