2 Day Horse trekking in Terelj national park

Terelj on horseback feels wonderfully close to the ground. This two-day trip pairs horse riding in Terelj National Park with a night in a Mongolian ger, and I like the mix of open-air activity and local hospitality. I also like that the price includes transport, meals, a guide, park admission, and museum tickets. The main drawback is simple: the ger has no shower, and the promised cooking lesson may not always take place.

You will visit Turtle Rock, the Aryabal meditation monastery, the Chinggis Khaan statue, and Zaisan Hill. Guide B was singled out for being kind and helpful, and the driver also received praise for making the trip feel safe and easy. Bring patience, an open mind, and clothes that can handle dust, horse country, and a night without normal hotel comforts.

Key points to know before booking

• Horse riding across Terelj’s open grassland: Riding is the heart of the trip, with instruction and a local horseman before you set out.
• Turtle Rock and Aryabal monastery: Two of Terelj’s best-known sights give the first day more variety than a simple riding excursion.
• One night in a Mongolian ger: You sleep in a traditional round felt dwelling, with meals prepared in a local setting.
• Local food is part of the deal: Breakfast and lunch are included, with a planned lesson on preparing a traditional Mongolian lunch.
• A full two-day package for $310: Transport, guide, meals, accommodation, entry fees, and museum tickets are covered.
• Comfort is basic: There is no shower at the ger, snacks and alcohol are not included, and insurance is your responsibility.

Why this Terelj trip works well for first-time riders

Terelj National Park is close enough to pair with Ulaanbaatar, yet far enough to give you a clear change of pace. Instead of spending two days moving between viewpoints by car, you spend real time outside on horseback. That matters because the park is experienced at walking speed, with room to notice the open grassland, rock formations, and changing views.

I like the way the itinerary balances activity with cultural stops. You are not asked to spend both days in the saddle. Turtle Rock and the meditation monastery break up the riding, while the ger stay gives you time to see how a Mongolian overnight visit feels outside a city hotel.

The tour costs $310 per person. That is not a low-cost day trip, but the package includes a driver, English-speaking guide, meals, ger accommodation, national park admission, and museum tickets. For someone who wants a guided two-day outing without arranging each part separately, the price has solid value.

The cost makes less sense if you mainly want a short horse ride and a quick look at Terelj. You are paying for the overnight stay, food, transport, and cultural program as much as for the riding itself.

Meeting at Max Mall or arranging pickup

The standard meeting point is Max Mall in Ulaanbaatar. Your guide waits with your name or a TourGobi logo, so look for that sign rather than wandering around trying to identify a vehicle.

Pickup can also be arranged if you provide an address. That is useful if you have luggage, are staying away from Max Mall, or simply want to avoid finding the meeting point in an unfamiliar part of the city. Confirm the pickup address before the trip, since the standard meeting instructions point to Max Mall.

The tour offers guides in Mongolian, English, Japanese, and Korean. The information specifically identifies an English-speaking guide as included, so you should state your preferred language clearly when booking.

Day one: from Ulaanbaatar to Turtle Rock

The first day begins with pickup and a drive to Terelj National Park. The drive is part of the transition from city life to open country, but the exact departure time is not listed. Check the available start time before booking, especially if you have other plans in Ulaanbaatar.

Turtle Rock is one of the main sightseeing stops. Its name gives you a good idea of the attraction: a large rock formation shaped like a turtle. It is an easy place to pause, take photographs, and get your first clear sense of Terelj’s unusual rock country.

The stop also helps pace the day. You are not rushed directly from the car to a horse. You have time to see one of the park’s signature sights before the riding section begins.

Next comes Aryabal monastery, described as a meditation monastery. This stop brings a quieter note to the day. The visit is less about checking off another monument and more about seeing a spiritual site within Terelj’s natural setting.

Museum tickets are included, though the exact museum or museums are not specified. Ask your guide what is covered on the day, particularly if museum access is important to you.

Lunch with a local family and the start of the ride

Lunch takes place with a local family before the horse riding begins. This is one of the stronger parts of the program because it places food and conversation in a local setting rather than a standard restaurant.

The schedule then introduces you to a local horseman and begins the riding around the national park. The description says you will learn how to ride a horse, making the trip suitable for someone who needs an introduction rather than a polished riding excursion.

Still, you should ask how much instruction is provided and what riding experience is expected. The supplied details do not state the riding distance, group size, horse breed, saddle style, or maximum riding time. Those details can make a major difference to comfort.

If you have never ridden before, wear practical trousers and sturdy shoes. Bring a change of clothes, as requested, because dust, weather, and contact with the horse can make fresh clothing welcome later.

The riding is the part most likely to stay with you. Moving across Terelj by horse is slower and more physical than sightseeing from a vehicle, but that is the point. You are not simply looking at the park through a window. You are part of the setting for a few hours.

Night in a ger, with comfort kept basic

After the ride, you have dinner and sleep in a Mongolian ger at a local host’s home. A ger is a traditional round dwelling used across Mongolia, and staying in one gives the trip a cultural focus that a normal lodge would not provide.

The practical warning is important: there is no shower. You should pack with that in mind and bring personal items for a basic overnight stay. Private-use products are not included, so toiletries and similar necessities belong in your own bag.

The tour includes accommodation, but it does not specify bedding arrangements, heating, bathroom facilities, or the number of people per ger. If those details matter to you, ask before paying. I would also keep your luggage compact, since a two-day outdoor trip is easier with a small bag than with a full suitcase.

