Trekking in Gorkhi-Terelj national park

We'll depart Ulaanbaatar early in the morning and journey through a scenic valley enclosed by forested hills and dramatic granite cliffs. The landscape is carpeted with wildflowers and lush vegetation, where herds of yaks, horses, goats, and sheep graze peacefully. By late morning, we’ll reach the home of a local horse-breeding family, situated along the banks of the Tuul River.

The afternoon will be spent with our hosts, taking part in the daily activities typical of herding life. In the evening, the family gathers their livestock and milks the animals to produce a variety of traditional dairy products. We may also witness a skilled horseman demonstrate the use of a Uurag—a long wooden pole with rope ends—used to skillfully lasso horses from a galloping herd.

The Khentii Mountains stretch across northern Mongolia’s Töv and Khentii provinces, spanning the Khan Khentii Strictly Protected Area. This sacred range is home to Burkhan Khaldun, Mongolia’s most revered mountain and the legendary birthplace of Genghis Khan. Serving as a vital watershed between the Arctic and Pacific Ocean basins (via Lake Baikal), the Khentii range gives rise to the Onon, Kherlen, and Tuul rivers.

After breakfast, we’ll load our gear onto sturdy Mongolian packhorses—small in size but incredibly strong and resilient. From the foothills of the mountains, we’ll begin our trek into the valley. This three-day journey will lead us through a tundra landscape reminiscent of Siberia, rich in wildlife including moose and other native species.

As we ascend, the terrain will shift to dense forest, home to deer, wolves, moose, and bears. The raw, untouched wilderness of the Khentii Mountains promises an unforgettable adventure into Mongolia’s most remote and sacred natural heartland.

Princess Monastery, also known as Gunjiin Sum, is nestled in a lush forest and holds the remnants of a once-grand complex. Built in the 18th century by a Mongolian nobleman to honor his beloved wife, the monastery once stood as a symbol of devotion and spiritual significance. Today, only the main temple and a section of the surrounding wall remain, silent witnesses to its former glory.

Today’s hike follows the course of the Tuul River, where you'll notice the landscape gradually change as we move through tranquil pine forests, accompanied only by the distant calls of wildlife. Listen for the rhythmic tapping of woodpeckers and watch the skies for golden eagles soaring overhead in search of prey. After approximately four hours on the trail, we’ll reach our campsite for the night.

Today marks the final leg of our journey through vast valleys, rugged mountains, and lush green forests. Take in the sweeping views of the valley stretching toward the Tuul River as you enjoy your last day on the trail.

After lunch, we'll set off on a sightseeing tour of Terelj National Park. Our first stops include the famous Turtle Rock, the serene Aryaval Monastery, and a small meditation temple nestled at the foot of the mountain.

Our next destination is the towering Genghis Khan Monument—a colossal aluminium statue of the legendary leader on horseback. You’ll have the opportunity to ascend to the top of the statue for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The onsite museum offers a rich overview of the Great Mongol Empire, detailing the succession of the Khans and their historic conquests.

We'll return to Ulaanbaatar.