Khentii

Introducing Khentii

Khentii is Chinggis Khaan territory. The great man grew up here, established his empire on its grasslands and, from Delgerkhaan, launched his military machine to the heart of Asia. As a nomad empire the khaans left few physical reminders of their existence, but with a jeep, a copy of The Secret History of the Mongols and a GPS unit you could launch your own expedition to scour the land for clues to their past. So far researchers have identified more than 50 historical sites relating to Chinggis Khaan’s life.

The aimag is named for the Khentii Nuruu (Khentii Mountain Range), which covers the northwestern corner of the aimag and is part of the giant 1.2-million-hectare Khan Khentii Strictly Protected Area (most of which is in the adjoining Töv aimag). Although none of the peaks is over 2000m, these mountains are well watered and heavily forested. The thickets provide a home for wildlife and you stand a good chance at seeing deer and elk. Marmots are ubiquitous. The lush scenery, however, can make jeep travel arduous business – vehicles get bogged and in some areas the best way forward is on the back of a horse.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009