If you’re looking for a way to get outside the city and really see what makes Mongolia special, this day trip from Ulaanbaatar is a solid choice. It combines the awe-inspiring largest equestrian statue in the world, scenic landscapes, and cultural insights into one well-organized outing. While no tour is perfect, this one hits many marks—especially for those wanting an authentic taste of Mongolia without spending days on the road.
What really stands out are the impressive sights like the 40-meter-high Chinggis Khaan Statue and the rugged beauty of Turtle Rock. Plus, the opportunity to try traditional Mongolian foods in a ger (yurt), and even ride horses or camels—these are memorable experiences. The downside? Some sites require optional paid activities like riding or eagle photo ops, so budget accordingly. This tour suits travelers eager for a mix of culture, nature, and iconic landmarks with a knowledgeable guide leading the way.
Key Points
- Impressive Landmark: The Genghis Khan statue is the world’s largest equestrian statue, offering great photo opportunities.
- Flexible Activities: Horse and camel rides, eagle photo ops, and hiking make the day engaging.
- Authentic Food: Enjoy a traditional Mongolian meal in a ger, providing genuine local cuisine.
- Scenic Views: The trip includes beautiful landscapes, including wildflower meadows and granite mountains.
- Expert Guides: Reviews highlight knowledgeable, friendly guides who enhance the experience.
- Great Value: At $59 per person, it offers a lot of memorable sights and activities for the price.
This tour promises a memorable introduction to Mongolia’s iconic sights, with a perfect blend of culture, scenery, and fun activities. It’s ideal for travelers who want to see Mongolia’s most famous monument—the colossal Genghis Khan statue—and explore the landscape that inspired countless stories of warrior tribes and vast steppes. The tour is especially appealing because it’s relatively affordable, at just $59, and includes hotel pickup, which makes logistics a breeze.
What we love about this experience is the chance to capture stunning photos of the statue and surrounding scenery, plus the opportunity to wear traditional Mongolian clothes and participate in hands-on activities like riding a horse or camel. The guides are praised for their knowledge and good humor, making the day both educational and fun. A definite plus is the delicious lunch in a ger, which offers genuine local flavors in a setting that’s as authentic as it gets.
One small consideration is that some activities—like eagle photo sessions or riding—cost extra, so travelers should bring cash if they want to partake. Also, the itinerary involves some walking and hiking (like up to Aryabal Monastery), so good footwear and moderate fitness help. This tour works best for those who are curious about Mongolian culture, enjoy scenic drives and hikes, and appreciate a relaxed, small-group atmosphere.
👉 Check out our guide to the 3 Best Guided Tours In Ulaanbaatar
Contents
- Key Points
- What You’ll Love About This Tour
- Breakdown of the Itinerary
- Stop 1: Genghis Khan Statue Complex
- Stop 2: Gorkhi Terelj National Park
- Stop 3: Aryabal Meditation Temple
- Practical Details
- Authentic Experiences Based on Reviews
- The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour?
- FAQ
- Our Top Picks in Ulaanbaatar
- More Tours in Ulaanbaatar
- More Tour Reviews in Ulaanbaatar
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Ulaanbaatar we have recnetly reviewed
What You’ll Love About This Tour
Impressive Landmarks: The highlight by far is the Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue, which looms 40 meters high and offers a fantastic photo backdrop. It’s known as the world’s largest horse-riding statue, and even if you’re not a history buff, standing before it makes an impact. The complex includes a museum where you can learn about Genghis Khan’s legacy, adding depth to the visit.
Authentic Cultural Experiences: Inside the complex, there’s a chance to try on traditional Mongolian clothes, take photos, or even hold an eagle’s talon—a real connection to Mongolia’s nomadic traditions. Many reviews mention guides helping with this, making it a fun, memorable part of the day.
Scenic Landscapes and Nature: After the statue, the tour heads to Gorkhi Terelj National Park, just 65 km from Ulaanbaatar. Here, the rugged granite mountains and forest-covered slopes offer stunning views. The meadows are filled with wildflowers, and the fresh mountain air provides a stark contrast to city life.
Unique Activities: Whether you decide to ride a horse from Turtle Rock to the Aryabal Monastery or snap photos with camels and eagles, these hands-on experiences are what set this tour apart. The opportunity to hike to the Aryabal Meditation Temple, with its panoramic views, adds a peaceful touch to the day.
Genuine Mongolian Cuisine: Lunch is served in a traditional ger (yurt-style home), offering hearty, authentic dishes. Several reviews praise the food, calling it the best local meal they had during their trip. It’s a chance to sit down, relax, and savor Mongolian hospitality.
Knowledgeable Guides: Multiple reviewers emphasize guides who are friendly, funny, and full of insights, making the entire day flow smoothly. They’re attentive to timing and eager to share stories, which makes the experience more meaningful.
Excellent Value for Money: For $59, you get transportation, a guide, several major sights, and a taste of local culture. The reviews repeatedly mention the tour’s cost-effectiveness, especially considering the variety of activities packed into one day.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ulaanbaatar.
