Terelj National Park

Terelj National Park  ///reprimand.salience.brazenness - is an exhibition of steppe regions of the southwestern part of Khentii mountain range. In 1993, the Gorkhi-Terelj area was protected as a National Park, especially because of its natural scenic beauty it has been used as a tourism destination by both Mongolians and foreigners since 1964. Terelj was name of a plant (Latin ledum) which is very abundant in the area and which flowers at the end of the spring. Edelweiss is also very common here. The forests are full of birch, cedar, pine, willow, larch and aspen. Wildlife includes foxes, wolves, and squirrels. The alpine scenery and fantastic rock formations of Terelj national park were the homelands of Chinggis Khaan and his hordes. The rock formations Terelj National Park are fascinating, while more than 250 bird species make it an enchanting place to relax. Some of rock formations resemble the long spiky bodies of prehistoric animals. The park is situated 50 km northeast of the capital city Ulaanbaatar, in the Southern foothills of the Khentii Mountains. The park's most spectacular features are its huge granite blocks and cliffs as well as meadows rich in wild flowers. The two major rivers, the Tuul and the Terelj, are important as a water resource for Ulaanbaatar.

The central part is uninhabited and can be entered only on foot or horseback. Hot springs along the Onon River are famous for their therapeutic qualities. Then Khentii Mountains have great historical significance as the birthplace of Chinggis Khan. Researchers are still searching for his tomb.

The mountain steppe is particularly rich in species and colors. Here, plants can be found from all parts of the continent: species from the Arctic tundra and northern coniferous forests grow next to Mongolian steppe grass; species of Euro-Siberian forest steppe shrubs reach into the Khentii from the west; species of Manchurian-Daurian steppe herbs extend into the area from the east. Edelweiss meadows are widespread.

Overall, 50 mammal species are known from the Khentii. Important predators are brown bear, wolf, lynx, wolverine and sable. Large herbivores are represented by the maral, a sub-species of red deer, moose Siberian roe deer and musk deer.

  • Turtle Rock  ///shading.proficiently.boater – One of the unusual formulating rock is the Turtle Rock, or called Melkhi Khad by the locals, is an interesting rock formation looking like a turtle. The Turtle rock is set in the valley, it was about 20 minutes drive from our base camp.
  • Gunjiin sum – Surrounded by magnificent forests, not far from the beautiful river Baruun Bayan gol, the temple was built in 1970 by Efu Dondovdorj to the memory of his Manju wife Amarlangui. This Gunjiin sum or Princess Temple is one of the Manju influenced temple in Mongolia that survived communist era. Only the main temple and some of the walls of the monastery remain stayed till today. This is great place for hiking and horse riding adventure. The temple is located 30km north of the main area of the national park
  • Aryabal meditation temple -  was built in 1810-s by Mongolian and Tibetan artists in Terelj National Park. In many cases Buddhist monks from Manzushir monastery came to this temple to make meditation. The temple style is more Tibetan styled like white square shaoed and white colored main building and porcelain roofs decorated with Buddhist and religious signs. In 1937-1939 Mongolian communists came to this temple and destroyed it completely and killed some monks from this temple. Later in 2000 Buddhist monks of Lamiran temple in Ulaanbaatar initiated the project to restore this temple and completed the restoration work in 2004-2007. Lamiran temple monks sometimes come to this temple and cater religious service here and in many days of year it is open place for visitors and tourists, who want to thank for the god and do meditation. The set of 108 stone stairs will lead you to the main temple and 108 small stupas and 108 prayer wheels were placed around the temple. Moreover, signs with 144 Buddhist teachings, written in English and Mongolian, lined the sides of the path.
 

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