ABOUT DESTINATIONS

The Chinggis Khaan Statue is one of the most famous landmarks in Mongolia and holds the title of the largest equestrian statue in the world. Situated about 54 km (around a 1-hour drive) east of Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, this iconic statue is located on the open steppe at Tsonjin Boldog, a site steeped in legend where Chinggis Khaan is said to have discovered a golden whip. Standing at a massive 40 meters (131 ft), this impressive stainless steel statue of Chinggis Khaan riding a horse was built in 2008 to honor the founder of the Mongol Empire. Weighing 250 tons, the statue is a must-visit for those exploring the nearby Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, Khustai National Park, and Khuvsgul Lake National Park, especially during events like the Naadam Festival.

Gorkhi-Terelj National Park is one of the most beautiful and accessible natural parks in Mongolia, located just northeast of Ulaanbaatar, about 1–1.5 hours by road. This stunning park is near notable landmarks like the Chinggis Khaan Statue and offers a unique blend of attractions including:

- Unique rock formations: Huge granite formations shaped by wind and time.

- Open steppe landscapes: Rolling green hills and river valleys.

- Nomadic culture: Many local families live in traditional gers (yurts).

- Forested mountains: A rare mix of forest, river, and steppe in one park.

One of the highlights of Gorkhi-Terelj National Park is Turtle Rock, a natural rock formation shaped like a giant turtle—one of the most iconic photo spots in the area. For those looking to explore more of Mongolia’s natural beauty, nearby destinations include Khustai National Park and Khuvsgul Lake National Park. Additionally, if you visit during the summer, don’t miss the Naadam Festival, a celebration of Mongolian culture and sport.

One of the most iconic parts of the Naadam Festival is traditional Mongolian Archery, an ancient skill practiced since the time of the Mongol Empire. This exciting event takes place alongside other traditional competitions, such as horse racing and wrestling, all celebrating Mongolia's rich heritage. During the Naadam Festival, archers use Mongolian traditional bows—short yet powerful composite bows—to shoot at targets known as 'Surs,' which are small leather cylinders. Unlike modern archery, scoring is achieved by knocking down these targets placed at specific distances. Visitors to Mongolia can also explore magnificent sites such as the Chinggis Khaan Statue, Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, Khustai National Park, and Khuvsgul Lake National Park, making the festival a perfect blend of culture and natural beauty.

Khustai National Park, located about 100 km west of Ulaanbaatar, is one of Mongolia’s most important protected areas. It is renowned for being home to the world’s reintroduced Wild Horses. While exploring Khustai, visitors can enjoy classic Mongolian scenery, including wide open grass steppe, gentle hills and rocky ridges, rivers and seasonal streams, and very clear night skies. Wildlife enthusiasts might also spot various species in the park. Besides the iconic Wild Horses, Khustai National Park is home to Red Deer, elusive Grey Wolves, Corsac Foxes, eagles, and other steppe birds, as well as marmots. For those visiting Ulaanbaatar, a trip to Khustai can easily be combined with a tour to the impressive Chinggis Khaan Statue or a visit to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. Additionally, if you're planning your visit during the summer, don't miss the vibrant Naadam Festival or consider extending your adventure to Khuvsgul Lake National Park.

Altai Tavan Bogd National Park is Mongolia’s most remote and dramatic national park, located in the far west near the borders of Russia, China, and Kazakhstan. It’s famous for glaciers, towering mountains, and one of Mongolia’s most unique traditions: Kazakh eagle hunting. This stunning park features the most dramatic mountain scenery in Mongolia and is the only place where the authentic eagle hunting culture is widely practiced. Visitors can also experience the remote nomadic lifestyle that is still preserved here, along with extremely clear skies ideal for stargazing. Nearby attractions include Gorkhi-Terelj National Park and Khustai National Park, both offering their own unique landscapes and experiences. Additionally, Khuvsgul Lake National Park provides a serene escape, while the Naadam Festival showcases Mongolia’s rich cultural heritage, including traditional practices like eagle hunting. Eagle hunting is a traditional practice of the Kazakh ethnic group in Western Mongolia, where hunters use trained golden eagles to hunt foxes, hares, and occasionally wolves, which is rare and symbolic.

Khuvsgul Lake National Park is one of Mongolia’s most stunning natural areas, located in the far north of the country near the Russian border. At its heart is Lake Khuvsgul, often called the “Blue Pearl of Mongolia.” This lake is one of the cleanest and deepest in Asia, containing about 70% of Mongolia’s freshwater, with depths exceeding 100 meters in places. The lake is surrounded by majestic mountains and dense forests, and the water is so clear that you can often see deep below the surface. 

While visiting Khuvsgul Lake National Park, you can also explore other nearby attractions such as Gorkhi-Terelj National Park and Khustai National Park. During your stay, consider engaging in activities like boat trips or kayaking on Lake Khuvsgul, horse trekking along forest trails, and visiting nomadic and reindeer herding families. You can also camp under the extremely clear star-filled skies or hike in the nearby mountains. Don't miss the chance to experience the Naadam Festival if your visit coincides with this vibrant celebration of Mongolian culture.

Khongoryn Els is one of the most famous sand dune systems in Mongolia, nestled in the Gobi Desert in southern Mongolia. Often referred to as the "Singing Dunes," this stunning location produces an unusual sound when the sand shifts in strong winds or as people slide down its slopes. Located within Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, Khongoryn Els is about a full day's drive from Dalanzadgad, the main gateway city to the Gobi. This remote area is typically explored as part of multi-day Gobi tours, alongside other iconic sites such as the Chinggis Khaan Statue and the beautiful landscapes of Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. The massive dunes stretch approximately 100 km long, with some reaching heights of 200 to 300 meters. The fine sand produces a low humming or "singing" sound, creating a unique experience for visitors. Surrounded by dramatic desert mountains and the open steppes, Khongoryn Els is undoubtedly one of the most iconic desert landscapes in Mongolia, making it a worthy addition to any itinerary that includes destinations like Khustai National Park or the tranquil Khuvsgul Lake National Park, especially during the vibrant Naadam Festival.

