The National Museum of Mongolia is a leading museum dedicated to preserving Mongolian history and traditional life, attracting more than fifty thousand visitors annually. As such we serve an educational and cultural role, providing the public with opportunities to experience first-hand how Mongolians lived in historical times. The museum was established in 1924 and has remained dedicated to historical investigation and research as well as the collection, preservation and exhibition of artifacts related to Mongolian culture.The first ever museum in Mongolia was called the Central Museum of Mongolia which was established in 1924 and became the basis for other museums, including the present National Museum of Mongolia.In the early 1920-s as stated in the first regulation of the newly established Mongolian Academic Institution began to collect different types of interesting objects to present to the public. For this deed, to collect historically, ethnographically, and intellectually important objects relating to the country's past to share with future generations, dedicated great efforts. Mongolian famous scholars O.Jamyan the first director of Mongolian Academic Institution, Ya.Tsevel and N.Dendev etc. Also foreign scholars such as P.K.Kozlov, V.I.Lisovskii, A.D.Simukov, and the American researcher R.C. Andrews contributed in the collection and display of the first museum in Mongolia.The National Museum of Mongolia was established after the merge of historical, archeological and ethnographical departments of the State Central Museum and the Museum of the Revolution in 1991. It is now located in the facility built for the Museum of the Revolution, which was founded in 1971. The National Museum of Mongolia is currently recognized as one of the leading museums in Mongolia. A significant responsibility for preserving Mongolian cultural heritage therefore lies with the Museum. The National Museum of Mongolia is a cultural, scientific, and educational organization, which is responsible for the collection, care and interpretation of the objects.The Museum is supported through admission fees and government funding from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. In the last ten years our museum has organized individual and joint exhibitions abroad in Germany, Japan, USA, Korea, Norway, Italy, India, Holland, France, and Taiwan (http://en.nationalmuseum.mn/about).

Gandantegchilen monastery is one of the representative architectural and religious sites of Mongolia. The first temple of was built in 1809 and named Yellow temple. The current Avalokiteśvara temple was dedicated to the VIII Bogd Jebtsundamba and built in 1913. There were 20 stupas behind the monastery and over 10 temples were built in the area. Avalokiteśvara temple housed a 25.6-metre (84 ft) statue of the boddhisatva Avalokiteśvara made of gilded bronze and precious stones. In 1911, Mongolia declared its independency and VIII Bogd Jebtsundamba was crowned as a king of Mongolia. The statue of Boddhisatva Avalokiteśvara was started to be constructed in the great occasion of Mongolian people’s independency from foreign repression and in the desire of Mongolian people in 1911 and completed in 1913. The purges of 1937 fell heavily on Gandan. When the US Vice President Henry Wallace asked to see a monastery during his visit to Mongolia in 1944, Prime Minister Choibalsan guiltily scrambled to open this one to cover up the fact that he had recently laid waste to Mongolia’s religious heritage. Gandan remained a ‘show monastery’ for other foreign visitors until 1990 when full religious ceremonies recommenced. Today more than 600 monks belong to the monastery.As you enter the main entrance from the south, a path leads towards the right to a courtyard containing two temples. The northeast building is Ochidara Temple (sometimes called Gandan Süm), where the most significant ceremonies are held. As you follow the kora (pilgrim) path clockwise around this building, you see a large statue behind glass of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelugpa sect. The two-storey Didan-Lavran Temple in the courtyard was home to the 13th Dalai Lama during his stay here in 1904 (when he fled Lhasa ahead of a British invasion of Tibet).At the end of the main path as you enter is the magnificent white Migjid Janraisig Süm, the monastery’s main attraction. Lining the walls of the temple are hundreds of images of Ayush, the Buddha of Longevity, which stare through the gloom to the magnificent Migjid Janraisig statue.The original statue was commissioned by the eighth Bogd Khan in 1911, in hopes that it might restore his eyesight – syphilis had blinded him; however, it was carted away by Russia in 1937 (it was allegedly melted down to make bullets). The new statue was dedicated in 1996 and built with donations from Japan and Nepal. It is 26m high and made of copper with a gilt gold covering. The hollow statue contains 27 tonnes of medicinal herbs, 334 Sutras, two million bundles of mantras, plus an entire ger with furniture!To the east of the temple are four colleges of Buddhist philosophy, including the yellow building dedicated to Kalachakra, a wrathful Buddhist deity.To the west of the temple is the Öndör Gegeen Zanabazar Buddhist University, which was established in 1970. It is usually closed to foreigners (source: Lonely Planet).

Elsen Tasarkhai Mini-Gobi is located in the Khugnu-Tarna National Park which is in 280 kms west of Ulaanbaatar. The National Park is protected as a natural reserve by the state since in 1997 and formed as a national park in 2003. Due to its unique landscape that shows gobi desert, mountain steppe and forest steppe in such harmonized view, as well as its convenient location, the National Park is one of the most visited area in Mongolia. Khugnu-Tarna National Park covers 84,390 hectare land and is comprised of Khugnu Khan Mountain range and Elsen tasarkhai mini gobi which is a part of the Ikh Mongol sand dunes stretches through 80 km with width of 5 km.
What to do in Elsen tasarkhai?
- To visit temple ruins: Erdene Khamba temple monastery
- To ride a camel or a horse:
Here you can ride a camel through sand dunes of Elsen Tasarkhai, absorbing an experience of Gobi desert. Also you can ride a horse through the rocky mountains of Khugnu Khan. You can even reach the temple ruin of Young temple riding a horse.
- To hike
Once you’ve settled at your camp or guest house it’s up to you to hike around the mountain. But please be aware to show some respect to the area and Khugnu Khan Mountain since the locals worship it greatly.
Where to stay?
Here you can stay at nomadic families and experience their lifestyle or stay at tourist camps where you can relax comfortably.
The most favorable month to visit would be any month between June and September.
Khugnu Khan Mountain
Khugnu Khan Mountain is situated in the region of Khangai Mountain Range, which of Quaternary sediments, and geologically compounded with mostly granite stones. It is said that the Khugnu Khan Mountain was formed during Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras so the area is covered with sediments such as sandstones, blunt slates, argillite, granite and marble and high potassium alkaline basaltic rocks related to those eras.
Forest area of Khugnu Khan Mountain is a southern part of Mongolian forest region and located in the mountainside and north parts, mostly larches, Populus tremula- betula wood and scots pines. And high steppes are covered with Caragana microphyla. Seeing from the landscape formation, it is obvious that the area has abundant of wild animals such as grey wolf, corsac fox, red fox, wild boar, steppe polecat, Pallas’ cat, red deer, wild sheep ‘Argali’, etc.,.

There are several temple ruins dated back to 10th century. You can visit Uvgun and Zaluu temple ruins (Old and Young temples) in the skirt of Khugnu Khan Mountain. According to historical records, a monk named Lhalambaldorj, who had possessed power and wisdom of Yamantaka after meditating for so long, took refuge in Mongolian Khugnu Khan Mountain after defeating his heretic king in Tibet around 10th century. So origin of the Old temple starts from here. Unfortunately, the temple was destroyed by Oirad Mongol soldiers of Galdan Boshigt Khan, who didn’t support Buddhism in 17th century. It is located in the middle of the mountain, where you’ll have to hike about 2 hours to reach.  
Ruin of the Young temple is situated in the foot of Khugnu Khan Mountain, where you can reach driving by car right next to it. In order to reach to the temple ruin you’ll have to drive up to a southern hillside of the Khugnu Khan Mountain, where you’re going to see beautiful scenery of a small meadow in the middle of mountain with a small spring pouring down. The Young temple was built by Ungur Gegeen Zanabazar, who moved the Erdene Khamba temple (Old Temple) to this place and restored its Buddhist activities. By early 20th century, the temple became quite big, practicing every kind of influential Buddhist practices with over 1000 monks. However, the temple was destroyed by communist authorities in 1937 and 1938. Over 30 high ranked monks were captured and sentenced during that time. Now there are only two temples remained, one is standing on a rocky hill of Khugnu Khan Mountain. And other one stood in the mountain foothill. The young temple was restored in 1992 by a nun called Davaa and its activity also restored.

Stretching through Erdenesant soum of Tuv province, Burd soum of Uvurkhangai province and Gurvanbulag soum of Bulgan province, covering 80 km land starting from the western part of Batkhaan Mountain till the western part of Khugnu Khan Mountain, Ikh Mongol els is very beautiful sand dunes. The central road divided the sand dunes in two parts that southern part is called Mongol Els and the northern part is called Khugnu Tarna sand dunes.
What to do in Ikh Mongol Els?
- To ride a horse:
Here you can ride a horse through the low dunes of Ikh Mongol Els.
- To hike
Once you’ve settled at your camp or guest house it’s up to you to hike or walk around the sand dunes.
Where to stay?
Here you can stay at nomadic families and experience their lifestyle or stay at tourist camps where you can relax comfortably.
The most favorable month to visit would be any month between June and September.

Kharkhorin soum is one of typical soums in Mongolia, with population of 7,045. It is located on the Basin of Orkhon River (Orkhon Valley) in Uvurkhangai province, about 360km directly west of Ulaanbaatar city. Its geological environment is belonged to the eastern part of Khangai upper zone which is a part of the great zone of Khangai and Khentii Mountain ranges. So the earth surface is dominated by steppe with river or stream alluviums surrounded by lower mountain ranges. Historically, this place has been important spot since XIII century until early XX century, that is, the capital city of Mongol Empire and Religious center of Erdene Zuu were resided throughout the history after another.
Genghis Khan’s third son, next successor Ogodei chose the valley because it was appropriate for a good nomadic camp which was an open steppe with water supply and cool wind shooing all mosquitoes and flies away. The name Karakorum derived from the way he built the palace where a sturdy wall was enclosed, and meaning of the name is ‘black stones’ or ‘black walls’. At first, Karakorum was a warehouse or workshop for most Mongols and Ogodei Khan. They continued to live in their gers around Karakorum for most of the time. But they kept their goods and tribute collection in the Karakorum and craftsmen usually resided there doing their work. Apart from the palaces which were dedicated to Ogodei Khan himself and his wives, he ordered to build several worshipping houses for his Buddhist, Muslim, Taoist, and Christian followers. In order to draw merchants’ attention to Karakorum, Ogodei Khan paid extremely high prices for all kinds of qualified and unqualified goods. Since the Karakorum barely produced anything and its living resource was merchants, Ogodei put great effort to secure trade routes putting his soldiers on guard and organized permanent stations guarded by his soldiers. Mongols planted trees or stone pillars alongside the road which made it quite convenience for merchants who travelled long road. With all these efforts, Ogodei could not make Karakorum as developed as Monke Khan’s Karakorum. Karakorum was still the modest capital city during Ogodei Khan although he laid the foundation of the great Imperial city of XIV century, Karakorum.
Monke was Tolui’s son and Genghis Khan’s grandson, who claimed the throne in 1251. When it came to develop Karakorum, Monke wanted to make it Imperial Capital city. He used his Christian craftsmen who were captured in his European campaign and who had impressed him with their technical abilities of metalwork. One of them was Guillaume Boucher, a Parisian goldsmith. Together with a team of fifty assistant craftsmen, Boucher did a great job turning the Mongol capital into an overwhelming and distinctive styled city. Apart from this European style, the Karakorum was decorated with Chinese and Persian architectures. The most known creation among Mongolians by Guillaume Boucher was the Silver Tree erected in the center of the capital city. It was a mechanical tree which was activated by servants underneath the ground. When the King wanted to summon drinks for guests the mechanical angel that was set on the top of the tree raised the trumpet to her lips and sounded the horn, then the mouths of the serpents that was directed to four universal directions began to pour out a fountain of four kinds of alcoholic beverages into large silver basins located at the base of the tree. It is reported that the Karakorum was the most beautiful city in the world at that time, with four great gates situated in the four sides of the capital city poured with loads of caravans. Alongside with the merchants, numerous scholars and envoys were invited or came on their own will to the capital city and paid their respect to the Great King, Monke. Being the center of political, cultural and trade for different nationalities, Karakorum followed the decree of Genghis Khan, reference to the religious tolerance. It should be noted that the Karakorum city was the important destination for Silk Road merchants.
After Monke Khan’s death, quarrel between Khubilai and Arik Boke for the throne ended with defeat of Arik Boke. Not wanting to stay in Karakorum, Khubilai built his own capital city Khanbalik (current Beijing) in 1272 and old Karakorum was looted and virtually destroyed under the command of Khubilai Khan.
