Khentii Aimag – Khentii Aimag is a must-visit for Chinggis Khaan fans, believed to be his birthplace. In Dadal soum, explore picturesque lakes and forests, including the 10-meter monument at Gurvan Nuur lake celebrating Khaan’s 800th anniversary. Ondorkhaan, the provincial capital, features an ethnology museum in an 18th-century palace with a rich collection of post-revolution relics. Discover Mongolia’s legendary past and stunning natural beauty in Khentii Aimag.

Mount Bayan Ulaan – Mount Bayan Ulaan is renowned as the site where the Secret History of the Mongols was written. Discover the ancient ruins of Avragiin Balgas, believed to be Chinggis Khaan’s 12th-century palace. Nearby, the UNESCO monument commemorates the 750th anniversary of this epic chronicle. Visit the well-preserved Baldan Bereeven Khiid monastery, built in 1700, with its impressive stone structure, originally featuring 64 doors and 30 windows. Experience Mongolia’s rich history and architectural marvels at these remarkable sites.

Dornoobi Aimag – Dornogobi Aimag offers a captivating introduction to Mongolia for travelers arriving from China. Start in Zamiin-Uud, where the encroaching dunes create a dramatic landscape. In the capital, Sainshand, explore the museum dedicated to Danzan Ravjaa, a legendary figure known for his contributions as a monk, composer, social critic, and cultural revolutionary. His influence on Mongolian arts and his celebrated play, The Life Story of the Moon Cuckoo, continue to inspire today.

Dornogobi Aimag is the first taste of Mongolia travelers arriving by train from China. After crossing the border, the first town is Zamiin-Uud, a town that is being threatened by encroaching sand dunes.

The capital of the province is Sainshand (Good Pond), which has a museum to perhaps the Gobi’s most famous son, Danzan Ravjaa, who was a child prodigy, composed and singed songs at the age of four. He was a monk, writer, composer, a social critic, and an expert in martial arts, tantric studies, yoga, and traditional medicine. He took an acting troupe to study abroad, revolutionizing the dramatic arts in his home country, and his most famous play, recently revived at the Ulaanbaatar Drama Theatre, is called the life story of the Moon Cuckoo.