Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Otgon Tenger Uul Strictly Protected Area
The locals don't want you climbing this
mountain (it's sacred) but it's perfectly OK to hike around its base. (
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)
Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
The park has a lot of varied terrain to tackle. You can
hike along the side of the glacier at Tavan Bogd, or go down to the lake area for a trek
around Khoton Nuur. (
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)
Monasteries
Gandan Khiid
The cultural and religious highlight of Ulaanbaatar. The incredible Migjid
Janraisig statue looms 26m over the pious visitors below. (
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)
Amarbayasgalant Khiid
Set in a wide valley, this magnificent complex has whiled away
the centuries in almost complete obscurity. Camp by its walls and you'll have it almost to
yourself. (
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)
Baldan Baraivun Khiid
Lost in the wilderness of Khentii aimag, this remote, ruined mon-
astery was once one of the largest in the country. (
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)
Khamaryn Khiid
The home monastery of Danzan Ravjaa, a poet-monk who established
Mongolia's first theatre here in the mid-19th century. (
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)
Tövkhön Khiid
Recently revived, this former workshop of Zanabazar receives crowds of
visitors who march uphill to discover this spiritual nook. (
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)
The Obscure
A lot of strange stuff happens in Mongolia. One day you're strumming a guitar in the shad-
ow of John Lennon, the next day you're feasting on sheep-head stew. Keep your itinerary
loose and expect the unexpected.
Techie nomads
From the outside, the simple gers in far-flung corners of the steppe may
appear oh-so-12th-century, but inside the 21st century is all too apparent, as weather-
beaten nomads text, tweet, surf and maybe fling an angry bird or two on their mobile
devices.
Camel beauty pageants
How the judges determine a winner, we don't know. These hap-
pen as part of camel festivals held in late winter near Ulaanbaatar (
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) and the
Gobi (
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)
.
Pyongyang
Down some vodka shots and toast the Kim Dynasty at this North Korean res-
taurant in UB. (
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)
Khar Temis
Dig your toes in the sand and listen to the seagulls caw at this oddball beach
located 2000km from any ocean. (
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)
