Getting to Huvsgul (Khuvsgul, Khovsgol) Lake

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About Huvsgul

It is one of the country major tourist attractions also known as the "Dark blue pearl". Huvsgul Lake is located in Huvsgul-the northernmost province of Mongolia. Huvsgul province is mountainous and is 1500 to 3000m above sea level. It is the freshest, largest and deepest lake in the Mongolia with 36.5km in width, 136km and 262m in length. This Huvsgul lake also ranks second place in central Asia by its depth. Numerous flora and fauna inhabit here since it has many mountains, forests and rivers. There are about 30 kinds of mammals, 200 kinds of birds, and 10 kinds of fish in this province. Huvsgul Lake is also one of the largest tributary stream of the Lake Baikal in Russia.

Getting to Huvsgul
By flight:
For those people who are short of time, Flight is the fastest and easier way to reach Huvsgul from Ulaanbaatar. You can take either take MIAT or Eznis Airlines which cost around USD 350-500 for a return trip from UB to Murun. However, there are limited time schedule to Murun and the flights in Mongolia always delayed due to the weather or some other reasons. Our flight schedule should be about 5.30pm but my friends and I waited for about 2hours to take off. The flight journey takes about 2 – 2.5ours to reach Murun town. For those of you who have time may take 1 or 2 days to reach there either by car or van. I have heard that the scene along journey is nice and beautiful.
 
Bumpy ride

It was about 10pm when we reached Murun Airport and waited long for our luggage. Murun is a very small airport . As it was already end August when I went there, the summer was close to end and entering autumn. It was so cold at night when we get out of the airport and I was shocked that we have to take another 2hours drive to reach the camp. The road condition was bumpy and bad. Of course, there’s no signboard as usual. We were tired and I can’t really sleep along the journey as I was hungry and feel stuffy in the van. The road condition is too bumpy to fall asleep. I felt like throwing out along the drive and I feel difficult to breath as well cause it will be cold to wind down the windows. It was so stuffy along the whole journey…We then reached our ger camp at 12am…everyone was so tired and hungry.   One thing I noted along the journey was that u can see the big bright moon is so close to you that you are able to catch the moon. I guess that’s because Huvsgul located in a higher altitude.  The dinner became our supper…though the food is just simple meal with some rice serving with meat and salad cooked in the Mongolian style.

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Beautiful Wild Flowers around countryside of Mongolia

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You may see many beautiful wild flowers around the city and countryside of Mongolia. Just take a look at the pictures down here. You can see these flowers blossom during the summer time. These flowers looks small & tiny on the ground but the flowers has certainly beautify the steppe around Mongolia.

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Nature Camp Stay in the countryside of Mongolia

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What’s a nature camp? Is it fun? If you are a nature lover, probably you will like it….

My company organised a summer camp in early August to this summer camp. It has nothing but surrounded by mountain contrast with the bright blue sky. There’s a river nearby called the Tuul River for you swim, wash your hairs or take a shower if you want.  Yes, no shopping center, no TV, no air-cond, no restaurants nearby, no cinemas… Oh, yes, there is no proper toilet but a wooden built house with no door and a big hole underneath for you to settle your business. Thus, it may be a boring place to some people who use to the modern lifestyle. It is certainly a good place to runaway from the hustle and bustle life of the city for me. A short stay of experiencing such a simple life in a remote area like this is certainly a good therapy to relax your mind.

Barbecue in the Summer with open nature surroundings

What I like most is barbecue in the summer of Mongolia. It may be hot and sunny but it is windy. Thus, it makes u feel not too hot to have barbecue. Of course, the food is the one that will make u enjoy most. Besides that, doing it with the surroundings of the nature. That is really awesome. Not like Malaysia, it would be better to barbecue at night and even that, u will sweat like mad.

Swimming & Washing up in a crystal clear river

The water is cool and cold although it is summer time. I was shivering when i was thrown into the river by my colleagues. Animals nearby will come to the river for thirst. As there’s no proper toilet for shower, i decided to dry clean myself. My colleague whose locals just walked to the river and wash their hairs along the river. It was a nice scene which i have took a picture of it…It was quite fun to play with the shallow water and canoeing or kayaking along the river is fun too.