Bayanzag Flaming Cliffs is one of Mongolia’s most famous desert landscapes, located in the Gobi Desert. It gets its name from the bright red-orange sandstone cliffs, which glow dramatically at sunset like they are on fire. Location: Inside Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, near the Gobi gateway town of Dalanzadgad, in a remote desert area with dunes, cliffs, and sparse vegetation. The Bayanzag site is also a key stop for visitors exploring Mongolia's cultural landmarks, such as the impressive Chinggis Khaan Statue, and those traveling to nearby attractions like Gorkhi-Terelj National Park and Khustai National Park. Additionally, Khuvsgul Lake National Park is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts. Bayanzag is one of the world’s most important dinosaur fossil sites, first discovered in the 1920s by explorer Roy Chapman Andrews. It was here that the first-ever discovery of dinosaur eggs occurred. Fossils of dinosaurs like Velociraptor and Protoceratops have been found, helping to prove that dinosaurs laid eggs rather than giving birth to live young. The cliffs are made of iron-rich sandstone, and at sunrise and sunset, they turn deep red and gold. This glowing effect is what inspired the name Flaming Cliffs, making it a spectacular sight during the Naadam Festival, when many gather to celebrate Mongolia’s rich history and culture.

Yolyn Am is a deep, narrow gorge located in the Gobi Desert region of Southern Mongolia. It lies within the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, which is often visited from Dalanzadgad. Visitors typically combine their trips to Yolyn Am with destinations like the Flaming Cliffs and Khongoryn Els during their Gobi tours. This deep canyon is intricately carved through the Gurvan Saikhan Mountains, featuring steep rock walls and narrow pathways. In contrast to the surrounding dry Gobi Desert, you can find small streams, moss, and patches of greenery in sheltered areas.

Things You can do:

- Hiking through the narrow gorge, which offers stunning views.

- Horse or camel riding in nearby valleys, allowing for an immersive experience of the landscape.

- Spotting wildlife and birds of prey, which are abundant in this unique ecosystem.

- Visiting a small natural museum or visitor area nearby to learn more about the region.

- Photography of dramatic cliffs and ice formations, perfect for capturing the beauty of this area.

For those interested in exploring other remarkable sites in Mongolia, consider visiting the iconic Chinggis Khaan Statue, the serene Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, or the wildlife-rich Khustai National Park. Don't miss the breathtaking Khuvsgul Lake National Park and the vibrant Naadam Festival, which showcases traditional Mongolian culture.

The 13th Century National Park, often referred to as the 13th Century Chinggis Khaan Complex, is a cultural theme park located near Ulaanbaatar that immerses visitors in the life of the Mongol Empire. This park allows guests to step into the world of Chinggis Khaan and the 13th Century Steppe civilization. It is conveniently situated near Gorkhi-Terelj National Park and is designed with several themed Camps, each showcasing different aspects of Mongol society, including the Khan’s royal Court, nomadic herder Camps, military and warrior training areas, and craftsmen and artisan villages. Each area within the park is constructed in traditional style, utilizing Gers (yurts) and wooden structures. Additionally, visitors can explore nearby attractions such as Khustai National Park and Khuvsgul Lake National Park, making it a perfect starting point for discovering Mongolia's rich heritage, especially during the vibrant Naadam Festival.

The Kharkhorum Area and the nearby Erdene Zuu Monastery are among the most historically significant sites in Mongolia, reflecting the rich legacy of the Mongol Empire alongside one of the country's oldest surviving Buddhist monasteries. 

Kharkhorum, founded in the 13th century as the capital of the Mongol Empire under Chinggis Khaan and his successors, later emerged as a major political and trade center along the Silk Road. Today, only ruins remain, but archaeological work has unveiled its layout and history, drawing visitors who also explore nearby attractions like the Chinggis Khaan Statue. 

Located near modern Kharkhorin, the Erdene Zuu Monastery was built in 1586 and holds the title of the first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia. It was constructed using stones from the ancient city of Karakorum and once boasted over 100 temples and housed thousands of monks. The monastery faced destruction during political purges in the 20th century but has since been restored, making it a vital stop for those visiting the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park or participating in the Naadam Festival. Additionally, travelers to Mongolia often explore the natural beauty of Khustai National Park and Khuvsgul Lake National Park, enhancing their experience of this historically rich region.

Horse racing is one of the three main events of the Naadam Festival, alongside wrestling and archery. This thrilling event is considered the most exciting and emotionally significant part of the festival, often drawing visitors who explore attractions like the Chinggis Khaan Statue and Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. 

Unlike modern horse races, Naadam racing is a long-distance endurance race across the open steppe terrain, rather than a short track sprint. Distances range from 15 km to over 30 km, depending on the horse's age. Races take place across vast grassland steppe, not in a stadium. The horses are small, strong Mongolian breeds built for endurance, and the riders are typically children aged 5 to 13 due to their lighter weight.

How the race works: 

Horses start together from a distant point on the steppe, with no lanes—just open land and natural terrain. Spectators gather at the finish line, often near hills or camps in places like Khustai National Park or Khuvsgul Lake National Park. The winner is determined by who reaches the finish line first after a long endurance ride.

At the end of the race: 

Winning horses are celebrated, not just the riders. A song called 'giingoo' is sung to praise the horses, and they are sprinkled with fermented mare’s milk (airag) as a blessing. Jockeys are honored for their bravery and skill, reflecting the deep cultural roots of the Naadam Festival.