Western Mongolia
Climb the hundred or so steps up Ulaan Uul (Red Mountain) to an ovoo (a shamanistic collection of stones, wood or other offerings to the gods) and a…
Must-see attractions in Western Mongolia
Western Mongolia
Just outside of town on the south side of Ulaan Uul (Red Mountain), a small spring draws a steady crowd of picnicking locals who come here to drink the…
Western Mongolia
Dechinravjaalin Khiid was originally founded in 1738 and housed seven temples and 2000 monks; the place was pulverised in 1937, thanks to Stalin. Its…
Western Mongolia
On the southwestern border with China, this reserve (18 sq km) was established to help preserve minj (beavers), sables and stone martens. A border permit…
Western Mongolia
In the Mogoit Valley is this oddly moustachioed balbal (stone figure believed to be a Turkic grave marker). There is a Kazakh cemetery with an interesting…
Western Mongolia
This mountainous region (2205 sq km) northeast of Khyargas Nuur is an important ecological indicator and home to musk deer, elk, red deer and wolves.
Western Mongolia
These petroglyphs, on a rise just behind the burial mounds, feature dozens of etched figures, including some of antelopes and even tigers.
Western Mongolia
Hidden between mountains is a 7m-high waterfall that flows down a narrow gorge; a glacier and a small glacial lake are 4km to the southeast.
Western Mongolia
South of Khar Us Nuur National Park, most of this reserve (300 sq km) lies in Mankhan sum (district) and protects the endangered Mongolian saiga antelope.
Tarvagatai Nuruu National Park
Western Mongolia
The Tarvagatai range branches off from the Khangai Nuuru and encloses a diverse wilderness environment of steppes, forested valleys, mountains, lakes and…
Western Mongolia
On the northwestern side of Khyargas Nuur, this cold spring bubbles out of the mountain. Locals say drinking from it has health benefits.
Western Mongolia
Several impressive grave mounds beside the road to Khotgor, including two mounds surrounded by concentric circles and radiating spokes.
Western Mongolia
The newest conservation area in Uvs, this river reserve (7125 sq km) in the far east of the aimag protects waterfowl, beavers and fish.
Western Mongolia
The freshwater lake of Tsagaan Nuur reveals itself on the western approach to Dayan Uul.
Western Mongolia
These 20m-high falls cascade over black boulders in summer with snow still clumped in shady spots under rocks and trees.
Western Mongolia
The small monastery towards the base of the hill has around 20 monks and daily ceremonies at 10am.
Bairam Davaa Ancient Graves and Balbals
Western Mongolia
Various ancient grave sites beside the track leading up to the steep Bairam Davaa pass.
Western Mongolia
Mountain pass Zagastain Davaa ('Fish Pass') is 48km northeast of Uliastai on the Uliastai–Tosontsengel Rd. At the top, there are fine views, a large ovoo …
Western Mongolia
This barely discernible hump running along the southwestern edge of Khar Us Nuur is thought to date back to the Kublai Khaan period, when it may have…
Western Mongolia
About 10km west of Sagsai, this unusually broad balbal (stone figure believed to be a Turkic grave marker) with hands clasped at the base, is one of the…
Western Mongolia
Apart from its foundations, nothing remains of the garrison established by Manchurian generals in 1733. It's a half-hour ramble across grassy meadows and…
Western Mongolia
A few hundred metres further up the valley from the caves are some burial mounds; to the uninitiated, these would appear to be nothing more than piles of…
Western Mongolia
Near the town of Bayannuur and close to the Khovd Gol is this interesting white-stone balbal (stone figure believed to be a Turkic grave marker).
Western Mongolia
This balbal (stone figure believed to be a Turkic grave marker) can be found south of Mogoit Valley, on the way to Khurgan Nuur.
Western Mongolia
The vestiges of the former airport can be seen on the east side of town (the newer airport is several km out of town to the west).
Western Mongolia
This metal watchtower on the western shore of Khar Us Nuur has been set up for viewing birdlife in the surrounding reed islands.
Western Mongolia
This balbal (stone figure believed to be a Turkic grave marker) is about 8km south of Syrgal's shops.
Western Mongolia
A typical rural naadam set-up consisting of a wrestling field, podium and ramshackle grandstand.
