Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
NATIONAL PARKS OF TÖV
Bogdkhan Uul Strictly Protected Area
(41,700 hectares;
Click here
)
Protects red
deer, foxes, wolves and contains the ruined Mandshir Khiid monastery.
Gorkhi-Terelj National Park
(293,200 hectares;
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)
A playground for
Ulaanbaatarites. The park contains numerous ger (traditional circular felt yurt)
camps and two golf courses. It's more pristine north of the Terelj Gol.
Khustain National Park
(50,620 hectares;
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)
Important rehabilitation site
for takhi(wild horses). Also contains gazelle, marmot and wolves, among other
creatures.
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Bogdkhan Uul Strictly Protected Area
The Bogdkhan Uul (2122m) is said to be the world's oldest nature reserve. Established in
1778, the
park
(admission T3000)
was guarded by 2000 club-wielding lamas. Animal
poachers were hauled away in chains, beaten within an inch of their lives, and locked in-
side coffin-like jail cells.
These days it's perfectly safe and legal to walk on the mountain and you can enjoy
some terrific hiking and horse-riding trails. Wildlife is more difficult to spot than it used
to be, but you still stand a chance of seeing red deer.
Sights
Mandshir Khiid
BUDDHIST MONASTERY
(GPS: N 47°45.520', E 106°59.675'; admission T5000; 9am-sunset)
For the 350 monks who
once called this place home, the gorgeous setting around this monastery (elevation
1645m) must have been a daily inspiration. Like most monasteries in Mongolia, Mand-
shir Khiid was destroyed in 1937 by Stalin's thugs, but was partially restored in the
1990s. Just 6km northeast of Zuunmod and 46km by road from Ulaanbaatar, the monas-
tery is a perfect half-day trip from the capital, or can be used as a starting point for hikes
into the Strictly Protected Area. One possibility is to take the bus here from Ulaanbaatar
early in the morning, then hike back over the hills.
