Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue

For our third day in Mongolia we decided to visit the Genghis Khan Statue Complex on the bank of the Tuul River at Tsonjin Boldog, where according to legend, he found a golden whip. The monument was completed in 2006 in time for the 800th anniversary of Genghis Khan’s coronation. The statue is symbolically pointed east towards the birthplace of Genghis Khan. The 36 columns around the visitor center represent the 36 khans from Genghis to Ligdan Khan. Once inside, you can also climb to the top for a panoramic view!

It was also freezing when we headed to the statue. During the evening Mongolia had it’s first snow of the season (which came early!), and we hadn’t really packed for the weather. So we cancelled our plan for a mountain hike – too dangerous. And instead moved our visit to Genghis Khan a day early. I was really excited because I spotted my first yaks while we were on the road. I asked to stop to take some photos 🙂

Arrived at the Ghengis Khan Statue Complex

Me with Genghis Khan

I don’t think our host realized we didn’t just want a photo of us – but us with the statue. Oh well!

Replica of the golden whip

Giant inflatable boot

Serving Koen some pretend tea in the pretend ger

View from the top