ABOUT GUN GALUUT NATURAL RESERVE<hr>The Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve is protected in order to conserve threatened species. Citizens representing Khural (local Parliament) in the sum of Bayandelger, province of Tov, created the reserve in 2003. It’s composed of three zones: one is touristic and open to visitors, another one has a restricted access, and the last one, central, is forbidden which are the ecosystem of steppe, rocky mountain, small lakes, river, streams and wetland, and it is about 20000 hectare. The harmonized complex of high mountains, steppes, rivers, lakes and wetlands as well are kept enough as its original condition. The advantages of Gun-Galuut is no overcrowd of people mixed with domestic tourists although it’s located just 130 km from Ulaanbaatar capital city and easy access of driving (just for 2 hours) make this area to become the most attractive place for the tourism. The area of Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve is elevated averagely 1200 m above sea level. Gun Galuutai is home to argali sheep, grey wolf, fox, lynx, manul cat, badger, hare, marmot, mice and etc., Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve has numerous lakes and pools. The largest one in size are Lake Ikh-Gun (88 Sq.he) and Lake Ayaga (13 Sq.he). Many species of waterbirds spend summer at these 2 lakes, namely, gulls, ducks, geese, swans, cranes, storks etc.., Moreover, Gun-Galuut Nature reserve is rich with many clear rivers including the River Kherlen, one of the longest in Mongolia, River Ayaga, River Shinebulag and River Galuutai and so on. All are rich in fish. Currently 38 species of fish are observed in the River Kherlen which flows from the Khentii Mountain range.&nbsp;<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/kerege-travel.appspot.com/o/ckeditor%2FGun_Galuut_Nature_Reserve.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=1395895b-3195-4641-adb6-98c933b16ec9"></figure>GOOD TO KNOW<hr>Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve 130 km (81 mi) south-east of Ulaanbaatar, has a great diversity of ecosystems even though it has a comparatively small area. The complex of high mountains, steppes, rivers, lakes and wetlands are kept in their original condition. Visitors to Gun-Galuut see vast steppes seeming to meet the sky, the imposing mountains of Baits and Berkh, the homeland of rare creatures, Ikh-Gun and Ayaga lakes, a paradise of birds, Kherlen, the longest river of Mongolia and the Tsengiin Burd wetland, where water and wetland birds lay their eggs.&nbsp;FAUNA OF GUN-GALUUT NATURE RESERVEAlthough limited research has been carried out on the reserve’s fauna, 63 mammal species, 81 bird species, three amphibian species and 38 fish species have been recorded, including a number of nationally and globally threatened species. Among the more common mammal species are the gray wolf, Tarbagan marmot, souslik (ground squirrel), pika, vole, fox, corsac and jerboa. Globally threatened species include the argali(mountain sheep), Siberian crane, white-naped crane, hooded crane, black vulture and swan goose. Among the nationally threatened species found in the park are the whooper swan, black stork, great white egret, bar-headed goose, bearded vulture and Eurasian penduline tit.

The Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve is protected in order to conserve threatened species. Citizens representing Khural (local Parliament) in the sum of Bayandelger, province of Tov, created the reserve in 2003.