Breakdown of the Itinerary
Stop 1: Genghis Khan Statue Complex
Your day begins early with hotel pickup around 7:30 am, heading straight to the world’s largest equestrian statue. The Genghis Khan statue is a jaw-dropping sight, and many reviews describe it as “magnificent” and “absolutely worth seeing.” You’ll have the chance to take photos, explore the museum, and if you wish, pay extra for riding horses or camels, or hold an eagle—a traditional Mongolian activity. While admission to the complex costs about 20,000 tugrik, many find the price justified by the grandeur of the site. Some reviews mention the possibility of climbing or taking the lift, but be prepared for a bit of a hike or some stairs.
Stop 2: Gorkhi Terelj National Park
Next, the journey takes you to Gorkhi Terelj, a scenic national park with granite formations and lush meadows. Here, you can enjoy a 45-minute stop to take in views, snap photos, and breathe in some fresh mountain air. This stop is free, and the landscape alone makes it worthwhile. The mountain scenery is described as “stunning,” with some reviewers noting the wintertime views under clear blue skies.
Stop 3: Aryabal Meditation Temple
The hike to Aryabal Monastery is a highlight, offering breathtaking views from the hilltop. The hike takes about half an hour, so comfortable shoes are recommended. The temple complex itself provides a tranquil space for reflection amid stunning mountain scenery. Reviewers describe the walk as moderately strenuous but worth the effort, especially given the peaceful atmosphere and panoramic vistas.
Practical Details
Transportation and Group Size: The tour uses air-conditioned SUVs and sedans, ensuring comfort during the roughly 6-7 hour trip. With a maximum of 12 travelers, it remains intimate and flexible. This small size allows guides to customize the experience and answer questions thoroughly.
Timing: The tour departs at 7:30 am, giving you a full day of exploration while still returning to Ulaanbaatar at a reasonable hour. The schedule allows enough time at each key site without feeling rushed, a common praise in reviews.
Cost and Value: At $59, this tour offers a substantial experience—seeing Mongolia’s most famous landmarks, enjoying authentic food, and engaging in hands-on activities—at a very reasonable price point. Optional extras like riding or eagle photos are paid directly to the owners, so budget accordingly.
Inclusions and Extras: The price covers vehicle, guide, and safety. Admission fees to the statue complex are extra, as are activities like horse riding, camel riding, or eagle photo sessions, which are paid in cash. Lunch, served in a ger, is included and praised for its quality.
Booking and Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance offers flexibility for travelers. The tour’s reviews suggest it’s reliable and well-organized, with guides who are eager to make the day enjoyable.
Authentic Experiences Based on Reviews
Reviewers can’t stop praising their guides—many describe them as “knowledgeable,” “funny,” and “attentive,” which makes all the difference when navigating a new country. “Jana,” “MJ,” and “Murun” are names that come up repeatedly as guides who go above and beyond to personalize the experience.
Several travelers mention that the winter scenery was “stunning,” even if the cold required warm clothing. One review notes that despite the weather, the guide’s good humor and flexibility kept everyone’s spirits high. The lunch in a ger gets special mention as a highlight—simple, delicious, and a true taste of Mongolia.
Many reviews highlight the size of the company—small groups of 3 to 12 people—which keeps the experience relaxed and allows for more meaningful interaction. The timing is praised for being punctual and flexible, with guides adjusting to your needs.
The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour?
This tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Mongolia’s most iconic sights for those who want a manageable, affordable, and authentic experience. It’s especially good for travelers who appreciate scenic landscapes, cultural activities, and knowledgeable guides. If you’re up for some walking, a bit of riding, and exploring impressive landmarks without the hassle of planning, this is a smart choice.
It’s ideal for first-time visitors to Ulaanbaatar or travelers with limited time who want to maximize their sightseeing. If you’re interested in mountain views, traditional food, and learning about Mongolia’s history, this tour delivers. Keep in mind that optional activities cost extra, so budget for those if they catch your interest.
For anyone seeking an easy, well-organized day with plenty of photo opportunities, cultural insights, and scenic moments, this trip offers solid value and authentic experiences.
From Ulaanbaatar: Chinggis Khaan Statue and Turtle Rock Day Tour
“A very satisfying day tour! I went in mid-december, it was very cold and I was almost the only tourist around, but MJ was a reliable and knowledgea…”
FAQ
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Ulaanbaatar, making it convenient to start the day without worries.
What’s the best time of year to do this tour?
While the tour runs all year, many reviews mention winter visits with stunning scenery. Just be prepared for cold weather with appropriate clothing.
Are there any extra costs I should budget for?
Yes, activities like riding a horse or camel, taking photos with eagles, and entrance fees to certain sites are paid separately—cash is usually preferred.
How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 6 to 7 hours, starting early at 7:30 am and returning in the late afternoon or early evening.
Is the group size small?
Yes, with a maximum of 12 travelers, the experience remains intimate and personalized.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour date for a full refund.
In summary, this guided day trip from Ulaanbaatar is a fantastic way to experience Mongolia’s highlights—large landmarks, scenic hikes, and local culture—without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a first-timer or simply want a comfortable way to see the countryside, it’s a tour that combines good value, engaging sights, and a touch of Mongolian charm.
