MONGOLIA 2004
Suhe Bator - a town by the Russian border.
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The main roads in Mongolia are usually dusty tracks worn out by vehicles.
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Sometimes the road reminded me a track that has been worn out by tanks or some caterpillar tracks.
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Wayside inn, where one can eat something or stay over night.
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In Mongolia the total road length is 46 000 km but only 1 000 is covered with asphalt.
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Milk sellers.
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Horse milk is accessible everywhere, there is also goat, sheep, cow, camel and yak milk.
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The national symbol of Mongolia, the Przewalski horse and behind in the background there is a wayside kiosk with article such as pepsi or biscuits.
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My camp place near Tsetserleg the capital of Arhangai aimag (region in central Mongolia).
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Basalt stones and rocks are the solidified lava from Khorgo volcano . In the background the dark cone it's the volcano.
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Interior of the volcano.
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From basalt stones people build cone shaped heaps by the shore of the lake Terkhiin Tsagaan.
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The lake Terkhiin Tsagaan is situated on the altitude 2060m above level sea. It was created by the stream of lava that blocked a river which then flooded the valley.
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In summer time during 6 weeks the amount of rain fall is the same as for the rest of the year. Therefore pastures green and bloom instantly.
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A young Mongolian lad leads the lost yak caves to the herd.
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Farmers drive their cattle to the green pastures along with the changing season.
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At first I thought that the wooden wheels are the remains after passed epoch, but soon I discovered that The Mongols use them in daily life.
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Shearing sheep - farmer possesses 500 pieces of cattle including 90 yaks and 40 horses.
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Sheared sheep are washed in the lake.
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Yak's head.
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In Mongolia a horse is the most popular mean of transport. Walking or hiking is something incomprehensible for Mongolians.
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The satellite is powered from solar batteries and make possible to watch just one channel.
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Interior of yurta - ger.
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In yurta men and guest sit always on the left side.
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Despite shortage of woodland, the wood is still the main fuel.
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Although Mongolia is mainly a Buddhist county it is hard to encounter a Buddhist stupa.
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The shelter made of poles is in fact a Buddhist temple. (The construction very well protected my tent against strong wind, I hope that my act was not desecration)
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The symbols of friendship with USSR are seen in many places. Here a secondary school in Tsetserleg.
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A little Buddhist monastery in Tsetserleg. Designed in the shape of a yurta.
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Previously monastery today museum.
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A little shop by s street in Tsetserleg.
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In harsh Mongolian climate cultivation of vegetables is unprofitable, therefore the main nourishment is meat and dried cheese (sort of curd cheese)
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Farmers deliver their products to towns and sell it straight from car boots.
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Unlike Western leather saddle, Mongolian saddle is made of wood.
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Ticket sellers by the entrance to the main bazaar in Ulaanbaatar. The capital is very polluted city therefore many people wear masks.
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In July there is the highest rain fall in the whole year. After strong rain, vendors remove water out of their stalls in the main market in UB.
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Main market place in UB.
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Main market place in UB.
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Main market place in UB.
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Main market place in UB.
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In the center of the capital Ulaan Baator there are many yurt estates.
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Ulaan Baator - houses of the rich, then poor yurts and again block flats, and so on.
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The monastery Gandan in Ulaan Baatar, built in 1913. It is one of the most spacious monasteries in Mongolia.
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A monk hits a gong to inform about starting prayer in Gandan monastery.
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Mongolia's ancient capital, Kharakhorum, Chinggis Khaan's city, was founded in 1220. the only remains after the capital are the two turtles.
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Where once stood the ancient capital, now stands a monetary complex called Erdene Zuu.
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The Monetary Erdene Zuu was built in 1586.
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