Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
its semidesert surrounds. The arid terrain is good for short hikes (there's plenty of rock
clambering to be done), and there are old temples to explore, both ruined and active. We
saw some majestic red deer when we were here last. You might also spot ibexes, various
varieties of hawk, and even wolves.
The mountain is in Bulgan aimag but most easily accessed from the Ulaan-
baatar-Kharkhorin highway.
Sights
Erdiin Khambiin Khiid
RUINS
(GPS: N 47°25.561', E 103°41.686'; admission T2000)
At the southern foot of the mountain are
these ruins, with a couple of new temples and the remains of one older temple. About
five monks reside here in the summer months. The head lama is a charming woman who
professes soothsaying abilities.
Övgön Khiid
RUINS
(GPS: N 47°26.267', E 103°42.527')
These ruins are a lovely 45-minute (2km) walk along a
well-defined path up the valley to the right of Erdiin Khambiin Khiid. The monastery
was built in 1660 and destroyed (and the monks massacred) by the armies of Zungar
Galdan Bochigtu, a rival of Zanabazar's, in 1640.
NATIONAL PARKS OF ÖVÖRKHANGAI
Khangai Nuruu National Park
(888,455 hectares;
Click here
)
Encompasses most
of the Khangai mountain range, protecting crucial watersheds and a variety of an-
imals including ibexes and argali sheep.
Khögnö Khan Uul Nature Reserve
(46,900 hectares) This nature reserve pro-
tects wolves and foxes that inhabit the desert-steppe area.
Sleeping
Camping is excellent in the valley, though the only water comes from a hard-to-find well
at its lower end.
Ider-Tsogt's Family Ger
GUEST GER$
