2024 Erdene Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in November)

Explore the Hidden Secrets of Mongolia! A Complete Guide to Ulaanbaatar, Unlocking the Unique Charm of the Grassland City

🛫How to Get There: It is recommended to fly directly to Ulaanbaatar Chinggis Khaan International Airport, which is time-saving and convenient! Upon arrival, why not try an authentic Mongolian “taxi” – riding a horse through the grasslands on the outskirts of the city, experiencing a different kind of speed and passion!🐎 🚆Train Experience: If you want to experience Mongolian customs more deeply, take the “Grassland Train” across the vast grasslands. The scenery along the way is breathtaking, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts!📸 💰Necessary Expenses: Plan your budget! There are various accommodation options, from yurts to international hotels, catering to different budgets. As for dining, try the authentic hand-held meat and milk tea, which are affordable and delicious!🍖🥤 🏞️Must-Visit Attractions: 1. Gandan Monastery, the best choice to understand Mongolian Buddhist culture. The golden stupa shines in the sunlight, making you feel like you are in a fairy tale world.🏰 2. Terelj National Park, explore on foot or horseback, get close to wildlife, and enjoy the tranquility and magnificence of nature.🐎🏞️ 3. Sukhbaatar Square in downtown Ulaanbaatar, feel the prosperity of the Mongolian capital and the sediment of history. The night light show is not to be missed.🌃 🔍Overview of Activities: - Participate in a Naadam festival, experiencing the excitement and thrill of horse racing and wrestling!🏇🤼‍♂️ - Visit a nomadic family, learn to make dairy products, and enjoy a feast of the freshest dairy products!🥛🧀 - Stroll through the streets and alleys of Ulaanbaatar at night, looking for those hidden handicraft shops and picking up some unique souvenirs.🛍️ 💡Travel Tips: - Respect local customs, dress appropriately, especially in temple areas. - Pay attention to sun protection and keeping warm, as there is a large temperature difference between day and night in Mongolia. - Try to communicate with the locals, their enthusiasm and friendliness will leave you with a lot of gains. Come to Ulaanbaatar, let’s leave our own footprints on this ancient yet vibrant land!👣

Wind Across the Wilderness | Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

Ulaanbaatar, a mysterious journey to Mongolia! 👍Recommended for: Ulaanbaatar, a city full of history and culture, not only has beautiful natural scenery, but also a wealth of food and shopping options for you to explore! 😋 📍Attraction address: Terelj National Park, Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue, Zaisan, Buddha Statue, Gandan Monastery, Winter Palace, Genghis Khan Square, etc. ✈️Transportation: Chengdu✈️Beijing✈️Ulaanbaatar, remember to print a paper visa when entering the country! In Ulaanbaatar, you can take a taxi, most of them are Honda hatchbacks, and they charge by the kilometer. 👍Must-visit attractions: Terelj National Park: Beautiful natural scenery, you can play with eagles, ride horses, etc., it is recommended to stay for one night. Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue: A spectacular historical relic, it is recommended to leave plenty of time for sightseeing. Ulaanbaatar City: Zaisan, Buddha Statue, Gandan Monastery, Winter Palace, Genghis Khan Square, etc. are all must-visit attractions. 🎫Ticket related: It is recommended to reserve half a day for the Genghis Khan Museum. The tickets are divided into two types: visit and visit + photo, so choose carefully! The National Museum is relatively general, depending on personal preference. 🎈Other tips: Accommodation recommendation Millennium Plaza Hotel & Mall Ulaanbaatar, with a superior geographical location, you can overlook the city's beautiful scenery at night. Food recommendation Modern NoMads Mongolian food, Diamond Blue Sky Tower viewing restaurant, yuna korean Korean food, etc. Shopping can choose Mongolian state-owned department stores and GOBI cashmere stores. Note: English is not popular in Ulaanbaatar, it is recommended to download Google Translate; the city traffic is congested, try to walk; pay attention to safety at night, avoid excessive drinking.

A surprisingly fun guide to the surroundings of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

