The Aryabal Monastery, nestled in the picturesque Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, is a true gem. This secluded temple, near the iconic Turtle Rock, is 56 km from Ulaanbaatar city. The area is a natural wonder, with granite formations, lush valleys, rolling hills, a meandering river, and verdant groves of trees.

The Aryabal Temple holds profound spiritual significance, dedicated to the Buddhist deity Aryabal, known as the God who listens to all prayers and alleviates human suffering. Aryabal is revered in Buddhism. The temple, shaped like an elephant’s head, is a testament to the auspiciousness of the number 108 in Buddhism. The 108 steps leading to the temple, symbolizing the elephant’s elongated trunk, are adorned with 144 Buddhist teachings in English and Mongolian, guiding visitors on their spiritual journey.

The temple style is more Tibetan, with a white square-shaped, white-colored main building and porcelain roofs decorated with Buddhist and religious signs. The decorations in the temple houses are impressive, especially those depicting paradise and hell.

The Aryabal Temple belongs to the Kalachakra sect of Buddhism. It was built in 1810 by Mongolian and Tibetan artists, and Buddhist monks from Manzushir monastery came to this temple to meditate. Later, in 2000, Buddhist monks of Lamiran temple in Ulaanbaatar initiated the project to restore this temple and completed the restoration work in 2004-2007. Lamiran temple monks sometimes come to this temple and cater religious services here, and on many days of the year, it is an open place for visitors and tourists who want to thank the god and meditate.