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Southern Mongolia

The Southern Mongolia is known for its Gobi desert, one of the world’s most unique ecosystems. When people imagine of Mongolian Gobi, they imagine wide-open unfertile land or continuous massive sand dunes. When you travel Mongolian Gobi, your imagination will be broken completely. Mongolian Gobi is a combination of massive sand dunes, wide-open stony, but has vegetation steppes, marvelous rugged mountains rich in flora and fauna, oasis, rivers and streams. The region is famous for its unique nature formations, as well as rich dinosaur fossils and two humped Bactrian camels. Places to visit: Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park, Eagle valley, Khongor sand dunes, Flaming cliffs, White stupa, Baga gazriin chuluu, Ongi temple. Activities: Camel and horse riding, hiking, trekking, s...

Orkhon Valley

The Orkhon Valley covering an area of 1220 square kilometers (470 sq.miles) is one of the most important cultural regions in the world and was recognized by the UNESCO World Heritage as cultural landscapes in 2004. The extensive area encompasses the pastureland on both banks of the Orkhon river and includes sites such as Kharkhorin, the 13th century capital of Chinggis Khan’s Empire. The archaeological remains collectively reflect the symbiotic relationship between nomadic, pastoral societies and their administrative and religious centers, and the importance of the Orkhon valley in the history of central Asia. The site demonstrates clearly how a strong and persistent nomadic culture led to the development of extensive trade networks and the creation of large administrative, comme...

Darkhad Depression

The Darkhad Depression in northern Mongolia is a stunningly beautiful landscape in one of the most remote regions of the least densely populated country in the world. The impressive Horidol Saridag mountains rise up on the southeast side of the basin, while the high altitude Ulaan Taiga comprises the western border, and the Khog, Shishged, and Tengis rivers cross the basin, eventually emptying into the Yenisei River in Siberia. At the intersection of the great boreal forests of the Siberian Taiga and the grassy plains of the Mongolian Steppe, the Darkhad is at a literal crossroads for both nature and culture. A mix of traditional hunting and herding lifeways sustain the nomadic Tuvan reindeer herders and Darkhad sheep-yak-horse-camel herders that live there.

Shine Ider Village

Shine Ider Viilage is located 120 km from Murun town, in provincial center of Khuvsgul province. Although Shine Ider Village is in Khuvsgul province, it is borderlands between Khuvsgul and Arkhangai provinces, and overnight passing place to reach to Central Mongolia. Area covers mostly forest steppe and steppe, remote location offers complete relax for one, who is passing through. Main attraction here is Zuun nuur – Salt Lake, which situated 2000m above sea level, can be really cold even during the summer. 

Binder village

Binder Village (soum) is located Khentii province of Eastern Mongolia. This is relatively small village with average 4000 inhabitants of 1200 households. It is located 420 km from Ulaanbaatar city, remote area with forest steppe, rivers and beautiful nature, one of the main travel destinations which offers fishing tours. On the way to Binder Village there are many cultural, archaeological and worship vestiges dated from Paleolithic period through the Bronze, Iron Ages and  the successive historical periods including the Binder Ovoo (cairn) of the sacred Binder Mountain,  stone aged archaeological sites of Rashaan Khad,  the huge number of burial and ceremonial sites, deer stones and rock arts, within and around of the nominated landscape. Within the nominated area, near t...

Ikh Tamir Village

Ikhtamir Village (soum) is located 510 km from Ulaanbaatar city, in Arkhangai Province of Central Mongolia. Today, the soum has a population of average 5000, has a territory of 4.8 thousand km2, and the number of households is 1300. Arkhangai province is home for Mongolian nomadism and located in the heart of the Khangai range. It’s composed of mountains, steppes, and plains. The province of Arkhangai has many touristic places such as Taikhar Rock and Khorgo Terkh National Park, great Chuluut River canyon etc… Taikhar Rock is located in the village of Ikh Tamir, south of the Khoid Tamir River. It’s a big 20-metres (66 feet) high granite rock, covered with 150 writings in many different languages and dating back from many different periods (runic, Sogd, Uyghur, Mongoli...

Khogno Khan Natural Reserve & Elsen Tasarkhai sand dunes

Khogno Khan Natural Reserve covers 46,990 hectares of land and is located in Rashaant county of Bulgan province. The taiga and steppe plants grow in this area and represent two or three different natural zones. This area was taken under state protection in 1997. Khogno Khan, a splendid mountain is situated in the border area of Uvurkhangai, Tuv and Bulgan province. This is a magnificent place with mountains, forests, steppes, Gobi-type desert and mineral water sources all in one location. There are many wild animals such as wolves, deers, foxes and snow leopards inhabited here. In Khogno Khan Natural Reserve, there is an extraordinary sand dunes called Elsen Tasarkhai. "Elsen tasarkhai" is a part of the Great Mongolian Sand dunes and extends about 80 km. The scenery is a perfe...

Karakorum

Karakorum, ancient capital of Mongol empire, was established by Chinggis Khan in 1220 in the Orkhon valley at the crossroads of the Silk Road. Karakorum was a busy spindled city with high civilization built by the best artists and masters of antiquity.The ancient capital served as the political, cultural and economic capital of the Mongols for 40 years until Khublai Khan moved it to Khanbalik, in what is now Beijing. Following the move to Beijing, Karakorum was abandoned and then destroyed by the soldiers from Ming Dynasty in 1388. The remains of the capital that stood at the crossroads of the Silk Road are extensive underground archaeological assets and two granite turtles that once stood at the main gate to the city. Four of these turtle sculptures used to mark the boundarie...

