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Published: October 4th 2007
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Have to stop @ Tsetserleg to do some food shopping then camp inside the Khorgo-Terkhiin National Park, one of the most beautiful place I've ever camped in. Rain was on and off our first night , woke up and it was a bit overcast, we prepared our packed lunch and off we go to explore this wonderful place, Bruce, Ron and Peter and I head towards the other side of the valley into the White lake area, stunning views from the top, rolling hills, volcanic ovoos, colorful gers, then later big, bright blue sky, perfect day to explore. It got a bit too hot midday and a good time to lounge around the beach. Ron and I initially planned on climbing the top of the extinct volcano, came back to camp for a few beers, and have a bit of a rest but the weather suddenly turn bad, it rained for a bit then clear skies, by that time we already lost interest and decided to just get pissed. Late in the afternoon there was a surprise for us, we will witness a slaughtering of our dinner. When Tamir came back with a couple of locals and a sheep, I thought
they are giving it to us then will let it go, but it turns out we have to kill our dinner, some stayed to witness it including me but was a bit upsetting at first, the guy made a cut just under the animal's belly then reached in and grabbed the poor animal's heart until it stops and constitutes for a bloodlees kill. Was horrified at first but quickly got over it, we watched as the guys skillfully skin the animal then cut it to bits for cooking, the blood and the innards were saved for the locals to keep. Then dinner was prepared, veggies, some clean rocks all put in a pressure cooker mixed in with some seasonings. When dinner was served it was excellent, very tender meat, the best meal so far for me here in Mongolia. The next day pouring rain, I thought since it was pouring buckets that we wont be leaving so I did not get out of my tent, then I heard Claire calling me and saying tents down , had to rush and get ready, thank goodness the truck was able to drive through the soft earth without much problem, as we drive
further in to the park, the scenery is just fantastic, the colors and textures around you is unbelievable. We have to stop at a top of one hill, to make the truck fit the narrow gap, Claire and Tony have to bring out the big hammer thing to from the locker to pound and take out sticking rocks on both sides, enough so we can get through without scratching the truck. At our lunch stop few locals in motorbikes came and stop by to investigate as usual, one really drunk guy stopped as well with his little girl in tow, I went close to take a photo and he got upset and nearly came to blows with me, Tamir told me to stay away, I was a little bit shaken but was my fault coz I should have asked for permission first, but after he had a pee and calmed down he came to me and said it's ok to take a photo now, I hesitated at first but Tamir said I better do it so he'll leave quickly, then the rest of the gang took photos as well.
Tsetserleg (Mongolian: §¸§ï§è§ï§â§Ý§ï§Ô, garden)
is the capital of Arkhangai Aimag (province) in Mongolia. It lies on the northeastern slopes of the Khangai Mountains, 250 miles (400 km) southwest of Ulan Bator. It has a population of 18,519 (2000 census), 16,618 (2003 est.), 18,300 (2006 est.).Tsetserleg is geographically located in the Bulgan sum in the south of the aimag. It is not to be confused with Tsetserleg sum in the north. In 1992 Tsetserleg was designated as Erdenebulgan sum, which has area of 536 km2.Tsetserleg is an ancient cultural and commercial centre. It was once the seat of a monastery, built by the First Khalkh Zaya Pandita, Luvsanperenlei (1642¨C1715) (who should not be confused with Zaya Pandita Namkhaijantsan (1599¨C1662)). This consisted of the main Guden S¨¹m, the Right, or Summer Semchin Temple, and the Left, or Winter Semchin Temple, all built in the early 1680s. The sixth Zaya Pandita, Jambatseren, was killed by the Communists in 1932, and the main Guden temple was turned into a museum. There is a seventh Zaya Pandita, but he mostly lives in Ulan Bator, and visits only occasionally.The Khorgo (Mongolian: §·§à§â§Ô§à) is an extinct volcano in the Arkhangai Province of Mongolia, on the northern slopes of the Khangai Mountains.
TSETSERLEG
MARKET SCENE It is part of the Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park, together with the lake Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur.
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