Settle business in the bush

As I approach the wooden no door toilet…I see many flies around, I can’t really step in. How do I settle my business? Do it in the bush where it’s not so noticeable. It is more difficult when u want to do it at night as the bush will be dark. Thus, don’t drink too much water before u sleep. Well, i remember when it takes 4hours to reach KL before the current North-south highway of Malaysia was built, there is not highways and rest area for us to pee. My parent will usually pull over and asked us to settled along the road side. That was when we were small & ignorant. It is unbelievable that i do that again after so many years…out of no choice..

Does this consider one of the nature stay? I think so.

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Flowers around Ulaabaatar(UB), Mongolia in Summer

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Do u know that the capital is usually crowded and the most polluted place in the country? This does not exclude the capital of Mongolia – Ulaanbaatar (Ulan Bator). What is so special about this place? Have u noticed the flowers grown around UB?

During the winter, this place smell smokey everywhere as people burn wood or coal for heating purposes. When comes to summer, u can see flowers blooming everywhere, people started to wear casually like Malaysia. Besides that, everywhere is grown with nice and beautiful flowers. Although it is being developed but u still can see nicely grown flowers grown every where – along the road side, walkway, and not to mention about the country side. To me, all these flowers have beautified the place with various colours and added lives to this place compare to the winter. When u have experienced the cold & harsh winter here, u will definitely appreciate the beauty of the summer in UB.

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Mongolian Girls or Gers?

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Both "Girls" and "Gers" have the same sound. When u heard people said The Mongolian Ger is nice – Make sure u clarify whether that’s a Ger or Girl the person are referring? hehehe

What is the Mongolian Ger? Have u seen one? A Mongolian Ger (meaning home in Mongolian) or "Yurt" (in English) is a large white tent which could keep the Mongolians living comfortably from the harsh and extreme weather. U will not see so many gers in other parts of the world except in Mongolia. Many Mongolians still live in the gers and you can find gers around the city easily. It is the symbolic of the Mongolian nomadic life and culture.  This is because nomadic people need to build dwellings that could be easily moved and mobile. A ger can be assembled in 1-3hours.

The ger may look flimsy or may not seem to have a solid structure but it could actually withstand strong wind or stand storm in Mongolia. The Ger structure is supported by collapsible wooden frame. The Ger is covered by canvas with insulating layer of felt sandwiched in between.More layer will be added during the winter to keep the ger warm. During the summer, the sides of the Ger can be rolled up and mosquitoes netting is used to stop the bugs from flying into the ger. The door of a Ger usually faces the south. Men usually move around the left and women vice versa, with the believe that the protection from the God of sky (men) and sun (women). There is a small cartwheel-shaped opening at the top of a ger which called toon. It allows smoke to exit and air to enter. The walls and doors are usually brightly painted.

Of course, the Ger is not like a any modern house in the capital or any other brick house where u get modern toilet, kitchen, living room and few bedrooms. The basic facilities of the ger is some low beds, few simple cabinets, a table and chairs and a stove. The stove with a steel chimney is being used for cookiing and keeping the ger warm by burning the firewood. There isn’t any central heat adjuster and the door is the only adjuster of the heat during winter.  Some gers don’t even have electricity supply in the country side. There are a lot of tourist camp which offered Ger camp stay. It is certainly a good and unique experience to stay in the ger if u have not experience traditional ancient stay like the nomadic people here.

These are some Ger camp pictures which i have took below. I have experienced it during the summer and winter. I was surprised that it keep us cool during the summer and keep us warm during the winter. The problem during the winter is that u need to wake up during the night to burn the firewood when the wood finished burning, and i can’t shower in the ger or the camp as there was no hot water in some camps and some camps do not have a proper toilet…Thus,  be prepared and enjoy the nature living in Mongolia and i think this is one of the best place u can get close to the nature especially during the summer.

 

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Camps in the 13th Century National Park

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In the 13th Century Park, u may find the various camp at different site. Unfortunately, there are no sign board and it’s not easy for a foreigners to find these camps without a guide unless u can recognise the mountains in the country side.

U can find these camps in the 13th Century Park:

i) Craftsmen Camp – Mongolian blacksmiths and the craftsmen work were quite popular in the 13th Century. In the craftsmen camp, you will see the craftsmen artwork such as household utensils, women’s ornaments, jewelry, arms and tools etc.

ii) Educational Camp – U will be able to know something about the unique mongolian culture & literacy. Tourists are offered to practise Mongolian calligraphy and the Mongolian scripts.

iii) Herders Camp – U can see the methods of producing dairy products, horse training and you may experience riding horse, yak and camel as an experience of the 13th Century.

iv) Shaman camp – The Shamans of Mongolians from different clans will usually gather around fireplace under one common area and perform a ritual to worship together for one common deed.  Sometimes, several kinds of worshipping will be organised for visitors.

v) King Palace – You will get to know about the state affairs of 13th Century Mongols such as declaring the laws by carrying a great forum outside the camp. There will also be some reception programs offered to visitors such as a musical presentation with their traditional music instruments. U may also enjoy the King’s Great Feast in this camp.

 

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Back to 13th Century National ParK

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After the Chinggis Khan Statue Complex, we proceed to the first stop of the 13th Century Park. – The Relay Station

Have u ever wonder how would be the Chinggis Khan Ruling be? How does it like to be back to 13th Century? I think that’s part of the reasons that this 13th Century Park was built to make visitors to experience the 13th Century Ruling…

After the Chinggis Khan Complex, my friend and I proceed to the first stop of the 13th Century National Park – The Relay station

How to get there? It is quite difficult for me to explain to you how to get there as Mongolia country side has no signboard or landmark. To the mongolian, every mountain is different but to the foreigners, it will be difficult to differentiate it. It is not easy to travel around the country side of Mongolia. In addition to that, if u do not know mongolian language, that will be quite difficult to ask for direction. Anyway, I will suggest u to arrange a ground tour in UB.

You should be able to see two guards riding a horse at the entrance of The Relay station. Some of the pictures below were taken inside the Relay station.

U may see some traditional warrior costumes in the relay camp, some symbolic of the flag of the Prime Minister and Defense minister.

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U can try on some traditional costume to pose as a warrior of the 13th Century. The traditional costume are quite heavy and the 3 teenage children are trying to pose for the best shot.Poor boys!(3rd from Last pictures)   Do u think my friend, Sarmed looks like Chinggis Khan? (the last two pictures of the this column)

Genghis Khan(Chinggis Khan) Statue in Mongolia

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All i know about Mongolia is only Genghis Khan and cold weather when i came here. Genghis Khan(Chinggis Khan) is the Hero of Mongolia. People may not know what is happening in Mongolia but certainly know what has the Hero of Mongolia has done in the past. He managed to unite many of the nomadic tribes of northeast asia and formed the Mongol Empire. He also invaded East & Central Asia. During his life, the Mongol Empire eventually occupied most of Asia.
Our first stop is the Chinggis Khan Statue Complex which is still under construction. It is located 54km from Ulaanbaatar, surrounded by beautiful natural scenry on the bank of Tuul River. It is 40m high from surface with a 10m high foundations.
The statue reflects his courage and power of Genghis Khan. It holds a golden whip on his right hand riding a horse. Though it is not complete construction yet, we managed to get in and have a view of the surroundings from the top. Visitors will be able to walk to the head of the horse through chest and back of the horse. Visitors too can capture panoramic view around the complex. Recreation area, restaurants and souvenir shops, conference hall are planned to be built inside the complex. Some ger gamp surrounding the complex is also under construction. Ger camp which will be built and arranged like the pattern of horse seal which were used by the 13th Century Mongol Tribes.
Besides that, there are also 100 trees that were grown before u reached the complex as large part of the surroundings here were steppes and nothing can be grown there. these 100 trees grown exactly there every year. Take note on these trees before u reach there.

