Trips to the Outskirts of the City
Mt. Bogd National Park
This 300 year old national park is one of the most important natural heritage sites in Mongolia, famous for its pristine ecosystem and wildlife. There are several entrances to this Park for organized and individual tours.
Zuun Mod Entrance
This entrance is located in the lush of Bogdo Mountains 30 miles west of Ulaanbaatar and well-known as Manzshir Valley. Visitors can hike on forested mountain slopes, wander through meadows streaked with the colors of an ever-changing variety of wildflowers, explore the ruins of an old monastery, ride horses and browse through a Natural History Museum or take photos wildlife in this national preserve. This is a strictly protected area, where wildlife, including wolves and foxes, is abundant and endangered species are protected from hunting.
Manzshir Monastery
Manzshir Monastery overlooks a beautiful valley of streams and pine, birch trees, dotted with granite boulders. Established in 1733, the monastery had over 20 temples and was once home to at least 300 monks. There is a base ger camp at Ondor Dov, conveniently located a few miles from Manzshir Monastery. The surrounding area is a typical steppe zone and horseback rides can be easily arranged. There are ample opportunities to explore the nomad's lifestyle and sample airag, the fermented mare's milk which is the traditional nomad beverage. This place is also ideal for trekking and hiking. Excursions to Mt. Bogdo National Park via Zuun Mod Entrance can be easily combined with stays at Ondor Dov camp.
Huree Entrance
Another convenient entrance to Mt. Bogdo National Park is the beautiful valley of Huree. This valley is an ideal place to pursue outdoor activities and to view wildlife.. The mountains and meadows are perfect for hiking and horseback riding. There is a base ger camp Chingis Huree at the entrance. The camp offers facilities for archery and other traditional sports. Visitors can tour the huge gers on carts and other props used in filming movie "Chingis Khan" and visit a museum exhibiting Chingis Khan artifacts. Visitors can spend the night in the comfort of traditional nomadic dwellings.
Bayangol Valley
The picturesque Bayangol Valley in the Hentii Mountains, located about 19 miles northwest of Ulaanbaatar, is ideal for hiking and horseback riding. The beautiful scenery and fresh air are perfect for those who want to relax and enjoy nature at its best. The camp has a cozy hotel and restaurant offering both Mongolian and western style cuisine.
Hustain Nuruu
The 90,000 hectare Hustain Huruu Natural Reserve, set 60 miles southwest of Ulaanbaatar, is home to herds of Takhi or Przjevalski horses, the world's only naturally surviving wild horses, recently re-introduced to the region.
Terelj
Terelj is the most popular destination in the third biggest protected area in Mongolia, the Khan Khentii Protected Area. This is the motherland of Chingis Khan, and contains numerous important historical and cultural sites. Three major river systems have their sources in the protected area; the Tuul River, which flows into Russia's Lake Baikal and continues to the Arctic Ocean, and the Onon and Kherlen rivers, which flow east to join the Amur before emptying into the Pacific Ocean. Over 1,150 species of plants, characteristic of both taiga and steppe, have been identified. Over 50 mammal species, 253 species of birds and 34 species of fish make their home in the Khan Khentii Protected Area. Situated 80km northeast of Ulaanbaatar, Terelj is famous for its unique granite rock formations and pristine alpine scenery, and is a popular destination for tourists based in the capital and for Mongolians on weekend trips. The park lies at an altitude of 1600m and offers activities such as hiking, river rafting, horseback riding, skiing and rock climbing. Terelj is a landscape of transition from Siberian taiga forest to grass steppe. In spring and summer the lush meadows are carpeted with wildflowers, and the mountain pine forests and broad streams make this one of the most beautiful areas in Mongolia.