According to historians and archeologists, old capital city Karakorum was located right behind of the Erdene Zuu Monastery. During the Joint Mongol-German archeological excavation which was held on the central area of the Capital city in 2000, archeologists found household items, irrigations system underneath floor, stone street, remnants of ironsmith workshop, workshop of valuable metals, numerous amount of coins and other things. Another important finding was foundation of the Great Buddhist Temple which was recorded in the inscription of Karakorum dated back to 1346. The excavated remnant of the temple is located right behind of the Erdene Zuu Monastery and all related findings are exhibited in the Museum of Karakorum. After you visit the Erdene Zuu Monastery, you can walk to the ancient temple remaining where you can also see the turtle rock which is believed to be made around the time of Karakorum city. The turtle rock is situated right next to the temple remnant.
What to do in Kharkhorin?
- To visit Erdene Zuu Monastery
Erdene Zuu Monastery is the main attraction of Kharkhorin soum.
- To visit the Museum of Kharakhorum
There is another a-must-visit place. It is the Museum of Karakorum, where you can get enough information on Mongol Empire of XIII-XIV century.
- To visit the Memorial monument for Great Kings
The Memorial monument for Great Kings erected on the low hill looks over the wide valley of Orkhon River, where you can hike up to or just drive by your car.

Erdene Zuu Monastery is located in the Kharkhorin soum of Umnugovi province, 360km westward of Ulaanbaatar city. As you can see, the Orkhon Valley, where the Monastery located, was the center of political and religious activities of Mongolia. Historically, Buddhism spread throughout Mongolian territory three times. According to historical recordings, Mongolian noblemen were trying to cease the political chaos in the country by religious way. Erdene Zuu Monastery was the result of third wave when Abtai Sain Khan, who was the 27th generation of Genghis Khan’s Golden Lineage, met Third Dalai Lama Gyalwa Sonam Gyatso in 1580. The Erdene Zuu Monastery was started to be built in 1586 and the Gurvan Zuu temples were the first ones. When they constructed the Monastery, it is said that they used ruin materials from the old Karakorum city. The Gurvan Zuu temples are called the Main Zuu, the western Zuu and the Eastern Zuu, where sacred statues of Buddha Shakyamuni depicting him in his three different ages are housed in. Henceforth, number of temples and stupas around the area increased greatly. In early 20th century, Erdene Zuu Monastery had 64 temples and over a thousand of young and old monks were living in their own houses or gers around the Monastery and practicing Buddhism. Temples and other constructions are enclosed by wall with chain of 108 stupas. There were also streets of local people, worshippers and pilgrims next to the Monastery. The Erdene Zuu Monastery was famous with its Tsam dance festival, which is the sacred dance performed by monks wearing animated masks and costumes for the purpose of defeating dark spirits that are causing sufferings on earth.    
During the 17th and 18th century, Erdene Zuu Monastery was attacked several times in the result of quarrel between Mongolian big and small noble men. But the Monks always restored their temples and continued their duties until they step into 20th century. Policies against monks started after the death of 8th Bogd Jebtsundamba Khutugt in 1924. Monks had to pay extremely high taxes and young monks were persuaded to disrobe and join the Party. Starting from 1936, the Soviet Ideology cynically attacked all the monasteries and monks throughout the country. The Head Monk Of Erdene Zuu Monastery, Gonchigjantsan, an incarnation of three generations, was sentenced to death and got shot in the head when he was 80 years old. Over 200 high ranked monks were captured and killed and about 100 monks were sentenced for 10 years and imprisoned. The Monastery itself destroyed severely, only 18 temples and other constructions are left and restored later.
The ruins of the Erdene Zuu Monastery started to be protected by the state in 1943 and reconstruction works started. Until 1990 the Monastery was used an a museum and then, with the state permission to practice Buddhism, monks started their activity in the Labrang temple, which is the Tibetan styled temple built in 1786 and located in the eastern area inside of the wall. Other temples and constructions are open to visitors as a museum.
Nowadays, the Monastery exhibits all the religious arts, paintings and sculptures that were made by skillful monks and artisans in 18th to 20th centuries.

