Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve
A vast nature reserve near Ulaanbaatar, offering stunning landscapes, wildlife, and cultural sites like Turtle Rock and a meditation temple.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast nature reserve near Ulaanbaatar, offering stunning landscapes, wildlife, and cultural sites like Turtle Rock and a meditation temple.
"Stunning natural beauty marred by extensive tourist development and litter."
Pack for the elements
Bring layers and comfortable shoes for hiking and exploring the varied terrain. :athletic_shoe:
Be aware of construction
Some areas may have ongoing construction, impacting the natural scenery. :construction_worker:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Turtle Rock
Near the park entrance
A massive rock formation resembling a turtle, offering a hike with rewarding panoramic views.
Aryabal Meditation Temple
Across from Turtle Rock
A picturesque Buddhist temple perched on a mountain, accessible via a path with teachings.
Tuul River Views
Near Turtle Rock
Enjoy scenic vistas of the Tuul River, especially from the wooden bridge offering beautiful perspectives.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Embrace the Outdoors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack for the elements
Bring layers and comfortable shoes for hiking and exploring the varied terrain. :athletic_shoe:
Be aware of construction
Some areas may have ongoing construction, impacting the natural scenery. :construction_worker:
Enjoy local activities
Horseback riding and camel riding are popular ways to experience the reserve. :horse:
Visit the meditation temple
The Aryabal Meditation Temple offers stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere. :pray:
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack for the elements
Bring layers and comfortable shoes for hiking and exploring the varied terrain. :athletic_shoe:
Be aware of construction
Some areas may have ongoing construction, impacting the natural scenery. :construction_worker:
Enjoy local activities
Horseback riding and camel riding are popular ways to experience the reserve. :horse:
Visit the meditation temple
The Aryabal Meditation Temple offers stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere. :pray:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve offers breathtaking natural landscapes, with highlights like Turtle Rock and the Aryabal Meditation Temple providing stunning views. However, many visitors are disappointed by the extensive tourist development, construction sites, and litter, which detract from the park's natural beauty and the feeling of a protected area.
"The land is so beautiful. It’s a shame they are ruining it with a bunch of tourists traps, condos, and resorts. It makes it so ugly and there is trash everywhere! Also, they have animals tied up to where they can barely move at all. Cant even bend their legs, they have them just laid on the ground, never allowed to stand up unless someone wants to ride them. It’s really sickening to see. :( also, there are a lot of building that you can tell they started building, but then couldn’t finish. So a ton of open construction sites that will now just rot there and ruin the MOST beautiful areas. What a shame. This is a national park, I thought that means you are supposed to PRESERVE nature! Instead it’s literally being destroyed."
Katherine Oniusheva
"We visited the National Park during September. Best part of the Park was the landscape, the mountains coverd with golden and brown trees. There is the Turtle rock and the Aryabal meditation temple inside the park, that are worth visiting. The Buddhist temple is located on a picturesque mountain, that takes about 30 min to climb up. The view from the temple is breathtaking.
There are a lot of Ger Camps everywhere, some serve as hotels. Horse riding, double humped camel riding and hiking are some of the activities to participate. We had food in a restaurant that served really yummy lunch.
The National Park does not seem to be a protected area, lot of constructions everywhere which is a sore to the eyes.
The landscape in the National Park must be changing with change of season. It's worth visiting if you are visiting Ulaanbaatar."
Soudamini Mohapatra
"A real disappointment to visit- upon entering the park you are met with concrete buildings and overdeveloped ger camps, half completed construction sites, rubbish everywhere , metal fences poles and wires. We walked up to the temple and though the landscape is no doubt beautiful, it is completely ruined by the view of all the tourist resorts below. Also no sign of any hiking trails anywhere, at least not in the part of the park that we were, and no indication of anywhere we could go that would. Clearly has just been exploited for tourism , nature has not been protected - trees been cleared to build more camps and resorts etc. Not what we expected from a so-called “national park”."
Viola Jones
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve is located about 130 km (80 miles) southeast of Ulaanbaatar. The most common way to get there is by hiring a private car or joining a guided tour. The drive can take around 2-3 hours, depending on road conditions. Some travelers mention the drive from the airport to the city itself takes over an hour, so factor in travel time from Ulaanbaatar.
