Ancient burial site, Deer Stone Park

After resting and restocking, we headed out to Lake Khuvsgul taking a flight to Murun for another week of mongolian adventure. Our first stop was Deer Stone Park an ancient burial site dating back close to 1000 BC.


Deer stones aka Bugan chuluu , ancient megaliths carved with flying reindeers. Most deer stones stand behind ancient graves; it is believed that stones are the guardians of the dead.
Their true purpose and creators are still unknown. Some researchers claims that deer stones are rooted in shamanism and are thought to have been set up during the Bronze Age around 800-1000 BC, and may mark the graves of important people. Later inhabitants of the area likely reused them to mark their own burial mounds, and perhaps for other purposes. The tallest of the stones stands 15 feet high and the shortest is just less than 2 feet. The stones are usually found in groups of five or more. The carvings on the stones are typically divided into three sections, which are thought to represent the sky, the earth and the underworld, which is how the myths of Central Asia divide the world. “Deer stones are not only historical monument, but also art and cultural heritage. Although they are the oldest known monuments, deer stones have extraordinary carvings and patterns which are well preserved.


Today is also first time since arrival in Mongolia that we are seeing clouds and experiencing rain.

Flying Reindeers