Genghis Khan Statue & Day Trips

Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue—the largest equestrian statue in the world

54 km east of Ulaanbaatar, in the vast steppe on the banks of the Tuul River, stands one of the most impressive monuments in the world: the Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue. At 40 meters high (30 m statue + 10 m pedestal) made of gleaming stainless steel, it depicts the great Khan on his horse, gazing eastward—allegedly in the direction from which he once came when he united the Mongolian tribes.

• Observation Deck: An elevator and stairs lead you into the horse's head—from there, you have a surreal panoramic view over the endless steppe.
• Museum in the Pedestal: A museum about Mongolian history, with reconstructed yurts, a giant traditional boot (12 m high!), and exhibitions about the Mongol Empire.
• Admission: 15,000 MNT (approx. €4). Day trip from UB: approx. 50,000 MNT (€13) by taxi, or organized tour from €25.

Other Day Trips from Ulaanbaatar

• Terelj National Park (70 km): Green valleys, spectacular rock formations (Turtle Rock!), horseback riding, and ger camp overnight stays. Can be visited as a day trip, but deserves 1–2 nights. → See Chapter North
• Khustain Nuruu National Park (100 km): The home of the Przewalski wild horses. Day trip with evening observation or overnight stay in the park ger camp. → See Chapter Central Mongolia
• 13th Century National Park (100 km): An open-air museum recreating Mongolian life during Genghis Khan's time—ger camps, archery, horseback riding demonstrations. Touristy, but entertaining.