Yes, it's definitely possible to visit Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve as a day trip from Ulaanbaatar. Many tours offer this option, allowing you to experience the highlights like Turtle Rock and the meditation temple. However, staying overnight in a ger camp can provide a more immersive experience.
Road conditions can vary. While some main routes are paved, the final approach to the reserve might involve unpaved or rougher terrain, especially if you're venturing deeper into the park. Hiring a 4x4 vehicle or going with a tour operator experienced in Mongolian roads is advisable.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Information on specific entrance fees can vary, and it's best to check with your tour operator or local guides. Some sources suggest that while it's a national park, it may not be strictly protected, and there might be fees associated with visiting specific attractions or using facilities.
As a nature reserve, Gun-Galuut is generally accessible during daylight hours. However, specific facilities like restaurants or ger camps will have their own operating times. It's advisable to plan your visit to make the most of the daylight for sightseeing.
Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially if you plan to stay in a ger camp or join a guided tour. This ensures availability and allows tour operators to make necessary arrangements for your visit.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Key attractions include the iconic Turtle Rock, the Aryabal Meditation Temple with its stunning mountain views, and the scenic Tuul River. You can also find ger camps offering accommodation and activities like horseback riding.
Yes, hiking is a popular activity. You can hike up Turtle Rock for views and there are paths leading to the Aryabal Meditation Temple. Some visitors noted a lack of clearly marked trails in certain areas, so it's good to go with a guide or be prepared for off-trail exploration.
The reserve is known for its diverse birdlife, including migrating cranes. You might also spot Argali sheep and yaks.
Yes, there are several ger camps within and near Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve that offer traditional Mongolian accommodation. Some are described as overdeveloped tourist camps.
Popular activities include horseback riding, camel riding, hiking, and birdwatching. Some ger camps may also offer cultural experiences.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Restaurants are available at some of the ger camps and tourist facilities within the reserve. Visitors have reported enjoying yummy lunches at these establishments.
Expect traditional Mongolian cuisine. Some travelers have enjoyed local snacks like Aaruul (dried curd).
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic views from Turtle Rock and the Aryabal Meditation Temple are excellent for landscape photography. The Tuul River also offers picturesque scenes. The natural beauty of the mountains, especially in autumn with golden and brown trees, is a highlight.
Yes, especially for birdwatching enthusiasts. The reserve is a habitat for various migrating birds, including cranes.
Early morning and late afternoon often provide the best light for landscape photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the reserve is beautiful, parents should be aware of the ongoing development and potential for construction sites, which might require supervision. It's also advisable to pack plenty of snacks and water, as facilities can be spread out. Consider booking a family-friendly tour that includes transportation and guided activities to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Birdwatchers
The diverse landscapes, from rolling hills to the Tuul River, offer varied habitats for wildlife. While the natural beauty is undeniable, be prepared for the presence of tourist infrastructure. Visitors keen on pristine wilderness might find the development concerning. However, venturing further into the reserve or focusing on specific wildlife viewing opportunities can still provide a rewarding experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Natural Beauty vs. Development Debate
However, a recurring theme in reviews is the concern over the impact of tourism development. Many visitors express disappointment with the proliferation of concrete buildings, overdeveloped ger camps, and unfinished construction sites scattered throughout the reserve. This has led some to feel that the natural environment is being exploited rather than preserved, detracting from the expected experience of a national park.
Despite these concerns, the natural beauty remains a significant draw. The Aryabal Meditation Temple, perched on a picturesque mountain, offers breathtaking views and a sense of tranquility, even amidst the surrounding development. The reserve is also a vital habitat for wildlife, including various migrating birds and other animals.
Activities and Experiences
For those who enjoy exploring on foot, hiking is highly recommended. Trails lead to prominent landmarks like Turtle Rock and the Aryabal Meditation Temple, offering rewarding views and a chance to immerse yourself in nature. While some visitors noted a lack of clearly marked trails in certain areas, the opportunity for exploration is abundant.
Wildlife enthusiasts will find Gun-Galuut to be a promising spot, particularly for birdwatching. The reserve is a significant stop for migrating birds, including various species of cranes.
For a more immersive experience, consider staying overnight in one of the ger camps scattered throughout the area, offering a taste of traditional Mongolian nomadic life. 
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit