Our last day in Mongolia and this morning we're driving about 55kms north east of UB to visit a giant Chinggis Khan monument.
A cemetery we passed on the outskirts.
This made me laugh, I don't even know if the man was riding the horse but it looks to me like they've fallen out and he's walked off in a huff.
Nearing the statue complex and there were several other statues on the hillside representing Khan's generals and other Mongol Empire figures.
Rather impressive isn't it?
Made of stainless steel it is 40m tall, standing on a 10m visitor centre base (total height 50m) and weighs 250 tons. It’s located at Tsonjin Boldog, by the Tuul River, where legend says Khan found a golden whip and faces east toward his presumed birthplace. The base is supported by 36 columns representing the khans from Chinggis Khan down to Ligdan Khan. It was erected and opened in 2008 to honour the 800th anniversary of the founding of the Mongol Empire.
Inside the visitor centre is this Giant Boot standing 9m tall and crafted from more than 200 pieces of cowhide leather. It is roughly 200 times larger than a standard size 39 shoe and would theoretically fit a giant standing 45m tall. Traditional Mongolian boots feature upturned toes, which help protect the wearer's feet while riding horses and prevent disturbing the living earth.
Ian’s standing next to Öndör Gongor who lived in the early 1900s and grew to about 2.45 meters (8 feet) tall due to a medical condition called gigantism.
I couldn't find out what these pieces of wall art represent but they remind me of the 19th century Victorian Steam Punk era.
Whilst Oogii was showing us various exhibits in the museum I happened to notice a sign for a lift and so once we were given free time we quickly nipped in and avoided climbing the majority of steps although we still had 20 or so to reach the tiny viewing platform which gives a 360° if you can get around the crowds.
Back down for another walk around the outside.
As I'm now an expert in ger assembly I wondered if I should offer my services.
Near the car park was this Golden Eagle being hired for photo opportunities and a group of, I think, South Koreans, taking turns.
While it looks somewhat similar to a human tongue at first glance, an eagle's tongue is highly specialized with unique anatomical features designed for survival, feeding, and breathing.
Near the back of the tongue, eagles possess two distinct, backward-pointing barbs and because eagles lack teeth and often swallow large, unchewed chunks of meat or fish quickly, these barbs act like hooks. When the eagle extends and retracts its tongue, the spikes catch the food and efficiently pull it back into the throat toward the oesophagus. On the surface of the tongue sits a small opening called the glottis (breathing hole), which acts as the entryway to the trachea (windpipe). This respiratory setup allows eagles to breathe comfortably even when a massive piece of prey is temporarily blocking the rest of the mouth or throat. Rather than tasting their food, an eagle's tongue is packed with mechanoreceptors. They rely heavily on touch and pressure feedback to position prey safely and avoid swallowing dangerous hazards like sharp bones.
I thought I'd try a couple of arty-farty edits.
On the other side of the road to the entrance stands the Hoelen Monument which represents Chinggis's wise and influential mother.
From here we headed further north to the Terelj National Park.
Nestled beneath the towering granite rocks we firstly visited the Aryaval Meditation Temple which is apparently built in the shape of an elephant's head (I can't see it myself).
The 108 stone steps leading up to the temple, symbolizing an elephant's elongated trunk.
It's quite a stiff climb up before you even get to the steps and along the way are numerous, helpful and meaningful sayings.
Presumably monks' living quarters.
It would seem there was once a zip wire here?
Partway up the hill is this small gazebo with a spinning arrow on the ceiling. You spin the arrow and it lands on a number that points you to a specific Buddhist saying.
My number was 112 "Therefore the Buddha has said that omnisicient wisdom is perfected by skillfull means. Therefore, Bodhisattvas* should also cultivate generosity and other skillfull means and not only emptiness" What?
*an awakened being who delays entering nirvana to help other living beings reach enlightenment
Buddhist rock paintings on nearby granite
I liked the rat door knocker even if I got it out of focus.
Inside was the usual Buddhist regalia.
Looking back down the trunk.
The weather was pretty miserable, with steady drizzle.
But the views were beautiful and the area reminded me of Switzerland.
Edelweiss (
Leontopodium leontopodioides)
And Hemerocalis sp.
We then went to a very nice restaurant situated in a chalet style building. Being so close to UB the national park is extremely popular for both weekend and day trips and there are many, many buildings and ger camps - some so atrociously designed and ill fitting for the surroundings you wonder how they got planning permission.
After lunch we stopped briefly at Turtle Rock which as you can imagine is a rock shaped like a turtle.
Although from certain angles it looks rather phallic to me.