Erdene Zuu monastery

Erdene Zuu Khiid - The first Buddhist monastery called Erdene-Zuu was built on ruins of Karakorum. It was built in 1586 at the initiative of Abtai Khan, most influential Prince of that time in Mongolia.The monastery occupies an area surrounded by a stone wall with 108 stupas lining on it. The Erdene-Zuu monastery preserves marvelous works of Mongolian artists, painters, cutters, sculptors, embroiders and craftsman of the XVII-XIX centuries. It had between 60 and 100 temples, about 300 gers inside the walls and, at its peak, up to 1000 monks in residence. Erdene Zuu Monastery was destroyed by communists in 1930s during the political purge. Suprisingly, many Buddha images and statues, tsam masks and thangkas were saved by locals. The monastery was closed until 1965 and reintroduced as a m...

Khushuu Tsaidam Monument

Khushuu Tsaidam Memoral Complex is a Turkic inscribed monument of Turkic Empire. The inscription was written by the grandson of Kultegin and devoted to the Bilge khan of Turkic Empire and his brother Kultegin in 732. Bilge Khan's stele, well khown Orkhon Inscription is 3,3 m high, 1,3 m wide and has 68 rows of inscription. Bilge Khan, who was the latest King of Turkic Empire, ruled its country for 19 years. During the excavation of the memorial in 31th of July 2001, over 2000 finds were revealed and the most important one among them was a gemstone inlaid golden crown of Bilge Khan. There are over 40 runic stele in Mongolia and about 10 of them are located only in Orkhon Valley, that is why it was named Orkhon inscription. These 2 stele of Bilge Khan and Kultegin are 1 km a...

Ogii Lake

Ogii lake, locates on the centre of Mongolia, in the territory of the Arkhangai province, is one of the biggest lakes of Mongolia and has 27 km squire area. Average depth is 6.64m, in some sections 15.3m, coastal length is 23.5m. The lake abounds in various types of fish and birds, which create an incredible natural beauty. There are 150 sorts of extremely rare and rare species birds of passage come to settle down on the Ogii lake. It is home for cranes and ducks, also Swan Goose, White Spoonbill and Dalmatian Pelican have been recorded. Ogii lake has 14 sorts of fish belonged to the North Atlantic ocean area such as Esoc lucius, Rutilus lacustrisi, Perca fluviatilis, Leucisous idus, Cyprinus carpio haematopterus and so on. Delicate sand and whetstone coast, the soft wave...

Naiman Nuur Region- 8 Lakes Region

The Khuisiin Naiman Nuur National Monument is located in the Central Mongolian Khangai Mountain range and represents a typical high mountain area of Mongolia with max. The area of Naiman Nuur (Eight Lakes), which was created by volcanic eruptions centuries ago, is located on over 2,400 meters above sea level. The area of 11,500 hectare size was declared a National Monument in 1992. The Eight Lakes area is about 35 km southwest of Orkhon Waterfall, but the roads are often virtually impassible. The lakes are named Shireet, Khaliut, Bugat, Khaya, Khuis, Onon, Doroo and Bayan- Uul. The lakes located in a high mountain area with sub alpine mountain meadows and coniferous forests of Siberian Pine and Siberian Larch, flat valley areas with lava stone fields i...

Orkhon Waterfall

Over 25 m high Orkhon Waterfall is the biggest waterfall in Mongolia and one of the most attractive destination in Orkhon river valley, UNISCO World heritage site. It is located 90 km from Karakorum. The surrounding areas of the waterfall was formed by volcanic activities dated back approximately 20,000 years (possibly Quaternary period). Orkhon is longest river in Mongolia with length of 1124 kilometers (709 miles) and formulates by springs at the numerous mouths of Suvraga Khairkhan a peak of Khangai mountain range. Flows of Orkhon River created a 130 km long canyon through the lava plateau.  The area is ideal for fishing, horse riding, cycling and photography. The rivers have handful species of river fish such as pike, sturgeon, hucho taimen, common asp, Siberian grayli...

Tuvkhun Monastery

One of most beautiful monastery complex is situated on a forested rocky mountain called Shireet Ulaan, which elevated in 2300 meters above sea level. The monastery was built in 1654 by Saint Zanabazar who was a great sculptor and one of the biggest representatives of Buddhism in Mongolia. Upon his return in 1651 from his first trip to Tibet he had a small walled stone meditation hut built here. 1653, he visited Erdenezuu, founded by his great grandfather, and appeared before a convocation of khalkha nobility. While there he prevailed upon his followers to build temple and retreat at Shireet Ulaan Uul in his own personal use. Later it became worship where many of his famous artworks were created; including five transcendent Buddha's now located in the Zanabazar Fine Art Museu...

Khorgo-Terkh National Park

The National Park covers 28 sq.km including Togoo Uul which reaches 2240 m above sea level and  Hill of Terkhiin  Tsagaan   Lake. It has been protected since 1965, fully in 1997, to safeguard spectacular mountain scenery and endangered flora and fauna. It's surrounded by the Khangai Mountains, which reach as 3000 meters above the sea level.  Khorgo Mountain is dead volcano, which lies east of Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake.  The mountain is covered with basalt. The volcano crater of the Togoo Uul is 200 meters wide and 100 meters deep.

Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake

Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake is an astonishingly beautiful lake with relatively pure fresh water. Torrents of lava issuing from the Khorgo volcano blocked the north and south Terkh Rivers, so forming the dammed lake of Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake at an altitude of 2060 meters above sea level. The lake is 16 km wide, 4-10 meters deep with its deepest point at 28 meters and over 20 kilometers in length.

