Erdene Zuu Monastery
Erdene Zuu monastery is the first buddhist monastery in Mongolia. It was built at the initiative of the most influential Khalha lord Abtai Khan, in 1586 on the spot where Karakorum, the famous capital of the Mongolian Empire of the XIII century was. The stone columns, blocks and sculptures excavated from the ruins of the city show that various building materials were used in the construction of this monastery, which began in the XVI century and continued until the XIX century. A considerable portion of the building work of the temples, fortress and stupas was created under the direction of the Mongolian artisan Manzshir and many Mongolian craftsmen participated in erecting this architectural ensemble. The architectural style of the temples combines the style of ancient Mongolian, Tibetan and Chinese architecture. Most noteworthy is that not a single nail was used in the building.
The territory of the monastery occupies an area of 400 square meters and is surrounded by a stone wall with 108 stupas. These stupas were erected either in honor of a prominent historical event, or as the grave of a state or religious figure. Almost ten thousand lamas lived within the fortress, which contained more than 60 chapels of various sizes. Erdene Zuu is said to have had 108 Tsam dancers and religious rites were arranged annually in different parts of the monastery. The Mongolians, Chinese, Arab and Tibetan scripts of the XIII and XIV centuries have been preserved to the present in some of the temples.
Erdene Zuu monastery was severely damaged at the end of the XVII century and the beginning of the XVIII centuries at the time of the struggle of the Mongolians against the Manchu invaders. It was restored several times, in 1760-1796 and in 1808-1814.
Bayangobi
Bayangobi is a unique combination of Mongolian mountains, forest and gobi-type landscape in one location. The beautiful Batkhan Mountain Preserve is
also here. The area is populated with Maral stag (elk), wolves, deer and foxes. You can also see lizards and insects typical of the Gobi.
Orkhon Waterfall
The waterfall is situated in the historically significant Orkhon Valley, whose river flows an incredible 1120km to the North before it joins the mighty Selenge Gol. Also called Ulaan Tsutgalan, the waterfall was formed by a unique combination of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes about 20,000 years ago. The fall is naturally most impressive after heavy rain.
Horgo Volcano & Lake Terkiin Tsagaan
Khorgo volcano - a dead volcano (2240m high) covered with basalt is easy to climb. Interesting bubbles of solidified lava named "Basalt ger" containing sometimes ancient rock paintings. From the crater you have a good view to Lake Terkhiin Tsagaan which is rich on fish and different birds are breeding here. As the lake is 2060m above sea level, it is frozen until June.
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