Orkhon Valley is in 360 km away from Ulaanbaatar city, becoming central area of Mongolia and holds numerous historical and cultural sites all throughout its dedicated land. The sites on the 150 hectares land of Orkhon Valley National Park was inscribed by UNESCO in the World Heritage List as representing the evolution of nomadic pastoral traditions spanning more than two millennia in 2004. Historically, from the ancient people to the Mongol Empire including the Huns, the Turkic people, the Uighurs, the Kidans, all these great states were centralized around this area due to its environmental and geopolitical advantages.
Majority of the sites were found on the basin area of Orkhon River, which clearly was the main water source of that time. The Orkhon River starts from Khangai Mountain Range flowing 1,124km and joining the Selenge River in northern Mongolia and it reaches to the Baikal Lake.  
Khangai Mountain ranges, where the National Park is located in its eastern part, were formed in the formation movement process of Alps during late Tertiary and early Quaternary. Apart from this formation process, the important factors which created its current earth surface were ancient glaciation, frost and water erosion. Geological identification of the Orkhon Valley National Park is mostly sedimentary rocks that belong to upper and middle Cambrian, lower and middle Devonian, upper Permian, upper Triassic, lower Jurassic and Carboniferous periods of Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras, such as slate, argillite, siltstone, granite, trap rocks and igneous rocks.
Mountainous area is covered with forest which is composed of mostly (89.4%) larches, cedars (10.6%) and birches (small amount). For the rare fauna, grey wolves, corsac foxes, red foxes, Eurasian lynxes, wild boars, red deer, Siberian musk deer, particoloured bat, northern bat, Ussuri whiskered bat and Daurian hedgehogs, etc., which are listed in the Mongolian Red Book of Mammals and protected by State. There are numerous birds such as bar-headed geese, swan geese, whooper swans, black storks, white tailed eagles, Himalayan vulture and cinereous vultures that become habitants in this area. While you’re driving through the valley, you will definitely see some rare and huge birds on the way.
From the most famous sites such as Karakorum city ruins and Erdene Zuu Monastery to the equally important historical sites such as Turkish memorial sites of the 6th and 7th centuries, Uighar capital city Khar Balgas of 8th and 9th centuries and Tuvkhun Hermitage Monastery alongside with the other significant Paleolithic findings are scattered throughout the Orkhon National Park. These named sites are surrounded even more bizarre and authentic nature which will make your tour worth doing.
The coldest month of the year here is January, approximately -15 to -20 Celsius and the warmest month is July, which is approximately 20 to 25 Celsius degree. Winter is long and cold and summer is short and cool. During spring, it gets very windy due to cold and warm air circulations so snow and dust storms often occur during March to May. So June or August would be pleasant months to travel around here.

Orkhon Waterfall (its Mongolian name is Ulaan Tsutgalan) is located in 30km from Bat-Ulzii soum, Uvurkhangai province in the west. While you are driving to the Orkhon Waterfall, you’ll witness the volcanic area of Orkhon Valley. Volcanic eruptions were result of structural deformation and compositional differentiation of the earth lithosphere at convergent plate margins, in other word, an orogeny.
According to geologists, there were two major volcanic activities took place creating the current mountains and earth. First magmatic activity occurred at the beginning of the Paleozoic era and its magma came from the sub-due of one plate under another place creating a magmatic activity and forming a chain of mountains. The second magmatic activity was occurred late Carboniferous to early Mesozoic. Geological earth surface of this are comprised two types of rocks, that is, granites from the cooling of the magma (composed of quartz, feldspar, potassium and plagioclases, micas) and basalts from a magma to the surface (composed of plagioclases, pyroxene, olivine and magnetite). Orkhon Waterfall which is the good example of magmatic activities which water falls 25m down creating small fond in the bottom of the cracked earth. Surrounding high walls reveal clear view of magmatic accumulation or volcanic organs.
After you walk to the waterfall for about a kilometer you’ll see it standing on top of the canyon which is literally cracked down from the earth surface. The waterfall might not seem big to you but this is the biggest waterfall in Mongolia and it makes loud roaring sound which its name Ulaan Tsutgalan derived from. You can hike down to the bottom through big boulders. Hiking down might look dangerous or difficult but once you’ve tried you’ll know that was not difficult at all. It is relaxing to watch the waterfall sitting right next to it under the wall.
What to do in Orkhon Waterfall?
- To ride a horse:
Here you can ride a horse.
- To walk
Once you’ve settled at your camp or guest house it’s up to you to hike or walk around the area.
Where to stay?