Tsenkher hot Spring

Tsenkher Hor Spring is located in Tsenker Village (soum) of Arkhangai province - Central Mongolia, 450 km from Ulaanbaatar City, 27 km from Tsetserleg town. There are in Arkhangai many old volcanos, which explains the presence of this hot water source that flows all year long at 1860m above the sea level in the soum of Tsenkher. The water is at 85,5°C (185,9°F). In a pleasant verdant wooded area, some Ger camps with equipment and baths with a less hot temperature have been set up for the travelers, but also for the nomads and the inhabitants of Ulan Bator who are very keen on these baths. Tsenkher hot springs have healing properties notably on articular diseases and nervous system’s diseases. Composition: sodium carbonate, hydrocarbonate, sulfate, fluorite, hydrogen sulfid...

Khuvsgul Lake

Try to imagine a 2760 sq km (1080 sq mi) alpine lake, with water so pure you can drink it. Then add dozens of 2000m (6560ft) mountains, thick pine forests and lush meadows with grazing yaks and horses, and you have a vague impression of Khuvsgul Lake, Mongolia's top scenic heart stopper. This is the deepest lake in Central Asia, with a maximum depth of 262metres and the world's 14th largest source of fresh water. Situated along the border with Russia, the lake is sacred to local Mongolians, who refer to it as 'mother'. It's full of fish and the area is home to wild sheep, ibex, bear and moose, as well as over 200 species of birds. Three separate peoples live in the area: Darkhad Mongols, Buryats and Tsaatan. It is impossible to imagine Mongolia without the uniquely m...

Uushig deer stones

A deer-decorated stones in Uushigiin uver of Khuvsgul province considered as most clearly depicted deer stones in Mongolia. These deer stones were aligned from north to south in a single column. Each stone is 3-20m distant from each other and made of tetrahedral granite stone in reddish color. A deer, an arch, a shield, a horse, a knife, the moon, the sun and a mirror figured belt were engraved on the stones.  There are around 900 hundred of these deer stones in the world, and 700 hundred of them found in Mongolia. Deer stones are ancient megaliths carved with symbols found largely in Siberia and Mongolia.The name comes from their carved depictions of flying deer. There are many theories to the reasons behind their existence and the people who made them. Deer stones a...

Tsaatan people & Shamanism

The Tsaatan people of northern Mongolia are a nomadic people who depend on reindeer for nearly all aspects of survival, as well as cultural, spiritual, linguistic, and economic identity. There are small ethnic Tuvanian people originated from Russian Siberia. Today just over 200 Tsaatan individuals live in the Mongolian taiga, an ecosystem characterized by larch trees, high moisture, and sub-arctic conditions. They move regularly within two main camp areas,  between West and East Taiga, seeking pasture for their deer. Tsaatan maintain small herds of between 7 and 160 reindeer per family. Reindeer are milked daily, providing the staple component of the Tsaatan diet largely consisting of reindeer dairy products. They are an essential mode of transportation in the high mounta...

Amarbayasgalant Monastery

Amarbayasgalant, one of the most well known and largest monasteries of Mongolia, is located in the beautiful Iven Gol River valley  on the foot of Burenkhan mountain and is about 360 km of north of Ulaanbaatar.  Visitors especially enjoy the magnificent art and architectural construction. The beauty, decorations and construction of the monastery have made it one of the most magnificent architectural monuments not only in Mongolia, but in the whole Asia. The monastery was established by order of Manju emperor Enkh- Amgalan Khan, to cherish and give respect to the Undur Geghen Zanabazar, the first Buddhist saint of Mongolia, for his skills, wisdom, intellect and accomplishments. 3730 kg of silver from the state fund were used to build a magnificently styled place for B...

Extinct volcano Uran Mountain

Uran Mountain lies west of Bulgan city en route to Khuvsgul area. This is an extinct volcano with crater of 600 meter wide and 50 meter deep filled with small Crater Lake. Extinct volcano of Uran Mountain and nearby Togoo Mountain, now part of the 1600 hectare Uran-Togoo Tulga Uul Natural Reserve in the sum (district) of Khutag-Ondor.  This mountain ranks as 4th highest mountain in Bulgan province. It is located about 60 km directly west of Bulgan city. Uran Mountain is a pretty good place to break the journey to Khuvsgul. It has been protected since 1965, and today enjoys the statue of Natural Monument. It is really fascinating mountain and home for Red deer, Argali-sheep, Wild boar, Siberian ibex and Ruddy shelduck.

Khan Khentii Mountain National Park

This is the native land of Chinggis khan and contains many important historical and cultural sites. Khan Knentii Mountain NP was registered by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1996 and located northeast of the capital city. Khan Khentii is covered with forests, taiga and mountain forest steppe. It is the land described in the Secret History of Mongols, a literary monument of the nation.

Onon Balj National Park

The Onon-Balj basin is located at the southern edge of Siberian boreal coniferous forest and stretched into Daurian steppe. Situated at the juncture of two big ecosystems of central Asia, the area is unique with its natural formation and rich in biodiversity. Yet, the ecosystem is very fragile. The forest and steppe landscape, its composition and specific ecological functions, also serves as a home to a number of rare and endangered species in Mongolia and the globally endangered birds such as white-naped crane, hooded crane and great bustard and a number of aquatic Asian species. In addition to its nature beauty and picturesque areas, the basin is abundant with historically and culturally important areas, particularly the historical sites related to Chinggis Khan, the Great Mongolian E...

