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

13TH CENTURY THEME PARK​

ABOUT CENTRAL MUSEUM OF MONGOLIAN DINOSAURS<hr>This museum is impressive and must visit place. The Central museum of Mongolian Dinosaurs was established to protect, register and verify fossils, all in order to preserve our heritage for future generations.&nbsp; The main exhibit is of Tyrannosaurus Bataar which was illegally smuggled out of country and sold in Texas, USA at an auction for over US$1m in 2012. The government of Mongolia brought a claim through court and recovered the exhibit. There are two floors of exhibits, but most of the smaller ones are located upstairs. Visitors can see baby dinosaurs still in their nests which are worth seeing. Many people call, this museum T.Bataar’s musuem”. The museum is small and can easily be done. However, the collection is quite impressive as all the fossils showcased are originals and complete skeletons. Every exhibition is well annotated in English.<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/kerege-travel.appspot.com/o/ckeditor%2Fdinosaur_museum_mongolia.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=c5519624-53b8-4a18-abc5-16a09013459a"></figure>

This museum is impressive and must visit place. The Central museum of Mongolian Dinosaurs was established to protect, register and verify fossils, all in order to preserve our heritage for future generations. 

DINOSAURS MUSEUM

HISTORY OF ULAANBAATAR<hr><figure class="image image_resized image-style-side" style="width:51.26%;"><img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/kerege-travel.appspot.com/o/ckeditor%2FConsulate_of_the_Russian_Empire_in_Urgoo1.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=c0670395-d9e6-4e21-8ce7-3195129b8ea8"></figure>Ulaanbaatar, formerly anglicised as Ulan Bator /ˌuːlɑːnˈbɑːtər/ (Mongolian: Улаанбаатар, literally “Red Hero”), is the capital and largest city of Mongolia. The city is not part of any aimag (province), and its population as of 2014 was over 1.3 million, almost half of the country’s population. The municipality is in north central Mongolia at an elevation of about 1,300 meters (4,300 ft) in a valley on the Tuul River. It is the country’s cultural, industrial and financial heart, the centre of Mongolia’s road network and connected by rail to both the Trans-Siberian Railway in Russia and the Chinese railway system.The city was founded in 1639 as a nomadic Buddhist monastic centre. It settled permanently at its present location, the junction of the Tuul and Selbe rivers, in 1778. Before then, it changed location 28 times, each new location being chosen ceremonially. In the twentieth century, Ulaanbaatar grew into a major manufacturing center. Ulaanbaatar is a member of the Asian Network of Major Cities 21. The city’s official website lists Moscow, Hohhot, Seoul, Sapporo and Denver as sister cities.&nbsp;MONASTERY<hr><figure class="image image_resized image-style-side" style="width:39.11%;"><img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/kerege-travel.appspot.com/o/ckeditor%2FOldPaintingUrga1.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=9ef961fa-6c20-45bb-9508-e2e9991cdb98"></figure>Founded in 1639 as a yurt monastery, Ulaanbaatar, originally Örgöö (palace-yurt), was first located at Lake Shireet Tsagaan nuur (75 kilometres (47 miles) directly east of the imperial capital Karakorum) in what is now Burd sum, Övörkhangai, around 230 kilometres (143 miles) south-west from the present site of Ulaanbaatar, and was intended by the Mongol nobles to be the seat of Zanabazar, the first Jebtsundamba Khutughtu. Zanabazar returned to Mongolia from Tibet in 1651, and founded seven aimags (monastic departments) in Urga, later establishing four more.As a mobile monastery-town, it was often moved to various places along the Selenge, Orkhon and Tuul rivers, as supply and other needs would demand. During the Dzungar wars of the late 17th century, it was even moved to Inner Mongolia. As the city grew, it moved less and less.The movements of the city can be detailed as follows: Shireet Tsagaan Nuur (1639), Khoshoo Tsaidam (1640), Khentii Mountains (1654), Ogoomor (1688), Inner Mongolia (1690), Tsetserlegiin Erdene Tolgoi (1700), Daagandel (1719), Usan Seer (1720), Ikh Tamir (1722), Jargalant (1723), Eeven Gol (1724), Khujirtbulan (1729), Burgaltai (1730), Sognogor (1732), Terelj (1733), Uliastai River (1734), Khui Mandal (1736), Khuntsal (1740), Udleg (1742), Ogoomor (1743), Selbe (1747), Uliastai River (1756), Selbe (1762), Khui Mandal (1772) and Selbe (1778).In 1778, the city moved from Khui Mandal and settled for good at its current location, near the confluence of the Selbe and Tuul rivers, and beneath Bogd Khan Uul, at that time also on the caravan route from Beijing to Kyakhta.One of the earliest Western mentions of Urga is the account of the Scottish traveller John Bell in 1721:What they call the Urga is the court, or the place where the prince (Tusheet Khan) and high priest (Bogd Jebtsundamba Khutugtu) reside, who are always encamped at no great distance from one another. They have several thousand tents about them, which are removed from time to time. The Urga is much frequented by merchants from China and Russia, and other places. By Zanabazar’s death in 1723, Urga was the Mongolia’s preeminent monastery in terms of religious authority. A council of seven of the highest-ranking lamas (Khamba Nomon Khan, Ded Khambaand five Tsorj) made most of the city’s religious decisions. It had also become Outer Mongolia’s commercial center. From 1733 to 1778, Urga moved in the vicinity of its present location. In 1754, the Erdene Shanzodba Yam of Urga was given authority to supervise the administrative affairs of the Bogd’s subjects. It also served as the city’s chief judicial court. In 1758, the Qianlong Emperor appointed the Khalkha Vice General Sanzaidorj as the first Mongol amban of Urga with full authority to “oversee the Khuree and administer well all the Khutugtu’s subjects”.In 1761, a second amban was appointed for the same purpose, a Manchu one. A quarter-century later, in 1786, a decree issued in Peking gave right to the Urga ambans to decide the administrative affairs of Tusheet Khan and Setsen Khan territories. With this, Urga became the highest civil authority in the country. Based on Urga’s Mongol governor Sanzaidorj’s petition, the Qianlong Emperor officially recognized an annual ceremony on Bogd Khan Mountain in 1778 and provided the annual imperial donations. The city was the seat of the Jebtsundamba Khutugtus, two Qing ambans, and a Chinese trade town grew “four trees” or 4.24 km (2.63 mi) east of the city center at the confluence of the Uliastai and Tuul rivers.By 1778, Urga may have had as many as ten thousand monks, who were regulated by a monastic rule, Internal Rule of the Grand Monastery or Yeke Kuriyen-u Doto’adu Durem. For example, in 1797 a decree of the 4th Jebtsundamba forbade “singing, playing with archery, myagman, chess, usury and smoking”). Executions were forbidden where the holy temples of the Bogd Jebtsundama could be seen, so capital punishment took place away from the city.In 1839, the 5th Bogd Jebtsundamba moved his residence to Gandan Hill, an elevated position to the west of the Baruun Damnuurchin markets. Part of the city was moved to nearby Tolgoit. In 1855, the part of the camp that moved to Tolgoit was brought back to its 1778 location, and the 7th Bogd Jebtsundamba returned to the Zuun Khuree. The Gandan Monastery flourished as a center of philosophical studies.&nbsp;GOOD TO KNOW<hr>PRE HISTORYHuman habitation at the site of Ulaanbaatar dates from the Lower Paleolithic, with a number of sites on Bogd Khan, Buyant-Ukhaa and Songinokhairkhan mountains, revealing tools which date from 300,000 years ago to 40,000–12,000 years ago. These Upper Paleolithic people hunted mammoth and woolly rhinoceros, the bones of which are found abundantly around Ulaanbaatar.&nbsp;BEFORE 1639A number of Xiongnu-era royal tombs have been discovered around Ulaanbaatar, including the tombs of Belkh Gorge near Dambadarjaalin monastery and tombs of Songinokhairkhan. Located on the banks of the Tuul River, Ulaanbaatar has been well within the sphere of Turco-Mongol nomadic empires throughout history. Wang Khan, Toghrul of the Keraites, a Nestorian Christian monarch whom Marco Polo identified as the legendary Prester John, is said to have had his palace here (the Black Forest of the Tuul River) and forbade hunting in the holy mountain Bogd Uul. The palace is said to be where Genghis Khan stayed with Yesui Khatun before attacking the Tangut in 1226.

