Kharakhorum /Kharkhorin/

Karakorum was founded by Chingis khaan in 1220 to serve as the capital of the Mongol Empire, its construction being completed in 1235 during the reign of his successor Ugedei Xaan. In its prime Karakorum served not only as the administrative centre of the Mongolian Empire, but also as a major trade and cultural link between east and west. The city declined in importance following the establishment of a new Mongolian capital in Beijing by khubilai khaan in 1271, coinciding with the founding of the Yuan dy nasty; yet during khubilai’s reign Temür (who bore the title Ulziit khaan) occupied Karakorum as a military commander and minister. A century later Karakorum was substantially destroyed by Min dynasty soldiers, who invaded sometime in 1379 or 1380. Excavations of the city ruins have indicated that the royal palace was likely burned down at the time of the Min invasion, but it is not clear how completely the city was demolished. Although there is no mention of Karakorum in known historical records of the following 87 years, it is quite possible that the city was never fully abandoned; in any event, Batmönkh khaan returned the Mongolian seat of government to Karakorum in 1467. Evidently retaining its political significance, the city was taken by the Oirads and subsequently retaken by Altan khan of the Tümed in 1552. Forty years later Abtai Sain khan erected his palace-yurt on the site of Karakorum, next to which, in 1586, he had Erdene Zuu Monastery constructed, using as construction materials stones recovered from the ruined buildings of the former imperial capital. Thereafter the importance of the site was primarily as a religious centre, although a military base was also established nearby in the early 18th century. Today very little remains of the former grand city, other than heaps of gravel indicating the outlines of former buildings and streets, and four granite turtles marking the corners of the ruin. Karakorum in the 13th century was home to more than ten thousand people, including royalty, noblemen, ministers, military leaders, craftsmen, traders, clergy, and foreign guests, in addition to nomads inhabiting compounds of gers. The remarkable size and diversity of the city’s population is reflected by the fact that there were, according to the count of William de Rubruck, “twelve idol temples of different nations, two mahummeries [mosques] in which is cried the law of Machomet, and one church of Christians in the extreme end of the city”. In addition to possessing significant resident populations of Chinese, Alans, Ruthenians, Georgians, Hermenians and other non-Mongol peoples, Karakorum was also host to a stream of foreign emissaries and traders, receiving official delegations from as far away as India, Arabia, Armenia and Rome, as well as merchants from China, Persia, and other countries along the Silk Route.

Chinggis Khan

In the 13th century epic chronicle of Mongolian history titled ‘The Secret History of the Mongols’ the story of the Mongol people’s origins begins thus:

“The origins of Chinggis Khan, There was a blue-grey wolf which was born having his destiny from Heaven above. His spouse was a fallow doe. They came, crossing over the Tenggis Sea. Batachiqan was born to them while they were camped at the source of the Onon River, At Mount Burkhan Khaldun.”

That is how the creation story of the Mongol people begins in the opening lines of the “Secret History of the Mongols’, the e arliest known and most important primary source on Mongolian history. The deep relationship that Mongolians have with Nature and their homeland is clearly conveyed in this historical narrative.

Mongolia today is an independent nation that was unified and created by the will and vision of Chinggis Khan (Genghis Khan), the founder of the Mongol nation. Chinggis Khan was born into Mongol tribal nobility in approximately 1162; his given name was Temujin. When Temujin was nine years old his father Yesugei Khan, was poisoned to death by his tribal enemies, the Tartars. Temujin then went on to survive abandonment by his clansmen, near starvation, capture by enemies, war wounds, betrayals and the kidnapping of his wife Borte. Temujin was able to rescue Borte and later attracted a band of followers from many different tribes who saw in him signs of a visionary leader destined for greatness.

Temujin fought and overcame the Dorbets, Tartars, Seljuits, Tonkaits, Merkits, Keraits, Naimans, and other Turkic and Mongol tribes in Mongolia as his power grew. After these successful campaigns he was formally recognized as the supreme leader of the tribes of Mongolia in 1206, and given the title of Chinggis Khan, which means ‘Universal Ruler’ and this was the basis for the formation of the nation of Mongolia.

