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Introducing Khögnö Khan Uul Nature Reserve
Although it’s just off the main Ulaanbaatar–Kharkhorin highway, this nature reserve sees relatively few visitors. Its arid terrain of rocky semi-desert is good for short hikes and there are a few old temples to explore, both ruined and active. At the southern foot of the mountain are the ruins of Övgön Khiid (; GPS: N47° 25.561’, E103° 41.686’; admission T1000), built in 1660 and destroyed (and the monks massacred) by the armies of Zungar Galdan Bochigtu, a rival of Zanabazar’s in 1640. About 10 monks reside here in the summer months. The head lama is a charming woman who professes soothsaying abilities.
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The mountain is in Bulgan aimag but most easily accessed from the Ulaanbaatar–Arvaikheer road.
The ruins of the earlier destroyed monastery (GPS: N47° 26.267’, E103° 42.527’) are a lovely 45-minute (2km) walk along a well-defined path up the valley to the right. The surroundings belong to the 46, 900-hectare Khögnö Khan Nature Reserve and you might spot ibex, wolves and many varieties of hawk. There are lots of hiking possibilities around here.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
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