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Aryabal Meditation Temple

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Aryabal Meditation Temple (Mongolia)

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The Aryabal Meditation Temple is perched on a scenic hillside within Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, roughly 70 kilometers northeast of Ulaanbaatar. Built between 1998 and 2004, the temple is dedicated to the Bodhisattva Aryabal (Avalokiteshvara), who represents universal compassion. The temple's layout is symbolically designed: from an aerial perspective, the complex resembles an elephant's head, with the long approach path acting as the trunk. To reach the main sanctuary, visitors ascend a staircase with 108 steps, a sacred number in Buddhist tradition. Along the path, there are numerous plaques featuring Buddhist teachings and 144 prayer wheels intended for contemplation. The temple functions as a center for quietude and spiritual practice, providing dramatic views of the Terelj Valley and its unique granite rock formations. Its architecture blends classical Mongolian styles with modern spiritual themes, making it one of the most prominent religious sites for both pilgrims and tourists near the capital city.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-21-19-10-161416147-2-12-19
Rain mm3471130527364261274

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Aryabal Meditation Temple is freely accessible within Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, though the climb to the mountain temple is strenuous. The temple hall can only be viewed inside when open.
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Typical hours
The temple has no fixed opening hours as it lies in a national park; it's typically accessible during daylight. Best visited between sunrise and around 5 PM, as darkness falls early.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the complex, with both the temple and surrounding mountain scenery offering great subjects. Inside the meditation hall, however, be quiet and avoid photos during meditation.
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Time needed
Allow about 1.5 to 2 hours for the climb and time at the temple. The path is steep, so factor in extra time for breaks.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with hikes in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, featuring the famous Turtle Rock and horse riding opportunities. Nearby is the Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue, about 30 minutes by car.
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Getting there
The temple is only reachable on foot via a steep hiking trail starting from the national park parking lot. An off-road vehicle can get you to the trailhead; from there it’s about a 30-minute climb.
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Insider tip
Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water, as the climb is strenuous. Early morning features the best views and the least chance of encountering other tourists.

Geography

Coordinates
47.91500, 107.44640

Facts

  • Construction of the temple was completed in 2004.
  • Visitors must climb exactly 108 steps to reach the main sanctuary.
  • The approach to the temple is lined with 144 prayer wheels.
  • The temple is situated at an elevation of roughly 1,600 meters.
  • There are 72 plaques with Buddhist verses along the walking path.
  • The site is located about 20 kilometers from the famous Turtle Rock.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Turtle Rock (Melkhii Khad)Turtle Rock (Melkhii Khad)2 km · SExplore →
Genghis Khan Equestrian StatueGenghis Khan Equestrian Statue10 km · NExplore →
TereljTerelj15 km · NExplore →
NalaikhNalaikh19 km · SExplore →
Asralt KhairkhanAsralt Khairkhan19 km · WExplore →
Khan Khentii ForestKhan Khentii Forest43 km · WExplore →
Salkhit Wind FarmSalkhit Wind Farm50 km · SExplore →
Manzushir MonasteryManzushir Monastery51 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Sights in the town Aryabal Meditation Temple (2)

Turtle Rock

Rock formation in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, Mongolia, shaped like a turtle.

Aryapala Temple

Buddhist temple in Mongolia, used for meditation and prayers.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the climb to the temple like?
An easy, short walk lined with many prayer wheels.
Is photography allowed inside?
Please respect the silence and inquire on-site.
How long for a visit?
About 1 hour for the walk and visit.
Is there an entrance fee?
Usually free, though donations are welcome.
Is it family-friendly?
Yes, very accessible for all ages.
Aryabal Meditation Temple: where is it located?
Aryabal Meditation Temple is located in Mongolia.
Aryabal Meditation Temple: what is there to see?
Highlights include Turtle Rock, Aryapala Temple.
Aryabal Meditation Temple: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Aryabal Meditation Temple: why is it worth visiting?
The Aryabal Meditation Temple is perched on a scenic hillside within Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, roughly 70 kilometers northeast of Ulaanbaatar.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Züünmod — Aryabal Meditation Temple (Mongolia)
Züünmod
Züünmod is located just 40 kilometers south of Ulaanbaatar, separated by the Bogd Khan Uul mountains.
Khustai — Aryabal Meditation Temple (Mongolia)
Khustai
National park famous for the successful reintroduction of the Przewalski's horses (Takhi).
Terelj — Aryabal Meditation Temple (Mongolia)
Terelj
A stunning national park near Ulaanbaatar, famous for its bizarre rock formations and green alpine valleys.
Nalaikh — Aryabal Meditation Temple (Mongolia)
Nalaikh
Nalaikh, formerly the most important coal mine for Ulaanbaatar, is today a remote district.

History & landmarks

Turtle Rock (Melkhii Khad) — Aryabal Meditation Temple (Mongolia)
Turtle Rock (Melkhii Khad)
Turtle Rock is an imposing granite rock formation in the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park that has naturally taken the shape of a giant turtle.

More places

Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue — Aryabal Meditation Temple (Mongolia)
Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue
The Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue in Tsonjin Boldog is the world's tallest horse statue at 40 meters.
Asralt Khairkhan — Aryabal Meditation Temple (Mongolia)
Asralt Khairkhan
The highest mountain of the Khentii Mountains is a challenging destination for mountaineers near the capital.
Salkhit Wind Farm — Aryabal Meditation Temple (Mongolia)
Salkhit Wind Farm
Mongolia's first large wind farm, representing an important step towards renewable energy.
Manzushir Monastery — Aryabal Meditation Temple (Mongolia)
Manzushir Monastery
The ruins of Manzushir Monastery are nestled in the scenic valleys of the Bogd Khan Uul mountains.
Bogd Khan Uul Forest — Aryabal Meditation Temple (Mongolia)
Bogd Khan Uul Forest
The world's oldest officially recognized nature reserve offers a dense mosaic of Siberian cedars and larches just south of the capital.
Khushigt Valley Economic Zone — Aryabal Meditation Temple (Mongolia)
Khushigt Valley Economic Zone
A new development center around Ulaanbaatar's international airport, designed to consolidate logistics and trade.
🗺️
Aglag Buteel Monastery
The Aglag Buteel Monastery is a unique spiritual center and museum nestled in the rugged granite mountains.
Hustai National Park — Aryabal Meditation Temple (Mongolia)
Hustai National Park
Hustai National Park is the most important protected area for the successful reintroduction of Przewalski's horses, also known as Takhi.