Traveling through the stunning grasslands of Mongolia

"Terelj National Park" is a spectacular resort where you can feel like a nomad

Traveling through the great outdoors on horseback... Many people probably imagine "nomads" when they hear the name of the country, Mongolia. If you want to experience the feeling of being a "nomad," we recommend Terelj National Park, about 1.5 to 2 hours by car from Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. This area became a national park in the 1990s and is a resort area with spectacular views that is easily accessible from the capital, Ulaanbaatar. It is a place where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the grasslands and volcanic belt.

Located in a plateau area at an altitude of about 1,600m, Terelj National Park is surrounded by mountains, forests, and grasslands. The best part of visiting this place is horse trekking. In Japan, horse riding experiences for beginners generally involve leading a horse in a riding arena, but in Mongolia, the home of nomads, even beginners can enjoy full-scale horse riding after receiving a lecture. In addition, there are many tourist camps lined with traditional yurts around Terelj National Park. Enjoy horse riding on the grasslands with an experienced guide, spend the night in a yurt, and gaze at the stars... At Terelj National Park, you can experience a nomadic trip that can only be enjoyed in Mongolia.

Tourist camp "Unduldov" where you can enjoy the vast grassland as far as the eye can see

If you want to experience the feeling of being a nomad starting from the capital, Ulaanbaatar, we recommend the tourist camp "Undurdov" located in "Mount Bogdo National Park". Located about an hour and a half by car from Ulaanbaatar, the surrounding area of "Undurdov" has a vast grassland as far as the eye can see, offering a panoramic view that will make you say "This is Mongolia!" Of course, you can also experience horse trekking at the tourist camp lined with gers. A variety of fun awaits you, including a panoramic view of the grassland from a small hill and an opportunity to experience traditional culture by visiting a nomadic ger. Take your time to enjoy the spectacular grassland scenery, which is a little different from that of "Terenzi National Park" located in a volcanic zone.

"Cultural Landscape of Orkhon Valley" - A tour of cultural heritage sites scattered across the steppe

Approximately 360 km west of the capital, Ulaanbaatar. Spreading across both banks of the Orkhon River in central Mongolia is the "Cultural Landscape of the Orkhon Valley", which was registered as a World Heritage Site (cultural heritage) in 2004. Blessed with fertile soil, the Orkhon Valley area has been home to various nomadic tribes since time immemorial, fostering their culture. Traveling through this spectacular land of rivers and grasslands, you can encounter a variety of ruins and historical heritage that have been built up over the course of time.

The grasslands are dotted with a wide variety of historical heritage sites, including the Orkhon Inscription, created in the early 8th century by Bilge Khagan, a Turkic nomad, the Kar-Vargas Ruins, said to be the remains of the royal palace of the 8th century Uighur Empire, the ruins of Karakorum, the capital of the Mongol Empire that swept across Eurasia in the 13th and 14th centuries, and the Erdene-Zu Monastery, Mongolia's first Buddhist monastery. The footprints of nomadic culture that have been accumulated continuously for over 2,000 years and the majestic nature that has remained unchanged through the ages. The great appeal of the Cultural Landscape of the Orkhon Valley is that you can experience both of these with all your senses.

Ulaanbaatar: A capital city steeped in culture and history

Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, is the starting point for any trip to Mongolia. It has developed as the political, cultural and economic center of the country, and with a population of over 1.3 million, this city also has a wide variety of attractions.

For example, Zaisan Hill, a small hill located south of Ulaanbaatar, is a vantage point overlooking the city. At the top of the hill is a mosaic that represents the friendship between Mongolia and the former Soviet Union, giving a sense of the socialist era. Sukhbaatar Square, which spreads out in the center of Ulaanbaatar, is also one of the city's landmarks. The area around this square, named after the hero of Mongolian independence, is lined with famous sites such as the bronze statue of Genghis Khan, the Government Palace, the Mongolian National Opera House, and the Ulaanbaatar Central Post Office, attracting many tourists. Other must-see tourist spots include Gandan Monastery, the head temple of Tibetan Buddhism in Mongolia, and the Bogd Khan Palace Museum, a wooden palace built in the 19th century and now used as a museum.

Ulaanbaatar is the capital where you can experience the culture and history that lives on in Mongolia. Spending time in this city is sure to leave a deeper impression on your trip to the spectacular grasslands.