Stage 3
'Deer Stone'

Date: Aug. 26(Wen)

Start: Baldan Bereeven Monastery

Finish: Omnodelger

Length: 72km (Unpaved 100%)

Elev. +723m

Time Limit: 8 Hours

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Starting from the Baldan Bereben Monastery, follow the Baruun Jargalant River eastward for 14 kilometers to reach the Deer Stones. Deer Stones are ancient megalithic monuments found in Siberia and Mongolia, often depicted with deer figures. The archaeological culture defined by these marker artifacts is called the Deer Stone Culture and is often associated with the Kheryksüür burial culture. Over 1,500 deer stones have been discovered to date, of which approximately 1,300 are located in Mongolia, particularly in the well-watered steppe regions of the northern half of modern Mongolia.

 

The Deer Stones themselves are among the latest in the megalithic tradition, dating from around 1400–700 BCE (Late Bronze Age to Early Iron Age). However, they predate the later stone-slab tomb culture that emerged in the eastern part of the region. In the western region, the early Saka or Scythian cultures, which extend from the Altai to western Mongolia, follow later.

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The areas with representative groups of deer statues (North Tamir, Jargalant, Urtiin Bulga, Uushgiin Uvur) are well-preserved in terms of quantity, scale, decoration, and style, as well as the intact spatial composition of the surrounding burial facilities, and are recognized by UNESCO as having Outstanding Universal Value.

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The deer statues are recognized as a globally significant cultural heritage site for their exceptional artistry, representing the pinnacle of Bronze Age megalithic art, evidence of ancient nomadic culture, and uniquely demonstrate the ritual and funerary practices of Eurasian nomads. Furthermore, their location in a remote, natural, traditional nomadic region has minimized damage and they are managed under the Mongolian Cultural Heritage Protection Act and local government protection systems.

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The Dungd Jarigalant Deer Statues are a complex of deer statues dating from the Late Bronze Age (7th–9th centuries BC), located in the Jarigalant Valley of Umnodelger Soum, Khentii Aimag. They are one of the most significant archaeological sites discovered in eastern Mongolia. The site includes five deer statues, a square tomb, and a kirgisur (ancient ritual tomb). The rare deer statues with human faces are of exceptional academic value. Stage 3 finishes in Umnodelger, a beautiful area where nature, history, and culture harmonize, nestled in the taiga forests and grasslands of the Khentii Mountains.

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About 20 kilometers from the start, you'll pass through a corridor of mountains on both sides, creating a different atmosphere from the wide grasslands you've seen so far.

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30 kilometers from the start, you cross the Baruun Jargalant River and descend south. There's a wooden bridge over the river. After crossing the river, you'll climb a hill for about 4 kilometers to reach the village of Hentiy.

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The finish line for Stage 3 is Omnodelger, a relatively large town with a hospital, grocery store, school, cafe, and bank. As this is the first town you'll encounter after departing from Baganuur, you'll need to resupply here.