The 40-meter Genghis Khan Statue stands on the open steppe 54 kilometers east of Ulaanbaatar. Most visitors make the one-hour drive by hiring a private taxi for a fixed round-trip rate.
Tsonjin Boldog, Erdene Soum, Tuv Province, Mongolia
Hiring a private cab from Ulaanbaatar delivers you directly to the Tsonjin Boldog site 54 kilometers east of the city. Drivers charge a flat rate that covers the outbound journey, a two-hour waiting period, and the return trip. Negotiate the exact fare and waiting time before getting in. The drive takes roughly one hour under normal traffic conditions. Two hours provides enough time to explore the underground Hunnu-era artifacts, view the 9-meter traditional boot, and ascend the narrow stairs to the horse's head observation deck. Pay the driver in cash (MNT) only after returning to Ulaanbaatar.
Public transport consumes valuable time due to the lack of a direct route and infrequent Nalaikh-to-Statue taxis. Board Bus XO 5-1 at the Officers' Palace stop in eastern Ulaanbaatar. Pay the 500 MNT fare to ride into Nalaikh. Disembark in Nalaikh and hire a local taxi for the final stretch to the statue, which costs between 15,000 and 25,000 MNT. The entire journey takes up to two hours depending on bus frequency. Finding a return taxi from the isolated 212-hectare steppe complex back to Nalaikh proves difficult. Secure a driver willing to wait, or face a long walk back to the main road.
Tour operators bundle the 54-kilometer drive to the statue with an afternoon in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, located 30 minutes away. Vans pick you up directly from your Ulaanbaatar hotel in the morning. Packages typically cover the 20,000 MNT statue entrance fee, transportation, and lunch. This route maximizes a single day outside the city, taking six to eight hours total. Large tour groups typically arrive at the statue around midday. Book a private tour and request a 10:00 AM arrival to beat the crowds. Confirm if your specific itinerary includes stops at Turtle Rock or the 108 steps of the Aryabal Meditation Temple.
Driving east from Ulaanbaatar puts you on the main road toward Erdene soum in Tuv Province. The route follows the Tuul River before opening onto the steppe. You will spot the 40-meter shimmering stainless steel monument long before reaching the complex. Parking is available on-site near the Kazakh eagle handlers and camel rides. Keep small denomination MNT cash handy for these parking lot activities, as card machines fail frequently. Ensure your vehicle has a functioning heater if traveling between November and March, when temperatures drop below -30°C and high winds sweep across the 1,300-meter elevation.
A dedicated parking area sits directly at the base of the complex, where private taxis drop off passengers and wait for the typical two-hour visit. Wheelchair-accessible ramps connect the lot directly to the main visitor center.
Kazakh eagle hunters and camel handlers operate out of this space; bring MNT cash and confirm prices before touching the animals to avoid overcharging scams.
| From | Mode | Time | Cost | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ulaanbaatar City Center | Private Taxi | 1 hour | 80,000 - 100,000 MNT | Drivers wait for two hours at the statue and include the return trip in this fixed price. |
| Officers' Palace (Oфицеруудын ордoн) | Public Bus & Local Taxi | 1.5 - 2 hours | 15,500 - 25,000 MNT | Pay 500 MNT for Bus XO 5-1 to Nalaikh, then hire a local taxi for the final stretch. |
| Ulaanbaatar Hotels | Guided Day Tour | 6 - 8 hours | $45 - $120 USD | Operators bundle statue access, lunch, and transport to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. |
| Gorkhi-Terelj National Park | Private Vehicle | 30 minutes | Included in daily charter | Schedule the statue either right before or immediately after exploring the alpine rock formations. |
Arrive right at 10:00 AM to beat the large midday tour groups. Walking the observation deck on the horse's head feels less cramped before the buses show up. An early start leaves enough time to combine the trip with a drive to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park.
Carry physical Mongolian Tugrik (MNT) because on-site card machines frequently fail. You need cash to pay the Kazakh handlers for holding golden eagles or riding camels in the parking area. Confirm the exact price before touching the bird to avoid common overcharging scams.
Strong winds hit the exposed steppe environment year-round. You need warm layers even in summer to stand comfortably on the 50-meter observation deck. Between November and March, temperatures drop below -30°C and the outdoor stainless steel walkways turn into slippery ice.
Skip the public bus. The route requires a transfer to a local taxi in Nalaikh, wasting time due to infrequent drivers. Hire a private taxi from Ulaanbaatar for 80,000 to 100,000 MNT, which guarantees a two-hour wait and your return trip.
Ask staff if the elevator is running as soon as you buy your 20,000 MNT ticket. The lift inside the 40-meter statue periodically breaks down. If it is out of service, you must climb steep, narrow stairs through the horse's chest and neck to reach the top.
No direct public bus exists. You must catch Bus XO 5-1 from the Officers' Palace to Nalaikh for 500 MNT. From Nalaikh, hire a local taxi for the final stretch, which costs about 15,000 MNT.
The complex sits 54 kilometers east of the Ulaanbaatar city center. Driving takes exactly one hour by private car. Combine the trip with Gorkhi-Terelj National Park to maximize the drive time.
Expect to pay between 80,000 and 100,000 MNT for a round trip. Drivers typically include two hours of wait time at the complex in this fixed price. This remains the most reliable transport option.
Hotel pickup tours run between $45 and $120 USD. These trips last 6 to 8 hours. Most packages bundle the statue visit with transport and lunch in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park.
Arrive right at opening time, 10:00 AM. Large tour groups typically flood the site around midday. Early arrival keeps you ahead of the crowds for the elevator ride to the horse's head.
Public transit eats up 1.5 to 2 hours each way and introduces delays. Taxis from Nalaikh to the statue run infrequently. Avoid this method if you have a tight schedule.
Bring Mongolian Tögrög (MNT) for activities outside the complex. Card machines frequently fail on the open steppe. You will need physical currency to pay the 20,000 MNT entrance fee or handle eagles in the parking lot.
Browse verified tours with free cancellation and instant confirmation.
Find Tours