Murun
Murun is not only administrative centre of the Huvsgul aimag, it also offers lot of activities and sightseeing for all kind of tourist. Stay overnight and you will be surprised.
The Aimag Museum of Murun
The Aimag Museum of Murun was established in 1949 and since then a collection of about 4.000 pieces was gathered, but not all of them are on display at the moment. Today, the museum is located on the Peace Street opposite of the Tourist Information Center and you can find there library as well as information center and a small internet cafe. The Museum is worthwhile to visit for its collection of diverse and sometimes maybe odd pieces. The collection includes e.g.: an original shaman outfit, exposition of the clothes of different local ethnic groups, a mammoth tusk dated to 100 million years ago, various paintings telling the history of the Huvsgul Aimag and its legends, including the tallest man of Mongolia, Buddhism displays as well as shaman devices, ancient tools and jewelry.
The whole exhibition subscription is in Mongolian.
Opening hours: 9 p.m.-6 p.m.
Entrance fee: 2.000 T
Danzandarjaa Khiid Monastery
The Danzandarjaa Khiid Monastery in Murun was founded in the 19th century with 21 temples and over 200 priest and monks. During the soviet era, the monastery was closed and all monks were persecuted. After the soviet period the monastery was re-opened in 1990 with 30 monks. In 2000 the monastery was reconstructed.
The ceremony is performed daily between 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. According to the lunar calendar the 8th, 15th and 29th day of each month are the best days to visit the monastery, 200-300 visitors can come at the same time.The early history of the monastery is largely unknown, but there is an enchanting legend about its supposed origins.
The Square
The main square locates the center of Murun.
The statue on the square …
Around the square you find the post office, postcards, Opening Hours: Mo– Fr 9.00—13.00 14.00—18.00, the governmental house and the theater.
Theather
Sometimes interesting events, such as Mongolian circus, performances, concerts or Mongolian movies take place, check with posters in front of the theatre. Open: Mon-Fri: 10 a.m-6 p.m.
The Statue of Chingunjav
This statue of Chingunjav in front of the Sport Arena was dedicated to the 60th anniversary of Huvsgul Aimag in 1992. Shadar van Chinginjav of the Hotgoid tribe was one of the leading contestants for Mongolias independence during the Manju rule (1691-1911). He organized and led mutinies in the western parts of Mongolia against the Chinese rulers. During a stay in Beijing upon the invitation of the Manju leaders for supposed peace negotiations, he was captured and killed 1757.
Park with fountain
The little green park with a fountain arranged next to the main square is the new proud of Murun s inhabitants. Pass the garden on your way to the monastery and enjoy the colourful flowers and shadow providing trees.
The Sums of Huvsgul
The illustrative garden- exhibition about the sums of Huvsgul and their sights , located next to the monastery, invites you for a walk through the Aimag.The description is only in Mongolian language.
The Sport Arena
The sport arena (or circus) has been used for organizing some events and competitions since 2002. During the summer time there are rather spontaneous basketball games, join in with some local kids! Next to sport competitions there are occasional events such as trade fairs of local consumer products companies or the “1000 candle day”, which is celebrated on the 17th of the middle month of fall according to the lunar calendar.
The Black Market
The Black Market of Murun is said to be the second-largest one in Mongolia after the Black Market in UB and you can find various goods. For fresh vegetables, fruits and milk products explore the two Food Markets. Don’t be put off when you think you have reached the end of it.
The Market is open every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., except on Mondays.
A small but charming monastery is located on the way to the market. You can ask for your private ceremony for a small donation.
Handicraft Ger Shop
For Huvsgul souvenirs and local products, we can highly recommend the Ger Shop in opposite of the Xac Bank. You will find local handicrafts like wood carving, felt slippers, paintings and jewelry as well as local food e.g. jam, in a beautiful Ger. Get in touch with the englisch-speaking mongolian staff or local artists.
Opening hours: 9.00—19.00 , 83825070 or 96069998Next to the current offer, the Ger Shop can contact local people, who can make traditional clothes e.g. and deels, for you.
Shaman
Shamanism is believed to developed from personification of nature and earth. Natural changes and our lives are results of their will. You can find many shamanism believers accross Mongolia. If you would like to meet shaman, you can find several of them in Murun and surrounding areas. The shaman ritual or a simple visit can be organized by Tourist Information Center (HATI).
The Surrounding Mountains
From nearly everywhere in Murun you can see the surrounding mountains. It is worth it to take a hike to the “warm mountains” north of Murun. Their name goes probably back to the fact that during wintertime you can hardly see snow on them. On the top of the highest peak you will find several big ovoos with many offerings for local spirits.
The River Delger Murun
The Delger Murun river passes Murun in a wide river valley in the South-West. The shore is a good place to relax on a walk, have a rest in the grass, swim and watch birds, horses and yaks in the river basin. Also the view of the mountains around is worth it to see. About 50 km south of Murun, on the boarder with the Arkhangai Aimag, the Deleger Murun river converges with the Ider, Bugsei, Selenge and Chuulut rivers. In September and October this area is one of the best fishing spots in the country. After its way through Mongolia the Selenge river flows finally into Lake Baikal in Siberia, draining about 300.000 m2 of land in both countries.