Just 60 kilometers from the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar (Ulan Bator), Terelj National Park, also called Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, is one of the largest protected areas in the country.

Located in Tuv province, Terelj is the perfect place for you to witness the true Mongolian nomadic lifestyle. Stripped of modern infrastructure, the park captivates adventurous travelers looking for something authentic in terms of culture and environment. The good thing about Terelj is that it is relatively more accessible compared to other nomadic regions, but still has a cool climate with spectacular alpine scenery that adds to the tranquility of the place.

To maximize your experience in Terelj National Park, the best thing to do is to book an organized tour of the area. Most of the tour operators have their offices in Ulan Bator. They can arrange day trips and overnight trips that will include accommodation, meals, transportation, and activities. But this will not be your usual shopping tour, because in addition to sightseeing, you will stay in a traditional tent-shaped house called a ger. During the day you can walk through the meadows filled with colorful wildflowers like edelweiss. You can also take part in fun outdoor activities like rafting, rock climbing, and mountain biking. During the winter, cross-country skiing is also very popular.

In the inhabited section of the Terelj National Park, you will find a number of tourists staying in specially designated camps. But you also have the option of staying in a Ger village with a host family. This also means that you won’t get certain amenities like a hot shower. However, what you will experience is the genuine hospitality of a local family. Even if you are staying at the tourist camp, you only need to drive a few minutes and you will most likely see the locals herding sheep, dealing with wild horses and doing everyday nomadic chores. Terelj National Park actually covers a large area, and most of it is uninhabited. Most of the main attractions can be reached on foot or on horseback. These can also be arranged by your local tour operator.

One of the main landmarks in the Terelj National Park is the Khagiin Khar lake. This pristine glacial lake is said to be twenty meters deep and is a favorite hiking destination. If you want to soak in therapeutic water, head to the famous Yestii Hot Springs. There are two main rivers that flow through the park, and they are the Tuul and Terelj rivers.

The park is also known for its captivating rock formations set against lush mountains. Climbing enthusiasts are generally drawn to climb and conquer some of these rock formations, which include Melkhii Khad or Turtle Rock and Praying Lama Rock. There are many animals that roam Terelj. Some of the wild animals you may encounter during your exploration are wild boars, brown bears, and wolves. Just make sure you put some distance between you and the animals!

In addition, there are also more than 200 species of birds that will keep you gazing in awe at the trees and the wonderful blue sky. Terelj National Park is also home to important historical and religious monuments such as the Cave of 100 Monks, the Princess Monastery, and the Aryabal Buddhist Meditation Center.