Terelj National Park Tour: Horse Riding and Tasty Lunch Review

Thinking about ditching Ulaanbaatar for a day? You should visit Terelj National Park, seriously. I spent a day there not too long ago, like it’s probably been only a few months, and it was quite an experience. You know, a tour I booked included horseback riding and lunch, so that definitely helped seal the deal. Here’s my experience and maybe this little summary helps if you’re thinking of booking something similar.

First Impressions and the Ride to Terelj

Getting away from Ulaanbaatar is actually quite a relief. So, the city, uh, it’s busy, kind of noisy and that ride, maybe it’s a couple hours outside the city, that drive offers this like, amazing contrast. As you get further away, that landscape transforms, nearly, from urban sprawl to wide-open spaces. Really, I mean you’ve got these smooth green hills kind of all around. The sky, it really does feel bigger out there, and those clouds, so dramatic, just casting like, these massive shadows.

Anyway, that tour I joined used these comfortable, or at least they seemed comfortable enough, minivans. You know, you get to chat with those people also on your tour, or at least nod along while someone else talks. That is if you don’t want to talk. The guide, this person was named [Guide’s name] — and frankly, I am blanking so let’s just call her Shine — she chatted with some energy, she had stories about Mongolia, and about that park. Even just that trip itself offered you, like, this little mini history lesson, it really made the journey something beyond just traveling from point A to point B.

Saddling Up: Horse Riding Adventures

Horse riding was the highlight of the whole thing. Okay so, getting on a horse I was a little nervous. Honestly, I’ve hardly ridden, only like twice. That guide showed the group what we should do, or should not do, he showed us some important info. After you get up on that horse, you sort of realize these animals are real pros, and they seem to know where they are going. I figured things were safe after that, since the animal felt safer than me, a person.

Anyway that ride through that park took maybe like an hour, or perhaps it was two? Time vanished out there in those valleys, trust me. So, the trail sort of wound through these like, grassy areas, and it went along beside hills that stretched out ahead. You might want to think about bringing a scarf, like your neck, so it isn’t all rubbed raw. Seriously the wind picked up some speed and things out in nature, those elements really did give you that wild feeling. By that ride’s conclusion you have that new respect for those Mongolian horses, because they sure footedly carried us tourists through this park, while never breaking a sweat!

Lunch with a View: A Taste of Mongolia

I found this tour that I booked included this lunch stop, and I will say it didn’t disappoint at all. They brought us to this like, tourist ger, and it seems the tour companies must be sharing space. They have those traditional Mongolian dishes lined up buffet-style. It turns out Mongolia’s cuisine does focus heavily on meats, or more exactly mutton, there were other selections too. Really you are able to fill your plate up with noodles and salads, so there’s a lot there for that tourist crowd.

Anyway, this standout from that buffet came with the Khuushuur; you probably know this, it’s like these fried dough pockets that you pack with meat. If you catch one of those coming straight out of this pan they’re very delicious and really crunchy. It’s worth mentioning I had that vegetarian with our little group. Anyway he filled his belly with those salads, with a plate stacked really high with just cabbage. But you might want to drink this local milk tea with your food. Really, you should try some; you will maybe grow attached to those flavors! Lunch seemed pretty good after this fresh air, with these views all over. Food always tasted better outside!

Exploring the Turtle Rock and Meditation Temple

That park tour included a pair of short excursions, or visits really to notable sights. One of those happened to be that Turtle Rock. Seriously, Turtle Rock’s like this unusual stone shape that looked rather, pretty much, like that giant turtle. Now you just need some moments just kind of gazing and sort of absorbing that sight, you will definitely grab quite a few photos. It’s almost as if it does not appear natural, but clearly time has brought it.

Then after Turtle Rock they drove us to that Aryabal Meditation Temple. So just to visit this place you’ve got to hike a path. Or probably walk on that pathway and then go up all those stairs. But there’s this payoff right once you arrive up there! This temple displays those fantastic views looking over that whole area; those little paintings that displayed wisdom sort of stuck with my imagination. Anyway it doesn’t matter if you are religious; even if you aren’t spiritual; the calm inside this location does speak volumes and the vistas alone made that climb something meaningful!

What to bring and tips for your visit.

When I got on that bus I figured it could be okay if I write about that trip. Anyway here are my recommendations for a successful outing. Very important, seriously prepare yourself for all temperatures! That Mongolian climate it probably flips rapidly; just so pack extra layers regardless what that forecast might read. That strong sunlight reflected from such open spaces really necessitates sunglasses along with that high-SPF sunscreen. In other words make certain skin is secure and really not burnt.

Good sturdy footwear proves crucial for climbing hills or just for doing anything in such areas. Then remember to stay hydrated so fill one reusable water bottle, so you could remain eco conscious even as you visit these lovely sceneries. So, money seems critical when wanting those small snacks on such sites or even for that souvenir, really keep some local currency near. Also note that restroom stops prove few and very far between on such roadways. With this preparation any park day promises far less discomfort than trouble later down that trip. Finally charge this phone ahead. So because these picture chances happen just really rapidly out on this open terrain. I sure filled a device when snapping memories; memories that need protecting just a little more from low-battery warnings! Also don’t throw this rubbish there just bring it here.