Go to the remote Asian country of Mongolia and will be confronted with many things. The capital Ulaanbaatar is the coldest capital city in the world, one will see the unending Asian steppe and the nomadic Mongolians living like they always have, the vast expanses (Mongolia is the least densely populated country in the world), and a massive new equestrian statue of Genghis Khan.

Mongolia is an exotic country to visit and one that is full of surprises. One of the most adventurous things to do while in this sparse country is to go on a multiday horse riding expedition through some of the most remote parts of Mongolia.

About Genghis Khan and His Massive Empire

The most famous Mongolian to ever live was Genghis Khan, he was the first Great Khan (or Emperor) of the Mongol Empire. He made the world tremble as he defeated innumerable armies, raised cities, and established the largest contiguous empire the world as ever known (only the British Empire was larger).

  • Largest: The Mongolian Empire Was the Largest Contiguous Empire

Genghis Khan lived from around 1158 to August 18, 1227. His birth name was Temüjin and had to flee from other Mongolian tribes as a boy. But eventually, he was able to defeat the other tribes, then unite them, and then attack and invade ancient China and beyond.

  • Birthname: Temüjin
  • Lived: From Around 1158 to 1227

The Mongolian invasions would go on penetrate as far we as Poland and as far south as Egypt. For hundreds of years, Russia was ruled by the Golden Horde - a Mongolian splinter empire.

Through much of the world that he conquered, he and the Mongolians were feared. History describes much of the conquest as wholesale destruction on an unprecedented scale that resulted in major demographic changes and drastic declines in population.

  • Fun Fact: The Mongols Are The Inspiration For The Dothraki of Game of Thrones

If one visits the reclusive country of Turkmenistan, one will find the ruins of the once-great city of Merv. At one time it may have been the largest city on earth but when the Mongols took it, it is recorded the city was utterly destroyed including the wholesale massive of 1 million inhabitants.

Related: A Brief History Of Mongolia, And Why You Should Visit The Asian Steppe

How Genghis Khan Is Seen In Mongolia

Given how the world remembers Genghis Khan it may seem odd to build such a large monument to honor him. But The Mongolians do not see him in the same way as much of the rest of the world.

  • National Hero: To The Mongolians, Genghis Khan Is A National Hero

They see him as a national hero that put their country on the map. As a military genius who defeated the most advanced armies and empires all around the world. It was during this period and because of him that their tribes were known and respected in the world - instead of being insignificant to the world like they were before Ghengis Khan.

He united them behind a common cause. Before they we were united and warring amongst ourselves.

  • Trade: Under The Mongolian Empire Trade Flourished

Genghis Khan did more than conquer, he also brought learning and trade and opened the world up like never before. For the first time in history, one could travel (more or less safely) from Europe to China.

Related: 10 Reasons Why Mongolia Should Be On Your Next Asian Itinerary

The Genghis Khan Equestian Statue

The impressive statue is part of a larger complex and rises 40 meters or 130 feet tall. It is constructed out of stainless steel and depicts the Great Khan on horseback. Today it is the world's tallest equestrian statue and is around 54 kilometers or 33 miles east of the capital city of Ulaanbaatar.

  • Height: 40 Meters or 130 Feet
  • Built: In 2008
  • Designed: By Sculptor D. Erdenebileg and Architect J. Enkhjargal

It is built at the location where according to one legend Genghis Khan found a golden whip.

The statue is built on the Genghis Khan Statue Complex - a visitor center. The visitor center itself is full of symbolism with 36 columns representing the 36 khans from Genghis Khan to Ligdan Khan.

  • Museum: There Is Also A Museum At The Complex

The attached museum delves into Mongolian history with exhibitions from the Bronze Age and the Xiongnu archeological cultures of Mongolia. One will see various everyday objects from the people of the past and gain an idea of how they lived. See belt buckles, knives, everyday utensils, sacred animals, and more.

A second exhibition on the period of the Great Khans of the 13th and 14th centuries displays ancient tools, goldsmith subjects, and some Christain objects brought to Mongolia like Nestorian crosses and rosaries.

Visitors can walk to the head of the horse through its chest and neck. From here one can have panoramic views of the surrounding steppe.

Next: Gateway To Hell: 10 Truths Behind The Mysterious Turkmenistan Mystery Spot