Northern Mongolia - Mongolia - page 264

Khatanbaatar Magsarjav Mausoleum MAUSOLEUM
Located 1km southwest of the Bulgan Hotel, across the stream and at the top of a hill,
this curious silver building resembling a concrete ger is actually a mausoleum in the
shape of a hat. It allegedly contains the remains of Khatanbaatar Magsarjav, a key figure
in the 1911 Revolution, who helped to liberate the city of Khovd from Chinese rule.
There are some murals of battle scenes inside, but to see them you'll need to get the keys
from the caretaker. Ask at the Aimag Museum.
Museum of the West Road Military Unit MUSEUM
(admission T1500; 9am-5pm) The West Road Military Unit was a key force in freeing
Mongolia from White Russian rule in 1921. Its history is described in this small museum,
2.5km south of Bulgan. Choibalsan and Khatanbaatar Magsarjav both stayed here during
Mongolia's military campaigns of the early 20th century. The museum contains, among
other things, Choibalsan's saddle and sword. If the museum is closed, find the caretaker
at the ger next door.
WORTH A TRIP
DASHINCHILEN
There are a couple of unique ruins in Dashinchilen sum(district), in the south of
the aimag, which are worth seeking out if you are travelling between Ulaanbaatar
and Tsetserleg, via Ögii Nuur.
On the western side of the Tuul Gol, about 35km northeast of Dashinchilen, are
the impressive ruins of Tsogt Taijiin Tsagaan Balgas (GPS: N 48°01.422', E 104°21.091') , a
17th-century fort that was the home of the mother of Prince Tsogt, a 17th-century
poet who fought against Chinese rule. There is a stone stele nearby.
About 12km west of the sumcapital, the ruined Khar Bukh Balgas (Khar Bakhin Fort-
ress; GPS: N 47°53.198', E 103°53.513') is worth exploring and is easy to reach as it's just a
few kilometres north of the main road. The fortress, inhabited by the Kitan from
917 to 1120, is sometimes known as Kitan Balgas. A small museum nearby is un-
locked by a caretaker when visitors arrive.
Sleeping & Eating
There are a few hole-in-the-wall guanz (canteens) on the main street serving standard
plates of goulash and buuz .
Khantai Hotel GUESTHOUSE$