The Bayankhongor aimag includes very diverse geographic areas. It is typically divided into three areas: the mountainous and wooded Khangai in the north, the central steppe region, and the arid Gobi Desert in the south.
Bayankhongor contains two mountain ranges, the Khangai Mountains in the north and the Gobi Altai Mountains in the central region. Ikh Bogd, the aimag's tallest mountain at 3957 meters, is part of the Gobi Altai range and is located outside of Bogd sum.
The largest lakes in Bayankhongor are Orog Nuur and Böön Tsagaan Nuur, which are found in the central semi-desert region of the aimag (the Valley of Lakes between the Khangai and Gobi Altai ranges), as are several other lakes. Due to the surrounding mountain areas, the lakes in the Valley of Lakes have no outlet and are therefore saline.
Khangai, in the north, contains several hot and cold mineral springs. Shargaljuut, a town about 54 km north of the aimag capital, boasts over 300 springs and has developed a popular resort to take advantage of this natural feature. The mineral waters of the various springs are used by the local people to treat a variety of ailments. Furthermore, there are a handful of genuine oases in the south of the province, most of which are in the Shinejinst area. The most famous oasis
BICHIGT ROCK
, Great Bichigt Rock of Bayan Mountain range houses a natural gallery of petroglyphs, written by ancient people 3000 years ago revealing precious cultural heritage. One interesting image shows a man cultivating land with an ox plough. This picture is re¬ported to date back to 3 millennia BC. Ap¬parently settlers on this site used to culti¬vate crops 3000 years ago. It is questioned if Mongolians where first to invent carts for agriculture.
BUGIIN TSAV
Bugiin Tsav gives the feeling of stepping into the past 150 million years ago. It is possible to discover fossils of dinosaurs weighting up to 80 tons, comprising 20m in length and up to 4m of hight. Visitors will find remnants of mussel, indicat¬ing a bed of large freshwater lake or inland sea existing 200 million years ago. The petrified remnants of the ancient giants and water animals are found not only in Bugiin Tsav but also in Shinejinst soum's Green Tsav, around Bogd soum's Orog lake, Am river and Luu Yast.
OROG LAKE
The salt water Orog Nuur is at the end of the Tuin Gol, which passes through Bayankhongor city. Also referred to as Shar Burd Lake, the lake is a good place to watch birdlife. It is nestled in the foothills of Ikh Bogd Mountain (3957m) in Bogd sum, a four hour, 110km drive South of Bayankhongor city. With a jeep and local guide it is possible to drive to the top of Ikh Bogd for stupendous views. You can use the lake as a base to visit sights further South.
GREAT BOGD MOUNTAIN
One of the highest peaks of Gobi -Altai mountain range is Great Bogd Mountain with an eternal snow cap elevated 3957m from sea level. Located in Gobi region however, it hosts teal green moss, colorful flower beds, fast flowing mountain rivers bab-bling noisily their way, a lake and endangered animals such as wild sheep, ibex and leopards as well as medical herbs like snow lotus, rose-root and pagoda tree.
Mountain Peaks experience snow in the middle of summer whereas it turns to rain in its middle range. Temperature reaches 30 degrees C at its bottom, creating a multitude of microclimates within one mountain. Great Bogd Mountain range suffered from earthquake in 1957 creat-ing two beautiful lakes called "Blue" and "Green" Lake. These are great attractions for tourists and trekking fans.
No comments:
Post a Comment