Chinggis Khan then proceeded to conquer the Central Asian kingdom of the Khwarazmshah in 1220, defeated all the tribes of northern China by 1226 and laid the foundation for the birth of the massive Mongol Empire. Before Chinggis Khan died in 1227 he chose his son Ogodei as successor and advised his sons to expand the empire, recognize Ogodei in writing, and to serve each other for the sake of unified strength.

Mongolian Gobi

The Mongolian Gobi is a place of diverse environments. It is not a single zone but several; in fact there are more than 33 different types of Gobi in Mongolia. The thorn scrub semi-desert and arid, sandy desert make up only three percent of the Gobi’s character. It sprawls across the southern part of the country covering the provinces of East Gobi, Middle Gobi, South Gobi and Gobi Altai, all sharing the name of Gobi. Of these four Gobi, the South Gobi is the largest and lies within South Gobi aimag.

The Gobi contains many unique types of flora and fauna including numerous rare and unusual animal species, for example; mountain sheep (argali), ibex, snow leopard, lynx, wild ass (khulan), gazelles, saiga, khavtgai (wild camel, ancestor of the bactrian camel), mazaalai (gobi bear), fox, wolf and steppe fox. It is also home to several distinct trees and plants adapted to the extremes of the Gobi like; khargana, tamarisk, red trees and wild thyme to name but a few. Flora and fauna are not the only treasures the vast Gobi holds. The Gobi is rich in minerals. Over time and the interplay of light and structure, precious gems and jewels are formed. The resulting transformations found beneath the surface of the Gobi include turquoise, jasper, agate and crystal.

Bayanzag which is known as Flaming Cliffs located 20 kilometers far from Bulgan soum, where 70 million years ago a lot of Paleontological findings have been discovered. The place is known as Flaming Cliffs so named by Roy Chapman Andrews American explorer who had visited Mongolia in 1922. During two years he searched through the Mongolian Gobi Desert and he found dinosaur fossils and dinosaur eggs about 10-15 cm from the Bayanzag for the first time ever the world.

Khuvsgul Lake

Known as “The Blue Pearl”, Lake Khovsgol is Mongolia’s largest and deepest lake. Located in the northernmost province, it is the largest tributary stream of Lake Baikal in Russia. Lake Khuvsgul is 136 km long, 36 km wide and 262 metres deep and is located at an altitude of 1645 m above sea level and is frozen from January until April or May. It’s the second largest fresh water lake in Central Asia. It’s inhabited by nine species of fish including the Siberian grayling and lenok. Fishing and sport fishing are becoming popular in the lake area. Taiga Fauna and Flora,Tsatan, practicing raindeer breeding are the main attractions for tourist. A ferryboat operates between Khatgal and Khanh, two towns on the southern and northen shores of the lake that is within the boundaries of the Khovsgol National Park. Different ethnic groups live in the area: Khalh, Darhadt, Butyat. Tsaatans are raindeer herders. Lake Khovsgol is on the important migration route for birds from Siberia, thus facilitating marvelous opportunities for birdwatching. This lake has a volume of 380 km3 and it is second in Asia and 14th largest in the world. Khuvsgul Lake contains 93.6 % of total surface fresh water of Mongolia and 1% of world fresh water. Khuvsgul Lake is surrounded by beautiful high mountains of the Khoridol Saridag and Bayan Mountain Ranges, along the west shore. Many mountain rivers flow into this lake including 17 rivers flowing during the whole year. Flat-topped mountains with sloping mountainsides, covered by forests, lie on the east shore of the lake and those mountains are sources of 29 rivers flowing into Khuvsgul Lake.

The Munkh Saridag Mountain Range, the highest mountains in Khuvsgul province, are along the north shore of this lake. South part of Khuvsgul Lake becomes narrow and the Eg River starts out here. Drainage basin of the lake is 5,300 sq km that holds 46 rivers and streams. 69% of South side of Khuvsgul Lake is deeper than 100 m.

The lake water is coldest in Mongolia, with +18 Celsius of water surface in summer, because of its deepness. It starts to freeze in September but completely covered by 1.0-1.5 m thick ice in November while it starts to melt in May but sometimes it keeps its ice until beginning of July. Water visibility is up to 22.9 m in the middle, but it is 14.3 m near the shore.