Khukh Nuur

Khukh Nuur” in the Khar Zurkh Mountain is a beautiful place located in Khentii province. Besides being a beautiful nature, the place is unique due to the fact that the most important event of history of Mongolia took place here. At this very place, 800 years ago in 1189, Temujin came to the throne of Mongolia and was given the honorific title of “Chinggis Khan”, meaning supreme or great. Therefore this place is closely linked to the life of great Chinggis Khan. The great contribution of Chinggis Khan to unify all the Mongol aimags and establish an empire that streched from Black sea to the Pacific ocean and Siberia to Tibet started from this place. Probably because Chinggis Khan had chosen this place as the starting point, he succeeded to establish such a gre...

Oglogch Kherem-Ancestors Wall

Oglogch Kherem is one of the most important historical places in Mongolia which date back to the time of Chinggis Khan.  The wall is located at the base of Daichin Mountain, 8-10km from confluence of Ugluch and Bayangol rivers and 45km southwest from Batshireet village of Khentii province. Mongolia-American archaeological team identified at least 60 ancient graves within the walls, indicating that it may have been a royal cemetery. The wall is 2.5-3m high, 2.5m wide and approximately 3km long.

Bereeven Monastery

Bereeven monastery was established in the 17 th century by order of Zanabazar, the first Buddist Saint of Mongolia, and is located in Omnodelger village of Khentii province. The monastery of Baldan Bereeven is surrounded by four mountains each said to resemble an animal: a lion on the east; a dragon on the south; a tiger on the west; and a Garuda on the north. Each cardinal point is also guarded by a Protector Deity. The originally temple was demolished during the persecutions of the late 1930s and the Red Jamsram painting damaged or destroyed. The Jamsran rock painting in the temple now is thought by some to be the original but no one is quite sure. At its peak it was one of the three largest monasteries in Mongolia and home to 1500 lamas. It was destroyed by thugs in the 1930s and by ...

Rashaan Khad

Rashaan Khad is one of the important historical heritages in Eastern Mongolia. The Rashaan Khad is situated in the territory of Batshireet village of Khentii province. According to archeological study, the complex belongs to the period between Stone Age and the 16th century. There are full of ancient rock carvings and paintings depicting animals, humans, as well as other tribal symbols in different scripts including Arabian-Persian, Mongolian, Tibetan, Chinese and others.

Deluun Boldog

For his 800th birthday, a statue of Genghis Khan was erected in 1962 at Deluun Boldog; a place believed to be the great khan's birthplace, close to what is today Dadal soum, an attractive wooded area in North-West Khentii region.  The area contains trails and lakes for visitors as well as monuments where you can learn why this fierce warrior and great leader is still revered today.Dadal Sum once housed one of three great lamaist temples consecrated to Chinggis Khan, but which was razed in the 1930s. Now there are stone monuments to him erected in the surrounding beauty of the Mongolian countryside. Also there is Burkhan Khaldun Mountain, which is mountain itself and/or its proximity areas are rumored to be the birthplace of Chinggis Khan, as well as the purporte...

Altai Tavan Bogd National Park

Altai Tavan Bogd National Park is in Bayan-Ulgii province and covers area of 636,200 hectares. From Ulgii center to Altai Tavan Bogd National Park is 180km. The Tavan Bogd (Five Saints) chain includes the highest peak in Mongolia, Khuiten Uul (4,353m), which overlooks the frontiers with China and Russia. This National Park includes very high peaks, with eternal snow and glaciers in the far west of Mongolia. A stunning landscape of high glaciated snow capped mountains, alpine and sub-alpine forests, large lakes, rivers and streams, mountain grasslands, barren rocky mountain ranges and semi arid desert type valleys. Altai Tavan Bogd is protected since 1996.

Potanin Glacier

The Mongolian Altai Mountain Range stretches across the south and west of Mongolia. Its highest point is the Tavan Bogd peak at an altitude of 4370m, in the far west, where China, Russia and Mongolia share a common border. The climb is challenging for any experienced climber, due to its technical nature. The 19 km long and up to 2.5 km wide Potanin Glacier lies at the foot of the mountains. The Potanin Glacier descends to an elevation of 2,900 m; its base is covered with moraine. Water from the melting ice flows into the Khovd River basin.The glacier was discovered by V. V. Sapozhnikov in 1905 and named in honor of G. N. Potanin. The climate in this high mountain area can be extreme, since it is above the tree line. There is very little vegetation, giving the surrounding landscape a ba...

Uvs Lake basin-Strictly protected area

UNESCO has recognized this northernmost part of the Great Lakes Basin as a World Heritage Site in two categories. First, for the presence of rare and endangered animals and plants. And second, for its untouched and pristine native landscapes. This includes the nearby Harhiraa and Turgen Mountains, which are snow-capped and home to a number of glaciers. In the east is Altan Els (Golden Sands), the northernmost sand dunes in thecountry. In total, the Uvs Lakes basin is 160 km from north to south and 600 km from east to west. Uvs Nuur is the largest lake (3350 sq.m.) in Mongolia and is 84 km across at its widest point. It is located only 759 meters above sea level. Visitors must be prepared for mosquitoes in the summer. It is a salt water lake which is not easy to get to. Compared to simi...

Tsambagarav&Sutai Mountains

The sacred, snow covered Tsambagarav Mountain at 4208 m on the border of Bayan-Olgii and Hovd provinces, towers over the 110,960 hectares of Tsambagarav Uul National Park. The park is known for its stunning vistas and diverse wildlife. The park contains many glaciers, rocky gorges, glacial lakes, and a 7 meter waterfall, in addition to deer stones, and Kazakh and Uriankhai nomads. Sutai Mountain is a beautiful mountain with eternal snow and glacier, reaching 4090 meters above sea level. The mountain is located between Gobi-Altai and Khovd province.

