Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Darkhan and Erdenet. To visit Amarbayasgalant Khiid, the northern route is the way to
go.
HITCHING
Bulgan is on the main road from Erdenet to Mörön. Since most cars leaving Erdenet are
already packed to the gills, it's best to make your way to Erdenet first.
KHÖVSGÖL
POP 117,600 / AREA 100,600 SQ KM
If Switzerland and Montana were to have a love child, Khövsgöl would be it. It is a land
of thick forests, rushing rivers, sparkling lakes, rugged mountains. and endless taiga. It
does rain a lot during summer, but this only adds to the scenery: rainbows hang over
meadows dotted with white gers, grazing horses and yaks.
While the Khalkh dominate the south, there are also pockets of minority ethnic groups,
including Uriankhai, Khotgoid and Darkhad people. The Tsaatan, who live in the taiga in
the far north of the aimag, herd reindeer and live in tepees resembling those of Native
Americans.
The jewel in Khövsgöl's crown, the region's most dramatic geographical feature and
visitor magnet is the enormous Khövsgöl Nuur. While most travellers stay close to the
lake, the rest of the aimag has much to offer. The Darkhad valley, Chandman-Öndör and
Jargalant all make fine destinations, with many opportunities for fishing, hiking and
cycle touring.
DEER STONES
Found across Mongolia, deer stones are ancient markers that date from the Bronze
Age and there are several theories for their existence. The ancient steppe tribes
believed that after death a soul departed this world and ascended to the sky on the
backs of deer. The deer carved onto the stones seem to be representational of this
act. However, since human remains have never been found near deer stones, they
do not appear to be gravestones, but rather serve some sort of religious or spiritual
purpose. Many deer stones are also carved with a belt, from which hang various
tools including axes and spears. These accessories would be required for success-
fully navigating the afterlife. Of the 700 deer stones known to exist worldwide, 500
are located in Mongolia. The best collection of deer stones is at Uushigiin Uver
( Click here ).
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