If you're looking for a place to get out of Ulaanbaatar and really see some of Mongolia's natural beauty, Terelj National Park is the perfect spot.It's only about an hour and a half drive from the city, but it feels like a completely different world.The landscapes here are just stunning--huge rock formations, green valleys,and the Tuul River winding through the park. People come here to hike, camp, and even stay in ger campswith local nomadic families, so you can really get a feel for traditional Mongolian life while you're surrounded by nature.One of the coolest things about Terelj is how peaceful it is. You can ride horses through the park,take a quiet walk by the river, or just sit and watch the clouds roll over the mountains.There's plenty of space to just breathe and take it all in.
You can’t visit Terelj without checking out Turtle Rock. Locals call it Мэлхий хад, and once you see it, you’ll understand why—this giant rock looks just like a turtle! It’s one of those places you just have to stop and snap a picture. People have a lot of stories about this rock; some say it brings good luck if you touch it, others just love climbing to the top for the views. It’s an easy climb, and from the top, you get a great view of the surrounding area. If you’re here with friends or family, it’s a fun little adventure.
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If you’re looking for something a bit more spiritual, head over to the Aryabal Meditation Temple. It’s tucked away up in the hills, and getting there is a bit of a hike, but totally worth it. The path leading up to the temple is lined with Buddhist wisdom and proverbs, so it gives you a lot to think about on your way up. The temple itself is beautiful—built in traditional Tibetan style—and once you’re at the top, you get a panoramic view of the whole valley. It’s really peaceful up there, a great place to sit and reflect for a while.
Not far from the peaceful landscapes of Terelj, hidden deep in the mountains, is the Cave of the Thousand Monks—a site that holds a tragic but important part of Mongolian history. Back in the 1930s, during the period of religious repression under the communist regime, thousands of Buddhist monks fled to caves like this one to escape persecution. The Cave of the Thousand Monks got its name because, according to local stories, over a thousand monks hid here, trying to preserve their way of life and their beliefs. Some monks lived in these caves for years, meditating and continuing their spiritual practices in secret. It’s said that this very cave saw the final prayers of many monks who were later captured or perished during that time. Visiting the cave is a reflective experience. It's not just a natural feature, but a place that symbolizes the strength of faith and the resilience of Mongolia's spiritual traditions. As you step inside, you can almost feel the echoes of the past—it's a solemn, humbling reminder of the country's turbulent history and the power of belief. If you have the time, it’s worth the hike to visit this place and pay respect to those who fought to keep Buddhism alive during dark times
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Baga gazriin Chuluu
Southern Mongolia
Yolyn Am
Southern Mongolia
Northern Numinous Reindeers
Northern Numinous Reindeers
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