There are 4 islands namely Modon Khui, Khadan Khui, Dalain Khui and Baga Khui. From these, the largest one is Dalain Khui Island with a 5.8 sq km area, 70 km from north shore. Nine species of fish inhabit Khuvsgul including omul, herring, lenok, grayling, perch and roach. This area has been protected since 1992 as a National Park. The lake is still being used for transportation. Russian merchants started using boats for transportation in 1913.

Orkhon Waterfall

Orkhon waterfall (also, called Ulaan Tsutgalan Waterfall) is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Central Mongolia. The height of the waterfall is about 20m (65 feet).  The waterfall is located in a beautiful Orkhon river valley with volcanic rocks which listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites for its historical value related to Great Mongolian Empire. There is opportunity to experience their way of life, their culture and traditions. The area is ideal for fishing, horse riding, cycling and photography.

Lake Ugii is a famous for its bird life. About 150 types of aquatic birds gather at Lake Ugii including scarce birds like a cape barren goose, a spoonbill, a Dalmatian pelican cranes and ducks. Here you will come across water bird research station. This bluish lake has an ait, where endangered migrating birds breed. Ramsar Convention has registered Ogii lake in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance for being important breeding and staging area for a variety of waterfowl.

Hustai National Park is 95 km far from Ulaanbaatar city, to the west. It is located in Hustai National Park which is targeted area for the project of conservation of Takhi, unique wild horse. This National Park is a fine example of the wide river valleys separated by hilly terrain that characterize forest steppe. There are dozens of wild animals such as wolves, deer, and Przewalski horse which was reintroduced in 1990 with a cooperation of the Foundation Reserves for the Przewalski Horse and the support of Dutch Government.

Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake

An immense mass of white-hot lava once blocked the bed of the River Terkh and it is water formed Lake Terkhiin Tsagaan, which is 16 kilometers in length, 20 meters in depth, and 61 square kilometers in this area. It is situated at an altitude of 2.060 meters. River Suman, cascading from the lake in stormy torrents, pierced through the rocks to form a canyon and several small lakes. The waters of the river are so turbulent that they do not freeze in the severest winter frosts. In the middle of the lake, there is volcanic Island is covered with nests made of the fragrant grass Sam Khan. Here all day long you hear the hum and cries of birds and the quacking of ruddy shell duck and many types of ducks and geese &. Red deer, Siberian deer, wild bear, Great Cormorant is common in summer, nesting around the lake.

Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park is announced as a National Park in 1994 comprising Khorgo extinct volcano, which was started to be protected by state in 1965. Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake as well as its surrounding area make up the national park of 76,893 hectares land. The National Park is located in the territory of Arkhangai province, 180km away from the central town Tsetserleg of the province. According to experts’ research, the Khorgo volcano erupted during the Holocene (11,700 years ago) and its hot lavas streamed through its wide valley and halted a stream of a river in the valley, which formed the Terkh White Lake in the end. There are about 33 small extinct volcanoes in surrounding area of the Khorgo and Terkh White Lake. The Khorgo extinct volcano is about 200m tall and its crater depth is approximately 100m with diameter of 400m.

Tavan Bogd Mountains are the highest mountains in Mongolia, with Khuiten Uul (‘Cold Peak’) at 4374 m (14,201 ft) being the highest. These permanently snow capped mountains form a bowl around the Potanin Glacier, which covers 23 square km. The other peaks are Nairamdal (‘Friendship’, 4180 m), Malchin (‘herder’, 4050 m), Bürged (‘Eagle’, 4068 m) and Olgii (‘Craddle’, 4050 m). From the peak of Kuiten Uul, it is possible to see Kazakhstan 30 km away on a clear day.
Lakes Region is a beautiful area surrounding 3 large fresh water lakes. Khurgan Nuur and Khoten Nuur are attached by a small channel with a many small creeks flowing into the lakes from surrounding mountains. Two of these creeks form waterfalls of 7 to 10 m in height. A small bridge crosses the channel. These lakes are full of fish and many species of bird. Dayan Nuur is a smaller lake 20 km south of the 2 larger lakes.

