Gorkhi Terelj National Park

Gorkhi-Terelj National Park is located in the northern central part of of Mongolia not far from the border.  The national park covers an area of 1,127 square miles (2,920 sq km).  Although it extends across such a large area, it is only the 14th largest national park in Mongolia.

The Terelj River flows across the park, which much of the protected zone located to the north of the river.  The Terelj settlement is located along the river and this region provides visitors with opportunities to shop and dine.  This tourist area also provides opportunities to rent horses or camels for doing a more adventureous exploration of the area.

Some of the attractions are challenging to experience because of their remoteness and the lack of park development.  The park sits at an average altitude of 5,249 feet (1,600 m), with Avkhan Mountain serving as the highest point at 8,740 feet (2,664 m).

The forested park is home to an abundance of wildlife with some of the most popular including brown bear, boar, red deer, roe deer, foxes, and wolves.  There are several types of predator bird species as well.

The national park also provides cultural and historical experiences with the Ariyabal Meditation Temple which was constructed between 1998 and 2004.  The design follows the shape of an elephant with the 108 staircase leading to the temple representing the elephant's trunk.