Wolfgang's photos with the keyword: Ovoo

Despite the very large natural WC to use everywhere behind the bush or hill, a provisional wall is for service for every bodies needs.

An Ovoo at the hill top and a rest area along the new constructed highway to Undurkhaan and further to Choibalsan.

Studying the map does not always help to find the right way. A GPS navigator is necessary but best is to ask nomadic people for the way every change you have.

It was windy and cold at the mountain top but we couldn't get enough with viewing far into the landscape of the Mongolian parts.

There are plenty of Ovoos and awesome views of craters across the border to China, 3km away.

2006 was the 800th anniversary of the founding of the Mongolian nation by Genghis Khaan. Although the finer detail’s of Genghis Khan’s life are not fully known, his birthplace is thought to be at Dadal Sum, an attractive wooded area in North-west Hentii region. The area contains trails and lakes for visitors as well as a museum where you can learn why this fierce warrior and great leader is still revered today. Dadal Sum once housed one of three great lamaist temples consecrated to Genghis Khan, but which was razed in the 1930s. Now there are stone monuments to him erected in the surrounding beauty of the Mongolian countryside.

Mostly there aren't any traffic signs to show the right way to the next destination. A Garmin GPS navigator and the advices from temporary local nomads were very helpful.

The extinct volcano is sacred to many Mongolians: the spirit of any man (man only!) who climbs it, especially at sunrise will be revived. The region is stunning, isolated and close to the Chinese border to Inner Mongolia.

There are plenty of Ovoos and awesome views of craters all around. The biggest is on the top and covered with plenty of colorful foulards.

The weather changed in Minutes and the variously light gave the Ovoo a sudden colorful look.

An Ovoo shows the entrance to one of the largest caves in Mongolia.

On the way from the resort to the mountain peak we passed many Ovoos (always step the left side and leave a stone on the top of the Ovoo).

The same ancient Ovoo in the sunset light.

Mongolian people told us that this ancient Ovoo is 800 years old.

When travelling, it is custom to stop and circle an ovoo three times in clockwise direction, in order to have a safer journey. Usually, rocks are picked up from the ground and added to the pile. Also, one may leave offerings in the form of sweets, money, milk, or vodka. If one is in a hurry while traveling and does not have time to stop at an ovoo, honking of the horn while passing by the ovoo will suffice.

When travelling, it is custom to stop and circle an ovoo three times in clockwise direction, in order to have a safer journey. Usually, rocks are picked up from the ground and added to the pile. Also, one may leave offerings in the form of sweets, money, milk, or vodka. If one is in a hurry while traveling and does not have time to stop at an ovoo, honking of the horn while passing by the ovoo will suffice.

A famous Mongolian Ovoo on the way to Binder. An ovoo is a type of shamanistic cairn found in Mongolia, usually made from rocks. Ovoos are often found at the top of mountains and in high places, like mountain passes. They serve mainly as religious sites, used in worship of the mountains and the sky as well as in Buddhist ceremonies, but often are also landmarks.