Dinner is included, which improves the value of the overnight stay. Alcohol is not included and is specifically not allowed, so this is not a party-style outing. Bachelor and bachelorette groups are also not accepted.

Day two: more riding and a Mongolian-style breakfast

The second morning begins with breakfast in a Mongolian style at the local host’s home. I like that breakfast is part of the stay rather than an afterthought. It gives you another chance to experience food in a household setting.

You then ride around the national park again. The itinerary does not give an exact route or riding duration, so the second day may depend on local conditions and the guide’s plan. If you want a particular riding pace or need a shorter session, discuss that before setting out.

The second ride also gives you a chance to settle into the rhythm of handling a horse. Beginners may find the first day more instructional and the second day more comfortable, but the tour does not promise a particular skill level or riding route. Be honest about your experience when you book.

Lunch follows the morning ride, and the program includes a planned lesson on how to make a traditional Mongolian lunch. This is a worthwhile idea because cooking teaches you more about daily life than simply eating a prepared dish.

There is one point to keep flexible: the cooking lesson was not experienced by at least one person who expected it. Treat it as a planned part of the day, not an absolute guarantee, and ask your guide when and where it will happen. If this is a major reason for booking, confirm it directly.

Chinggis Khaan and Zaisan Hill to finish the trip

After lunch, you return to the car and continue to the Chinggis Khaan statue. This is a major national symbol and gives the second day a different focus from the park. The visit is included in a route that combines nature, riding, local life, and Mongolian history.

The final sightseeing stop is Zaisan Hill memorial, where you can see broad views of the national park according to the tour details. The stop provides a useful change in scale. After spending much of the trip close to the ground on horseback, you finish with a high viewpoint.

Museum tickets are included in the package, but the exact stop connected to those tickets is not detailed. Your guide can explain which museum entry is included and how it fits into the day.

The tour then returns you to your hotel. Since no return time is given, avoid booking a tight evening flight or an important appointment unless you have confirmed the schedule.

What the $310 price really covers

At $310 per person, the value depends on how much of the package you would otherwise arrange yourself. The included items are substantial:

• Driver and transport
• English-speaking guide
• Meals
• One night in a ger
• Terelj National Park entrance fee
• Museum tickets
• Horse riding and local horseman support

You still pay for alcohol, snacks, personal-use items, and insurance. Cash is recommended, so carry some for small personal needs. A charged smartphone and camera are also on the suggested packing list.

The strongest value comes from the combination. A separate park visit, horse ride, overnight stay, meals, and local transport can become complicated to organize in Mongolia. Here, one booking links them together.

The weaker point is that some details remain general. The information does not specify group size, riding hours, ger facilities beyond the lack of a shower, or the exact cooking activity. The price is reasonable for a guided two-day package, but you should ask questions if you need a tightly defined schedule.

Who will enjoy this more than a standard day tour

I would recommend this trip to someone who wants an active introduction to Mongolia but does not want to plan rural transport, meals, and accommodation alone. It suits first-time horse riders who are comfortable with a basic outdoor stay, as well as people who want more than a quick park photograph.

The experience is also a good fit if you value contact with local hosts. Lunch with a family, breakfast at the host’s home, the horseman, and the ger overnight create more personal moments than a standard sightseeing loop.

It is less suitable if you need hotel-style comfort, a private bathroom, a precise timetable, or a guaranteed cooking lesson. The tour is not suitable for babies under one year or people over 95 years old. Baby strollers and carriages are not allowed, and alcohol, drugs, and party groups are prohibited.

The most praised qualities are the kindness of the guide and driver, the feeling of safety, the local food, the ger stay, and the horseback ride across Terelj. Guide B received particular praise for being considerate and making the trip comfortable. Those details matter because a rural overnight trip depends heavily on the people leading it.

What to pack for two days in Terelj

Keep your packing list practical:

• A change of clothes
• Comfortable riding clothes
• Sturdy shoes
• Camera
• Charged smartphone
• Cash
• Personal toiletries
• Snacks, if you want food between included meals

Since the ger has no shower, a small wash kit is useful. Alcohol is not included and is not permitted. Insurance is also not included, so arrange your own coverage before departure.

Should you book this Terelj horse trek?

Book it if you want two active days that combine horseback riding, local meals, a ger night, Terelj’s best-known sights, and transport from Ulaanbaatar. The package offers good value for someone who wants those pieces handled together, and the friendly guide and driver can make a real difference.

Skip it if basic accommodation will spoil the trip for you, or if you need every activity confirmed in exact detail. Before booking, ask about riding time, group size, sleeping arrangements, bathroom access, the museum stop, and the cooking lesson.

For the right person, this is a strong introduction to Mongolia: practical, outdoorsy, and more personal than a sightseeing drive. Just arrive prepared for dust, simple facilities, and a schedule that may leave room for local conditions.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet?

The standard meeting point is Max Mall in Ulaanbaatar. The guide waits with your name or a TourGobi logo.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is optional if you provide a pickup address in advance. A driver and guide can then be sent to that address.

What languages are available?

The tour offers Mongolian, English, Japanese, and Korean. An English-speaking guide is included.

Does the price include accommodation?

Yes. One night in a Mongolian ger is included. The ger has no shower.

Are meals included?

Yes. Meals are included, including lunch with a local family, dinner, and Mongolian-style breakfast. A traditional lunch preparation lesson is planned, but it should be confirmed if it is especially important to you.

What should I bring?

Bring a change of clothes, camera, cash, and a charged smartphone. You should also bring personal-use items and snacks if needed.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.