Ulaanbaatar: Chinggis Khaan Statue and Turtle Rock Day Tour

Ulaanbaatar: Chinggis Khaan Statue and Turtle Rock Day Tour

Imagine spending a day exploring some of Mongolia’s most iconic sights, all in one comfortable, well-organized trip. For just $69 per person, you’ll visit the world’s largest equestrian statue of Genghis Khan, marvel at the unique Turtle Rock, and hike up to the serene Aryabal Monastery. Led by experienced guides who speak both English and Russian, this tour strikes a balance between iconic photo opportunities and authentic cultural experiences.
What we love most? The chance to wear traditional Mongolian clothes inside the Genghis Khan complex and the lovely views from Aryabal. Plus, the small group setting and professional guidance make the day feel personal and relaxed.
A potential consideration: the full day involves quite a bit of driving—about 160-170 km round trip—so if you’re prone to motion sickness or prefer a more leisurely pace, plan accordingly.
This tour suits travelers eager for a compact, value-packed introduction to Mongolia’s top attractions with the option of engaging activities like horse or camel rides and eagle photography.

Key Points

• Affordable value: Complete tour for just $69, including transport and guiding.
• Authentic experiences: Opportunities to wear Mongolian traditional clothes, ride horses or camels, and take photos with eagles.
• Expert guides: Bilingual guides ensure informative and friendly guidance.
• Flexible and reliable: Professional, on-time service with safety cars and insurance.
• Scenic highlights: The Genghis Khan Statue, Turtle Rock, and Aryabal Monastery offer some of Mongolia’s most striking views.
• Long but rewarding day: Expect 6-7 hours of sightseeing and driving over 160 km.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

What to Expect at the Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex

First stop is the Chinggis Khaan Statue, the tallest horse-riding statue in the world, soaring 40 meters high. The sight of it is truly impressive, especially against the backdrop of the Mongolian steppe. Inside, there’s an archaeology museum that offers insights into the history and discovery of Genghis Khan’s era—an engaging stop for history buffs.
Tour guides often encourage visitors to take photos wearing traditional Mongolian attire, which you can rent on-site. This adds a fun, memorable element to your visit. Many reviews highlight the friendly guides who make sure everyone gets enough time to explore without feeling rushed, even if the weather isn’t perfect. As Sheila puts it, “The guide gave us plenty of time to explore the main sites, so that we never felt rushed.”

Turtle Rock and the Natural Beauty of Terelj National Park

Next, you’ll head to the Turtle Rock, which is shaped so convincingly like a turtle that it’s become a symbol of the area. It’s a striking natural formation and provides excellent photo opportunities. The drive to this scenic spot takes about 30 minutes, but the real highlight is the landscape—vast, open, and often dotted with herds of sheep or horses.
Some visitors, like Jacklyn, appreciated the extra time to follow a trail behind Turtle Rock for panoramic views, describing their experience as “really fun and informative,” thanks to the guide’s commentary.

Aryabal Meditation Monastery – A Peaceful Cliffside Retreat

From Turtle Rock, the tour continues to Aryabal Monastery, perched on a hill with breathtaking vistas. The hike up is moderate and well worth the effort. Once at the top, you’ll find a tranquil place to meditate or simply soak in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
Many reviews mention the informative guides who provided insights into the monastery’s spiritual significance. Janelle appreciated the patience of her guide, MJ, especially when she took her time for photos. It’s a peaceful spot that offers a moment of serenity amid the day’s excitement.

More Great Tours Nearby

Optional Activities and Cultural Touches

If you have more time or want to extend the experience, you can opt to ride horses or camels and even hold a photo with an eagle—a traditional Mongolian hunting practice. Payment for these activities is cash directly to the owners, usually around 10,000-20,000 tugrik.
Lunch is included in the tour, served at a local Mongolian home or ger, giving a taste of authentic home-cooked cuisine. The price (~20,000 tugrik) is reasonable, and many travelers find it a genuine cultural highlight.

Practicalities and Tips

The tour lasts about 6-7 hours, covering a lot of ground. The transportation is comfortable, with safety cars insured for peace of mind. Guides are experienced and bilingual, making the trip smooth and engaging. As reviews suggest, the timeliness and professionalism stand out, with some travelers like Gabriele noting Jana’s flexibility and friendly approach.
The early pick-up (around 7 a.m.) helps avoid city traffic and maximizes sightseeing time. Remember to bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hat, camera, and cash for extras. If you’re vegetarian, just specify that when booking so they can accommodate you.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for travelers wanting a well-rounded introduction to Mongolia’s top sights without the hassle of planning logistics themselves. It’s ideal if you enjoy guided commentary, want to capture great photos, and are comfortable with a full day of sightseeing and driving. Families, solo travelers, and small groups all find value here, especially given the friendly guides and authentic cultural experiences.

The Sum Up

If you’re looking for a cost-effective, well-organized day tour that packs in Mongolia’s iconic sights with plenty of memorable moments, this tour fits the bill. The combination of the world’s largest Genghis Khan statue, the striking Turtle Rock, and the peaceful Aryabal Monastery makes for a diverse, visually stunning experience.

What sets this tour apart is the knowledgeable guides who enrich your understanding of Mongolia’s history and culture, and the authentic activities like traditional dress-up and eagle photography. The tour’s flexible approach, friendly atmosphere, and reliable logistics make it a standout choice for travelers wanting both value and genuine connection.

While it’s a full day, the scenery, history, and cultural insights make it worthwhile, especially if you’d prefer to see key highlights without fuss. This tour is best suited for those eager to dive into Mongolia’s soul—its history, its landscapes, and its traditional way of life—without having to figure everything out on your own.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 6 to 7 hours, covering approximately 160-170 km of driving and sightseeing.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers pick-up and drop-off, guide driver, petrol, and road taxes. Lunch and activities like riding horses or camels with eagle photos are extra.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, entry tickets to the Genghis Khan complex (20,000 tugrik), Aryabal Monastery (5,000 tugrik), and optional activities like riding or taking photos with eagles (10,000-20,000 tugrik) need to be paid in cash.

Can I participate if I’m vegetarian?
Yes, vegetarians should inform the tour provider at booking time so they can accommodate your dietary needs during lunch.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, a hat, camera, water, and cash for extras.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the activities and pace seem appropriate for most travelers, especially those comfortable with a full day of sightseeing.

What language do guides speak?
Guides speak both English and Russian, ensuring clear communication for most international visitors.

This tour offers a fantastic window into Mongolia’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural tapestry, all while keeping it affordable, engaging, and authentic. If you’re ready for a day of iconic sights, friendly guides, and memorable experiences, it’s a trip well worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: