Dayan Uul Rock Tower

Top choice in Western Mongolia

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Crowning a level platform of boulders atop Dayan Uul is this 30m-high sedimentary rock tower, draped with blue cloth and encircled by prayer wheels. The viewpoint takes in Otgon Tenger Uul, associated with the Bodhisattva Ochirvaani, making it a place of pilgrimage for Mongolian Buddhists. It's a one-hour trek uphill from the ranger station: you'll pick up the trail if you keep right of the 4WD track. You can drive part of the way, but you'll need a sturdy 4WD.

It's usually possible to hire horses from beside the tower for rambles down to Khökh Nuur.

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Nearby Western Mongolia attractions

1. Khökh Nuur

1.4 MILES

Simply meaning 'blue lake' (one of many so-named lakes in Mongolia), Khökh Nuur sits between Dayan Uul and Otgon Tenger. Just over 5km long, its grassy…

2. Tsagaan Nuur

2.96 MILES

The freshwater lake of Tsagaan Nuur reveals itself on the western approach to Dayan Uul.

4. Manchu Military Garrison

22.54 MILES

Apart from its foundations, nothing remains of the garrison established by Manchurian generals in 1733. It's a half-hour ramble across grassy meadows and…

6. Javkhlant Tolgoi

23.23 MILES

This hilltop near the river and to the northeast of Uliastai's main street features a pavilion, 11 stupas and the concrete likenesses of elk, ibex and…

7. Zavkhan History Museum

23.37 MILES

This decent aimag museum contains the bone of a mammoth, some fine religious art and a coral tsam mask, worn during lama dances. There are also a few…

8. Museum of Famous People

23.38 MILES

Next door to the History Museum (and included in its admission price) the Museum of Famous People features well-known Zavkhanites, including Mongolia’s…

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