Travelling Central Region
Before You Travel
Manzushir Monastery built in 1733 lies on the southern end of the Bogd Khaan National Park. At one time the monastery had 70 temples and more than 1,000 lamas. Unfortunately, the Manzushir monastery was destroyed in 1932 by the Communists. Nowadays, the only remaining temple has been restored to its former glory. A visitor to the area can enjoy the beautiful landscape, visit the museum displaying the original photos and artifacts of the temples and displays from the flora and fauna of the surrounding area touch the copper bowl that once fed 1,000 lamas, and take a hike to visit the paintings of Taras and deities on the rocks overlooking the valley.
Gorkhi – Terelj National Park, the third largest protected area in the country was established in 1993. The Gorkhi - Terelj National Park borders with the Khan Khentii Strictly Protected Area and receives the largest number of visitors due to its natural setting and proximity to Ulaanbatar, capital of Mongolia. Terelj is named after the Terelj river and is an area of endless slopes and valleys with high-eroded rock formations, mountains covered in dense forests, and carpets of perennial wild flowers and Edelweiss. There are opportunities for adventure activities such as rafting, horseback riding, hiking, skiing, camping, and mountain biking.
The Przewalski’s horse or takhi, the last wild horse in the world has been successfully reintroduced into the wild in the Hustai National Park in Tuv aimag. The landscape ranges from grassland steppe to forest steppe. The best time for visitors to see the wild horses and other animals such as deer and gazelle is at dawn and at dusk. Within the reserve there are a number of Turkic graves and stone men (Khun chuluu), and the Ongot archaeological complex is nearby.
Ugiinuur lake is known as a wonderful spot for watching migratory birds as well as for fishing.
Khar Balgas or the Black ruins is the ancient capital of Uigur Khanate founded in 751 AD that ruled Mongolia from 745-854. The ruined citadel located on the banks of Orkhon river has very little left to see except for the outer walls, a stupa, and the ruler’s kagan (castle).
Surrounded by extinct volcanoes the TerkhiinTsagaan lakeat an altitude of 2,060 m covers an area of 61 sq. km. The spectacular geology of Khorgo Volcano lying East of Terkhiin Tsagaan lake certainly adds to the pleasure of visiting Arkhangai aimag. Near the crater there are dozens of small caverns with stalactites hanging from the ceiling and walls. In the middle of the lake there is a volcanic island covered with bird nests made of the fragrant grass Sam khan. Horseback riding, fishing, bird watching, and other activities are all possible here.
The Orkhon Waterfall water flows for remarkable 1,120 km to the North and lies in the historically significant Orkhon Valley, UNESCO World Heritage site. The waterfall formed by combination of volcanic eruption and earthquakes some 20,000 years ago cascades down from a height of 27 meters. The waterfall is a good spot for bird watching and fishing.
Naiman Nuur or the Eight Lakes is another area worth visiting located 70 km south-west of the Orkhon waterfall. Naiman Nuur. The lakes were created by volcanic eruptions and are a part of the 11,500 ha of Khuisiin Naiman Nuur Natural Reserve.
Tuvkhun Khiid, ruins of an ancient temple partially restored, sits atop a mountain on the north of the Orkhon Valley. The temple gives a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape to which one can get by hiking or horseback riding. Zanabazar, the leader of Buddhism built the temple in 1653 where he lived, worked, and meditated for 30 years.
Kharkorum, ancient capital of Mongolia was established by Chinggis Khan in 1220 in the Orkhon valley. For 140 years Kharkhorin served as the capital of the United Mongol tribes until it was destroyed by the Chinese troops in 1391. 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 boundaries of ancient Kharkhorin, acting as protectors of the city (turtles are considered symbols of eternity).
In 1586, Erdenezuu, the first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia was built on the ruins of the 13th century capital. Vast walls of 400 m in length with 108stupas surround the monastery, symbolic of Kharkhorin. time and history were not merciful to Erdene Zuu monastery but it still carries the traces of its former glory and provides a great insight into the rich religious and cultural past of Mongolia.
Maanit Monument with Turk inscription erected in 731 BC stand tall in the middle of the steppes of Uvurkhangai. Ruins of Kharkhot, capital city of Uigur.
Central Region Tours
