Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
tourist industry as Mongol Els, these large dunes stretch for some 70km, and are worth
stopping off at if you're not planning to visit the much more spectacular Khongoryn Els
in the Gobi Desert. At the turn-off to the sand dunes there is a group of camel herders
who hang around and sell camel rides. Expect to pay T5000 to have your photo taken on
a camel, or T10,000 for a one-hour ride across the dunes.
ARKHANGAI
POP 85,200 / AREA 55,000 SQ KM
Arkhangai is something of an oasis in the centre of Mongolia's harsh climatic zones; to
the south lies the hot Gobi Desert and to the north lies the frigid Siberian taiga. Arkhan-
gai is right in the middle, a mixed landscape of rugged mountains, peaceful forests, rush-
ing streams and rolling steppe. All this wild nature and mixed topography makes for
some interesting independent travel options: horse riding, mountain biking, fishing and
trekking are all possible here.
The Khangai Mountains in the southern part of the aimag rise to a height of 3300m.
The mountains are by no means impenetrable and it's possible to travel through the
passes on horse and jeep trails to Bayankhongor aimag. In winter, nomads use the passes
on traditional
otors
(treks) to find grazing land for their animals.
Most travellers make stops at the Tsenkher hot springs and Tsetserleg before heading
off to Tariat for Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur (Great White Lake). From the White Lake there
are trails north to Khövsgöl aimag. With a few extra days up your sleeve you could
dangle a fishing line at Ögii Nuur and check out the historic Turkic-era stone monuments
of Kul-Tegin.
NATIONAL PARKS OF ARKHANGAI
Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park
(77,267 hectares;
Click here
)
Pro-
tected area for migratory birds as well as fish. The park includes lakes, cinder
cones and volcanic flows.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Tsetserleg
01332, 7033 / POP 16,300 / ELEV 1691M