Naadam festival

The Mongolian national holiday Naadam is celebrated in Mongolia each year on 11 July. “Eriin gurvan naadam” the three manly games of wrestling, horse racing, and archery- make up the core activities of the National day festivals.

Wrestling – At the start of competition all the wrestlers with the highe r title – holder in front , enter the hall in a line wearing gutuls (decorated Mongolian boots. ) and hats and their wrestling costumes called “zodog”(an open fronted , long sleeves vest of silk) and “shuudag”(tight short trunks ). There are many different titles for the wrestlers such as Titan (avarge), Lion (arslan). Zaan and Falcon. All the names signify strength. Titles are mostly confirmed during the national festival Naadam. A wrestler who wins five fights in succession during one competition has the right to have the title of Falcon, and if he wins seven fights in succession Elephant. When a wrestler wins all the fights in a competition during one of these festivals he will be a Lion. If he wins a subsequent year he merits the title of titan, the highest rank. There is a variety of throws used to defeat opponents. Some say there are hundreds of them. When the wrestling arena or step onto the carpet in the case of an indoor competition and the second take off the wrestler’s hats.

When a wrestler touches the ground with any part of his body other than his feet and arms, he is considered to be defeat. The main difference between Mongolian national wrestling and international free style wrestling is that the weight category of wrestlers is not taken into consideration.

Horse racing. Mongolian people have loved horse racing since time immemorial. A whole system for conducting the contests has developed over the centuries. In the races held during national festivals, including Naadam, participants are six age groups and the distances range from 15-30kms. No special tracks are prepared, the horses covering the distance in the steppe and jumping over natural barriers. Before they start the riders sing an ancient war-like song – Giingoo. The competitors start at the finishing line and at the signal to start and back to the finish line. Thus the distance is actually doubled. The horse racing can be held on saddled or unsaddled horses. Horses of two years older take part. The winner is honored with a cup of airag which he drinks and sprinkles on the head and croup of his horse. After the races, praise-singer extols the best riders and their horses.

Archery: the third element of the national games is archery. Five lines engraved on an ancient Mongolian target immortalize the phenomenal record of Yesuhei Hero, saying that his arrow hit the target at a distance of 536 meters. The bow is an ancient invention going back to the Mesolithic Period. Ancient Mongolians made their contribution to the design of the bow as a combat weapon.

Today Mongolian’s use less complicated form archery than in ancient time; the target is ‘wall’ made of cork cylinders braided together with leader straps. It is four meters long and 50cm high. The target is placed on the ground at a distance of 75 meters for men and 60 meters for women. In the past Mongolians used three types of bows; “big hand” (165-170cm),”average hand” (160cm), “small hand’ (150cm). Today Mongolian’s mostly use the average hand bow which requires a force of 22 to 38kg to draw it.

Arrows are usually made from pine wood and had feather fins which help the arrow to reach distance of 900 meters. Naadam archery also attracts individual archers as well as Teams of 8-12 people. Every male archer has forty arrows to shot at each target. The judges dressed in national attire, stand by the targets with hands held up after the arrows have been shot. They praise the best shot in a drawing recitative voice. The contests are accompanied by colorful national rites. Before the competition starts you hear the recitative song “uukhai’, calling on the archers to be good marksmen and hit the target.

Tsagaan sar

This is one of the national holiday of Mongolia . It is celebrated in February . Mongolians had their own chronology from the ancient time and Tsagaan sar becomes among this calendar . That day young people visit old people ‘ s house o greet them . It is very interesting holiday and here , you can see Mongolian national culture .

