Thursday, October 22, 2015

Kheavenly Khentii brings khappiness: a short August adventure in pictures

The western portions of Khentii Province are some of my favorite parts of Mongolia.  In August a small group of adventurers journeyed through the winding valleys, mountain passes, and marshy floodplains in search of archaeology, history, and birds.  Here is our story in pictures:

[My thanks to Karolina, Robyn, and Marie for sharing their lovely photos!]



Day 1:

On the road in beautiful Khentii



Stopped at a burial on the way to Khukh Lake


Standing on the central mound of a robbed khirigsuur

Khukh Lake

Honestly I am not exactly sure what this site is.  But it's exciting!


A gentle golden evening just over the hill from Bayan Gol


Some of Davaajaa's herds at sunset


Day 2:

Khangal Lake

The mountain pass to Baldan Bereeven monastery




The main temple at Baldan Bereeven monastery


Whispering wishes into a sacred tree at Baldan Bereeven

Caught in a devastating hailstorm on the way back to Bayan Gol - just look at our poor tents in the distance!



After the hailstorm passed, Uutgaa and Tungaa joined us on a little bit of informal survey



Day 3:

Group photo with Davaajaa and his family at their summer encampment in Bayan Gol



Massive khirigsuur east of Davaajaa's zuslan

Checking out a deer stone and slab burial complex in Jargalant

Very impressive slab burial with my wingspan for scale

Rolling up to Rashaan Khad

Khadag at an ovoo site near Rashaan Khad

Close-up of khadag and prayer flags in the wind


The view from just inside the lower wall at Uglugchiin Kherem


Karolina at the top of Uglugchiin Kherem


Setting up camp on our way to Umnudelger


Full moon over the Khurkh River



Day 4:

Cinerous vulture enjoying the morning sunshine


Stuck in a marsh on our way to Jargaltkhaan - everybody push!


Looking for rocks in the marsh to wedge under the tires of our furgong

We did it!  Back on dry land and ready for our return drive to UB



Given our whirlwind four days in 2015 and my 2014 reconnaissance expedition, I'd like to propose a new provincial slogan to any and all tourism agencies, government offices, and public relations firms in Khentii:

"Khentii aimag: come for the archaeology, stay for the adventure!"



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