Sights in Western Mongolia
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Javkhlant Tolgoi
This hilltop near the river and just to the north of the main street features a pavilion, nine stupas and the concrete likenesses of an elk, ibex and argali sheep. The views from the top are good. To the northeast, about 3km away, you can barely make out the remains of the old Manchu military garrison (GPS: N 47°44.922', E 96°52.198'). It is possible to walk to the garrison in about 30 minutes, though there's not much to see and it is generally regarded by locals as a waste dump.
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Uvs Nuur Strictly Protected Area
Uvs Nuur Strictly Protected Area (712,545 hectares) Consists of four separate areas: Uvs Nuur, Türgen Uul, Tsagaan Shuvuut Uul and Altan Els. Contains everything from desert sand dunes to snowfields, marsh to mountain forest. Snow leopards, wolves, foxes, deers and ibex are among the animals protected. Part of the Man and the Biosphere Unesco programme, and the Ramsar Wetland Convention.
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Aimag Museum
The comprehensive Aimag Museum has the usual stuff plus a section on the 16th- century Oirad leader Amarsanaa (the chain-mail jacket is supposedly his). There's a newly built wing dedicated solely to the reign of one-time dictator Yu Tsedenbal (who was born in Uvs), featuring photos of the man with other commie leaders like Fidel Castro and Ho Chi Minh.
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Hot Springs
About 25km northwest of Khoton Nuur you can also visit Rashany Ikh Uul, an area of 35 Hot Springs . The springs (which are really just luke-warm) are facilitated by Aksu Rashan Suvlal (9942 2979; per person with breakfast US$10), a small ger camp run by a local entrepreneur. The springs are around 33°C to 36°C and cost US$5 to enter.
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Dechinravjaalin Khiid
Dechinravjaalin Khiid was originally founded on this spot in 1738. It contained seven temples and 2000 monks; an artist's rendition hangs inside the office of the head monk. The place was pulverised in 1937 thanks to Stalin, and its current incarnation consists of a concrete ger and about 20 welcoming monks.
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Mosque
Ölgii's Mosque and madrasah (Islamic place of learning) is worth a quick look, especially on Friday at lunchtime when weekly prayers are held, though you may not be allowed inside. The mosque holds the offices of the Islamic Centre of Mongolia. Its unusual angle is due to its orientation to Mecca.
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Khuiten Uul Base Camp
Even if you are not a climber, it's worth trekking up to the Khuiten Uul Base Camp, where you can get stunning views of all the peaks as well as the 12km-long Potanii glacier, which tumbles out of the range. It's possible to walk onto the glacier but be careful of deep snows and crevasses.
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Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
Altai Tavan Bogd National Park (636,161 hectares) Takes in Tavan Bogd, which includes Mongolia's highest mountain, and the stunning lakes of Khoton, Khurgan and Dayan. Fauna includes argali sheep, ibex, maral (Asiatic red deer), stone marten, deer, elk, Altai snowcock and eagles.
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Tsagaan Sala Petroglyphs
The best petroglyphs in the area, if not all of Central Asia, can be found at Tsagaan Sala (aka Baga Oigor), on the route between Ulaankhus and Tavan Bogd. The drawings, more than 10,000 of them, are scattered over a 15km area; you'll need a guide to find the best ones.
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History Museum
The History Museum, on the main street, contains a mammoth bone, some fine religious art and a tsam mask, worn during lama dances, made from coral. There is also a fine collection of photographs taken of Uliastai in the early 20th century.
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Khurgan Nuur
The shoreline of Khurgan Nuur is dry and exposed. Few people travel along its southern shore but if you are going this way there is a stupa-like construction and several burial sites. Nearby is a balbal (GPS: N 48°32.006', E 88°28.549').
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Petroglyphs
Close to Tavan Bogd, Sheveed Uul (3350m) contains some fascinating Petroglyphs depicting wild animals and hunting scenes. Keep your eyes peeled (and binoculars ready) for ibex which inhabit the mountain above.
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Aimag Museum
The Aimag Museum gives an excellent overview of Kazakh culture and the geography of Bayan-Ölgii. The 2nd floor is devoted to history, and the 3rd floor has some interesting ethnographic displays.
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Museum of Famous People
Features well-known Zavkhanites, including Mongolia's first two democratically elected presidents, P Ochirbat and N Bagabandi. Admission is free if you already bought a ticket to the History Museum.
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Tögs Buyant Javkhlant Khiid
This small, well-appointed monastery has around 20 monks. You are allowed to watch their ceremonies, which start at about 10:00 every day. The monastery is on the eastern side of Javkhlant Tolgoi.
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Mogoit Valley
Mogoit Valley contains a moustachioed balbal (GPS: N 48°44.099', E 88°38.930') and a Kazakh cemetery with an interesting beehive-shaped mausoleum about 2km to the north.
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Balbal
A Balbal can be found south of Mogoit Valley, on the way to Khurgan Nuur. More interesting Kazakh cemeteries and ancient burial mounds are easily spotted from the road.
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Bronze Statue
The Bronze Statue in front of Government House is of Yumjaagiin Tsedenbal, who ruled Mongolia for about 40 years until 1983, and was born near Ulaangom.
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Khökh Serkh Strictly Protected Area
Khökh Serkh Strictly Protected Area (65,920 hectares) A mountainous area on the border with Khovd, which protects argali sheep and ibex.
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Khan Khökhii National Park
Khan Khökhii National Park (220,550 hectares) An important ecological indicator and home to musk deers, elks, red deers and wolves.
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Siilkhem Nuruu National Park
Siilkhem Nuruu National Park (140,080 hectares) This park has two sections, one around Ikh Türgen Uul, the other further west.
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Khyargas Nuur National Park
Khyargas Nuur National Park (332,800 hectares) An area of springs and rocky outcrops that harbours abundant waterfowl.
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Tsambagarav Uul National Park
Tsambagarav Uul National Park (110,960 hectares) Protects glaciers and the snow-leopard habitat; borders on Khovd.
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Tes River Reserve
Tes River Reserve (712,545 hectares). The newest conservation area in Uvs protects waterfowl, beavers and fish.
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Ochirpurev Tsogt Khiid
Ochirpurev Tsogt Khiid, a Nyingmapa monastery with five lamas, is near the museums and signposted in English.
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