Khöshöö Tsaidam Monuments

The Khöshöö Tsaidam Monuments, located in the Orkhon Valley, are extraordinary historical remnants of the Second Turkic Khaganate dating back to the 8th century. The site primarily features two monumental stelae dedicated to Bilge Khan and his brother, Kul Tigin. These stone pillars are of immense linguistic and historical significance as they bear the oldest known inscriptions in Old Turkic runic script. The texts provide a detailed account of the military achievements, political philosophy, and social structure of the early Turkic peoples. Discovered in the late 19th century by Russian archaeologist Nikolai Yadrintsev, the monuments were later relocated to a modern onsite museum to prevent further erosion from the elements. Replicas now stand at the original excavation sites. As a key component of the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape UNESCO World Heritage site, Khöshöö Tsaidam remains a vital cultural symbol for Turkic nations worldwide.

Nearby cities

Tsetserleg

Tsetserleg translates to 'garden' and is considered one of the most beautiful provincial towns in Mongolia.

Tsenkher Hot Springs

Natural geothermal springs located in a lush mountain valley, offering relaxation in mineral-rich waters.

Kharkhorin

Kharkhorin is located near the ruins of Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire in the 13th century.

Ögii Lake

A scenic freshwater lake in Arkhangai, famous for its abundant fish and as a paradise for birdwatchers in the central Mongolian steppe.

Khujirt

A famous spa resort in the Orkhon Valley, renowned for its healing thermal springs and mud baths.

Arvaikheer

Arvaikheer is located in central Mongolia and serves as the gateway to the historical Orkhon Valley region.

History & landmarks

Orkhon Waterfall (Ulaan Tsutgalan)

The Orkhon Waterfall, locally known as Ulaan Tsutgalan, is the most famous waterfall in Mongolia.

Taikhar Rock (Taikhar Chuluu)

Taikhar Chuluu is a massive, 20-meter high granite block that mysteriously stands in the middle of the vast plain by the Tamir River.

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

Orkhon River

Mongolia's longest river flows through a historically rich valley that was once the center of great nomadic empires.

Selenge River

A mighty watercourse that drains most of northern Mongolia and is crucial to the ecosystem of Lake Baikal.

Egiin Gol

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

More places

Tsenkher Hot Springs

The Tsenkher hot springs are hidden deep in the forested mountains of the Arkhangai province.

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.

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Tarvagatai Range

An extensive mountain range covered with dense coniferous forests, forming an important watershed in central Mongolia.

Erdene Zuu Monastery

Erdene Zuu is probably the oldest surviving Buddhist monastery in Mongolia.

Uran Togoo Volcano

A picturesque extinct volcanic cone whose forested crater shelters a small, circular lake in summer.

Tövkhön Monastery

Tövkhön Monastery is perched spectacularly on a rocky mountain peak surrounded by dense forests.