Info on Visiting the Chinggis Khan Statue Complex

Overview

On a wide expanse of the Mongolian Plains, one of the greatest influencers and conquerors of history stands atop a silver steed, immortalized by his impacts on humanity. This is where Chinggis Khan stands, with thousands of people visiting the Chinggis Khan Statue Complex.

The Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue, part of the Chinggis Khan Statue Complex (also spelled Genghis Khan Statue Complex) is a massive 40 meter-tall stainless steel building of Genghis Khan on horseback.

The location of the structure is profound: According to legend, it’s where Genghis Khan found a golden whip, an omen of his grand destiny. The statue looks East, facing his birthplace. In the distance, there’s a statue of the great Khan’s mother, Hoelun.

Other statues and traditional buildings surround the complex’s main statue.

Though the Great Khan was a savage and brutal conqueror responsible for massive exoduses and genocides of the settled world, he is venerated in Mongolia. His establishment of the Mongolian state, the Khan Dynasty and a shared national identity among Mongolian tribes is legendary.

Getting to the Complex

For those who own a personal vehicle or are able to rent one, the Chinggis Khan Statue Complex is one hour to the East of Ulaanbaatar.

Another option for visiting the area is through tours. In these instances, the Complex is usually a major stop on a tour through the nearby countryside surrounding Mongolia’s capital.

Visitors who are in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park can reach the statue in about half an hour by car.

It is possible to independently book shuttles, find rides going the same direction or take taxis to the Complex.

There are no buses to the statue at this time.

When visiting the Chinggis Khan Statue Complex, bring cash in small bills. The entrance fee is very affordable at roughly 7,000 Tugrik (2.46 USD).

Visiting the Chinggis Khan Statue Complex

Most tourists make visiting the Chinggis Khan Statue Complex a day trip, as the site has many features and in-depth information regarding the Khan, his descendant and the famous “Secret History of the Mongols” texts.

The lower portion of the Complex is a circular building and operational museum. There are artifacts from the 12th and 13th centuries as well as various traditional Mongolian outfits guests can dress up in. The museum has a replica of the Legendary Golden Whip and a rather odd singular Giant Mongol Riding Boot in the main lobby.

The museum space is also home to a restaurant which serves traditional Mongolian meals, such as potatoes and horse meat. However, there are cheaper options for the same meal in Ulaanbaatar.

The crowing activity while visiting the Complex is heading outside to the upper stories. Visitors use and elevator to emerge from the building to walk along the neck of the horse statue. From here, people can look back at the Khan’s stern expression or gaze out to view the panoramic scenery. The statue of the Khan’s mother Hoelun can be spotted in the distance.

Around the Complex

There are a fair number of interesting activities around the complex area as well.

Statues of the Khan’s most famous generals are seen in various poses on horseback on the outskirts of the complex. There are also nearby roadside stands which serve “airag ” the fermented milk of a mare. Other stands sell the usual tourist trinkets and baubles.

The area around the complex, which is close to the Tuul River, is a popular destination for Mongolian families to visit for picnics and other outdoor, casual activities.

The area also has various campsites, hotel spaces, resorts and ger-stay experiences for tourists, through they’re somewhat expensive. If guests plan on staying in ger overnight, bring a couple of extra blankets, as Mongolian evenings are rather chilly.

Advice For Visiting Mongolia

Plan Your Meals

Vegetables and fruits are relatively rare in Mongolia.  The country primarily eats pastries, meat products, heavy milks, rice and canned foods. Those with a restrictive vegetarian or vegan diet may need to plan out meals and shopping well in advance.  

Bring Sunglasses

Mongolia’s sun is harsh and hyper reflective on various surfaces during cloudless days.  It can be searing, especially during cloudless, snow-covered days.

Stock Up on Water

Though Mongolia often feels chilly, the high altitude and extreme dryness of the region can cause dehydration. In the hotter regions or in the summer, this is doubly true.

Factor in Altitude Adjustment Time

Give yourself time to adjust. Ulaanbaatar is at a high altitude. If you’re flying in from a lower region, give your body a couple of days to recalibrate to the new height.

Expect Little English

English is somewhat rare outside of the tourist sector and translators are a bit difficult to use.  Be prepared to spend some extra time miming or getting help from semi-fluent locals.  There are quite a few people here who speak Russian or Chinese.

Navigation

Getting around Ulaanbaatar is pretty easy with decent public transportations.  But going beyond the city into the surrounding countryside is terribly challenging.  The roads are not generally well-marked, the distances are amazingly vast and public transport is virtually non-existent.  Tours and personal vehicles or domestic flights are the mainstay for tourists.  

Beware Dust and Pollen

Mongolia is the recipient of South Korean fund designed to forest the dry plains to prevent the enormous dust storms. These dust storms can cloud Mongolia and other nations, including South Korea. People with repertory issues may have trouble breathing without a proper mask.

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