The First Strictly Protected Area in the World
Bogd Khan Mountain is situated 40 km east of Ulaanbaatar, on the border of the forest-steppe and dry steppe zone of Mongolia at the southwest end of the Khenti mountain range. The highest peak, Tsee Gun Peak, is 2268 meters, followed by Tushee Gun Peak, which is 2256 meters. Bogd Khan Mountain is home to the spruce forest, which is the main community of the Taiga region, and one of only three spruce forests in Mongolia. However, in recent years, it has been significantly reduced.
Bogd Khan Mountain is the front boundary for the distribution of mammals for many species of the Great Siberian Taiga and the Khentii Mountains Taiga. Some small streams flow from 20 mouths around Bogd Khan Mountain, some of which reach the Tuul River, and some reach the depressions at the foot of the mountain and are absorbed into the sedimentary soil, which contributes to the creation of a favorable weather environment in the city. Historical monuments such as written and illustrated cliffs, Hirgisur, and monumental tombs are situated along the sides of the mouth of Bogd Khan Mountain.
About Strictly Protection of the Mountain
According to Chapter 398 of the Law of the Great Yuan State, natural beauty places such as “Bogd, Otgontenger, Khan Khentii, Altai Nüser Davaa” are protected.
There is a legend that in the 13th century, Van Khan Tooril worshiped and named Khan Mountain. Later, on September 24, 1778, at the request of Khuree Minister Yundendorj, the decree of the Manchurian King made it a Sanctuary. Based on these, Bogd Khan Mountain is considered to be the first Sanctuary in Mongolia as well as in the world. In 1957, 1974, and 1995, its protected status was reconfirmed. The 400 square kilometer area has been protected as a natural reserve since the 18th century and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996.
Sacrifice for the mountain
Bogd Khan Mountain has been worshipped twice a year in spring and autumn since 1778. There are two mounds called religious and state mounds in the Tsetsee Peak. In each of them, the whole meal was prepared with porridge, whole beef, and several pieces of lamb, and the space to put those meals was as big as the number of houses with 10 walls. The dairy products and fermented yogurt that came as offerings from the provincial chiefs and the people were collected at the mouth of Chuluut a month in advance loaded on camels on the day of sacrifice and taken to Tsetsee Gun.
On the day of the sacrifice, before sunrise, the kings and princes of the state, led by Torhurakh, used to go on horses given by Torhurakh, and more than 50 monks led by Tsogchin Unzad and Gesgui from Ikh Khureen, and about 40 monks from the Manzushir Monastery came from the west to read the sacrificial books. Thirty provinces and ten temples of sacrificial food and rice were given after the end of the ceremony.
Bogd Khan awarded the title of “Gun” to the two peaks of the mountain, Tsetsee, and Tushee, and paid a salary of 50 lang every year. During the sacrifice, they were wrapped in reeds in the tunnel at the top of the mountain. During the Tsam dance, the Garuda bird as the slayer of all evil, and the White Old Man, who brings the sacred peace, were played.
Legend of Garuda the Symbol of Ulaanbaatar
According to the legend, in the olden days, while the mermaids were sleeping at dawn, the fifth girl woke up from a nightmare. When she woke up, a black snake was about to bite her. But when she flew to a Garuda, he grabbed the snake by its neck and tail, put the middle part in his mouth, and said, “I will guard the door of your white palace.” He took the snake away. Thus, it is said that Khuree City has a talisman in the Garuda.
Later, Bogd Khan built a temple with an eight-sided golden gantry on the top for the sacrifice of Bogd Khan Mountain. Two regular monks sat and offered incense, and Bogd Mountain police officers went around every week to provide wick oil and food. From 1809, the Bogd Khan had a police force at the mouths of the mountain, and the Bogd Khan issued permission to enter the territory.
Hiking in Bogd Khan
It is the best-protected area in Mongolia, with untouched wilderness as far as the eye can see – the impression is overwhelming. You only drive out of the city in about 20 minutes to get into the middle of this natural landscape. Tours of medium difficulty can be undertaken. In the side valleys of the other peaks, there are ger camps for overnight stays and longer stays in which you can also rent horses.