Tsenkher cave

Tsenkher Cave is located in Khovd province and it is one of the largest caves in Mongolia, with a main chamber at least eighty-five feet high. A rock fall in 1995 blocked off one long extension in the cave, but several smaller galleries leading off from the main chamber still remain. It was reportedly inhabited by Stone Age people during the Upper Paleolithic, 10,000 to 40,000 years old. The cave is famous for its rock paintings, which have been dated to 17,000–22,000 years ago. Done with light pink and red-brown ochre pigments, the paintings depict Paleolithic fauna such as mammoths and ostriches which are no longer found in the area, as well as camels, ibex, deer, and other more familiar animals. By the method of painting the different kinds of animals, their color and...

Khar Us Lake National Park

The main lakes are Khar Us Lake, Khar Lake and Dorgon Lake. The national park was established in 1997, and then designated as a Ramsar (wetland of international significance) site in 1999. The lakes have the largest reed beds in Central Asia. Surrounded by desert landscapes, it is surprising to find that rare wild boars can survive in the reeds. Saiga antelope, though rare, still make their way through the eastern areas of the national park and nearby Jargalant Khairkhan Mountain has snow leopards, argali sheep and siberian ibex. The mammals are, however, difficult to observe. For this reason, the many species of birds, the landscape and encounters with local nomads are the main attractions here. On Jargalant Khairkhan Mountain you have a reasonably good chance of seeing wallcreeper, w...

Khoton and Khurgan lakes

Khoton lake is fed by more than 10 rivers and streams which fed by snow and ice water such as Black Khovd, White Khovd, Chuluut (Rocky) and Zagastai (Fishy) drain the 2670 square km area of Altai Tavan Bogd  and Rashaan mountain range. The lake has an island, 0.5 square km, with forest, bushy trees, and glacial thick sediments from the quaternary era mostly sand, clay and break-stone covered the bottom of Khoton Lake. Along lakeshore, there is forest and bushy trees as well as some migrating birds are seen. The lake is home to many species of fish The Khoton and Khurgan lakes are second largest and clearest of all lakes in Mongolia. The average depth is 26 m, the maximum depth is approximately 58 metres. The landscape around the lakes is stunning: with forests and the snow-capped...

ULAANBAATAR CITY

With over one-third of the country's population, Ulaanbaatar is by far Mongolia's largest city. It is also the transport and industrial center of the country. Often shortened to UB by foreigners, Mongolia's capital still has the look and feel of a neglected European city from the 1950s - but not for long. The old Soviet cars and buses are being replaced by newer Japanese models, apartments are being converted into flashy shops and it seems that every young Mongolian now has a mobile phone. Ulaanbaatar prides itself on being an increasingly modern (though still very laid-back) city. Despite all this, men and women still stroll along the main streets in traditional dress. Built along the river, the Tuul River, and surrounded by picturesque mountains, the center of Ulaanbaat...

Chinggis Khaan Square

The square features a bronze statue of Sukhbaatar (1921-Revolutionary hero of Mongolia) astride his horse. In 2013 the city authorities changed the name from Sukhbaatar Square to Chinggis Khaan Square, although many citizens still refer to it by the old name. The enormous marble construction at the north end was completed in 2006 in time for the 800th anniversary of Chinggis Khaan’s coronation. At its centre is a seated bronze Chinggis Khaan Statue, lording it over his nation. He is flanked by Ogedei (on the west) and Khublai (east). Two famed Mongol soldiers (Boorchu and Mukhlai) guard the entrance to the monument. Behind the Chinggis monument stands Parliament House, which is commonly known as Government House. To the east of the square is the 1970s Soviet-style ...

National History Museum

Exhibits of the museum show the history and culture of Mongols from ages as early as the Stone Age and up to the modern days. Among 15 thousand exhibits of the museum are carpet and silk items of the Xiongnu period and leather boots of a Mongolian soldier of that time.  The 1st floor has some interesting exhibits on petroglyphs, deer stones (stone sculptures of reindeer and other animals) and burial sites from the Xiongnu and Uyghur eras. The 2nd floor houses an outstanding collection of costumes, hats and jewellery, representing most of Mongolia's ethnic groups. The 3rd floor is a must-see for fans of the Mongol horde. The collection includes real examples of 12th century Mongol Armour, and correspondence between Pope Innocent IV and Guyuk Khaan. Written in Latin...

Gandan Monastery

Originally situated in the center of Ulaanbaatar, Gandan Monastery was moved to its present location by the 5th Bogd Jebzundamba in 1838. Over the next century the Monastery grew to include nine datsans or institutes, a library and housed a community of around 5000 monks. Gandan became an important center for learning and practicing Buddha's teachings, not only in Mongolia but for the entire Mahayana Buddhist community. Small mobile monasteries functioned in Mongolia, and in 1838 the Gandantegchinlen monastery was founded as the religious center of Sutra-Tantra Buddhism at the site of Dalkha hill. It grew into a complex of colleges including a college of basic Buddhist teachings, departments of Astrology and Medicine, and as such was the largest center of the Mongolian Bud...

Bogd khaan Palace Museum

The Winter Palace of Bogd Khaan - one of the first museums in Mongolia - was built in 1924. It used to be a winter residence of the last Bogd Khaan of Mongolia, Javzandamba. The palace compound was built between 1893 and 1903, and is well known for its Gate of Peace, Temple and personal library of Bogd Khaan. Among the museum's exhibits are sculptures by Mongolia's first Bogdo Zanabazar, the famous Taras. The museum has 21 invaluable sculptures of Taras. The collections at the Palace Museum numbers over 8,000 exhibits, of these 72 are certified by the State as unique but others are priceless artifacts. This is the only remaining palace out of four residences where Bogd Khaan, the last Mongolian ruler, resided. This palace now displays the coll...