Ulaanbaatar, formerly anglicised as Ulaanbaatar, is the capital and largest city of Mongolia. The city is not part of any aimag (province), and its population as of 2014 was over 1.3 million, almost half of the country’s population

ULAANBAATAR CITY

ABOUT THE CHOIJIN LAMA TEMPLE<hr>The Choijin Lama Temple Official name given by Manchu Qing Emperor Guangxu (1871 – 1908): The complex consists of six temples originally occupied by the brother of the ruler the Eighth Bogd Jetsun Dampa Khan, Choijin Lama Luvsankhaidav, who was the state oracle and ‘Precious Wisdom and Clear Devotion’ Khutugtu at the time. The complex was begun in 1904 and completed in 1908, in honor of the State Oracle Lama Lubsanhaidub /Losang Kedrup/, brother of the eighth Bogd Khan. The Choijin Lama Museum was originally a Buddhist temple complex, consisting of one main and five branch temples. It was active until 1937, when it was closed during the height of Communist repression against Buddhism and other religious traditions. In 1938 the complex was re-established as museum due to skillful efforts of wise people. This was how it was saved throughout communism.<figure class="image"><img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/kerege-travel.appspot.com/o/ckeditor%2Fchoijin_lama.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=a0fb3a69-14c9-48b4-9e38-3bd9a967c6ab"></figure>The main temple features an 18th-century gilt statue of Buddha Sakyamuni with a statue of Choijin Lama Luvsankhaidav on the Buddha’s right and the embalmed corpse of Baldan Choephel on his left. In addition, the temple boasts a copious collection of religious instruments, thangka paintings, silk embroideries, wood carvings, statues, and a biggest collection of cham dance masks). The annex to the temple contains another temple, named ‘Zankhang’ and a central square in which Choijin Lama Luvsankhaidav performed Oracle trance rituals.<figure class="image image-style-side"><img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/kerege-travel.appspot.com/o/ckeditor%2Fchoijin_lama_museum_01.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=e861cb13-51b9-4793-bbde-10de17717771"></figure>The Zuu Temple, dedicated to the Buddha Shakyamuni features papier-mache sculptures of Buddha in the past, present, and future. The 16 arhat disciples of Buddha appear on the temple walls with four Maharajas protectors shown sitting in caves on either side of the door. The Yidam Temple was used as a place of prayer by Choijin Lama Luvsankhaidav, and therefore closed to the public. In its center is a gilt bronze sculpture of one of the 84 Indian yogis, or Mahasiddha. Also depicted are the tantric gods Kalacakra, Mahamaya, Vajradhara and others with their shakti or consorts in postures of meditation that symbolize power and strength. The fourth temple, the temple of amugulang or peace, is dedicated to the first Mongolian reincarnation of Boghda Jevzundamba, Undur Gegeen Zanabazar, (1635-1724). The museum, it preserves a rich heritage of Buddhist artifacts. Located in central Ulaanbaatar directly south of Sukhbaatar square, the museum is open year-round (with reduced hours during the winter months). Explanations of the almost overwhelming collection are not as detailed as they could be, but each temple has room attendants who can provide additional material. The museum itself and its objects also show the re-emergence of Buddhism in Mongolia after Communist repression, with a particularly interesting display on Buddhist cham dancing and its modern revival

The Choijin Lama Temple Official name given by Manchu Qing Emperor Guangxu (1871 – 1908): 
The complex consists of six temples originally occupied by the brother of the ruler the Eighth Bogd Jetsun Dampa Khan, Choijin Lama Luvsankhaidav,

THE CHOIJIN LAMA TEMPLE

SUKHBAATAR SQUARE<hr>Sukhbaatar square is the central square of Mongolia’s capital Ulaanbaatar. It lies at the heart of the city surrounded by important buildings such as government palace, banks and theaters and post office. In front of the Government House, a large statue of Genghis Khan proudly stands outside of the building, and equestrian statues of Mongol Empire’s army leaders and Genghis Khan’s son and grandson. An inner courtyard of the building holds a large ceremonial Ger used for hosting visiting dignitaries. In 1921 in the center of Ulaanbaatar, the ‘hero of the revolution’, Damdin Sukhbaatar, declared Mongolia’s final independence from the Chinese.&nbsp;<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/kerege-travel.appspot.com/o/ckeditor%2Fsukhbaatar_square_night.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=b345f63b-41db-45c0-a583-42fb34f63409"></figure>The bronze statue of Sukhbaatar stands at the center of square. Then square is named after Sukhbaatar. As well as this is the place where Peaceful anti-communism protests were held here in 1990, which eventually ushered in the era of democracy.&nbsp; Today, the square is occasionally used for rallies, ceremonies and even rock concerts and festivals, but is generally a relaxed place where you can witness and see many interesting stories of the city played out here such as teenagers riding bikes and rollerblading, guys hanging out on the thick chains hanging from the mouths of the stone lions, newly married couples posing for pictures, students celebrating graduation, or classmates coming together for reunions after 30 or 40 years. So many memories for Mongolians and unforgettable life moments are unseparably ties this square. Therefore, central square is popular place for city residents, not only travelers.&nbsp;

Sukhbaatar square is the central square of Mongolia’s capital Ulaanbaatar. It lies at the heart of the city surrounded by important buildings such as government palace, banks and theaters and post office.