 

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Summer in Mongolia – Mongolia Highway

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I can’t believe it..It is certainly amazing…the steppe, the large grassland, the sheeps and the blue sky looks like the masterpiece of an artist. You will never be able to find it some other place. The Blue sky contrast with the large grassland. The best time to visit Mongolia is in the month of July to August though their summer starts from end May. From May to Mid Jun has a lot of rains and it may not be a good time to visit. Moreover, the greenery of Mongolia mountains still can’t be seen during May or Mid Jun..

I joined my friend’s family for a tour to the 13th century park and the Chinggis Khan monuments. It is my first experience going to the countryside, staying in a ger. Thanks to my dear friend-Judy for inviting me to join her family trip. Thanks to our friend- Samed and Bayarnam for their effort in preparing the food, making the trip as one of the most enjoyable one I had in Mongolia ever since i reached here.

 

a) Mongolia Highway:

The highway route condition is still far behind developing country. It was narrow and may not be supply with electricity at night. There’s no rest house or toilet. U can’t expect any emergency telephone or towing services either if your car breakdown. Thus, b sure to get your vehicles service before it goes to the countryside.  For me, the most difficult part is to find toilet. It is quite common u can see people stop by the road side and pee especially man. However, women just get to cover themselves with umbrella or go to an area which is not noticeable to settle themselves. Thus, i usually don’t drink lots of water or ensure that i don’t need to go to toilet throughout the journey. Thus, dehydration is another problem of going to country side.  Another funny thing is that there is no signboard along the highway. Most mongolians can recognise the way by recognising the mountains or just drive off the highway towards the direction of the mountain they know. It is just like a dessert where u can find nothing but mountain. I was very surprised with their ability and asked my mongolian friends how they can recognise the way. They told me, they follow their instinct and every mountain is different to them…Isn’t this amazing? I can lost my way even with signboard and direction while i am in Malaysia.

 

I guess people in the city can really drive in the countryside without any signboard…Can u imagine driving without any direction in a desert?

To be continue in my next blog on places I visited the Chinggis Khan Statue Complex & The 13th Century Park.

Asian culture – Mongolian culture

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Mongolians have a lot of culture which you may not realise untill u deal with them and stay long enough to observe it. These are some culture that i discovered during my stay here.

 

Legs kicking & Holding Hands

Do you know that if you accidently kicked the legs/shoes of a mongolian, it is believed that both parties will get into argument with each others? They will then need to hold each other hands as a way to prevent argument between both parties in the future.  However,  I was surprised that some foreigners even get to this customs of holding each other hands when they are having meal and accidently touch or kicked each other legs?  I will also do this when i kicked the legs of mongolian unintetionally and not my foreign friends….Be sure to hold your hands while u kicked a Mongolian legs/shoes unintentionally!

 

Talking within the same door area

Mongolian people also believe that we must discuss matters inside the door and not outside the door. If not, they will think that you are not part of the group.

 

Sheep Feast

Do u know that Mongolian like to eat Sheeps from the eyes to tails? Even the eyes can be eaten, the jaws, tougue and the tail can be used for barbecue. I have taste the jaw and the tail. The tail is like the fat of a pig..but it taste good if u barbecue it.  It is considered a healthy food to protect themselves from the harsh weather especially during the winter. It is also a custom for them to serve the sheep for special function or grand celebration. Thus, u could see many sheep’s fur along the country side road as many people will kill sheeps for celebration…just like Malaysia…the Chinese like to kill the chicken for prayers and special events, the Malay will kill the Cow for prayers during the Haji whereas the Indian will prefer goats to cook mutton curry…

 

Healing Stone

The mongolians are one of the ethnics that i knew that live closely to the nature. They appreciate every part of their nature. Thus, there are a lot of food that is prepared using the natural resources. There is a kind of stone that is used to cook the sheep and they believed that these stone are good to touch while it is hot. It is believed that it is good for the kidney.

 

There are still many culture and customs in the country side that i have yet to be explored. I would share it with you guys when i discover it but i think the Mongolian is a ethnics with rich herritage and customs. There are many customs among the asian countries. Some may be similar, strange, illogical and may not be scientifically proven but it is the tradition that shape the culture of a society and culture that shape the lifestyle of a country. Thus, i guess it is quite important for foreigners to find out more about the culture of a country. Culture do play an important role in building the relationship and create understanding among people from different part of the world.