The Zanabazar Museum of Fine Art

Zanabazar Museum of Fine Art in Ulaanbaatar was founded in 1966. Visitors can enjoy works of Mongolia's famous artists, and sculptors who lived before or in the early 20th century. Sculptures by Mongolia's first Bogd (living Buddha) and famous sculptor Zanabazar ("Five Gods" and "Taras"), as well as appliqués and sculptures in wood and stone by talented Mongolian craftsmen are among the 10 thousand exhibits of the museum. 25 of the 45 most precious works of art created by Mongolia's artists can be found in the museum. The Zanabazar Museum of Fine Arts has an excellent collection of paintings, carvings and sculptures, including many by the revered sculptor and artist Zanabazar. It also contains other rare and sometimes&nb...

Terelj National Park

Terelj, about 80km north-east of Ulaanbaatar, is a deservedly popular destination. At 1600m, the area is cool and the alpine scenery is magnificent, and there are great opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, swimming, rafting, horse riding, visiting nomad family and so on. Most visited are the turtle rock and the dinosaur’s park. Terelj was first developed for tourism in 1964 and 30 years later it became part of the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. To the north-east, the park joins into the Khan Khentii Strictly Protected Area, comprising over 1.2 million hectares of the Tov, Selenge and Khentii aimags. The Khan Khentii park is almost completely uninhabited by humans, but it is home to endangered species of moose, brown bear and weasel, to name but a few, and to over 25...

Chinggis Khaan Statue

A gigantic statue of Chinggis Khaan riding on horseback was erected in 2008 on the bank of the Tuul River at Tsonjin Boldog, 54 km east of the Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar, where according to legend, he found a golden whip.   Here, Temujin (Chinggis Khaan's childhood name) becoming the great Khaan who conquered half the world after overcoming difficulties in his childhood when he lost his father, found a whip on the way back from Khereid's Toiril Khan, where he had gone to ask for help when Mergid had captured his wife in 1177. Finding a whip is perceived by Mongolians as a good omen. Therefore, finding the whip, Chinggis Khaan became greedy seeing it as a path being opened to the great cause. The haughty and yet honorable statue is surrounded by 36 columns represen...

13 th Century Complex Park

“13th Century National Park” is located in Erdene country, Yol Mountain 96km from Ulaanbaatar. The goal of “13th century” national park is build and establish real-time micro kingdom to make the lively feeling for its guests during their stay by genuinely providing true environment of the way of living and working of the 13th century. Visitors can enjoy annual celebrations, customs such as making felt cover for Gers, sling wool, sacred ceremony to praise flag, heaven by sacrificing, wedding, weeping camel, mare milking, sealing folks and organizing three games of men. Here the guests can dine with Khaans and Queens visit the residents of lords and learn to write in Mongolian scripts and play in horse-headed fiddle /Morin khuur/. “13th Century Nation...

Bogd Khaan Mountain National Park

One of the two most popular destinations outside of Ulaanbaatar is Mt.Bogd khaan National Park. Lying to the south of Ulaanbaatar, Bogd Khaan Mountain has been a national park of the country since 300 years ago. The main entrance to the National Park is 46 kilometers to the south west of the city. With its nature and wildlife intact, Bogd Khaan Mountain boasts its beautiful scenery with green forests of pine, cedar, larch and birch covering the mountain. Place is ideal for hiking, horse riding and climbing as well as exploring the nomads daily lifestyle. Also you can visit   the Manzushir monastery, 18-th century monastery in Southern reserve. Established in 1733, it had over 20 temples and was once home to at least 300 monks.

Hustai National Park

The Hustai National Park protected area lies 100km southwest of Ulaanbaatar and was established in 1993 to preserve Mongolia’s wild takhi (przewalski’s) horses and the environment in which they live. The takhi horse is unique to Mongolia where it existed until the 1960s. It is believed these horses have direct genetic links to prehistoric horses. After the sad extinction of the takhi horses in the wild, these beautiful animals have been reintroduced from captivity and they have taken well to their new freedom. They are not particularly afraid of humans and the harems (one stallion and several mares) are known to come quite close if visitors are quiet and calm. On the territory of Hustai National Park and its buffer zone there are many historical monuments exist lik...

Gun Galuut Nature Reserve

It is one of the most popular eco destinations of Mongolia  and covers about 20000 hectare. Amazingly, Gun-Galuut is the state combined from diversity of ecosystem although it owns comparatively small area. The harmonized complex of high mountains, steppes, rivers, lakes and wetlands as well are kept enough as its original condition. It is a home to endangered wild Mountain sheep-Argali, White napped crane, Siberian white crane, Hooded crane and the rare black stork, Azian heron, Whooper swan, Swan goose and so on. Over 200 Argali sheep inhabit peacefully in Gun Galuut now. Whoever visiting enjoys to see Gun-Galuut vast steppe seems to meet the sky, the imposing mountains Baits and Berkh, a home land of rare creatures, Ikh-Gun and Ayaga lakes, a paradise of bird...

Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park

Situated to the west of Dalanzadgad town, Gobi Gurvansaikhan (“Three Beautifies of the Gobi”) park encompasses the series of ridges and valleys that make up the eastern end of the Gobi Altai Mountains. Surrounded by low plains, the mountains rise to 2200-2600 meters above sea level, and include the “Three Beauties” (three adjacent ridges named East, Middle, and the West Beauty), Zuulun, Sevrei, Gilbent, and Nemegt ridges. The park, which extends for more than 380 kilometers from west to east, has extremely varied landscape with rocky and sandy desert plains, precipitous cliffs and ravines, salt pans and oases. Gurvan Saikhan includes the highest diversity of plant and animal life in the Gobi Altai with over 620 species of flowering plants and all 52 species of ma...

Eagle Valley-Yolyn Am

It’s one of the natural secret of Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park and beautiful deep canyon with many rocky cliffs, has been created by many years of water erosion. The Eagle Valley ( Yolyn  Am), a protected site in 1965, is 62 km north west of Dalanzadgad. Very wide at the entrance, it narrows gradually into a remarkable gorge. A spring 2 or 3 km long winds its way through the defile and in July, freezing into a thick corridor of ice that stretches along a considerable distance. In earlier times, the blocks of ice rarely melted, being protected from the vicious sunlight. This however has changed in recent years, partially because of the multitudes of tourists that walk on the ice. You can still see ice here in July but it is almost completely melted by end of Au...

Khongor Sand Dune

A Mongolian largest sand dune named Khongoryn Els has an extraordinary length of 180 kilometers and 15-20 kilometers wide, reaching a height of impressive 300-400 meters. One of the best places to observe booming dunes in the southern Mongolia is Khongor Sand dunes. The sounds have been variously described as singing, whistling, squeaking, roaring and booming. To stand before an enormous, gleaming white sand dune and realize that all of this was once an ancient lake bed or coastal plain is quite astonishing. The incredible roaring sounds of distant dunes is an unforgettable experience, particularly during the quiet hours of darkness and daybreak. Starting with the wind and tumbling particles of sand and culminating in picturesque drifts of rippled sand with an entire, dynamic, living co...

Flaming Cliffs-Bayanzag

Bayanzag is located near by Bulgan Village, 597 km away to the south west of Ulaanbaatar city in Umnugobi province. This area is the birthplace of dinosaurs, and is renowned worldwide for the number of cretaceous dinosaur eggs and bones found here, which are discovered by famous American paleontologist Roy Chapman Andrews in 1922. In the same area he discovered petrified forests, remains of mammals and in particular the skeleton of a hornless rhinoceros, the largest known mammal in the world. Other finds in this location were complete dinosaur skeletons, eggs with a diameter of 10-15cm and hatch longs from the Cretaceous Period. Mongolia is considered second country of dinosaur finds while USA is first and 330 types of dinosaurs have been found in the world and 60 ty...

White Stupa-Tsagaan Suvarga

Tsagaan Suvarga (White Stupa) is located in Middle Gobi province. It is sheer slope and was an old seabed with sedimentary structure created by millions years and the different colors of the ground represent different times. The formation is over 50 m in its highest point and continues 400 m. There is no clear date of geography research work and it is good spot take rest and overnight place driving to South Gobi desert from Middle Gobi desert. Its wall slope is looks like a ancient ghost city form a distance. There is 2 famous sites for explore. First one is a interesting cave which is 70 m long Khevtee Bosoo agui (Lie and Stand Cave) and not so far from the site. Second option is exploring Del uul (Back Mountain) for seeing rock drawings of Bronze Age. This is considered almost larg...

Baga Gazriin Chuluu

These mountains with granite stone massifs are located in Middle Gobi Province. Baga Gazriin Chuluu, is a 15km long and 10 km wide stone massif, highest point is Tahilgat Mountain /1768 m/ in the Northwest part of the stone massif. Over 20 kinds of medical herbs and many species of animals such as wild sheep, ibex and marmot exist here, Surtiin am is one of many beautiful places in Baga gazriin stone massif. This is a narrow canyon with asp, birch, white wicker and elm tree, as well the ruin of a stone temple and the site of 2 Gers where monks lived and meditated since the 17 th century. Also, there is a spring water which comes from under source is good for eye illness.

Ongi Temple ruins

The ruins of Ongi temple are found in Saikhan-Ovoo village of Middle Gobi province and it is about 250 kms from Karakorum, en route to South Gobi. It is the ruin of a big monastery on the bank of the Ongiin River, which is one of the longest river in Mongolia has 435 km length and flows into Ulaan Nuur. A river takes source from the Khangai Mountain range in Ovorkhangai province.. Formerly one of the largest monasteries in Mongolia, Ongi monastery was founded in 1660 and consisted of two temple complexes on the north and south banks of the Ongi River. The older southern complex consisted of various administrative buildings as well as 11 temples. The northern complex built in the 18th century, consisted of 17 temples-among them one of the largest temples in all Mongolia. The Ongi monas...

Gorkhi Terelj National Park

Terelj, about 80km north-east of Ulaanbaatar, is a deservedly popular destination. At 1600m, the area is cool and the alpine scenery is magnificent, and there are great opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, swimming (in icy water), rafting, horse riding and, for hard-core extreme sports fanatics, skiing in the depths of winter. Most visited is the turtle rock and the dinosaurs park.  Terelj was first developed for tourism in 1964 and 30 years later it became part of the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. To the north-east, the park joins into the Khan Khentii Strictly Protected Area, comprising over 1.2 million hectares of the Tov, Selenge and Khentii aimags. The Khan Khentii park is almost completely uninhabited by humans, but it is home to endangered species of moose, brown bear an...

