TransIrUBBeBAMBa (9) - Gorkhi-Terelj National Park

After visit to Genghis Khan Statue we went to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, with compulsory stop at the Turtle Rock, and then to our ger. It was beautifully located at the end of the valley. In the afternoon we had a small walk to the Aryapala Temple, and the following morning a fast introduction to horse riding. 

Turtle Rock

 

Aryapala Temple

View from the temple on the valley

Useful tips:

Visits to the countryside are offered by many tourist agents, with Terelj National Park being the most popular due to proximity to UB. Prices for similar package vary heavily, and I believe I got a great deal: $70 per adult ( child free!) for drive to Genghis Khan Statue statue, then Terelj National Park, night in a ger, lunch, dinner, breakfast, 1 hour horse riding and return to Ulaanbaatar. 

The ger belongs to a Mongolian family, there are only 2 on their field (not 20, as in commercial camps), it was at the very top of the valley, with beautiful view on the mountains right next to and the valley down. The food was very tasty. Added bonus was the fact they have their animals, so it was another attraction for our boy. We are very satisfied and can honestly recommend Mr Gamba from mongoliatraintickets.com (who also organised our train tickets for UB - Beijing leg).

One word to warn you: a ger is pretty much a tent, with all the consequences. It is going to be colder in the night (warm duvets make it no issue though), the toilet is in a lets call it purpose place, and running water is in the stream nearby. What adds to the charm of the experience :)

The ger is covered with skins, producing specific scent inside, some of your clothes can pick it up.

The Arapay Temple can be accessed by 2 ways: through the road to the right from junction at the Turtle Rock, or the road to the left and then across the hill. The latter is harder to find and also goes through what looks like private land (an abandoned ger camp with gate and fence) but I saw buses approaching that route and groups walking up the hill. Probably the easiest is to take eastern/left hand side route to climb, and then take path to the right when coming back.

Next: Ulaanbaatar day 1: Choijin Lama Temple Museum and Tumen Ekh