Winter Palace of Bogd Khan
Built between 1893 and 1903, the Winter Palace of Bogd Khan was the home of the Mongolia’s last king Javzun Damba Khutagt VIII. This complex of temples and houses contains a number of Buddhist artworks and the private collection of the Bogd Khan, composed of gifts from rulers and kings from all over the world.
The artworks displayed here were made by the top Mongolian, Tibetan and Chinese master-sculptors of the 18th and 19th centuries and represent the gods of the Buddhist pantheon.
National Museum of Mongolia
The Mongolian National Museum was first established in 1924 with the aim of introducing the history, culture, and natural environment of Mongolia to its visitors. From 1940 to 1941, the museum was known as the Museum of Local Research and then from 1956 to 1991 as the State Central Museum. The State Central Museum moved into its own building in 1956, with galleries relating to history, the natural environment, paleontology, and Mongolian art. In 1964, new exhibits of ethnography enriched the History Gallery. In May 1991, the State Committee of Culture and Art decided to improve the museums throughout the country. It established the National Museum of Mongolia History by merging the historical collections from the State Central Museum with the Museum of the Revolution which had been founded in 1971. The National Museum of Mongolian History is now located in the facility built for the Museum of the Revolution. The Memorial Museum of the Victims of Political Repression (also in Ulaanbaatar) is a branch museum of the National Museum of Mongolian History. The National Museum of Mongolian History is a cultural, scientific, and educational organization that presents Mongolian history and culture from the dawn of humanity to the present day. The exhibition divided: Ancient History
The Ancient States Period
Traditional Clothing and Jewelry
The Kidan Period
Mongolian Tribal Confederations and United Mongolia of the 10th-12th Centuries
The Mongolian Empire
The Manchu period
Traditional Mongolian Culture and Life
20th Century Mongolia
The Museum cooperates with the Canadian Foundation and Arts Council, and Soros/Open society/ Foundation Australian youth ambassadors for development and Korean national museum.
Natural History Museum
This museum was established in 1956 with a single hall containing geography, flora, fauna, and fossils exhibits. Since then, the museum has continuously enriched the range of its exhibits contained currently in 40 different halls divided by themes.
Gandantegchilen Monastery
Gandantegchilen monastery, the only functioning Buddhist monastery that stood test of time and was allowed to carry out services on a daily basis during the Communist years symbolizes the spiritual past of the Mongols. One of the temples hosts the tallest standing Buddha statue in Centra! and East Asia - the Megjid Janraisag, the Buddha of Future. The intricate rooftops of the monasteries depict the artistic techniques polished by the ages and that have been passed through generations.
Terelj National Park (Khan Khentii Protected Area)- "Turtle Rock"
Terelj is the most popular destination in the third biggest protected area in Mongolia, the Khan Khentii Protected Area. This is the motherland of Chinggis Khan, and contains numerous important historical and cultural sites. Three major river systems have their sources in the protected area; the Tuul River, which flows into Russia’s Lake Baikal and continues to the Artic Ocean, and the Onon and Kherlen rivers, which flow east to join the Amur before emptying into the Pacific Ocean.
Over 1,150 species of plants, characteristic of both taiga and steppe, have been identified. Over 50 mamma species, 253 species of birds and 34 species of fish make their home in the Khan Khentii Protected Area. Situated 80 km northeast of Ulaanbaatar, Terelj is famous for its unique granite rock formations and pristine alpine scenery, and is a popular destination for tourists based in the capital and for Mongolians on weekend trips. The park lies at an altitude of 1600 m and offers activities such as hiking, river rafting, horseback riding, skiing and rock climbing. Terelj is a Landscape of transition from Siberian taiga forest to grass steppe. In spring and summer the lush meadows are carpeted with wildflowers, and the mountain pine forests and broad streams make this one of the most beautiful areas Mongolia.
Khustai National Park
Khustai National Park is the place not for only wildlife. In the past it has been protected as it was a holy place for local people. The area in and around the park is rich with archaeological and cultural sites.
The area of HNP is showing many traces of ancient habitation and use. Among the oldest ones are the many Neolithic graves that dot the upper terraces of Tuul River valley, as well as some of the inner valleys. The oldest ones are reported to be over 4000 years of age.
The most spectacular grave site is called the Ongot grave. About 1200-1400 years ago people of Turkic origin carved the grave stones like in which man-like features can easily be recognized.
In the Tuul river valley the remains of small temple can be found built some 200 years ago.
Khustai National Park proudly present the Przewalski horse - Takhi, the only still living wild ancestor of the domestic horse and other wild life. Our Takhi reintroduction project is continuing with good result and first generation of Takhi born in the wild are reproducing themselves now. In 2010, there are 21 groups of Przewalski horses and their total number is reached over 250.
The quality of the various ecosystems within the park assures an abundant wildlife. Till now 46 mammals, 217 bird, 2 amphibian, 3 reptile, 16 fish and over 400 insect species have been recorded.
