7534 foot Erdene Mount, overlooking the valley of the Kherlen River, is one of three Burkhan Khaldun mountains identified by Mongolian scholars. This is the mountain where Chingis hid from the Taichuut after they had kidnapped his wife.
Khentii Khan Mountain on the upper Kherlen, known as the Burkhan Khaldun of the Qamug Mongols. This is the mountain where Chinges reportedly went to pray before going into battle. It is also the main pilgrimage site of current day Chingisids. According to Mongolian maps its height is 7723 feet.
Local herder Zevgee and his wife at the site of a temple built by Zanabazar, the first Bogd Gegen of Mongolia, at the base of Burkhan Khaldun. Worshipers who visited the mountain stopped here. Nothing remains of the old temple, but there are currently plans to build a large, two storey temple here in honor of Chingis and Burkhan Khaldun Mountain. Mongolian President Bagabandi came here in the summer of 2001 to kick off construction of the temple, which has not yet actually begun. Plans are to complete it before 2006, the 800th anniversary of the founding of the Mongol Empire. From here it is 3174 feet elevation gain to the summit.
Takhilt Lake (5701 feet) at the base of Burkhan Khaldun. According to tradition women were not allowed to go to the top of the mountain; they came to this lake and waited while the men went to the top.
Two modern-day woman waiting at the lake.
Incense offering at the ovoo on the shore of the lake
Part way up the mountain is the site of another temple built by Zanabazar for worshipers who came to the mountain. There is now this large ovoo at the site, but nothing remains of the temple but a few scattered bricks and roof tiles.
A fire holder, or tulga, at the temple site.
Local herdsman Zevgee (right) and his son Sanja picking aartz, which is used as incense.