" Take nothing but memories, Leave nothing but footprints..."
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Lake Khuvsgul
It was already late by the time we got to Lake Khuvsgul. The journey was long and tiring but the beautiful sunset made it all worthwhile. The high season for tourist has just ended and we had the whole tourist camp to ourselves. We picked the ger right next to the lake.
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.
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
Ovoo
Many of these everywhere. These piles of stones or rocks are used by Mongolians as places of worship when travelling to offer thanks to the gods and surrounding nature plus seek safety for their continuing journey.
Bayan Gobi Tourist Camp
Bayan Gobi Tourist Camp. Another overnight stop. Here I had my first taste of Airag an alcoholis drink made from fermented horse milk. It taste pretty good actually. This will be our last stop for the Karakhorum leg of the tour. We will head back to Ulan Bator to rest and restock before heading out to spend a week at Lake Khuvsgul. To cut down on driving we will take a flight saving us two days..
The market place
This is the market place, all kinds of stuffs are available. Lots of tools, crude leather products, fresh meat, dairy products and even unusual things like like bear's tooth. People are rough here and you don't want to be in the way when they are pushing their goods around cos they WILL NOT avoid you. You might also want to keep a close watch on your wallets and belongings, pickpockets go about their business quite balantly.
The mutton store
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