Dog Sledding in Mongolia: A Winter Day in Terelj National Park
Dog sledding in Mongolia is one of the easiest winter adventures to add to a trip: the snowy valleys of Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, about 65–70 km east of Ulaanbaatar, are close enough for a day out from the capital. With the 2026–27 winter season starting and Mongolia's government pushing winter tourism, here is how a Terelj dog-sled day works, what to wear, and how to combine it with the Chinggis Khaan Statue.
Key facts
What: Dog sledding on snow in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park
Where: About 65–70 km east of Ulaanbaatar
When: Winter, when there is good snow cover
Ride: About 20–30 minutes on the sled, in a full day trip
Cold: Down to −40°C in winter and at night (GOV.UK)
Policy: Winter Tourism Development Plan reviewed by the Cabinet, 24 December 2025
Source: Montsame, GOV.UK, Consular Department of Mongolia, Enza Tours programme
Why is dog sledding in Mongolia in the news this winter?
Winter travel is a government priority. On 24 December 2025 the Cabinet reviewed a draft Winter Tourism Development Plan, together with the 2026 calendar of national tourism events, and told agencies to put it into practice, according to Montsame, Mongolia's national news agency. The stated aim is to reduce how seasonal Mongolian tourism is, with measures such as a winter "Discount Month" campaign and support for charter flights.
Dog sledding is part of that winter offer. Montsame's 2024 round-up of must-experience winter events lists dog and horse sledding among Mongolia's winter activities. When Ulaanbaatar held its Mongols Nomadic Winter Festival in the National Garden Park from 16 to 22 February 2025, dog sledding was on the programme, alongside ice archery and camel caravans.
Where can you go dog sledding near Ulaanbaatar?
The most practical place is Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, about 65–70 km east of Ulaanbaatar. Its granite outcrops, including the well-known Turtle Rock, its larch-covered slopes and its wide river valleys are covered in snow for much of the winter, which makes it ideal for a short sled run.
Because Terelj is so close, a dog-sled trip does not need an overnight stay. Our Dog Sledding Tour starts in Ulaanbaatar between 08:30 and 09:00 and is back in the city by about 17:30, covering a round trip of roughly 280 km.
What happens on a Terelj dog-sled day?
A typical day mixes sledding with the classic sights of Terelj. On our one-day programme the order is:
Morning drive to Terelj, a small Buddhist temple and Turtle Rock.
A one-hour horse ride on Mongolian horses.
Lunch with a local nomadic family in their ger.
Dog sledding, with about 20–30 minutes on the sled.
A short hike for photographs.
A late-afternoon stop at the 40-metre Chinggis Khaan Statue at Tsonjin Boldog, then the drive back to Ulaanbaatar.
Twenty to thirty minutes may sound short, but behind a team of excited dogs in sub-zero air it is plenty for most first-timers. Travellers who want more time on snow can choose a longer winter programme with a night in a ger.
How cold is it, and what should you wear?
Mongolian winters are seriously cold. The UK government's Mongolia travel advice notes temperatures from +35°C in summer to −40°C in winter and at night, and warns that weather "often change[s] without warning", with frequent warnings for heavy snow and blizzards.
On a sled, wind chill makes it feel colder still. Dress in layers:
A thermal base layer, a fleece or wool mid-layer and a windproof, insulated outer jacket.
Insulated trousers or ski pants.
Warm boots rated for snow, with thick wool socks.
Mittens over thin gloves, a hat that covers the ears, and a scarf or neck gaiter.
Sunglasses against snow glare, and lip balm for the dry air.
Phone and camera batteries drain fast in the cold. Keep them in an inside pocket until you need them.
What this means for your trip
Season: dog sledding needs good snow cover, so it is a winter activity. Ask us about conditions before you book specific dates.
Short stay: a one-day trip fits even a 3–4 day city break. Pair it with our 1-day Mongolia Winter Tour or the 2-day Terelj National Park tour with a night at a nomadic family.
Families: sled runs are short, and the day includes indoor breaks in a warm ger.
More winter ideas: read our guide to winter tourism in Mongolia 2026–27 and our list of winter festivals and their usual dates.
How Enza Tours can help
We run winter days to Terelj from Ulaanbaatar with an experienced driver, guide and warm vehicle. For travellers from warm countries, we can arrange winter clothing in advance, so you do not have to buy a full set of cold-weather gear for one trip. If you are flying in from Asia this December, see our winter itinerary for the MIAT direct flights from Singapore.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I go dog sledding in Mongolia?
The most popular place for dog sledding in Mongolia is Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, about 65–70 km east of Ulaanbaatar. It can be done as a day trip from the capital in winter.
How long is the dog-sled ride in Terelj?
On Enza Tours' one-day Terelj dog-sledding programme, the sled ride lasts about 20–30 minutes, as part of a full day with a horse ride, a nomadic family lunch and the Chinggis Khaan Statue.
How cold is Mongolia for dog sledding?
Very cold. The UK's Mongolia travel advice says winter temperatures can reach −40°C, especially at night, so dress in insulated layers, warm boots and mittens for dog sledding in Terelj.
Can I go dog sledding in Mongolia on a short trip from Singapore?
Yes. Singapore passport holders can stay in Mongolia for up to 30 days without a visa (Mongolia's Consular Department, checked 27 October 2026), and a Terelj dog-sled day fits easily into a 4–6 day winter trip from Ulaanbaatar.
Tours that fit this story
Hand-picked from our current programmes. See all of them on our Mongolia short tours page.
Dog Sledding Tour: Terelj National Park and Tsonjin Boldog.
Mongolia Winter Tour (1 day): Dog sledging in Terelj and the Chinggis Khaan statue.
2 Days Terelj National Park Tour: A night with a nomadic family in Terelj.
Sources
About this article
Written by the Enza Tours News Desk in Ulaanbaatar and checked by our team before publishing. Every date, number and rule in this post comes from the sources listed above, which we read on 27 October 2026. Last updated: 27 October 2026.
About Enza Tours LLC. We are a Mongolian inbound tour operator, founded in 2018 by Enkhzaya (Enza), and a member of the Mongolia Tourism Organization (MTO) and the Mongolian Tourism Association (MTA). Office: Room 39, Building 33, 4th Khoroo, Baga Toiruu Street, Chingeltei District, Ulaanbaatar 15141, Mongolia. Phone +976 8911 2100 · info@mongoliantour.guide · Meet our team · Contact us
