Mongolia

Bogd Khan Uul Biosphere Reserve is located to the south of Ulaanbaatar, in the southernmost forest steppe zone and the Khentii Mountain area. The northern slopes of the mountains are covered by dense coniferous forest and the southern slopes by bare rocks. Among the most threatened animal species in the biosphere reserve are the Musk deer (Moschus moschiferus), Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), sable (Martes zibellina) and Arctic hare (Lepus timidus). Nature conservation dates back to the twelfth and thirteenth century, when the Toorl Khan of Mongolian Ancient Khereid Aimag, who prohibited logging and hunting activities and claimed the Bogd Khan as a holy mountain.

 

The Bogd-Khan mountain has its protected status since the 12th century as a sacred mountain. It was established as Mongolia’s first official protected area and one of the oldest protected areas in the world. It was officially sanctified and taken into protection in 1778 at the initiative of King and Khuree Minister Yundendorj, who resided in the edge of the Bogd Khan mountain and in the bank of Khatan tuul river.

 

There are many historical and memorable places in the protected area, which have historical and natural features. These are Tsetsee gunii orgil, Turkhurakh am, Shajinkhurah am, Zalaat, Shavart am, Manzushir  monastery, Nukht am, Zaisan hill and 27 business entities and organizations operate their tourism activity in this area, which showcase its historical and cultural attractions.