Traveling to Mongolia’s Genghis Khan Statue During the Winter

How to get to the Genghis Khan Statue from Ulaanbaatar

So you landed in Ulaanbaatar in the dead of winter. Ready to explore the icy tundra and snowy plains of Mongolia. Although the heart may be willing, escaping the smoggy city of Ulaanbaatar is easier said than done.

Little known to outside travelers, Mongolia is not a cheap country. In order to wander the desert and explore the snowy steppes, you will have to hire a car. For those traveling on a budget, these private tours are sure to bleed your wallet dry.

After days of being confined to experiencing the ashy winter in Ulaanbaatar, the first taste of Mongolia’s wilderness will be a day trip to the famous Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue located 54 km outside the capital.

While it is possible to get to the nearby Gorkhi-Terelji by public transportation (Bus XO at 4:00 pm, opposite the Narantuul Hotel for 2,500T), there is no bus that will have you standing at the foot of the stainless steel Genghis Khan Statue.

The only option will be to hire a private taxi or splurge on a tour. The cheapest you will be able to get a car for is 80,000T (30 USD). If you are really looking to find the cheapest way to the Genghis Khan Statue, you can first take a bus to the town of Naliakh, and then hire a private car from there.

Want to know more about traveling to Mongolia during the winter? Read more here!

Winter in Mongolia

Many may call you crazy for traveling to Mongolia during the winter. Little do they know, the vast emptiness of the Mongolian steppes covered in snow creates a world that stands apart from space and time.

The endless white which shrouds Mongolia almost transports travelers to a state of purgatory. All that moves past your window in the void is shapeless shadows.

What is even more surprising, is that while spending hours staring into the blank abyss, all of the sudden the obscure and bizarre will halt your car in the middle of this Mongolian winter. The reasons for stopping on the icy roads could range from car trouble to a hitchhiker.

What is truly horrifying is to be dragged out of your car, have a World War One gas mask strapped to your face, and be forced to walk through a tent filled with a fumigation cloud.

To put it simply, once you leave Ulaanbaatar, your real winter adventure in Mongolia begins.

Wondering what to do after visiting the Genghis Khan Statue? Check out this full Mongolia winter itinerary here!

Exploring the Snowy Steppes

Although it is only about 2 hours from Ulaanbaatar to the Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue, you should still expect some car trouble.

During any other time of the year, your jeep stalling at the side of the road is sure to be irritating. During the winter, however, seeing the engine fall dead and the ice begin to creep up the window is sure to send chills down your spine.

The key is not to panic. While a Mongolian winter is unforgiving, the hospitality of the Mongol people is second to none. There is something about this beautiful yet harsh environment that warms up the hearts of people and compels them to help those who are in need.

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Arriving at the steps to Genghis Khan

When first setting eyes on the icy steel figure of Genghis Khan seated atop his iron horse, it is difficult to imagine traveling to the statue any other time than the winter. The powdery white snow surrounding the base of the complex further exaggerates the chrome warlord staring off into the east.

The land around the statue is barren, devoid of any other ornaments or tourists. During the summer months, travelers will find tons of activities such as go-carts and falconry demonstrations. When arriving during the dead of winter, however, the will be no other soul for miles except for yours and that of the immortal Khan.

Just south of the border you will find the sands of Inner-Mongolia, click here to read more on the Ordos Desert!

The Visitor Center

Genghis Khan can be seen standing upon a building resembling classical European architecture. This is not just a coincidence. The significance of the building is to show that once the great Khan had stretched his empire all the way to Europe and is now returning how to the east.

The European gothic platform also houses the visitor center, where tourists can purchase a ticket for 7,000T (3 USD) to enter the museum and climb to the top of the equestrian statue.

The interior of the museum has several displays showcasing Mongolian culture, and, of course, weaponry. There are even some hands-on exhibits where tourists can snap cheeky photos donning nomadic garb.

Did you know you can find the Great Wall of China in Inner-Mongolia? Read more on how to visit it here!

Looking Out Over Mongolia

After spending some time with your nose pressed against the glass viewing some displays around the museum, it is time for the main event. After taking the elevator located in the middle of the visitor center, you will exit the interior of the statue from an unfortunately placed door.

The surrounding panoramic view of the Mongolian countryside is nothing short of breathtaking. The endless white rolling hill and blinding wintery glow make the entire steppes seem off worldly.

While the Genghis Khan Statue has already snagged its position as the tallest equestrian statue in the world (the second largest being in Uruguay), the complex is far from complete.

When the red ribbon is finally cut, the steel Genghis Khan Statue will be accompanied by over 200 yurts. Since the statue was built entirely by private funds, donators will also be given their very own statue riding alongside Genghis Khan.

Many may contemplate if all the trouble to leave Ulaanbaatar to see a giant chrome statue is worth all the trouble. To put it simply, yes it is. Being one of the first times you will be leaving the Mongolian capital, your jaw will drop at the sight of the endless winter wonderland which exists outside of the smoke cloud which hangs over Ulaanbaatar.

Even visiting the Genghis Khan Statue and seeing its steel exterior reflect the surrounding white snow, is a proper welcome to the adventures that await you in the wilderness of Mongolia.