Turtle Rock, Rock formation in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, Mongolia.
Turtle Rock is a sandstone and shale formation in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park that rises about 24 meters high. Its shape and structure resemble a shell with a head, created by natural layering and weathering of the stone.
Tectonic movements millions of years ago began stacking and shaping the layers of this stone. Over time, wind and water wore away softer material and revealed the distinctive turtle-like form.
Local stories connect this rock formation to tales of hidden treasures and past conflicts that shaped the region's memory. Visitors can sense this connection to older narratives when approaching the stone.
The rock sits about 55 kilometers northeast of Ulaanbaatar in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, where several camping and lodging options are available. The best time to visit is between May and September when weather is more stable.
Within the stone layers are fossilized remains of sea creatures, showing that this area was once covered by water. These traces from deep time reveal how different Mongolia looked in the ancient past.
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