Things to See in Mongolia

This stunningly beautiful park includes the three lakes of Khoton Nuur, Khurgan Nuur and Dayan Nuur. It's a remote place, divided from China by the high wall of snow-capped peaks, and is known to local Kazakhs as the Syrgali region. It's possible to make rafting trips downriver from Dayan Nuur, and there are many archaeological sites in the area.

At 1778m (5830ft), Shiliin Bogd is the highest peak in Sükhbaatar aimag region in Mongolia's east. The extinct volcano is sacred to many Mongolians and is set in a stunning and isolated area. A jeep can get you about halfway up the mountain, and then it's a short but blustery walk to the top for awesome views of craters across the nearby border to China.

Amarbayasgalant Khiid is considered one of the most important monasteries in Mongolia. It's also one of the most beautiful. It was originally built in 1737 by the Manchurian emperor Kansu, who dedicated it to the great Mongolian Buddhist and sculptor, Zanabazar. The communists found their way here in the 1930s and destroyed 10 of the 37 temples and statues.