Khukh Nuur, the blue lake with a dark heart, lies near the Tsenkher River, 35 km north of the main road in Tsenkhermandal suum, Khentii province.

Geography

This "blue" freshwater lake is fed by two underground springs and sits at the foot of Mount Kharzurkh, "the dark heart", standing at 1,675 meters elevation. The region surrounding the lake is magnificent, with beautiful forests of varied flora and abundant wildlife.

History

This lake is one of the great landmarks of Mongolian history, as it is here that Temüjin was crowned in 1189 and became Genghis Khan, "the great Ocean King", who unified the various nomadic tribes that formed the Mongolian nation in 1206. According to the Secret History of the Mongols, a chronicle of Genghis Khan's life, the place names "Khukh Nuur" and Mount "Kharzurkh" are indeed mentioned.

On the shores of the lake, you will find a monument dedicated to the birth of Genghis Khan (1162). Around this monument, along a semicircle 108 meters in diameter, stand 36 wooden statues of the various kings descended from Genghis Khan. At the center of this arc, you can admire the statues of his father, Esukhei, his mother Oulen, and Queen Börte. On either side of the entrance gate, you will also see 9 statues of Genghis Khan's generals. In total, no fewer than 50 wooden statues form the memorial.

At the foot of each king, plaques in Mongolian and English provide information about his history and the events in which he participated.