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Bogd Khan Uul Forest

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Forest
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Bogd Khan Uul Forest (Mongolia)

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Bogd Khan Uul is a forested mountain located on the southern outskirts of Ulaanbaatar and is recognized as one of the oldest protected areas in the world. It was officially placed under protection by the local Mongolian government in 1778 to preserve its sacred status and natural resources. The area covers approximately 41,000 hectares and is carpeted with dense larch and pine forests, providing a stark contrast to the surrounding steppe and the expanding city. Its highest peak, Tsetsee Gun, reaches an elevation of 2,256 meters. The mountain holds deep spiritual significance in both Buddhism and Shamanism, housing the ruins of the Manzushir Monastery on its southern slope. Ecologically, the area serves as an important refuge for wildlife such as deer, wild boar, and numerous bird species. Despite its status as a strictly protected area, the forest faces pressure from encroaching urbanization and increasing tourism from the capital. In 1996, it was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-21-18-9171517158-1-11-19
Rain mm3461029486861251184

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
Access to the forest area is typically straight from the southern suburbs of Ulaanbaatar, where several well-marked main trails lead directly into the nature reserve.
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Best season
The warmer summer months and early autumn are generally the most pleasant times to visit the dense forests before the incredibly harsh Mongolian winter eventually sets in.
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Terrain & paths
The terrain ranges from forested, gently sloping valleys to noticeably steeper mountain paths, with the trails occasionally being root-filled, rocky, and quite uneven.
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What to bring
Sturdy, slip-resistant footwear and layered clothing are very important, as temperatures in the dense forest shade can often be noticeably cooler even on sunny days.
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Parking
Parking spaces are usually available at the official entrance gates on the edge of the capital, serving as the starting point for most hikes into the forest area.
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Safety
Please stay strictly on marked hiking trails to protect the fragile flora, and be mindful in more remote sections of potential encounters with local wildlife.
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Time needed
Walks in the lower parts of the forest often take just a few hours, while more strenuous hikes all the way to the reserve's peaks can easily require a full day.

Geography

Coordinates
47.80000, 106.98330

Facts

  • Protected status was officially declared in the year 1778
  • Highest point is Tsetsee Gun at 2,256 m elevation
  • The total surface area is approximately 41,651 hectares
  • Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1996
  • Manzushir Monastery was originally built there in 1733
  • The mountain is home to over 50 species of mammals

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Manzushir MonasteryManzushir Monastery1 km · NEExplore →
Amgalan Thermal Power PlantAmgalan Thermal Power Plant3 km · WExplore →
Ulaanbaatar Botanical GardenUlaanbaatar Botanical Garden4 km · SWExplore →
ZüünmodZüünmod5 km · SEExplore →
Zaisan MemorialZaisan Memorial8 km · SExplore →
Gandantegchinlen MonasteryGandantegchinlen Monastery11 km · SExplore →
Salkhit Wind FarmSalkhit Wind Farm12 km · EExplore →
Khushigt Valley Economic ZoneKhushigt Valley Economic Zone19 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Bogd Khan Uul Forest (2)

Tsetsee Gun🌿 nature

The highest peak of the Bogd Khan range, offering wide panoramic views over the Ulaanbaatar valley.

Bogd khan mountain Strictly protected area🌿 nature

Established in 1778, this protected area is among the world's oldest and features dense cedar and pine forests.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is the Bogd-Khan-Uul forest easily accessible from Ulaanbaatar?
Yes, it is a popular destination right at the gates of the capital.
Are there marked hiking trails?
Yes, there are some well-marked paths suitable for day trips.
Do you have to pay admission?
A small fee is charged for entering the national park.
Is hiking possible in winter?
Yes, but it is very cold; appropriate winter clothing is mandatory.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs should be kept on a leash to not disturb the wildlife.
Bogd Khan Uul Forest: where is it located?
Bogd Khan Uul Forest is located in Mongolia.
Bogd Khan Uul Forest: what is there to see?
Highlights include Tsetsee Gun, Bogd khan mountain Strictly protected area.
Bogd Khan Uul Forest: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Bogd Khan Uul Forest: why is it worth visiting?
Bogd Khan Uul is a forested mountain located on the southern outskirts of Ulaanbaatar and is recognized as one of the oldest protected areas in the world.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Züünmod — Bogd Khan Uul Forest (Mongolia)
Züünmod
Züünmod is located just 40 kilometers south of Ulaanbaatar, separated by the Bogd Khan Uul mountains.
Khustai — Bogd Khan Uul Forest (Mongolia)
Khustai
National park famous for the successful reintroduction of the Przewalski's horses (Takhi).
Nalaikh — Bogd Khan Uul Forest (Mongolia)
Nalaikh
Nalaikh, formerly the most important coal mine for Ulaanbaatar, is today a remote district.
Terelj — Bogd Khan Uul Forest (Mongolia)
Terelj
A stunning national park near Ulaanbaatar, famous for its bizarre rock formations and green alpine valleys.
Züünkharaa — Bogd Khan Uul Forest (Mongolia)
Züünkharaa
Züünkharaa is a bustling railway town in the scenic Kharaa River valley.
Ikh Gazriin Chuluu — Bogd Khan Uul Forest (Mongolia)
Ikh Gazriin Chuluu
A stunning granite rock range in Dundgovi Province, famous for its unique and bizarre geological formations.

History & landmarks

Turtle Rock (Melkhii Khad) — Bogd Khan Uul Forest (Mongolia)
Turtle Rock (Melkhii Khad)
Turtle Rock is an imposing granite rock formation in the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park that has naturally taken the shape of a giant turtle.

More places

Manzushir Monastery — Bogd Khan Uul Forest (Mongolia)
Manzushir Monastery
The ruins of Manzushir Monastery are nestled in the scenic valleys of the Bogd Khan Uul mountains.
Salkhit Wind Farm — Bogd Khan Uul Forest (Mongolia)
Salkhit Wind Farm
Mongolia's first large wind farm, representing an important step towards renewable energy.
Khushigt Valley Economic Zone — Bogd Khan Uul Forest (Mongolia)
Khushigt Valley Economic Zone
A new development center around Ulaanbaatar's international airport, designed to consolidate logistics and trade.
Aryabal Meditation Temple — Bogd Khan Uul Forest (Mongolia)
Aryabal Meditation Temple
The Aryabal Meditation Temple is a Buddhist temple in the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, picturesquely built into a steep mountainside.
Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue — Bogd Khan Uul Forest (Mongolia)
Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue
The Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue in Tsonjin Boldog is the world's tallest horse statue at 40 meters.
Asralt Khairkhan — Bogd Khan Uul Forest (Mongolia)
Asralt Khairkhan
The highest mountain of the Khentii Mountains is a challenging destination for mountaineers near the capital.
🗺️
Aglag Buteel Monastery
The Aglag Buteel Monastery is a unique spiritual center and museum nestled in the rugged granite mountains.
Hustai National Park — Bogd Khan Uul Forest (Mongolia)
Hustai National Park
Hustai National Park is the most important protected area for the successful reintroduction of Przewalski's horses, also known as Takhi.