Hustai national park

It is located on the north side of the Tuul River, about a two hour drive west of Ulaanbaatar. Although located in the central grasslands, Hustai means “with birch” because there are birch and aspen groves in the core area. It is hilly terrain, with the Tuul River forming the southern boundary. It takes its name from birch trees growing in surrounding mountain forests. In Mongolian Khustai means “with rich” and nuruu means “mountain”. In 1993, Khustai Nuruu was upgraded from protected area status to reserve status and conservation measures were strengthened. In 1998, the area’s status was upgraded once more and Khustai NUruu Reserve became Khustai National Park. As a national park, regulations on land use were tightened and all grazing and hu...

Manzushir monastery

Manzushir Khiid or “Monastery” is located in the southern part of the mountain Bogd Khan Uul, at an altitude of 1800 meters above sea level. The monastery enjoys a beautifully stunning setting surrounded by a forest of Siberian larch with a backdrop of natural granite cliffs eroded into tors of huge rounded boulders. Many thousands have fallen from the cliffs to make a grassy spreading out to the forest. The monastery had over 20 temples and was once home to at least 300 monks but was destroyed in the 1930s. A reconstruction project is underway. The main temple has been restored and converted into a museum but the other buildings in the area remain in ruins. The ruins of the original monastery, dating from 1733, are clearly visible. A god image, carved in the granite rock at...

Ovgon khiid

The Ovgon Khiid monastery is located in the mountains of Khogno-Khan 257 km away from Ulan-Bator, o­n the way to Arvaykheer, 173 km away from Arvaykheer and about 75 km away from Kharkhorin. It is impossible to drive right up to the impressive ruins of the monastery situated at the altitude of 1532 meters. The o­nly way there is to walk from the functioning monastery Khogno-Tarnil-Khiid, which stands lower o­n the hill. You can reach the lower standing monastery by car, directly from the tourist camp “Mon-Gobi”. Stone stairs along the steep slope will lead you to the temple. Nearby there is a sacred suburgan (stupa), pavilions and clay ruins of temple buildings. This and many other monasteries were destroyed during anti-religious campaigns. In 1980s it ...

Central Mongolia

CENTRAL MONGOLIA Central Mongolia is beautiful, pristine and rich in wild species and has been keeping   many important historical and cultural remains of different historical periods. In central Mongolia, you can discover distinctive natural zones of forested steppes, mountain steppes and mini version of the Gobi desert and their breathtaking natural beauties and interesting cultural and historical items. Places to visit: Khangai mountains, Khogno Khan Natural Reserve, Elsen Tasarkhai  sand dunes, Ancient capital of Mongol empire Karakorum, Buddhist monastery Erdene Zuu, Tuvkhun monastery, Tsenkher hot spa, Khushuu Tsaidam Monument, Orkhon waterfall, Naiman Nuur National Monument, Ogii lake, Khorgo-Terkh National Park. Activities: Hiking...

Northern Mongolia

NORTHERN MONGOLIA The highlight of Mongolia’s Northern provinces, an alpine region bordering the forests of Siberia, is the pristine Lake Khuvsgul, known as Mongolia’s “blue pearl.” Believed to be several million years old, Mongolia’s deepest freshwater lake is surrounded by dozens of small rivers and streams that empty into its waters, pristine taiga forest, and valleys and meadows rich with wildflowers. Northern Mongolia offers a chance to see a large population of reindeer. Among the nomadic peoples who inhabit Mongolia’s northern forests and steppe are the Tsaatan, members of a small Tuvanian ethnic group who have herded domesticated reindeer for centuries. The culture of these herdsmen has changed little since the Ice Age, and like many o...

Southern Mongolia

SOUTHERN MONGOLIA The Southern Mongolia is known for its Gobi desert, one of the world’s most unique ecosystems. When people imagine of Mongolian Gobi, they imagine wide-open unfertile land or continuous massive sand dunes. When you travel Mongolian Gobi, your imagination will be broken completely. Mongolian Gobi is a combination of massive sand dunes, wide-open stony, but has vegetation steppes, marvelous rugged mountains rich in flora and fauna, oasis, rivers and streams. The region is famous for its unique nature formations, as well as rich dinosaur fossils and two humped Bactrian camels. Places to visit: Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park, Eagle valley, Khongor sand dunes, Flaming cliffs, White stupa, Baga gazriin chuluu, Ongi temple. Activitie...

Eastern Mongolia

EASTERN MONGOLIA Eastern Mongolia contains one of the largest – and last – undisturbed steppe ecosystems in the world, and is the core habitat of the Mongolian gazelle. There are meandering rivers, large wetland areas punctuated by beautiful lakes, swathes of multicolored wild flowers and huge herds of white-tailed gazelle. Besides the grasslands, the major feature of the region is the Khan Khentii Mountains, where was the birthplace of Genghis Khan. Places to visit: Khan Khentii Mountain National Park, Onon Balj National Park, Oglogch Kherem, Deluun Boldog, Bereeven Monastery, Khukh Lake, Rashaan Khad. Attractions: Hiking, horse riding, nomadic culture experiencing, sightseeing, camping in the wild, kayaking, fishing, bird wa...

Western Mongolia

WESTERN MONGOLIA Western Mongolia. This zone covers the three western provinces of Mongolia-Uvs, Bayan-Olgii, Hovd. The impressive Altai Mountain Range and great lakes depression make this region one of the most attractive place of the country. The diversity of ethnic groups residing in these regions is the great opportunity for cultural discoveries. Popular ones are Kazakh ethnic groups, who are residing in Bayan-Olgii province. The Kazakhs have a rich culture, close extended families, and many traditions that are still practiced today that are centuries old. The Kazakhs are the second largest ethnic group in Mongolia after the Khalkhs, with 101,000 people comprising 6% of the population. The western Mongolia is an ideal destination for adventurous tours such as&...