Rising out of the steppe east of Ulaanbaatar, the giant statue of Chinggis Khaan (Genghis Khan) on horseback is one of Mongolia’s most famous sights. You can ride a lift up inside it, walk out onto the horse’s head and look across the grasslands — and our own ger camp is just down the road. Here is what to expect and how to get there.
The Statue at a Glance
- Where: Tsonjin Boldog, about 54 km east of Ulaanbaatar, near the Tuul River
- Size: the statue is about 40 m tall and stands on a visitor centre about 10 m high, which makes it one of the largest equestrian statues in the world
- Material: clad in stainless steel, so it shines in the sun and you can see it from far away
- Opened: 2008
- Facing: east, towards Chinggis Khaan’s birthplace
The legend of the golden whip
Look at the statue’s right hand: Chinggis holds a golden whip. Legend says that this is the very spot where the young Temüjin — the future Chinggis Khaan — found a golden whip, a sign of good fortune for what he would go on to achieve. That story is why the statue was built here.
What to See Inside and Around
The view from the horse’s head
The highlight is the viewing platform. A lift takes you up inside the statue (there are a few stairs at the end), and you come out on the horse’s head and mane. From there you look over the whole complex and the steppe rolling away to the horizon — it is easy to imagine Chinggis Khaan surveying his empire. Because most of the way is by lift, it works for all ages, families and groups.
Suggested route
- Walk from the entrance to the statue and take in its size from below.
- Inside the visitor centre, look out for the giant traditional boot — often called the biggest boot in the world.
- Go up to the viewing platform on the horse’s head.
- Come back down and take the stairs to the museum in the basement — it is easy to miss, so don’t skip it.
The complex also has a restaurant and souvenir shop, and outside you can usually ride a camel or have your photo taken with an eagle on your arm.
How to Get There from Ulaanbaatar
- Taxi or car with driver: the easiest way if you are short on time. You can arrange a car with a driver through your hotel or a local travel company. Agree the price, including waiting time and the return trip, before you set off.
- Public bus: the cheapest option, but the bus stop is some distance from the statue and you will need a taxi or a long walk at the end. Check times and stops locally before you go.
- On horseback: our Erdene Tourist Ger Camp is only about 7 km from the statue. On our 200 km Gunjiin Temple Expedition, you ride to the statue on Day 2 before heading off across the steppe.
Day trip or overnight?
A day trip from Ulaanbaatar is enough to see the statue, the viewing platform and the museum, and you can be back in the city by evening. If you have more time, stay a night or two in a ger nearby: you get the quiet of the steppe at night and a sky full of stars, which you will never see from the city. Many people combine the statue with Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, which is close by.
When to Visit
- Summer (June–August): the most comfortable season. The steppe is green and daytime temperatures are pleasant for walking around. The Naadam festival also takes place in July.
- Spring and autumn: in September the grass turns gold, and in May the first green appears. Mornings and evenings get cold, so bring warm layers.
- Winter (November–March): temperatures stay well below freezing and proper cold-weather gear is essential, but the statue standing in the snowy silence is beautiful.
What to wear month by month: Mongolia weather by month.
Visit the Statue on Horseback
The statue is impressive from a car park, but arriving on horseback across the steppe is something else. Our English-guided treks start from our own Erdene Tourist Ger Camp, a short ride from the statue. Questions? Contact us any time.
