Tips & Tricks
Manzushir Monastery — the imposing ruins of Manzushir Monastery lie just an hour’s drive south of the capital. Built in the 18th century by Buddhist monks, the monastery was destroyed in 1937 by communists, and today the ruins of this large stone temple stand within a forest of birch trees like a scene from a … Continue reading Manzushir Monastery
Khangai Mountains – this is an old mountain range in central Mongolia (located 400 km. west of the capital), known for its broad, warped dome-shaped mountains covered with grass and trees. The area encompasses several natural zones including mountain and mountain steppe areas, Siberian taiga and forests. Fertile soil and numerous rivers, streams and lakes … Continue reading Khangai Mountains
Khalkhiin Gol Battle anniversary – from May to September 1939, Japanese forces based in Manchukuo (a Chinese mainland puppet state controlled by Tokyo) attempted to invade Mongolia (and eventually Russian Siberia) through the river Khalkhiin Gol (which divides Mongolia and Manchukuo). However, a joint Soviet-Mongolian force repelled Japan’s repeated attempts to invade these territories, resulting … Continue reading Khalkhiin Gol Battle anniversary
Lake Khövsgöl — near the Mongolian border with Russia at the base of the Sayan Mountains is Khuvsgul Lake, a 136 kilometer long lake that contains approximately 70% of the fresh water in Mongolia. It is the second largest lake in Asia by volume, and it is the titular feature of Khuvsgul Lake National Park, … Continue reading Lake Khövsgöl
Khogno Khan Natural Reserve – located six hours west of the capital (est. 400 km), this natural reserve is named for the mountain Khogno Khan, a sacred mountain of granite, that lies within the bounds of this 181 square mile park. The sight of the rocky mountain protruding from the desert grasslands at its base … Continue reading Khogno Khan Natural Reserve
Ulaanbaatar International Marathon (Central Square, Ulan Bator) – this Marathon, co-organized by Ulan Bator city governor’s office and the Physical Culture and Sports Authority is held every May in the Mongolian capital, with over 30,000 participants (ages 2-87 from 30 countries and regions). This athletic event has six categories, including half marathon (21.975 km), full … Continue reading Ulaanbaatar International Marathon