There are many landmarks and monuments worth visiting when you travel to Mongolia. However, one of the most famous tourist attractions that Mongolia offers is the Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue, part of the Genghis Khan Statue Complex. Many sights this ginormous statue as a must-see destination for all tourists. It is truly a goliath of a monument with a height of 40 meters (130 ft), earning a Guinness world record as the tallest equestrian statue, as befitting the country of horses. In this article, I will be sharing my firsthand experience of visiting the statue in person.
About The Statue
The Genghis Khan statue is located on the bank of the Tuul River Tsonjin Boldog, 54 km (33.55 mi) east of the Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar, where, according to legend, Temujin (his childhood name) found a golden whip on this hill during his travels to Hereid tribe. You can read more about Mongolian history here.
The statue is symbolically pointed east towards his birthplace. It is on top of the Genghis Khan Statue Complex, a visitor center, itself 10 meters (33 ft) tall, with 36 columns representing the 36 khans from Genghis to Ligdan Khan. It was designed by sculptor D. Erdenebileg and architect J. Enkhjargal and erected in 2008. The cost of the complex is reported to be US$4.1 million, built by The Genco Tour Bureau, a Mongolian company.
The 40 meters high steel statue of Mongolia’s Chinggis Khan houses a restaurant, a small art gallery, a meeting room, a large lobby, and an observation deck.
The attached museum has exhibitions relating to the Chinese archaeological cultures in Mongolia, which show everyday utensils, belt buckles, knives, sacred animals, etc., and a second exhibition on the Great Khan period in the 13 and 14th centuries. Adjacent to the museum is a tourist and recreation center, which covers 212 hectares (520 acres).
My experience
I absolutely loved my time visiting the statue during my last trip to Mongolia. First of all, I enjoyed that the location was located in close proximity to the capital, Ulaanbaatar, requiring only an hour-long bus ride from the city center.
Although the local weather can be cold, especially during the springtime, my discomfort was immediately offset by the beautiful local scenery. On the way, you can already catch a glimpse of the giant statue, and it looks even more impressive up-close. The whole surrounding area is covered by all sad by lush greenery.
Visitors walk to the head of the horse through its chest and neck, where they have a panoramic view. The main statue area will be surrounded by 200 yurts designed and arranged like the pattern of the horse brand marks that were used by the 13th-century Mongol tribes.
Visitors ascend to the exhibition hall using an elevator at the back of the horse and then walk to the horse’s head passing through its chest and the back of its neck from where they will have an excellent panoramic view over the complex area and the scenery beyond.
In the building, located at the foot of the statue, you will find many activities and establishments. In the art gallery, you can enjoy selected art works by Mongolian artists with Mongolian historical significance and cultural information. In the restaurant, you can enjoy European and Mongolian Cuisine.
Conclusion
The biggest statue of Chinggis Khaan in the world is a truly impressive spectacle. If you have the chance I would absolutely recommend the experience. When you may take an elevator upstairs and see the marvelous view from Chinggis Khaan’s horse’s back I guarantee it will all be worth it. Furthermore, there is an interesting museum downstairs, and all the souvenirs are cheap and detailed. I believe it was a great decision to erect this statue, as it is evident that this complex will provide a new and distinctive image for the Mongolian tourism industry.
Comments are closed.