Northern Mongolia - Mongolia - page 257

and a model of a modern ger with a TV inside. Look out for the two-headed calf, and the
positively demented expressions on the faces of the taxidermied wildlife.
Friendship Monument MONUMENT
MAP GOOGLE MAP
This communist monument, about 200m northeast of the Selenge Hotel, is worth a quick
look. On the way from the town centre you pass a fine Marx mural MAP
GOOGLE MAP and the ever-recognisable Lenin's profile bolted to the wall. Head north
of the Friendship Monument into the hills above town for good views of the city. Around
400m east of the monument you'll find Erdenet's shiny new Buddha statue MAP
GOOGLE MAP .
Bayan Öndör MOUNTAIN
Rising above Erdenet, to the northwest of the city centre, the summit of Bayan Öndör
mountain offers a splendid view of the surrounding area, including the copper mine. The
road to the top is rough and muddy, but you can take a taxi (T10,000). Other hills sur-
rounding Erdenet also provide good hiking in summer, but none have claim to Bayan
Öndör's view.
NATIONAL PARKS OF BULGAN
Khögnö Khan Nature Reserve A 46,900-hectare reserve off the main Ulaan-
baatar-Kharkhorin highway, its rocky semi-desert terrain is home to wolves, ibexes
and various birds of prey.
Uran-Togoo Tulga Uul Nature Reserve A protected area of 5800 hectares of un-
dulating hills and grassland, encompassing three extinct volcanoes.
Sleeping
Erdenet has a reasonable selection of hotels but no guesthouse or ger camp. Camping is
much better around Amarbayasgalant Khiid.
Molor Erdene HOTEL$$$
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( 01352-20309; d/half-lux/lux with breakfast T30,000/50,000/60,000; ) Rooms at
the Molor Erdene are large and comfortable, with an internet cable for laptop users (al-