Deer Stones of Uushigiin Uvur

Uushigiin Uvur is one of the most significant Bronze Age archaeological sites in Mongolia, located in the Khövsgöl province. The site features an extraordinary collection of 14 'deer stones,' which are approximately 3,000 years old, dating from the late 2nd to early 1st millennium BCE. These monolithic stones are decorated with intricate engravings of flying deer, sun and moon symbols, and hunting weapons. Stela number 14 is particularly notable as it features a human face carved at its top, a rare characteristic among Mongolian deer stones. The monuments are often associated with khirgisuurs, ritual stone mounds used as burial or ceremonial sites. Researchers believe these stones represented spiritual ancestors or warriors and played a crucial role in the cosmology of early nomadic societies. Today, Uushigiin Uvur is considered a key location for understanding Eurasian steppe art and the migration patterns of Bronze Age cultures.

Nearby cities

Mörön

Mörön serves as the administrative center of the mountainous Khövsgöl province in the north.

Khatgal

A charming village on the southern shore of Khövsgöl Lake, serving as the main gateway for explorations in the region.

Renchinlkhümbe

A remote village in the Darkhad Valley, famous for its shamanic traditions and proximity to the taiga.

Khövsgöl Lake

Known as the 'Blue Pearl' of Mongolia, this massive freshwater lake is surrounded by majestic mountains and larch forests.

Tsagaannuur (Reindeer area)

The gateway to remote northern Mongolian taiga, home to the Tsaatan reindeer herders and a place of deeply rooted shamanistic traditions.

Bayankhongor

Bayankhongor offers an extreme scenic diversity, from snow-capped peaks in the north to sandy deserts in the south.

History & landmarks

Khorgo Volcano

The Khorgo Volcano is an extinct volcano in the Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park.

Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur

Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur, or the Great White Lake, is a beautiful freshwater lake in central Mongolia surrounded by volcanoes.

Nature

Lake Khövsgöl

Often referred to as the 'dark blue pearl' of Mongolia, it is the country's largest freshwater lake.

Egiin Gol

The only outlet of Lake Khövsgöl is a crystal-clear, torrential river that winds its way through picturesque, wooded valleys.

Mount Munku-Sardyk

Mount Munku-Sardyk is the highest peak of the Eastern Sayan range on the border between Russia and Mongolia.

More places

Darkhad Valley

An isolated basin in northern Mongolia, characterized by reindeer herders and dense forests.

Mönkh Saridag

The highest peak of the Sayan Mountains lies on the border between Mongolia and Russia.

Tsaatan Reindeer Camps

In the northern forests of the taiga, the nomadic Tsaatan families herd reindeer for milk, transport, and as spiritual companions.

Khangai Mountains

This green and water-rich mountain range in the center of the country is characterized by vast alpine meadows and dense larch forests.