Kazakhs live in Bayan-Ulgii province and located in distance of 1636km from Ulaanbaatar in the west Mongolia. Kazakh nomads have lived in the mountains and valleys of western Mongolia with their herds since the 19th century. Until 1930, the nomads could freely move between Kazakhstan, Mongolia and the Chinese province of Xinjiang. However, after the foundation of the Mongolian People’s Republic in 1921, many of the Kazakhs left their semi-nomadic lifestyle and began settling down in the western Mongolian highlands. The Kazakh culture differs in several ways from the Mongolian culture. Mongolian Kazakhs are Muslims. Until the end of the 1990′s there were practically no mosques at all in Bayan-Ulgii. Places of Islamic worship only sprang up a few years ago in the villages and settlements.
One of their interesting tradition among Kazakh is they use golden eagle and falcons for their hunting. During winter months they take their Golden Eagles out to hunt for small animals for fur and meat. This is an old tradition, which is celebrated as festival of horsemanship, hunting skills and knowledge. In the beginning of October, hunters from all over Bayan-Ulgii province gather to celebrate this traditional skill and compete against each other challenges that show off the abilities of both birds and their trainers. Prizes are awarded for the fastest eagle, the best traditional Kazakh dress and more.

AMARBAYASGALANT Monastery The Amarbayasgalant Monastery is located 360 km north of Ulaanbaatar is one of the fafourite destinations for visitors. It can be reached by jeep or by a combination of local train and motor vehicle ride. Built in 1727-1736,  Monastery was the second most important in Mongolia after Erdene Zuu Monastery in Kharakhorum.

Tuvkhun temple is located on a rocky mountain hill surrounded by forests at the top of the mountain in a secluded area. The great sculptor and one of the biggest representative of Buddhism Zanabazar was attracted to this place at his early teen years and in 1965 ordered his people to build a small house for studying. It became a place of his for meditation and artworks. He made his famous creations in the monastery. After the burst of Galdan Boshigt khan this place was forgotten till the end of 1700s. From 1773 this favourite place of Zanabazarrestored. Behind this temple there is remarkable small cave called ”Uterus of Mother” where people can slip in and slip out. This process symbolizes a re-birth of and purifying the person. Near the top of staircase, to the right of temples, are two wells about fifteen feet from each other. One has fresh water in it, while the other has slightly brackish water.

Erdenezuu monastery

Erdenezuu Monastery was built on the site of the old Mongolian capital Kharakhorum using some of the building materials of the ruined city and is the oldest, as well as the largest Buddhist monastery in Mongolia. Khalkha Mongolian ruler Abtai Sain Khan, a descendant of Genghis Khan’s golden generation and grandfather of Zanabazar – the first Jebtsundamba Khutuktu, ordered the construction of the Erdenezuu Monastery in 1585 after he visited Tibet to meet with the 3rd Dalai Lama. Abtai Sain Khan brought Gombogur Buddha ( Sita Mahakala) as the main deity of Erdenezuu Monastery when he returned from Tibet and is still the monastery’s main shrine.By the summer of 1586, the first temple had been constructed, which is a small blue temple in the middle of the monastery compound, but not open to the public. 400m by 400 m fortress wall surround the monastery – the wall bears evenly spaced white stupas, 25 on each side, and two additional ones at each corner for a total of 108, although several are currently damaged or missing. 108 is a sacred Buddhist number.The surrounding stupas were built after 200 years of the monastery’s foundation by the fund of alm givers and worshippers of Buddha. Each wall has a huge gate at the midpoint.At its peak, the monastery had 62 temples, around 500 gers inside the walls, and 1000 monks in residence.The monastery was ransacked and damaged several times. Galdan, the ruler of Oirat Mongol ransacked Erdenezuu Monastery in 1688 when he was invading after Zanabazar, a religious leader of the time, and devastated again by Galdan’s nephew Tserenin 1732. Although, the monastery was both abandoned and refurbished in between.
Later, the monastery was partially destroyed by the communists in 1937. The government protected the monastery between 1940 and 1965, then transformed into a museum in 1965 with no monks in residence. The religious activities again began in 1990 after the collapse of communism. In 1997, the government decided to restore the monastery, although most of it functions as a museum.

Khushuu Tsaidam Monuments

Khushuu Tsaidam Monuments to Bilge Khaan and Kul-Tegin, dated 732 AD, were found 47 km to the northwest of Karakorum, part of the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape UNESCO world heritage site. This collection of historical heritage includes stone monuments with runic inscriptions, stone turtles, human statues and other relics. Both monuments were dedicated to Turkish khans who ruled Mongolia between the 6th and 8th centuries.
There is a research center and museum founded jointly by Mongolian and Turkish Friendship Societies.