Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue

Feast your eyes on the Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue, towering at 130 feet as the world’s tallest equestrian metal marvel. Perched by the Tuul River, it not only honors the legendary Khan but also commemorates the legendary discovery of a golden whip at this very site. Oriented towards his birthplace, the statue reigns over a visitor center dedicated to the legacy of 35 Khans. A stone’s throw away, a museum showcases everything from Bronze Age treasures to the opulence of the Mongol Empire. It’s far more than a mere statue; it’s a gleaming tribute to Mongolia’s storied heritage!

There are mountain views on the way to the monument.

It’s just past the crack of dawn, 8 am, to be exact. En route from the airport, Chegi and I hash out our plans and set our sights on the Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue. Located in the serene grasslands, roughly 50 kilometers east of Ulaanbaatar and near the edges of Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, our destination is about an hour’s drive away. I secure entrance tickets for us both. Our exploration kicks off in the museum, followed by an elevator ride to the horse’s neck and subsequently its head. The views from above are stunning, yet it’s the statue’s imposing presence that truly steals the show. After soaking in the sights from the balcony, we immerse ourselves in the rich narratives displayed on the lower floors.

As befits him, Genghis Khan looks serious

The falcon (??) is important to Mongolian culture

I took some time to admire the views around

The Soyombo symbol, topped with a three-pointed flame, embodies the prosperity of past, present, and future generations. Beneath this flame, the sun and moon symbols reflect Mongolia’s eternal blue sky and its indomitable spirit.

Apart from Genghis Khan, I believe there were pictures of 35 other Khans on the wall

Inside the demo yurt, traditional furnishings and arrangements give a glimpse into the nomadic way of life.

The traditional Mongolian saddle is distinct and has been used for centuries by the nomadic tribes of the Mongolian steppes

The Tsatsal, a traditional spoon crafted from a single piece of wood, plays a vital role in nomadic rituals, used to sprinkle milk or milk tea as a blessing for safe travels. It features a distinctive three-by-three grid pattern, with its nine pyramid-shaped indentations embodying desires from health to immortality. These elements echo the significance of the numbers three and nine in both Mongolian culture and Buddhist tradition, showcasing the deep intertwining of symbolism and daily life.

Logistical hurdles and opposition from European nations probably explain why the Golden Horde nearly approached Vilnius but never invaded it. Likewise, they came close to Brno but did not proceed further.

I look back one more time at the impressive sight

Today’s journey starts in Vilnius, Lithuania, swings through Istanbul, Turkey, and ends in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Ah, the joys of 2023! The day’s standout moment? Beholding the towering Equestrian Statue of Genghis Khan and promptly crossing it off my bucket list. With plenty of daylight ahead, I embrace my inner tourist, wandering Mongolia’s capital with a hidden hankering for top-notch ice cream—a craving well satisfied, I might add. What’s on the horizon for tomorrow? A spontaneous trek up Tsetseegün Uul.