Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Khannui Valley
One of the most interesting places to visit in central Mongolia is the Khannui Valley.
Very few people get there because it's off the main tourist route, but for me this in
one of the most beautiful valleys in the country.
Archaeological Remains
Khannui is also a historically significant region with a huge ritual complex, the re-
mains of a 14th-century settlement and around 30 deer stones. This is one of the
largest concentrations of deer stones in Central Asia. Around the deer stones there
are about 1700 horse mounds. These mounds contain horse skulls, which were
buried according to local custom. Even today nomadic people honour these horse
skulls - you can see them placed on ovoos.
Tips for Visitors
If travellers come here, I recommend they bring a Polaroid camera. It would please
herders very much to receive an instant picture of their family. I also recommend
that foreigners join an archaeological dig in Mongolia - it's a great way to see Mon-
golia and gain an appreciation of its history.
Sleeping
Gangin Gol has some great camping spots, though someone may come and collect a du-
bious 'fee' for camping in a 'nature reserve' (it's not). A few hundred metres past a ger
camp is a grassy enclosure that's perfect for camping. There are also some nice spots a
few kilometres south of town on the banks of the river.
Fairfield Guesthouse
GUESTHOUSE$$$
( 7033 3036;
www.fairfield.mn
;
per person with breakfast T32,500; )
Attached to the excel-
lent cafe-restaurant of the same name, this nine-room guesthouse, run by an Australian
guy called Murray, his young family and their team of friendly local staff, is a hugely
popular choice and one of the only hotels in the countryside where you need a reserva-
tion in summer. Rooms are simple, but clean and cosy and there is an excellent Western
breakfast included in the price. The shared showers are spotless, and always hot, and
clean towels are provided for all guests. Staff can also arrange horse-trekking trips
(guides T35,000 per day, horses T16,000 per day), and they have a fleet of good-quality
Trek mountain bikes for rent (T25,000). Laundry costs T5000, and the free wi-fi extends
