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One of Nine Wonders of Dundgobi aimag: Baga Gazriin Chuluu
Art & Culture
Dundgobi /MONTSAME/. One of the Nine Wonders of Dundgobi aimag is Baga Gazriin Chuluu, an exquisite rock formation that looks like aaruul (dried curd) stacked on top of each other.
Two mountains with unique formations that one would not expect to see in the Gobi and plains stretch throughout the northwest and eastern parts of the aimag. Upon better inspection, people can notice that the formations of Ikh Gazriin Chuluu are generally vertical, while those of Baga Gazriin Chuluu are horizontal. Various oddly shaped big rocks are common in the area.
Located to the northwest of the aimag center, the natural attraction is found 37 km northwest of Delgertsogt soum.
Aside from ponds and springs, ancient tombs and burials as well as cave paintings and various statues and monuments have been found in the area. One of them is a boulder called ‘Ger Rock’ that has many inscriptions, including an inscription of a person holding onto two ibexes tied together with a rope that traces back to the late Bronze Age. Near the Ger Rock boulder, there is also an inscription of two large deers on a tall boulder, which attracts the attention of anyone visiting the site. The inscription of the deers is 170 cm in length and 90 cm in width.
Travelers, tourists, and visitors prefer staying the night at Sudutiin Am near the Baga Gazriin Chuluu. The remains of a nearby temple named the Lovonchamba Temple is usually visited by the visitors. It is said to be built by a high-ranking monk known as ‘Mergen mur’ for the purpose of meditation. Later on in the early 20th century, a scholar-monk named Zava Damdin also temporarily used the temple to work on his studies and research.
The highest point of the Baga Gazriin Chuluu is Takhilgiin Khavtsal (Canyon of Offering). At a height of 1,768 meters above sea level, argali and ibexes are seen to graze on top of the tall mountain.
Several nearby tourist camps organize various events and activities to promote the traditions and heritage of Mongolia, such as organizing tours with horses and camels. During autumn, a festival is also annually organized for horse wranglers and airag (fermented mare milk) lovers. Many competitions that are related to Mongolian tradition and heritage are organized in its framework, such as airag drinking competition, dembee (a melody-based game played with fingers) as well as horse wrangling.
