Ikh Gazriin Chuluu

Ikh Gazriin Chuluu lies in the territories of Govi-Ugtaal and Bayanjargalan sums in Dundgovi Province and is one of the largest granite areas in Mongolia, made up of rocky hills with sharp peaks. About 35,000 hectares were placed under state special protection in 2003 to safeguard its scenery and geographic character.

It is about 80 km from the provincial center, Mandalgovi, and extends roughly 30 km north to south and 15 km east to west, covering more than 300 square kilometers. Its highest point is Erleg Uul at 1,706 m above sea level.

The reddish granite hills are split by large cracks and take countless shapes. Around Ulziit and Sumber Uul there are some 40 caves, including Toonot, Aguit, Ekhiin Umai and Rashaant. The terrain is gentle and the caves are close together, so they can be visited on foot.

Other sights include Ovgont, Senjit Khad, Gua Ulgii, Unaa Khad and Boov Khad, among many oddly shaped rock formations. Near the western side stands a monument honoring the renowned long-song singer Namjilyn Norovbanzad. Many films have also been shot in the area.

The "Natural Open-Air Theater" is about 40 km southwest of Govi-Ugtaal sum center (about 90 km east of the provincial center). Tall cliffs enclose it on the west, east and north, leaving the south side open; the stage is 18 m across and rises 140 cm above the ground.

Beside the theater, an illuminated monument honoring great long-song singers including Dorjdagva and Norovbanzad was erected in 2006. International long-song competitions and the 2007 international music festival "Turain Tuvurguun" were held here, and the site serves to pass the traditions of the morin khuur (horsehead fiddle) and long song on to future generations.

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