GUN GALUUT NATURAL RESERVE

GORKHI TERELJ NATIONAL PARK​<hr>Gorkhi Terelj National Park is one of the national parks of Mongolia. The Terelj tourist zone has a number of tourist camps (Mongolian: жуулчны бааз, juulchny baaz). It is connected with Ulaanbaatar by a paved road (main road to the East #A0501 Baganuur-Öndörkhaan direction, 37 km from Ulaanbaatar city center, left turn to the branch #A24, 5 km later road crosses Tuul River and the National park territory begins). The road comes to the Gorkhiin Davaa (Mongolian: Горхийн даваа) pass. Most of the tourist camps and tourist attractions are before this pass. The road then ends at the settlement of Terelj, which features small shops and restaurants. The Terelj settlement is located in the valley of the Terelj River (Terelj Gol), approximately 66 km from the Ulaanbaatar city center. The national park tourist zone is formally in Nalaikh düüreg(district) part of Ulaanbaatar municipality, the rest of the protected zone beginning to the north of the Terelj River, is located in Mongolia’s Töv Province. A small southern portion of the park is developed for tourists, with restaurants, souvenir shops, horses and camels for rent, and tourist ger camps, many of them run by the Juulchin corporation, the former state tourism company. However, most of the park is undeveloped and difficult to access. Attractions include Khagiin Khar Lake, a 20m deep glacial lake 80 km upstream from the tourist camps, and Yestii Hot Water Springs, natural hot springs 18 km further upstream. The park also has a Buddhist monastery that is open to visitors. Park wildlife includes brown bears and over 250 species of birds. The Tuul River flows through the park. The park has many rock formations for rock climbers, and includes two famous formations named for things they resemble: Turtle Rock (Mongolian: Melkhii Khad) and the Old Man Reading a Book (Praying Lama Rock). Many Westerners were introduced to Gorkhi-Terelj National Park when the CBS reality television program The Amazing Race visited the park in the secondHighlights: Turtle Rock, Meditation temple Ariyabal and visit local nomadic families. During the summer there are great opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, flower and bird watching.<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/kerege-travel.appspot.com/o/ckeditor%2Faryabal_temple.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=0a310f2e-7862-4a0f-b1c5-3bdb9b462bcb"></figure>GOOD TO KNOW<hr>THE TURTLE ROCKThe Turtle Rock, or called Melkhi Khad by the locals, is an interesting rock formation looking like a turtle. This giant rock formation is a popular spot for visitors to the area. There are you can ride a camel or travel on horseback around scenic nature.&nbsp;ARYABAL MEDITATION TEMPLEAriyabal meditation temple is situated in the scenic area of Terelj National Park, 3 km from Turtle Rock. Buddhist Monks performs meditation ritual for many years amongst beautiful and tranquil mountains.&nbsp; The temple is surrounded by scenic mountains with interesting rock formations and sits at top of the mountain. The entrance of the gate is accessible by car, hiking or on horseback. The distance between the gate and the actual temple is about 1 km and it is only accessible by walking. To get to the top, you would cross the suspension bridge and climb up on 108 stairs, according to Buddhist prayer beads. This small hike is seen as a ritual to cleanse one’s sins. The temple, when observed from distance, can be seen as a beautiful white elephant and the staircase looks as if the dangling elephant’s trunk. From the top, you can enjoy the breathtaking view overlooking the Terelj National Park.

Gorkhi Terelj National Park is one of the national parks of Mongolia. The Terelj tourist zone has a number of tourist camps (Mongolian: жуулчны бааз, juulchny baaz). It is connected with Ulaanbaatar by a paved road (main road to the East #A0501 Baganuur-Öndörkhaan direction,

GORKHI TERELJ NATIONAL PARK​

ABOUT GENGHIS KHANS STATUE COMPLEX<hr>Mongolia revere our king’s wisdoms rather than his conquests. Nowadays you can see many tributes to Chinggis Khaan, a man of the millennium. One of them is a gigantic statue of Genghis Khan on the bank of Tuul river. It is 40 meters tall and wrapped in 250 tons of gleaming stainless steel.The equestrian statue of Genghis Khan was built in 2008 on the occasion of the eight-hundredth anniversary of the foundation of the Mongolian Empire, in honor of its founder, Genghis Khan. The people of Mongolia honored him by erecting the world’s largest equestrian statue in his likeness. Located 34 miles from Ulaanbaatar in an area known as Tsonjin Boldog, It’s the currently the highest statue representing a man on a horseback in the world.<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/kerege-travel.appspot.com/o/ckeditor%2Fgenghis_khan_statue_complex(1).jpg?alt=media&amp;token=bf47e107-b17f-4fd5-94ba-600e39129b0d"></figure>The statue is turned towards East, towards the conqueror’s place of birth. It stands on a 10 metres high base that is surrounded by 36 columns representing the 36 kings Mongolia experienced during its history, from the first one, Genghis Khan, to the last one, Ligden Khan. Visitors can ascend to the exhibition hall using an elevator at the back of the horse and then walk to the horse’s head passing through its chest and the back of its neck from where they can have an excellent panoramic view over the complex area and the scenery beyond.

