Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
D TSERENDAVAA: KHÖÖMII SINGER
D Tserendavaa took some time to tell us the secrets of khöömii(throat singing).
Khöömii Training
Khöömiihas been part of my family for generations. I was six when my father first
started teaching me and I continued to study khöömiiwhen I moved away to start
school.
Khöömii Technique
When foreigners first hear me sing they are amazed as they don't realise the hu-
man body is capable of producing such sounds. They are even more surprised to
learn that I use seven different techniques to produce a whole harmonic range and
that the 'song' is formed in the larynx, throat, stomach and palate. By singing this
way I am able to produce two notes and melodies simultaneously: one a low growl,
the other an ethereal whistle.
Best Places to Hear Khöömii
The best places to hear khöömiiare in western Mongolia, particularly in Chand-
mani and Khovd or at a concert in Ulaanbaatar.
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Tsenkheriin Agui
Tsenkheriin Agui is famous for its cave paintings, and some of them depict long-extinct
fauna including mammoths and ostrich-like birds. Today this area is known as a great
place to spot saiga antelopes, especially on the road to Chandmani.
The surrounding valleys are excellent for camping (if you can bear the mosquitos) and
short hikes.
Sights
Tsenkheriin Agui
CAVE PAINTINGS
(Khoid Tsenkher; GPS: N 47°20.828', E 091°57.225'; per person/vehicle T3000/10,000)
This huge
cave about 100km southeast of Khovd City looks deceptively small from the parking