This year's trip to Mongolia made me remember this offbeat yet interesting country. Actually, the entire Mongolia stretches quite far from west to east, and it takes more than a week to explore it thoroughly. But if, like us, you only plan a 3-4 day trip, then these places around Ulaanbaatar are worth visiting! 🐎 🌟Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue About 50km from Ulaanbaatar city center, you can drive yourself or hire a car to get there. The road is decent, and it takes about an hour to drive (assuming no traffic). This seems to be the largest Genghis Khan statue in the world, standing 40m tall and weighing 250 tons! As you drive along the grassland road, you can see the statue from afar. The base of the statue has a museum on the first floor, displaying artifacts related to nomadic culture, including a giant boot. The second floor is a restaurant, which apparently requires a reservation. Dining here offers a view of the distant grasslands. Take the elevator to the horse's head, which is the statue's observation deck. From here, you can take in the stunning views of the grasslands! - 🌟Terelj National Park A vast area, very suitable for hiking and camping. However, some parts of the road are bumpy and dusty, so be careful if you're driving. The park's famous attractions include Turtle Rock and the Aryapala Meditation Temple. Turtle Rock is a huge rock shaped like a turtle, where you can ride camels and horses, and some people enjoy rock climbing here. It's quite interesting. Aryapala Meditation Temple is a delicate, small temple hidden in the mountains and forests. You can meditate inside, and the platform in front of the temple offers a great view. In summer, the mountains are lush green, and in autumn, they turn golden. - 🌟Tuul River This river extends all the way to Ulaanbaatar city and is considered the mother river of the area. The small woods along the river are quiet and beautiful, making it a perfect spot for picnics and camping. The river water is very clear, and it's said that locals don't often eat the fish from the river.

Terelj National Park:Beauty. Nature. Freedom

#wheretogo Exploring the Terelj National Park in Mongolia, you get to visit the interesting Aryapala Meditation Temple, hike to the glacial lake, try rock climbing at the many rock formations and even go for horse riding at the Terelj Park. We got a great Views from the Aryabal Meditation Temple and we climbed 110 steps to reach the temple. It really felt very peaceful & quiet inside the meditation temple. I took a walk around and enjoy the colourful decorations then I sat down, relax & soaked myself into the peacefulness. The view of the Terelj National Park was amazing from the temple. Simply love the beautiful country side & fresh air.

👑The Collosal Ruler of Mongolia 🇲🇳

#localescapes The Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue is considered to be the world’s largest equestrian statue! It was built in that specific place around 55 km from the Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar as per legend that says it was the spot where Genghis Khan found a golden whip which by Mongolians is considered to be a great luck.😮 40-meter-tall statue of Genghis Khan on a horse was made of 250 tons of stainless steel. The base of the monument consists of 36 columns, representing 36 great Khans (Khan is a title given to rulers and officials in central Asia). 👑 After entering the statue complex, you will see a giant boot – one of the world’s biggest traditional boots with a height of 9 meters – and portraits of the Khan clan. The main attraction would be going up the building where you can exit on the head of the horse that is made as an observation deck. From there, a panoramic view of the surrounding steppe is revealed.👁️ This statue complex is quite new, built in 2008, with the main thought of becoming the representative attraction of all of Mongolia. The cost of this complex was 4.1 million USD to construct. The statue is symbolically pointed East, towards the location of Genghis Khan’s birthplace. By the way, if you follow the gaze of the great warrior’s statue, you should see another statue, built just up the road, and that is Genghis Khan’s Mother, waiting for her son. 🤱 Entrance Fee: 30,000 Mongolian Tugriks which is around 8 euros. Opening Times: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tips and Tricks ⁉️ To save money on your trip to the Genghis Khan Statue Complex in Mongolia: 1. Take a public bus from Ulaanbaatar's Peace Avenue to Офицеруудын ордон station in the East of the city. Ask locals for guidance. Tickets are 500 Mongolian Tugrik per person. 2. From Офицеруудын ордон station, board another bus to Nalaikh, the closest town to Ulaanbaatar. Show the driver your destination on your phone's map. This ride is longer, and tickets cost 1000 Mongolian Tugrik. 3. Once in Nalaikh, inform the bus driver that you're heading to the Genghis Khan Statue Complex. They will drop you near Налайх зах худалдааны төв. Walk behind this shop complex to find a parking lot where taxi drivers gather. 4. Negotiate a taxi fare to and from the Genghis Khan Statue Complex. The cost is around 40,000 Mongolian Tugriks (€11). If you're traveling with others, consider sharing the cost. Enjoy!❤️💙💛 #spintheworld

Majestic sentinel of Mongolian landscape! 😍

In the heart of Mongolia's Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, a mystical marvel awaits. The Turtle-Rock, an ancient guardian, embraces all who come to visit its majestic presence. It greets each traveler with open arms, offering warmth and protection. As wanderers depart, the Turtle-Rock bids them farewell, leaving behind cherished memories. A sacred symbol of unity and hospitality, this geological wonder embodies the spirit of Mongolia's rich cultural heritage. Indeed, a timeless destination where nature and human souls unite in harmony. Who knows, maybe you'll be the lucky one to find hidden treasures left there to wait for it's new master.#wecreate #mongolia #spintheworld #magical

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Grown trees from fell one

Nature's Playground: Discover Gorkhi Terejl National Park in Mongolia

Getting There - Recommend hiring a driver or day tour as the national park is outside Ulaanbaatar city. Attractions - This is honestly one of the most beautiful national parks I have been to. Things to see include Turtle Rock, monastery right at the top gives a perfect panoramic view. The Tuul River also flows through the national park. Accomodations - I think this is a perfect place for camping if you enjoy that. There are tourist camps. Food & Restaurants - There are local eateries nearby where you can try out traditional Mongolian food like Khuushuur. #grassland #100waysoftravel

Mongolian Exploration: Genghis Khan Statue and Terelj National Park.