SUKHBAATAR SQUARE

ABOUT BOGD KHAN WINTER PALACE MUSEUM<hr>It’s one of very few places the Soviets and communist Mongolians didn’t destroy during political purges. The white building to the right as you enter is the Winter Palace itself. It contains a collection of gifts received from foreign dignitaries, such as a pair of golden boots from a Russian tsar, a robe made from 80 unfortunate foxes and a ger lined with the skins of 150 snow leopards. Mongolia’s Declaration of Independence (from China in 1911) is among the exhibits. The Bogd Khaan’s penchant for unusual live animals explains the extraordinary array of stuffed animals in the Palace – including an elephant that had to walk for three months from the Russian border to Ulaanbaatar! The Palace Museum preserves priceless historical and cultural monuments of the Mongolian State and religion from the 17th to 20th Centuries, together with artifacts created by the foremost masters of that time, Zanabazar in particular, ranging from statues of gods, tankas, and papier-mache. The museum welcomes 19-20 thousand visitors each year and 70-80 percent is from foreign countries.<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:100%;"><img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/kerege-travel.appspot.com/o/ckeditor%2Fbogd_king_palace.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=86d3268e-2e9f-481f-9316-e17649ff01fe"></figure>The Bogd Khan Palace is one of the most important monuments of Mongolian history and architecture. It was built between 1893 and 1906 and is composed of two parts:<ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="text-align:justify;">The Summer Palace has seven temples and pagodas; it’s a magnificent well-preserved Chinese-styled place of worship;</li><li style="text-align:justify;">The Winter Palace is a two-storey European-styled building built by Russian architects.</li></ul>For about twenty years, the Winter Palace had been serving as winter residence for the eighth Buddhist leader of Mongolia, the Bogd Javzandamba Agvaanluvsan and his wife, Queen Dondogdulam. This is only remaining palace out of four residences where Bogd Khan resided here with his queen for twenty years. The Bogd Khan was also known as the eighth living Buddha. When the Bogd Khan died in 1924, the palace was turned into a museum. This palace now displays the collection of personal belongings of the last Khan and his wife.

It’s one of very few places the Soviets and communist Mongolians didn’t destroy during political purges. The white building to the right as you enter is the Winter Palace itself.

BOGD KHAN WINTER PALACE MUSEUM

THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MONGOLIAN HISTORY<hr>The National Museum of Mongolian History was founded in 1991. It provides an excellent overview of history and culture of Mongols from ages as early as the Stone Age and up to the modern days. Among 15 thousand exhibits of the museum are carpet and silk items of the Hun period and leather boots of a Mongolian soldier of that time. Its’ must see for all first time visitors to learn about the great 2000 year old tradition of Mongolian statehood. Visiting this museum before travelling anywhere in Mongolia will give you good knowledge of country’s tradition and nomad lifestyle that you can see in real life later. It has 11 halls including the Ancient history, Ancient States, Traditional clothes and jewelry, Mongol Empire, Culture, Traditional lifestyle, 16-20th century Mongolia, Mongolia under Bogd Khaan, Socialist Mongolia, Democratic Mongolia and a temporary exhibition hall.<figure class="image"><img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/kerege-travel.appspot.com/o/ckeditor%2F2019-8-7-National-Museum-of-Mongolia-16-copy-scaled1.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=69fb30a4-d6a7-4175-a317-2a9c7c28affe"></figure>The 1st floor has some interesting exhibits on petroglyphs, deer stones (stone sculptures of reindeer and other animals) and burial sites from the Hun and Uyghur eras. The 2nd floor houses an outstanding collection of costumes, hats and jewellery, representing most of Mongolia’s ethnic groups. The 3rd floor is a must-see for fans of the Mongol horde. The collection includes real examples of 12th century Mongol Armor, and correspondence between Pope Innocent IV and Guyik Khaan. Written in Latin and Persian and dated November 13, 1246, it bears the khan’s seal. There is also a display of traditional Mongolian culture with, among other things, a furnished Ger, traditional farming and domestic implements, saddles and musical instruments.

The National Museum of Mongolian History was founded in 1991. It provides an excellent overview of history and culture of Mongols from ages as early as the Stone Age and up to the modern days. Among 15 thousand exhibits of the museum are carpet and silk items of the Hun period and leather boots of a Mongolian soldier of that time.

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