Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Conversely, it's an important ecological zone and habitat for white-tailed gazelle, which
can outrun even the best jeep driver.
In a land that most historians forgot, fierce battles were fought by joint
Soviet-Mongolian forces against the Japanese at Khalkhiin Gol in 1939. Their traces re-
main, as does a mysterious stone giant from a bygone era. Natural attractions include
Khökh Nuur, the lowest point in the country; and some nature reserves - the last bastion
of highly endangered wildlife.
The northern
sums
of Bayan-Uul, Bayandun and Dashbalbar are home to the Buriats,
who still practise traditional shamanism; if you are lucky, you may be able to meet a
shaman or stumble upon a shamanist ceremony.
NATIONAL PARKS OF DORNOD
Dornod aimag is the focus of numerous environmental projects that protect one of
the world's last undisturbed grasslands.
Mongol Daguur Strictly Protected Area
(103,016 hectares) This is divided into
northern 'A' and southern 'B' sections. Mongol Daguur A is hill steppe and wetland
bordering Russia's Tari Nuur and Daurski Reserve, protecting endemic species
such as the Daurian hedgehog; Mongol Daguur B, along the Ulz Gol, protects the
tsen togoruu(white-naped crane) and other endangered birds. The area is part of a
1-million-hectare international reserve, linking the Siberian taiga with the inner-Asi-
an steppe.
Nömrög Strictly Protected Area
(311,205 hectares) An unpopulated area, which
contains rare species of moose, crane, otter and bear. Ecologically distinct from
the rest of Mongolia, the area takes in the transition zone from the eastern Mongo-
lian steppe to the mountains and forest of Manchuria. Access is restricted to all but
research biologists.
Toson Khulstai Nature Reserve
(469,928 hectares) The nature reserve protects
large herds of white-tailed gazelle; it's an easy detour if travelling between Khentii
and Dornod.
Ugtam Uul Nature Reserve
(46,100 hectares) Forested area that contains wildlife
and the ruins of an old temple.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Choibalsan
7058, 01582 / POP 38,537 / ELEV 747M