A day trip around Ulaanbaatar, the Genghis Khan Statue and Terelj National Park are undoubtedly two must-visit places. The Genghis Khan Statue, this majestic sculpture is only 55 kilometers from Ulaanbaatar, about 1.5 hours by car. The ticket is 20,000 Mongolian Tugrik (about CNY 42). You can overlook the vast grassland from the viewing platform on the top of the horse's head. The first floor also provides Mongolian traditional clothing rental service, 15,000 Mongolian Tugrik per person (about CNY 32). There are two options, remember to compare prices, the first one seems to be more affordable. The basement is a museum, where you can learn more about Mongolian history and culture. Next is Terelj National Park, about 1 hour from the statue. On the way, you will pass a natural boulder that looks like a big turtle, which is a great place to take photos. There is also a chance to take a photo with an eagle, 20,000 Mongolian Tugrik per person, but the eagle is not light, if you have weak arms, you may not be able to hold it. 100 meters to the right of the turtle rock, you can experience horse riding and camel riding. The horse riding fee is 30,000 Mongolian Tugrik per person, but you can bargain to 25,000 Mongolian Tugrik. The groom needs to be paid separately. They will take you through the woods and mud, and enjoy a horse riding tour for about 1 hour. This experience is definitely worth recommending! Continue into the forest, you will be shocked by the beautiful scenery. After arriving at the foot of the Princess Temple, you need to climb the mountain, about 50 minutes round trip. Here, you can overlook the turtle stone and the entire park. The scenery is even more beautiful when the weather is clear. About the chartered car service, the cost of 8 people taking a 12-seater car is about CNY 1,050 (including the car, driver and fuel). The car needs to pay a ticket fee of 30,000 Mongolian Tugrik to enter the park, and the driver's lunch needs to be paid extra. The average cost is about CNY 144, excluding the Genghis Khan statue ticket and other self-funded items. In terms of horse riding fees, after bargaining, it is 25,000 Mongolian Tugrik per person (about CNY 53), plus the fees of two grooms, the average is about 33,000 Mongolian Tugrik (about CNY 69). The return time is scheduled around six o'clock, and you can reach the city around eight o'clock.

Aryapala Temple Meditation Center, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

🏢Attraction name: Aryapala Temple Meditation Center 📍Address: Aryapala Temple, ND - 6 khoroo, Ulaanbaatar 12739 🚗Transportation: Charter car 👍Must-visit: The temple is on a hilltop. The hill is not very high. After a little effort to climb to the top, you can overlook the mountains. 🎟Ticket: 2,000 MNT (about CNY 5) 💗Other tips: 1. Aryabal Temple is located in Terelj Park and is also known as the Meditation Temple. 2. The digital code of Aryapala Temple: 108 and 8. 3. There are 108+8 steps from the foot of the mountain to the entrance of the temple. It is said that if you chant "Um Mani Badmi Hum" every time you step up, the sins you accidentally commit will be compensated and gradually reduced. 4. The fence around the temple is decorated with 108 small suvaras (small white pagodas), 8 religious offerings and other symbols. 5. There are 108 wheels around the temple. As long as you turn it, it is equivalent to chanting "Um Mani Badmi Hum" many times to make up for your mistakes and bring good luck. 6. Aryaabal is a Sanskrit name, and the Mongolian name is Chandman, which means the holder of the lotus. 7. On the east slope of Aryaabal Temple, the 6 letters of Maan are carved in color, which is an abbreviation of "Um Mani Badmi Hum". 8. Aryaabal Temple is very close to Turtle Mountain. It is not far from Turtle Mountain. You can climb 108 steps to reach it. Since you are here, you must climb to the top. Here you can overlook the entire Terelj National Park.

Conquering Mongolia: A Legendary Adventure

#chinatrip My Mongolian escapade was truly epic! I felt inspired meeting the Great Genghis Khan's legacy, and even got to tame an eagle - a thrilling experience! But the pièce de résistance was my sunrise run at the breathtaking Juulchin Tereji Resort in Tereji National Park. As the morning sun rose over the rolling hills, I felt invigorated and connected to nature. The vast, untouched landscapes and warm hospitality left me in awe. Mongolia, you have stolen my heart! From the majestic eagles to the endless steppes, every moment was a testament to the country's untamed beauty and rich history. I'll be back to conquer more of your wonders!