Many of these are mentioned in the Red Data Book as globally threatened with extinction such as the Przewalski horse, the Mongolian gazelle, Red deer, Roe deer, Argali sheep, Grey wolf, Marmot, Lynx and many more.
Most time of the year HNP is an excellent place for observing birds as many species are spectacular due to size, rarity, numbers and behaviour.
Notable are the number of large raptors like the Black vultures, Golden eagles and several species of Falcons including the highly valued Saker Falcon. Other birds include the Demoiselle Crane, the Great bustard, The Black Stork and many more.
Approximately 450 vascular plant species have been recorded. Among theses are many medicinal rare and endangered species.
There is a good chance to see all of these wild lives in Khustai in short period.
Amarbayasgalant Monastery
The Amarbayasgalant Monastery is considered the second most important in Mongolia after Erdene Zuu Khiid in Kharkhorin and the most intact architectural complex in Mongolia located in a valley 360 km from Ulaanbaatar. The monastery was built between 1727 and 1737 by the Manchu emperor Yongzheng and dedicated to the great Mongolian Buddhist and sculptor, Zanabazar, whose mummified body was moved here in 1779. The valley is covered throughout its extent with Turkic-era graves of various geometric shapes dating to 3rd century. The area holds sacred associations for the people. In 1996 it was nominated by UNESCO as a Heritage Site. After 65 years the lamas organized "Tsam" religious dance for the first time in Amarbayasgalant monastery in 2002.
Kharakhorum
Mongolian ancient capital, Kharakhorum, Chinggis Khaan’s fabled city, was founded in 1220 in the Orkhon valley, at the crossroads of the Silk Road. It was from here that the Mongol Empire governed, until Khubilai Khaan moved to Beijing. The symbolic ruins of Kharakhorum monumental alls (400m of length) with 108 stupas, surround the first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia, Erdene Zuu Monastery, built in 1586.It was not a simple monastery but a veritable fortress, surrounded by powerful walls and towers on all four sides. Each had its own market, selling grain in the east, goats in the west, oxen and wagons in the south and horses in the north. Each wall had a gate similar to the building designs of the old Qidan and Mongol towns.
In 1792, it housed 42 temples and 10000 monks; since 1990, it has become an active monastery again. The temple contains valuable collection of sculptures artwork and booksTurtles carved from the stone marked the boundaries of the complex. Nearby, Turkish monuments and rock inscriptions erected in 8-9thcenturies in memory of outstanding fighters for independence. World famous for its wonderful ancient remains, Kharakhorum is located 370km from Ulaanbaatar with an elevation of 1600 meters above sea level. In order to become acquainted with Khujirt, one has to visit the ruins of the ancient town Kharakhorum.
In the 13 and 14th centuries, the capital was a bustling splendid city with rich culture. Those who would like to visit Khara Khorum can also see the former Buddhist monastery Erdene Zuu erected, in the 16thcentury. A surprise for the community and scientists alike was the discovery of a burial of a Mongolian woman which dates to approximately the 14th century. Discovered along with the woman were two Egyptian masks, a wooden comb and the bronze mirror in a silk case. The ruins of the ancient capital,Kharakhorum and Erdene Zuu monastery with their 108 stupas, are undoubtedly at great interest to travelers.
Manzushir Monastery
Manzushir Monastery is located in the southern entrance of Bogd Khaan National Park. This 18th century monastic complex was left in ruins after the communist purges of the 1930s. A new temple has been built next to the ruins of the old temples and serves as a museum with pictures and artifacts from the original monastery. By the ruins there are also some gers, a restaurant and a natural museum. The surrounding area is perfect for walking in green woods, meadows and clear water mountain streams.
Horgo Mountain and Terhiin Tsagaan Nuur Lake
Horgo Mountain is a dormant volcano located on the east shore of Lake Terhiin Tsagaan (2,100m above sea level). Horgiin Togoo is the highest volcano crater in the Orkhon River Valley. From the summit of this basalt-covered mountain one has a splendid view over the whole region and the lake. The volcanic crater of the Togoo Uul is 200m wide and 100m deep. The northern slope is covered with Siberian Larch. One of the most interesting sights of Horgo is the so-called Basalt Ger, which lies on the southern side. It is a large solidified bubble of lava with a broken piece on one side, which makes a natural door. The height of some of these stone gers is 1.7m. Several other ancient volcanoes are not far from the Horgo.
Lake Terhiin Tsagaan was formed when volcanic lava dammed the Suman River, cutting a large gorge through the basalt. It is an astonishingly beautiful lake, 20km long, 16km wide and 4 to 10 meters deep with an altitude of 2,060m above sea level.
