Weather in Terelj National Park

About Terelj National Park

Granite rock formations rise dramatically as if frozen mid-journey, with one resembling a giant turtle that gives the park its character. Located just 70 kilometers from the capital, this accessible wilderness offers mountain trekking, eagle hunting, and ger stays within easy reach of modern amenities. The park balances pristine nature with comfortable infrastructure for visitors.

Country

Mongolia

Best months to visit

Year-round

Currency

MNT

Language

Mongolian

Things to do in Terelj National Park

Trek to the Turtle Rock formation Visit eagle hunter families in winter Ride horses through mountain meadows Stay in luxury ger camps with amenities Visit 12th-century Argunii Aglag monastery ruins Photograph dramatic granite formations at sunrise

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

-14C

Cold, and mostly sunny skies.

February

-9C

Cold, and mostly sunny skies.

March

Cold, and mostly sunny skies.

April

Cold, and mostly sunny skies.

May

14C

Cool, with occasional showers.

June

21C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

July

23C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

August

20C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

September

15C

Cool, with occasional showers.

October

Cold, and mostly sunny skies.

November

-6C

Cold, and mostly sunny skies.

December

-13C

Cold, and mostly sunny skies.

Terelj National Park is Mongolia's wilderness on the doorstep of the capital — granite peaks, pine forests, and grassy valleys dotted with grazing horses, all within a couple of hours of Ulaanbaatar. It's the easiest place to sleep in a traditional ger, ride a horse across open country, and see the famous Turtle Rock formation without committing to a multi-day expedition.

Best areas to stay in Terelj National Park

Turtle Rock Area

The park's iconic granite formation and surrounding trails, a focal point for day visitors.

Aryabal Meditation Temple

A Buddhist temple reached via a steep staircase up a forested hillside, with views over the valley.

Gorkhi-Terelj Ger Camps

Clusters of tourist ger camps throughout the park offering accommodation, meals and horse treks.

Tuul River Valley

The river valley running through the park, popular for fishing and riverside walks.

Getting to Terelj National Park

✈

Flights

Fly into Ulaanbaatar's Chinggis Khaan International Airport (ULN) and continue by road.

⏱

From London

Flight times to Ulaanbaatar vary significantly by origin; plus about 1.5-2 hours by road to Terelj.

🚕

Getting around

Hired car or organised tour from Ulaanbaatar is the standard way to reach and get around the park; horses are commonly hired within it.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Terelj from Ulaanbaatar?

About 60-80km, roughly 1.5-2 hours by road, making it the most accessible national park for day trips or short overnight stays from the capital.

What is Turtle Rock?

A large granite boulder formation resembling a turtle, one of Terelj's most recognisable landmarks and a popular short hike or photo stop.

Can you stay in a ger at Terelj?

Yes — numerous ger camps across the park offer overnight stays with meals, ranging from basic to comfortable, often including horseback riding or hiking excursions.

When is the best time to visit Terelj?

June to September for green valleys and warm days; winter offers a snowy, quiet alternative for those prepared for sub-zero temperatures.

What activities are available in Terelj?

Horseback riding, hiking among granite rock formations, visiting Aryabal Meditation Temple via its long staircase, and simple ger-camp relaxation.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Such an easy escape from Ulaanbaatar — within two hours we were on horseback riding past Turtle Rock with almost no other tourists around.

Munkh T. · July 2024

★★★★☆

Stayed one night in a ger camp, which came with a great dinner and a roaring stove once the temperature dropped. The climb up to Aryabal Temple was worth the steps for the view.

Laura S. · September 2023

★★★★★

Perfect short trip if you only have a few days in Mongolia and still want that wide-open steppe feeling. Turtle Rock is smaller than photos suggest but still fun to climb around.

Enkhjin O. · August 2024