First time in Mongolia. I did not make it to the Gobi desert unfortunately, but it was still one of the most breathtaking destinations, I have ever been to. The traffic in Ulanbataar is tragic, but once outside the city, the scenery is unbelivable. Don't underestimate the distances, like I did, roads are nothing like Europe or US, so give yourself time to discover. Hope to repeat next year! #2024wish

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.

Comprehensive Travel Guide to Mongolia (Part 2)

The cost of staying in Ulaanbaatar depends on the location and star rating, We stayed near the square, which is a relatively expensive area, but I don't think it's necessary to stay there. The city is walkable, so choosing a safe hotel is more important! You can also consider staying near the state-owned department store for convenience in dining and shopping. It's recommended to compare different platforms before making a booking. but they lack elevators, which can be a hassle with heavy luggage. Dining: Mongolian, Korean, Western, and Japanese Cuisine Ulaanbaatar offers Mongolian, Korean, Western (French/Italian), and Japanese cuisine, along with some Indian and Chinese options, though the latter are less common. The mainstay is Mongolian, Korean, and Western cuisine, Don't expect too much from highly recommended restaurants online; the flavors are often just average. Mongolian cuisine is meat-heavy with large portions, so it's best not to order too much. Overall, the food is not as delicious as expected, so lower your expectations. The recommended Korean restaurant, Seoul Restaurant, is not very good. It's located in a somewhat secluded area that is currently under road repairs and renovations, with almost no people at night, so there's no need to make a special trip. On the top floor of the Gobi specialty store, there's a hotpot restaurant that used to be Little Sheep Hotpot. The prices are reasonable, the meat is good, but the flavor is light, different from the hotpot we're used to in China. If you can handle light hotpot, it's worth a try (for more details, see the Mongolia Hotpot section on the homepage). For pastries, I recommend the bakery on the first floor of the Shangri-La shopping mall, which has the most delicious desserts I've had in Mongolia. CU convenience stores can meet daily needs, but I still prefer the large supermarkets on the first floor of the state-owned department store and the basement of the Shangri-La mall, which have many delicious snacks! Blue Sky, on the 23rd floor, is a recommended bar for its night views and pleasant environment. It's open until 2:00 AM. Landmarks: 1. Mongolian National Museum: A must-visit. 2. Zanabazar Art Museum: Worth a visit if you have time. 3. Gandan Monastery: Highly recommended, with a stunning great Buddha. 4. Chinggis Khan Square: Just for a photo op. 5. Mongolian National Contemporary Art Museum: Recommended for its art collection. 6. Chinggis Khan Statue: Highly recommended if you have time, feeling like it will become a future landmark of Ulaanbaatar. 7. Terelj National Park: A must-visit in autumn!!!

Terelj National Park and the Princess Temple from Ulaanbaatar

Terelj National Park, nestled at an altitude of approximately 1,600 meters in the Khentii Mountains, is a protected natural reserve that offers a rich tapestry of tourist attractions. The park is renowned for its majestic mountains, lush forests, meandering rivers, and distinctive natural landmarks like the Three Friends Cave and the Tortoise Rock. Among its highlights are Haagai Lake and the Princess Temple, where visitors can immerse themselves in the unspoiled and clean scenery along the banks of the Terelj River, providing a genuine sense of reconnecting with nature.

Mongolia

Genghis Khan Statue against the blue sky

#wheretogo This is a must visit monument to Genghis Khaan. It is magnificent to look at from outside. The statue supposedly made of aluminium or steel is mammoth in size, and visitors can go upto the level of the horse head, for a selfie or enjoy the scenery around. The complex also houses a simple museum containing replicas of Mongolian clothing, armory, saddles, etc, and couple of extra-ordinarily large size Mongolian boot and whip of the horse. I gained a greater insight into the Mongolian history and culture. I would highly recommend a visit here.

so beautiful

terelj national park is so stunning rocks and mountains#terelj

Terelj Shine rock and Mongolian ger tent

#mytripvlog #campingglamping #awesomepic #summervacation #celebratewithtrip #mongolia #nationalpark #tereljlodge

The Man of the Millennium

Bugat resort Terelj Mongolia so beautiful

Beautiful National Park

It was a beautiful national park! glam ping in a nice ger! well preserved and lots of nice and beautiful kind people!

#nationalpark Terelj

Terelj in Mongolia.🇲🇳 I love this travel.Because Mongolia is very cold country. There’s have so many snow. And look at the dogs. They are so cute 🥰 #2023travelwish #awesomepic #dog #withdog #mongolia #mongoliantraveller #snow #winter #travelinspiration #beautiful #day