For those of us who do not speak Mongolian the area we will be visiting today means “Stones of small land”. We would have to arrive before we found out what that meant. It would be another long day as we expect to cover 240 km, taking about 5 hours of driving. All this shows is how big this country really is.
The day started early for those interested in returning to the White Stupa at dawn, as we left the ger camp at 6:15 AM. Unfortunately the day did not start with a spectacular sunrise but those of us who got up still wanted to see the cliffs in the early morning sun. This morning we traveled to the base of the cliffs to get another prospective of the rocky area. It was just as spectacular from this viewpoint.
Dawn at the ger camp. Heading out to see the White Stupa before breakfast.
The morning cloud cover masked the normal sunrise colors of the cliffs.
Scott seeking elevation.
No sunrise colors on the cliffs but still a spectacular vista.
Scott exploring the lower reaches of the White Stupa. If we had the time I am sure he would have climbed to the top of the cliff.
After breakfast back at the ger camp we left at 8:15AM for the Baga Gazriin Chuluu area.By 1 PM we arrived at the Erdene Ukhaa ger camp where will be staying for the night for lunch before seeking the “stones of small land.
On the road by 8:15 AM.
We are still at fairly high altitude.
Always on the lookout for animals on the road as we are often traveling 40 mph.
Where did these few trees come from? There was nothing else within eyesight.
I saw several of these recently. This looks like it will become the modern day version of the ger.
Modern day nomad on a motorcycle moving his flock.
Flock resting at a water hole. Note the sky!
More cashmere waiting to be made into clothes.
This is what I expect a stupa to look like.
The scenery is changing. We are starting to see rock formations.
The Erdene Ukhaa camp with 30 gers. It advertised 24 hour electricity.
This ger camp uses high tech to handle luggage. Everyone wanted to drive it!
Our ger. Note huge stone used as anchor for the roof opening.
The dining hall at the camp.
Yes, it was a beef dish for lunch!
We all left the ger camp at 3:30 and were at the kick-off spot for our walk before 4PM. The area is covered with large slabs of granite, covering most of the ground in the area. The granite covers an area of about 15km long by 10km wide. It made for easy walking as Maggie led us on a walking tour of the area. There was even the ruins of a small Buddhist temple in the area and we quickly learned how to recognize (and hopefully avoid) the Mongolian version of poison ivy, which was present in the area. Although not as spectacular as the White Stupa or Flaming Cliffs this area did have its allure and projected a peaceful atmosphere. I can see why the Buddhist monk(s) chose this area way back when.
The trail to the area we will be exploring.
A small oasis in the middle of a rock field.
The remnants of a monk’s cottage here.
Prayer flags left by people in the small grove of trees.
This is poison ivy. The locals harvest it and make a shampoo from it!
It was surprisingly easy to walk on the granite rocks.
I am always surprised to see how trees somehow manage to grow in the middle of a rock field.
Very little open spaces between the rock slabs.
Panoramic view of the surrounding area.
Visitors built small cairns of rocks throughout the area.
Some tiny wildflowers growing among the rocks.
Pretty contrast of the rock and a green field.
Lichens growing on the granite. People harvest it in the autumn.
Some unique rock formations that look like bee hives.
A cave near the granite rock fields.
Supposedly the cave goes further in. No one wanted to see where it went.
The area where Scott went climbing while we hiked in the granite field.
By 6PM we were back at the ger camp where Maggie taught us several popular games using knuckle bones from sheep and goats! The bone (from real animals) has 4 distinct sides and each side has a specific name: fast horse, lazy camel, fat sheep and skinny goat. I had trouble discerning what was a fast horse versus a lazy camel!
That looks like a cool travel vehicle.
A popular Russian vehicle that resembles the old VW bus. It is really pretty basic.
Cold soda and beer because they had 24 hour electricity available.
A classical Mongolian musical instrument.
Knuckle bones ready for games.
Maggie showing us some new knuckle bone games. She is good at them!
Treating our drivers to some well deserved refreshments.
Dinner buffet. Probably beef again.
Men’s shower with a water heater and slides. The floor tile was a bit feminine though!
Tomorrow we will be back in Ulaanbaatar for our final day of touring.
