Arrival guide for Big Sky Lodge

From Ulaanbaatar

Take the Nalaikh road east, turn north for Terelj after the Chinggis Khaan statue, and follow the park road up the valley to Terelj Road. The lodge is an easy walk from Turtle Rock. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours; the last stretch is gravel, fine for any car in summer, a 4x4 in deep winter.

From the airport

Chinggis Khaan International is 68 km south-west of the city; the lodge is north-east. Allow 2.5 hours door to door. Our transfer meets you inside arrivals with a name board, USD 150 per car one way. Request it here.

Taxi or your own car

City taxis will come for a negotiated fare; ask us for the going rate. Parking at the lodge is free. Address for the driver: Big Sky Lodge, Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, Ulaanbaatar 127390, Mongolia. Lodge phone +976 7230 3641.

On the way

Two stops worth making.

The 40-metre Chinggis Khaan equestrian statue sits at the turn-off; climb to the horse's head for the view. Inside the park, Turtle Rock is a short walk from the lodge and the Aryabal meditation temple is 7 km up the valley. Both are on our guided hike.

At the lodge

House notes.

Check-in 15:00 to 23:30, check-out 11:00Early arrivals: coffee in the hall, bags stored, rooms as soon as they are ready. Late check-out to 12:00 on request.
24-hour front deskAlways someone at the desk, in English, Korean, Japanese, Chinese and Mongolian.
Free Wi-Fi in every room and in the hallRated 10 out of 10 by Booking.com guests. Good enough for calls; the valley is better than the screen.
Breakfast is included07:30 to 10:00 at Khanagar: continental, Mongolian, vegetarian, vegan, halal and gluten-free on request. Lunch and dinner à la carte; groups reserve.
100% solarA 90 kWp array and batteries run the lodge. Switch off heaters and lights when you go out; hairdryers and chargers are fine.
In the roomPrivate bathroom with hot water, tea and coffee tray with kettle, bathrobes, work desk, balcony or valley view in the lodge rooms. Gers have a wood stove and a skylight.
PaymentsStays are paid at booking. Extras by card or Mongolian POS in tugrik; cash in tugrik welcome. No ATM in the park, so bring some cash.
Family, pets, accessChildren of all ages welcome. Pets welcome on request, no charge. One accessible lodge room and facilities for guests with reduced mobility.
RegistrationForeign guests are registered with passports at check-in, as Mongolian law requires.

Pack

What to bring.

LayersTerelj is 1,600 m up. Summer days reach 25 °C, nights drop to single figures. Winter days sit around minus 15 °C, nights colder. A fleece and a shell, always; a real coat from November.
ShoesTrainers or light boots for the tors; riding boots are not needed. Grippy soles in winter.
Sun and bugsHigh-factor sunscreen, a hat, repellent for July evenings by the river.
SwimwearFor the river in July and August, if you are brave.
Camera and binocularsEagles, deer at dusk, and a sky with no light for 40 km.
CashSome tugrik for herder families, the odd roadside stall, and tips.

Questions

Asked most.

Where exactly is the lodge?

Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, about 70 km east of Ulaanbaatar and an easy walk from Turtle Rock. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours by car from the city and about 2.5 hours from Chinggis Khaan International Airport. The map pin is in every confirmation email.

Is the lodge open in winter?

Yes, all year. Winter brings snow on the roof, the fire in the great hall, frozen-river walks and deel fittings. December is different: the whole lodge is booked for New Year and private events, so single rooms are not sold that month.

What is included in the room rate?

The room, breakfast at Khanagar, free Wi-Fi, parking, a tea and coffee tray, and the valley. Lunch and dinner are a la carte.

Is the lodge really off grid?

Yes. A 90 kWp solar array and a battery bank run the whole property. No diesel generator, no power lines, hot water in every bathroom, Wi-Fi rated 10 out of 10 by Booking.com guests.

Can I book and pay right away?

Yes. Pick your dates on the availability checker, the lodge diary is checked live, and the secure booking page takes card payment and confirms the room. Free cancellation up to 5 days before arrival.

Children, pets, accessibility?

Children of all ages are welcome and the family cabin sleeps four. Pets are welcome on request at no charge. One lodge room is accessible, with facilities for guests with reduced mobility.

Which languages do you speak?

English, Korean, Japanese and Chinese, and of course Mongolian. The front desk is staffed 24 hours.

Getting here, and what to expect.