Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue

Visit the world’s largest equestrian statue just 1.5 hours from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

May 5, 2020

The 40-meter (131-foot, for all you Americans) Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue in Tsonjin Boldog isn’t just the tallest equestrian statue in the world, it’s also the coolest. (Okay, fine, we’re biased. But still.)

Marching east, towards his birthplace near Burkhan Khaldun in the country’s Khentii province, the statue of the Great Khaan on horseback marks the spot where he once found the golden whip that initially inspired his quest to unite all of Mongolia’s nomadic tribes and take over half the world. More than 800 years later, the legends surrounding his life and his rule are bigger and better than ever, easily solidifying him as one of the greatest emperors, and most important Mongols, to ever live.

Visitors to the statue can take an elevator to the Khaan’s feet, where they’ll then climb a series of steps before emerging out onto the horse’s head where they’ll then come face to face with the great ruler. The only thing more intimidating/incredible than the up-close encounter with the great warrior is the 360-degree view of the steppe – the land he still watches over today.

Think what you may of the Great Khaan, this is one impressive monument. At 250 tonnes of stainless steel and a reported cost of $4.1 million, nothing says respect more than this symbolic statue.

Heading back inside from your face to face encounter, head to the complex’s bottom floor museum to see a display of traditional gers and Mongolian dress, including the outfits the warriors of the time once wore in battle.

Back on the main entrance floor, the floor to ceiling leather boot, an odd but strangely intriguing centerpiece within the complex, is a nice reminder that things when it comes to celebrating the Great Khaan are always bigger and better than you might have expected to find in this nomadic country.

From the Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue head into Gorkhi Terelj National Park where you can spend the rest of your day with a nomadic family – eat a traditional nomadic meal, sip on salty milk tea, and ride horses through the park. Talk about the perfect way to channel your own inner khaan after leaving the silver Khaan himself.

About an hour’s drive from Ulaanbaatar (two with heavy traffic), getting to the statue can be done as a day trip, or even an early morning trip, if you’re tight on time. Contact us if you need help planning a day trip from Ulaanbaatar to the Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue.

Do you know why Mongolians say Chinggis Khaan and westerners say Genghis Khan?

Easy, Chinggis is his Mongolian name and Genghis is the Persian name that was adopted across the Silk Road trade route in the 13th century.

Tips for Visiting

Hours

9 - 18:00 Daily

Address

Erdene, Töv Province
Mongolia

entry

30,000 MNT

Author: Breanna Wilson

Hi! Sain uu! I’m Breanna, an American travel writer and adventurer living in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia for more than 5 years. I’ve written for and been featured in Condé Nast Traveler, CNN, Forbes, and the New York Times, among others. Read more of my Mongolia travel articles here.