Places to visit

Ulaanbaatar

Ulaanbaatar is to mark its 360th anniversary of foundation on October 26, 1999. Its cornerstone was laid first nearby current Burd soum, Uvurhangai aimag, but the capital had changed its location more than twenty times prior to settling down in the present day site at the altitude of 1,351 metres above the sea level along the River Tuul trimmed by Bogd Khan Mountain in the south and surrounded by three other mountain ranges. Similar was the story with its name: Urgoo ( 1639-1706 ); Ih Huree (1706 - 1911); Niislel Huree ( 1911 - 1923 ); and finally Ulaanbaatar (since 1924). It is the home for the quarter of the nations population. The capital city is the hub of international and domestic flights, train service and long distance buses. As the cultural and academic centre of the nation, Ulaanbaatar is the seat of major art and culture establishments, museums, and educational institutions. Monasteries are an integral part of the city.

Kharakhorum

Mongolias ancient capital, Kharakhorum, Chinggis Khaans fabled city, was founded in 1220 in the Orkhon valley, at the crossroads of the Silk Road. It was from there that the Mongol Empire governed, until Khubilai Khaan moved it to Beijing. The symbolic ruins of Kharakhorum (Harhorin), monumental walls (400 m of length) with 108 stupas, surround the first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia Erdene Zuu Monastery, built in 1586. In 1792, it housed 62 temples and 10,000 lamas; since 1990, it has become an active monastery again. Turtles carved from the stone marked the boundaries of the complex. Nearby, Turkish monuments and rock inscriptions erected in 8-9th centuries in memory of outstanding fighters for independence.Travel by air, Located 370 km away from Ulaanbaatar Elevation is 1600 metres above sea level. World famous place for its wounderful relics of the past. In order to get acquainted with Khujurt one has to visit the ruins of the ancient town Kara Korum, wel-known througout the world, where in the 13-th and 24-th centuries the capital of Mongolia was situated. At the time it was a busy, splendid, big city city with high culture. Those who whould like to visit Kara Korum can also see the former Buddhist monastery at Erdene-Zuu erected in the 16-th century. Quite a surprise for the scentists was the discovery of a burial of a Mongolian woman which dates to approximately the 14-th century where also two Egiptian masks, a wooden comb and a bronze mirror in a silk case wre found. The ruins of this ancient capital of Mongolia Kara Korum and the Erdene Zuu monastery with their 108 stupas are undoubtely at great interest to travellers.

Lake Khovsgol

Known as The Dark Blue Pearl , Lake Khovsgol is Mongolias largest and deepest lake. Located in the northernmost province, it is the largest tributary stream of Lake Baikal in Russia. Lake Khuvsgul is 136 km long,36 km wide, 262 metres deep and is located at an altitude of 1645 m above sea level and is frozen from January until April or May. It's the second largest fresh water lake in Central Asia. It's inhabited by nine species of fish including the Siberian grayling and lenok. Fishing and sport fishing are becoming popular in the lake area. Taiga Fauna and Flora,Tsatan, practicing raindeer breeding are the main attractions for tourist. A ferryboat operates between Khatgal and Khanh, two towns on the southern and northen shores of the lake that is within the boundaries of the Khovsgol National Park. Different ethnic groups live in the area: Khalh, Darhadt, Butyat. Tsaatans are raindeer herders. Lake Khovsgol is on the important migration route for birds from Siberia, thus facilitating marvelous opportunities for birdwatching.

A ferryboat operates between Khatgal and Khankh, two towns on the southern and northern shores of the lake that are within the boundaries of the Khovsgol National Park.

Gobi Desert

The Gobi Desert is a vast zone of desert and desert steppe covering almost 30 percent of the Mongolian territory. The area is often imagined as a lifeless desert like in many other parts of the world. In reality, most part of the Gobi Desert is a land of steppes and it is the home for camel breeders rich with wildlife and vegetation. Mongolians consider that there are 33 different Gobi, where sandy desert occupies only 3 percent of the total territory. Climate is extreme with 40 degrees Celsius in summer and severe winters. ( http://www.gobidesert.mn/ )

Khan Khentii

The native land of Chinggis Khaan, 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, and is a protected area located north-east of the capital city.

Terelj Resort

Open year-round, Terelj Resort is set in a spectacular valley only a two-hour drive from Ulaanbaatar.
Visitors can take leisurely strolls on green meadows carpeted with edelweiss and a dazzling variety of other wild flowers, view fascinating rock formations against a backdrop of pine covered mountains and wander along the wooded banks of a mountain stream. Overnight guests can stay in gers or guest rooms.

Khorgo

Khorgo Volcano is a dead volcano covered with basalt lying in the east of the Lake Terkhiin Tsagaan (National Park) in Arhangai aimag. Interesting bubbles of solidified lava named "Basalt ger .It is possible here to visit yak herders.

Khongoriin els

The 800-meter high sand dunes in Sevrei soum, South aimag, are called Khonguryn Els. These dunes are 20 km wide and 100 km long. The Khongurun River flows along the stand dunes and gives birth to oases. Severel tour companies organize trekking and camel riding tours to the sand dunes.

Yoliin am

The Valley in the Zuun Saikhan mountain located 45 km from Dalanzadgad, in the centre of South Gobi aimag, is called Yolyn Am. The narrow Valley between high rock walls has breathtaking dramatic scenery, and no doubt is one of the beautiful places in the country. In rainy summers hundreds of small waterfalls appear in the rocky walls. Frekking camel and horse riding tours are available to the valley.