Balhin Chuluu: Landscape and History in the Surrounding Area

The area around Balhin Chuluu offers two distinct themes to consider when planning your trip: the landscape around Lake Khagiin Khar and granite monastery ruins at the source of the Khagiin River. Nature and cultural history shape different aspects of the surrounding area.

Landscape Around Lake Khagiin Khar

Lake Khagiin Khar lies between Khiidiin Sairdag, Khünkher Uul and Asgatyn Sairdag, on the southern slope of a spur of the Khentii Mountains. Dense coniferous forest surrounds the lake, giving the landscape a taiga-like feel. If you want to focus your trip primarily on the landscape, this offers a specific point of interest: the lake, forest and named mountains together shape the character of the area.

You can drive to an accessible point near the lake; from there, you continue on foot or on horseback. For your planning, this means taking both the drive and the onward journey into account. These modes of travel make the outing different from one made entirely by vehicle.

Granite Monastery Ruins and History

Granite monastery ruins stand at the source of the Khagiin River. They are among the monasteries that Mongolians built from stone in the 17th century. Their location at the river’s source and the historical context of the stone monastery buildings give this topic its own character. If you are interested in cultural history, you can include the ruins in your travel plans as a different focus from the landscape around the lake.

Choose Your Travel Focus When Looking for Accommodation

When looking for a holiday rental in Balhin Chuluu, it is worth deciding first what you want to focus on during your trip. If the landscape around Lake Khagiin Khar is the main draw, factor in the drive to an accessible point and the onward journey on foot or on horseback. If you are more interested in the history of the monasteries, make that your cultural focus instead.

The Wider Destination of Töv

The wider destination of Töv also offers its own nature and cultural highlights. Hustai National Park lies along the borders of the Altanbulag, Argalant and Bayankhangai sums in Töv Province. Its recorded species include 51 mammal species, 223 bird species, 16 fish species and two amphibian species. The four animal groups and their varying numbers make the park’s diversity tangible.

Gorkhi-Terelj National Park lies partly in Erdene Sum in Töv Province and partly in the Nalaikh District of Ulaanbaatar. It was established, among other things, to develop organized tourism and make appropriate use of the area. Aglag Monastery displays Buddhist artworks created using traditional thangka painting, silk appliqué, gilded metal casting and papier-mâché techniques. The monastery is a Buddhist temple and museum in the landscape of Mount Gariid, characterized by rock and forest formations. An adventurous hiking route begins behind the temple, following a designated path secured with ropes.

See the wider travel overview: Töv.