Mongolia revere our king’s wisdoms rather than his conquests. Nowadays you can see many tributes to Chinghis Khaan, a man of the millennium. One of them is a gigantic statue of Genghis Khan on the bank of Tuul river.

GENGHIS KHANS STATUE COMPLEX

ABOUT BOGD KHAN MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK<hr>The mountain looming over Ulaanbaatar to the south is the first protected mountain in the world, since 1778. Because of its religious significance this beautiful mountain has been untouched for centuries in terms of utilizing its resources and hunting animals. Worshipping ceremony of the mountain was interrupted during 1921 to 1995. However, there ceremony has been restored in the latter years. This mountain is on the boundary of a steppe and forest-steppe natural zone. The mountain also marks the Southern border of Siberian forest and Mongolian forests. The Bogd Khan strictly protected place has an area of 416 square km and the highest point is Tsetsee Gunwhich is 2256 meters above sea level. The Bogd Khan Mountain has over 220 species of plants, some rare animals like red deer, musk deer, Siberian deer, Siberian ibex, wild boar and many species of birds such as common buzzard, woodpecker, stork and others. The mountain is great for hiking and it is popular for its forest with larch trees, grasslands, stunning plants and its animal life. Climbing to the top of the tors of the granite cliff peak, Tsetsee Gun for splendid views is really challenging. The peak is a three hour hike away and five-six hours for the round trip hike. The mountain was registered in “the World Biosphere Reserve Network” in 1996. The Bogd Khan Mountain, along with Mongolia’s other sacred mountains Burkhan Khaldun and Otgontenger, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List on August 6, 1996 in the Cultural category. World Heritage sites are those that exhibit universal natural or cultural significance, or both. In 1783 the local Mongolian government of the Qing Dynasty declared the Bogd Khan a protected site, for its beauty. This makes it the oldest legally protected natural area in the world. It is about 7440 feet tall. Mount Bogd Khan Uul was already protected during Zanabazar’s time. Zanabazar was said to have meditated under a tree called Janchivsembe in Nukht Valley of Mount Bogd Khan Uul. Russian envoy V.S.Turskii, the son of a Tobolsk landowner, was sent to the 1st Jebtsundamba Khutugtu Zanabazar (1635–1723) and his brother Tusheet Khan Chakhundorj in 1681. In his report he makes the following notes when covering the period June 2, 1681 to June 16, 1681 (he describes two pavilions that were built somewhere between the current Sky Resort and MCS Coca-Cola Plant in eastern Ulaanbaatar). In 1778 the Mongolian governor (minister) of Khuree (Urga, present day Ulan-Bator) Sanzaidorj sent a letter to the Qianlong Emperor-requesting approval of annual ceremonies dedicated to Mount Bogd Khan Uul. The Mongolian letter and the reply from Beijing in Mongolian is kept in the Central State Archives of Mongolia.<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/kerege-travel.appspot.com/o/ckeditor%2Fbogd_khan_mount.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=60728b5b-fe4f-46fa-bf2e-99650f83b4b5"></figure>The text of governor Sanzaidorj’s letter reads:To this the Board for Administration of Outlying Regions in Beijing replied in Mongolian:The ceremony of worshipping Mount Bogd Khan Uul used to take place over two days. Religious ceremonies were held on the first day which was followed by a festive naadam on the second day. There are two ovoos (sacred pile of stones or cairns) on Tsetsee Gun (Duke Tsetsee) peak. The east ovoo was called Religion Ovoo, the west was called State Ovoo. Each Ovoo received food offerings, full cow offering and a number of sheep offerings. These offerings were said to be arranged as tall as the ceiling of a 10 walled ger. The various dairy products, airag and yoghurt sent from the surrounding provinces were collected a month in advance in Chuluut gorge. On the day of the ceremony these offerings were all loaded on camels and taken up to Tsetsee Gun peak. Khans and nobles (noyans) would ascend on horseback up State Gathering Gorge early before sunrise. At the same time around 50 lamas including high-ranking tsogchin unzad and gesgui would make their way from Ikh Khuree (Urga proper) while around 40 lamas would make their way from Manjusri Monastery (built in 1733) on the south side of the mountain and join them at the Ovoo. First the Khan’s decree was read. The credentials written on yellow silk and other ceremonial silk was burnt in a censer. Then the worshippers would circle the Ovoos clockwise each according to their rank holding silk scarves and offering select food offerings in respect. The two peaks of Mount Bogd Khan Uul were given the title Duke (гүн) and awarded a salary of 50 lang. This salary was offered to them wrapped in silk on top of the mountain. After the ceremony the food was distributed to the 30 monastic schools and 10 monasteries. The spirits of the mountain were visualized as a strong Khangarid bird and a white-bearded old man riding a deer (Цагаан Өвгөн). These sacred characters could be seen participating in the Tsam dances. Eventually an eight-sided, golden-roofed temple was built for the ceremony. It was permanently staffed by two monks who were met weekly by the mountain police to replenish their candle oil and food supplies.&nbsp;