Here you can stay at nomadic families and experience their lifestyle or stay at tourist camps where you can relax comfortably.
The most favorable month to visit would be any month between June and September. However, you can come here any month, even in winter.

The Tsenkher hot spring is one of the most famous hot springs in Mongolia and the place numerous domestic and foreign tourists choose to spend their summer vacation, mending their body and health. The hot spring is located in the Hangay Mountain region, 25km southwest of Tsenkher soum, Arkhangai province. The region is popular with its extinct volcanoes and hot springs. According to scientists, these geothermal water sources lie near the surface under Hangay dome, under its Cenozoic volcanism areas. The geothermal water in Hangai region developed at an intersections of northwest and northeast trending faults as well as contact brecciated zones between Permian, Carboniferous and Devonian sedimentary rocks and Permian-Triassic granitic rocks. So this goes same for the Tsenkher hot spring. Geological formation of the Tsenkher hot spring is comprised of Permian aleurolite and brecciated quartzites.  
The hot spring water is generally a type of bicarbonate-sodium and has weak alkalinity with low mineralization. To more precisely mention, the hot spring contains sodium carbonate, hydrocarbonate, sulfate, fluorite, hydrogen sulfide, Kali, Natrium, Calcium, Magnesium, Ferrum, Hydrosulfur, Boracic, acid, silicone, etc., which are believed to be good for many illnesses. The geothermal water is naturally heated up to 86°C (~180°F) degree however nearby tourist camps and health resorts get spring water through pipes to their places and use the water after cooling down till certain degree which is secure to bath.
When you take a bath it is advised to sit in the hot water for not more than 20-30 minutes and it is better to take off your jewelries for avoiding chemical compounds impact. It is also recommended that people who have heart problems, cardio system illnesses, after surgery treatment or open wound are better stay out of the spring water. Pregnant women are also not advised to sit in the water. People who have no problem can enjoy the spring; swimsuits will make your time here more enjoyable.
Of course, it is impossible to use the hot spring as it is, pouring out of the earth surface for it’s too hot to use. Most of tourist camps are situated near to the hot spring so you can walk from your camp to the hot spring for just about 10 minutes. And when you bath in the hot spring water you can do it in facilities or pools built by camps themselves. Almost every camp has their own water facilities providing treatment services to their guests. Apart from the hot spring, the area is surrounded by high mountains and forests, so you can hike around as well.
What to do in Tsenkher hot spring?
- To ride a horse:
You can order to ride a horse from any camp you’re staying.  
- To walk
Once you’ve settled at your camp, you can hike or walk around the area.
Where to stay?
If you really want to enjoy the hot spring, you should stay at a tourist camp. All the camps around the area have their own hot spring pools where you can dip yourself in and relax.
The most favorable month to visit would be September when number of tourists start to decrease. Numerous domestic tourists like to come here during their summer vacation. So the place would be packed during summer months.

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, and Terkhiin Tsagaan Lake as well as its surrounding area, which covers 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. Khorgo-Terkhiin National Park is situated 2100-2500m above sea level and between main mountain range of Khangai Mountain range and Tarvagatai Mountain range. The place is unique because of its earth surface with moraine steppe and mountains that made bizarre and extraordinary landscapes and the lake which was created by a volcano eruption (Terkh White Lake). Magmatic or volcanic activities took place in the area during the Miocene, Pliocene, Pleistocene and Holocene.
Terkh White Lake is fresh-watered lake and located 2060 m above sea level, covering 61 square kilometers, which its length is 16km and width is 6km. Suman river originates from Terkh White Lake and joins Chuluut River. The Khorgo extinct volcano is located in the eastern part of the Terkh White Lake and situated 2178m above sea level and surrounded by strange rock formations. 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.
For geological formation, the Khorgo-Terkh National Park is comprised with traps or basalts of Cretaceous period, granites of Devonian period and igneous rocks of Quaternary period. Central part of Khangai Mountain range is belonged to very ancient crystalized sedimentary (granites) layer which was formed deep in the earth. These rocks are considered to be formed in the result of process which hot liquid lavas penetrated the earth surface and cooled down there creating hard boulders. Later the boulders were lifted up and created surrounding mountains. The mountain sedimentary is mostly rhyolite, porphyry, andesite, breccia, sandstone, limestone, and argillite, etc., of middle period of Paleozoic era.
