Stage 3

Date: Aug. 26(Wen)

Start: Baldan Bereeven Monastery

Finish: Omnodelger

Length: 72km (Unpaved 100%)

Elev. +723m

Time Limit: 8 Hours 30 Minites

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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.

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.