The mountain looming over Ulaanbaatar to the south is the first protected mountain in the world, since 1778. Because of its religious significance this beautiful mountain has been untouched for centuries in terms of utilizing its resources and hunting animals.

BOGD KHAN MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

HISTORY OF KHUSTAIN NURUU NATIONAL PARK<hr>The Mongolian Government declared Hustai National Park as a Specially Protected Area in 1993, one year after the initiation of the reintroduction of the last species of wild horse project. The Wild horse became extinct in the wild and was last seen in the Gobi in the late 1960s. It survived only in zoos and private parks around the world. The reintroduction program began in 1992. Horses were selected for maximum genetic diversity and gathered at semi-reserves in the Netherlands. Over a two year period, they formed socially normal herds, each consisting of a stallion and his harem of mares. Then they were flown to Mongolia from Luxembourg airport. These shipments (of 16 horses each time) continued every two years until 2002. In addition to the takhi, there are populations of maral (Asiatic red deer), marmots, steppe gazelle, deer, boar, manul (small wild cat), wolves and lynx. The takhi and marmots are easy to see on a game drive in early morning or late afternoon. The other mammal species need some patience and are more likely to be seen while hiking on foot around the reserve. &nbsp;You can go hiking, horseback riding, or take a road trip through Hustai N.P. Seeing these truly wild horses which numbered in the hundreds of thousands of years ago as captured in archeological records, will make you feel like you have traveled thousands of year back in time. The HNP is one of the best-managed Specially Protected Areas in Mongolia and was the first park to be managed by a Non-governmental Organization specializing in nature and environmental conservation. The park was managed by the Mongolian Association for the Conservation of Nature and the Environment during 1993-2003. A dedicated NGO, the Hustai National Park Trust (HNPT), was established in 2003 and signed a contract with the Mongolian Government which delegated the management of the HNP to the new NGO.<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/kerege-travel.appspot.com/o/ckeditor%2Fkhustai.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=9e1e421e-030e-4891-8276-f831fabc1cd0"></figure>GOOD TO KNOW<hr>THE HNPT CONDUCTS OPERATIONS IN FIVE MAIN ACTIVITY AREAS AS FOLLOWS<ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;">Conservation and protection of ecosystems and historical sites in the park.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Reintroduction of the last species of wild horse – the Takhi – and building-up of a sustainable wild population.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Organization of international training courses and research.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Development of ecotourism.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Development of the buffer zone of the HNP.</li></ul>THE TRUST HAS AROUND 60 EMPLOYEES, WORKING IN FIVE UNITS AS FOLLOWS<ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;">Administration</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Training and research</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Protection</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Tourism</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Buffer zone development</li></ul>SINCE 1993, THE HNP HAS IMPLEMENTED THE FOLLOWING INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS, SUPPORTED BY THE DUTCH GOVERNMENT<ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;">Hustain Nuruu nature reserves, 1993–1997</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Conservation of the biodiversity of the HNP, 1998–2003</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Support to the management of the HNP, 2004–2008</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Development of sustainable livelihoods in the buffer zone of the HNP, 2004–2008</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Adaptation to changing conditions in the HNP and its buffer zone, 2009–2012</li></ul>

The Mongolian Government declared Hustain National Park as a Specially Protected Area in 1993, one year after the initiation of the reintroduction of the last species of wild horse project.