Soil around the lake area is quite humid and composed of dark brown soil and with knoll landforms. Mountain steppe area is covered with humid dark soil. The most of the area of national park is quite humid because of ancient glacial accumulation which creates pleasant environment for plants and trees to grow. In the northern area of the mountains Siberian larches (Larix sibirca) and Siberian cedar (Pinus sibirica) forests are common. Spruces and cedars grow in mountain skirts and mountain sides where there is plenty of humidity. For the plants, marshy and aquatic plants are common around the Terkh White Lake.
The Khorgo-Terkh National Park is occupied with numerous mammals as about 22 species of mammals are registered in the area, namely, wild boar (sus scrofa), red deer, Siberain musk deer, Siberian roe deer, red fox, corsac fox, grey wolf and Mongolian marmot. For amphibians, the area has Mongolian toad (bufo raddei) and Asian viper (Gloydus Halys) which the snake you should stay away from for it is venomous. As for being a paradise of birds, the Terkh White Lake is abundant with birds and fishes. Endangered birds in the world such as swan goose, Cinereous vulture, saker falcon and great bustard live here. For migratory birds, bar-headed geese, great cormorants, ruddy shelducks, common goldeneyes, tufted ducks, common mergansers and northern lapwings stop by the lake. A small island in the middle of the Terkh White Lake and the island in the west of the lake become the home for birds to lay their eggs.
Once you’ve reached to the Lake you can have a relaxing walk alongside the lake. As one or two locals serve guests with boats so if you have time you can surf around the lake on a boat. To see the volcano you’ll have to drive by car to the east for few minutes and the hiking up to the volcano will be short, about 15 minutes. Locals fixed the path up to the top and built small concrete steps so it is not that hard to hike up but you need to be careful for there are its slippery loose rocks on some point. Once you’re up on the top you can walk around the edge of the crater in order to see the surrounding are covered with magmatic rocks, which is said that hot lava streamed through 100kms over the Valley below and you’ll see the Terkh White Lake in the western horizon.
What to do in the Khorgo-Terkh National Park?
- To ride a horse:
You can order to ride a horse from any camp you’re staying.  
- To walk
Once you’ve settled at your camp, you can hike or walk around the area.
The most favorable month to visit here is July and August for it’s going to be warmer and pleasanter than other months because of its cool air of big lake and glacial remains of surrounding mountains.

Ugii Lake is a freshwater lake and situated in 25km southwest of Ugiinuur soum of Arkhangai province, which precisely lies in the foothill piedmont at the northern flank of the Hangay Mountains and belonged to the Orkhon River basin. This beautiful lake is not that bag, covering 2570 hectare land with a maximum water depth of 15.3m. A tributary of the lake is Old Orkhon River, which generates most of the lake water. The north and northwest of the lake is dominated by montane steppes and montane forest-steppes, where larix, pinus and betula forest are mostly grown. Ugii Lake is lifted 1332m above sea level and 3,4km wide and 7,4km long. The climate in Ugii Nuur is characterized by an extreme continental climate which is cold and dry in winters and relatively warm and wet in summers. Average precipitation around the area is 200-400mm. The Lake starts to freeze in late October and would be covered with ice in mid of November.    
Reason why the lake is special and attracts tourists is that, numerous animals such 266 species of plant, 20 species of mammal, 3 species of amphibian, 129 species of bird, 17 species of fish and 83 species of insect were recorded here and the area was listed in Ramsar Convention, an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands, in 1998, as well as started to be protected by local authority in 2005. About 87 percent of birds in the area are migratory so tourists can have a rare chance to spot unique and exotic water birds such as black-throated loon, horned grebe, great crested grebe, cormorant, whooper swan, white spoonbill and so on. It is obvious that the reason why these all birds gather around the lake, that is, because of abundant fishes such as hucho taimen, lenok, arctic grayling, pike, roach, etc., which can be even more attractive to domestic or foreign tourists who like to fish as a hobby.
What to do in Ugii Lake?
This is the right place where you can just rest and watch interesting birds sitting on a bank of the lake. Apart from doing basic activities such as hiking alongside the lake shore and watching birds, there are more things to do, like sailing on a boat, riding a horse alongside the lakeshore and visiting a nomadic family, if you have time to spare.