SUBURBS OF ULAANBAATAR
Four Holy Peaks
The 4 peaks surrounding Ulaanbataar are considered holy. The Tsetseegum, Chingeltei, Songino Khairkhan and Bayansurkh Mountains correspond, more or less, to the 4 points on the compass. These peaks are tremendous for hiking, and they're popular for their forests of larch trees, grasslands and stunning bird and animal life, including ibex and sable. Tsetseegum Uul is easily the most magnificent. At 2260m (7400ft), it's the highest point in the Bogdkhan Uul range, which dominates the skyline to the south of Ulaanbaatar. The trip is only sensible from the beginning of June to the end of September and a permit is required, which you can get at the entrance gate to the Bogdkhan National Park, about 15km (9mi) south of Ulaanbaatar.
The Manzshir Khiid Route to Tsetseegum from the mountain's southern side is the easiest. Along it there are broad meadows, fields of rocky boulders and
ovoos (pile of stones left as offerings to the gods). The Zaisan Route is the most scenic but also the most difficult, taking about 6 hours each way along precariously steep boulders. Anyway you go, along with the permit, you'll need a compass, plenty of water, food and cold weather gear, as sudden thunderstorms and icy winds can come out of nowhere even in summer. |