KHUSTAIN NURUU NATIONAL PARK

ABOUT 13TH CENTURY THEME PARK<hr><figure class="image image_resized image-style-side" style="width:46.92%;"><img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/kerege-travel.appspot.com/o/ckeditor%2Fbuugiin_otog.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=66f4463a-930a-4e74-96a9-acd3faa2f328"></figure>13th century complex is located 96 km far from the Ulaanbaatar city in Erdene soum, Tuv province. The 13th Century complex has the environment of tourism attractions, ger camps, farms, statues and traditional entertainment areas, all in real lifestyle of 13th century era. Within this country, the rule of the law is strong and there is no television, electricity and phones are allowed for the real experience as the purpose of the 13th Century theme park is built and established in real time micro kingdom of the 13th Century to make the real experiences for the tourists during their stay by genuinely providing true environment of the way of living. This is the only camp in Mongolia where you can visit the old time micro kingdom of Chinggis Khaan and his empire. By visiting the camp tourists will enjoy the craftsmen art work, Mongolian calligraphy, learn to write Mongolian traditional scripts, dine in the kings and queens palace, practice archery, horse training and catching horses with lasso pole, riding horses and camels or simply sit back and enjoy the beautiful countryside landscapes and the clear blue sky. Currently, there are six different camps and tribes that provide the above-mentioned services to the customers which are described below in detail:&nbsp;&nbsp;GOOD TO KNOW<hr>RELAY-STATION CAMPThis camp is situated at the entrance, the guards inspects costumer’s ticket in the rely station and the servants will lead and guide the tourists to the next camp.&nbsp;RELAY-STATION CAMPThis camp is situated at the entrance, the guards inspects costumer’s ticket in the rely station and the servants will lead and guide the tourists to the next camp.&nbsp;CRAFTSMEN CAMPThe blacksmiths and craftsmen’s works of XIII century Mongolian is very popular in the world. In the craftsmen camp you will enjoy observing the craftsmen artwork such as horse hold utensils, women’s ornaments, jewelry, arms and tools etc. Throughout the complex, watch closely to the details of the interiors and exteriors as they are all handmade. Their works such as woolen felt decorations, handmade Mongolian carpets and ornaments will amaze you.&nbsp;EDUCATIONAL CAMPBy visiting this camp you will have an opportunity to learn the unique culture of the literacy, traditional way of educating their successors and the young. Besides, tourists and guests are offered the chance of practicing the Mongolian calligraphy and many kinds of Mongolians scripts&nbsp;HERDER’S CAMPThe everyday life of herders, pastoral culture, the way of breeding in the life-stock, the methods of producing dairy products, horse training and catching horses with lasso pole, processing the leather straps, riding horses, yaks and camels are available with your choice to experience the life of XIII century in Mongolia.&nbsp;SHAMAN’S CAMPFollowing the customs of each clan, the Shamans from different clans all over Mongolia gather around the bon fire under the blue sky to perform a ritual to worship the mother nature and Gods, aiming for one common deed. There are several kinds of Shaman’s ritual of worshiping, such as worshiping for 33 heavens, cairn, and the bon fire ritual can be organized for tourists on reservation as it is a extensive but magical event. Moreover, you can also visit the different clans of shaman’s gers and have your fortune told if you wish, even if you’re a walk in guest.&nbsp;KING’S PALACEIt is the main attraction point of the XIII Century Theme Park. There are 24 tribes’ flags which symbolizes the history about his triumph of uniting 24 tribes and established Great Mongolian Empire. You will learn about the statecraft of XIII Century of Mongolians. All the state affairs such as declaring the laws, holding a great forum are carried out at the camp. In the King’s Palace, there will be different programs and receptions while you sit back and enjoy the traditional food, we have more choices of traditional programs on request upon reservation.

13th century complex is located 96 km far from the Ulaanbaatar city in Erdene soum, Tuv province. The 13th Century complex has the environment of tourism attractions, ger camps, farms, statues and traditional entertainment areas

GUN GALUUT NATURAL RESERVE

GORKHI TERELJ NATIONAL PARK​

GENGHIS KHANS STATUE COMPLEX

BOGD KHAN MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

KHUSTAIN NURUU NATIONAL PARK

13TH CENTURY THEME PARK​

GORKHI TERELJ NATIONAL PARK

13TH CENTURY THEME PARK