Gobi-the Southern Mongolia
One of the most famous and exotic areas in the world, the Gobi Desert region has a history of adventures and explorers. Known to be one of the harshest anvironments on the planet, with extreme temperature and seasonal changes, the Gobi is surprisingly full of wildlife, such as gazelle, wild ass or hulan, wild camel or havtgai, antelopes and the endangered Gobi bear or mazaalai. The Gobi Desert was the site of some of the most famous dinosaur fossil discoveries, including the world’s first dinosaur egg nests, some of which can be seen in Ulaanbaatar’s Natural History Museum. The majority of Mongolia’s population of Bactrain camels lives in this region and visitors can take a camel trek and see the Flaming Cliffs, the huge sand dunes of the Hongor Els or the remarkable gorge at Yolyn Am (Lammergier Valley).
Yol Valley
Yol (Yol-Lammergeir)Valley is the narrow canyon of a river that flows through Zuun Saikhan Mountain (2,816m above sea level). The gorge has sheer rock walls with a height of 200m in the central part of the gorge. It has been protected since 1965 and has an area of 70 square kilometers of strictly protected area. A spring two or three kilometers long winds its way through the defile and freezes into a thick corridor of ice that stretches along for a distance. During the rainy season, rain falls at the summit of the mountain an dflows down into the sheer canyon, forming waterfalls. Only two people can pass through the narrowest part at the same time and you will see only a blue line of a sky. Argali and Ibex are local inhabitants of this place. A small museum marks the entrance to the protected zone and provides information on the petrified trees, fauna and flora of the Gobi.
Dinosaur skeletons and eggs and Hongor Els Sand Dunes
Bayanzag is located in Bulgan sum, and archaeological finds of the Paleolithic Era, which are displayed in Natural History Museum in Ulaanbaatar, were found here. In the west the site is better known as the Flaming Cliffs, so named by explorer Roy Chapman Andrews. 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 hatchlings from the Cretaceous Period.
Hongor Els sand dunes stretch for an extraordinary 180km and are 15-20m wide and high. The dunes lie on the northern part of the mountains of Sevree and Zuulun. The sound produced by masses of sand moving in the wind can be heard from afar. This is why the dunes have been given the name ‘The Singing Sands’ or ‘Duut Manhan’. Near the Hongor Gol at the northern edge of the sand dunes is an oasis.
Khuvsgul Lake
The ‘Dark Blue Pearl of Mongolia’ is one of the deepest lakes in the world and makes up over one percent of the world’s fresh water. It is also one of the most spectacular places in Mongolia, with high mountains peaks, lush lakeside meadows, taiga and forest steppe in the northernmost region of the country.
Minority ethnic groups such as the Buryat, Darkhat and Tsataan people live in the area, lending a unique cultural diversity to the region and its towns. The lake and surrounds are home to nine species of fish and 68 species of mammals, which makes this area a perfect destination for fishermen and nature lovers.
Yaks and horses graze in the alpine meadows, geese and stork make their homes by the water, and bear, sable and moose roam in the mountains. The region of Huvsgul Lake offers activities ranging from the sedate to the most adventurous, such as kayaking, hiking, fishing, horse riding and simply relaxing by the pristine shores of one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in the world.
The capital city Ulaanbaatar
With over one-third of the country’s population, Ulanbaatar is by far Mongolia’s largest city. It is also the transport, political, economic and industrial center of the country. Built along with river Tuul and surrounded by picturesque mountains, the center of Ulaanbaatar is dominated by soviet style high-rise apartment blocks. About 600000 locals, mostly from provinces, live in sprawling suburbs on the outskirts of the city, opting to live in traditional ger houses.
The topography makes for good hillside views overlooking the city. It is very pleasant place to visit and the base for trips around the country. The city has interesting monasteries and museums and excellent cultural shows.
The first recorded capital city of Mongolia was created in 1639. It was called Orgoo and was originally located at the monastery Da Khuree, some 420km from Ulaanbatar in Arkhangai aimag or province. The monastery was the residence of the five year old Zanabazar who at the time, had been proclaimed the head of the Buddhism in Mongolia. The city was moved around 25 times to various places along with Orkhon, Selenge and Tuul rivers. Throughouts such movements, the city was given fairly unexciting official and unofficial names, including Khuree (Camp) in 1706. In 1778 the capital was built at its present location and called as the Ikh Khuree or Great Camp, and was under the rule of the Bogd khaan.
In 1911 when Mongolia first proclaimed its independence from China, the city became the capital of Outer Mongolia and was renamed Niislel Khuree (Capital Camp). The name of the Niislel Khuree was used till 1923, when capital city of Mongolia was renamed as the as the city of Ulaandaatar.
In 1918 it was invaded by the Chinese army and three years later by the Russians. Finally, in 1924 the city was renamed Ulaanbaatar (Red Hero) as declared the official capital of an independent Mongolia. In 1933, Ulaandaatar gained autonomy and separated from the Tov aimag. From the 1930s, the soviets built the city in typical Russian style apartment blocks, large brightly colored theatres and cavernous government buildings. Tragically, the Soviets also destroyed almost all of the monasteries and temples.
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