Join me at the sacred mountain worship ceremony of Bogd Uul

Bogd Uul (also known as Bogd Mountain) is a sacred peak located in New Barag Right Banner (West Banner), Hulunbuir City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Revered as the "First Sacred Mountain of Hulunbuir Grassland," it holds profound religious and cultural significance in Mongolian traditions. Here’s a detailed introduction: 1. Geography and Name - Location: Situated about 45 km southeast of Altan Emel Town in New Barag Right Banner, deep in the Hulunbuir Grassland near the border of China, Russia, and Mongolia. - Name Meaning: "Bogd" (Богд) means "sacred" in Mongolian, and "Uul" (Уул) means "mountain," together translating to "Sacred Mountain." - Natural Features: Standing at 922 meters above sea level with a prominence of over 200 meters, it’s the highest point in the surrounding grasslands. Its conical shape resembles an isolated island in a green ocean. 2. Religious and Cultural Significance - Shamanist Holy Site: Originally a sacred mountain for Mongolian Shamanist rituals, later integrated with Tibetan Buddhism, creating a diverse religious culture. - Buddhist Sacred Mountain: Legend links it to Tibet’s Mount Kailash, earning it the nickname "Little Kailash of the Northern Grasslands." - Worship Traditions: - History: Official ceremonies began during the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty and continue today. - Rituals: Grand ceremonies ("Bogd Uul Worship") are held annually on the 13th day of the 5th lunar month and the 3rd day of the 7th lunar month. Herders dress in traditional attire, offering dairy products and khata scarves while circling the mountain to pray for prosperity and safety. - Taboos: Traditionally, women were forbidden to climb (recently relaxed in some events), and noise or littering is prohibited. 3. Activities and Landscapes - Worship Festival: - Religious Rites: Lamas chant scriptures, hang prayer flags, and burn juniper branches as offerings. - Folk Activities: Horse racing, wrestling, archery ("Three Manly Skills"), folk singing, and markets. - Natural Scenery: - Summit Ovoo: A stone cairn draped with khata scarves and prayer flags, the core site of worship. - Panoramic Views: From the summit, overlook the Hulunbuir Grassland, Kherlen River Wetland, and distant Lake Buir. 4. Travel Tips - Best Time: - Summer (June-August) for lush grasslands; the worship day (around June-July) is the liveliest. - Transportation: - Charter a car from Manzhouli or Hailar (3-4 hours); pair with nearby sites like Hulun Lake or Genghis Khan’s Hitching Post. - Notes: - Respect customs (circle the ovoo clockwise). - Protect the environment—avoid touching offerings or ovoo stones. 5. Legends and Conservation - Folklore: Genghis Khan reportedly rested here, deeming it a guardian mountain. - Protection: Listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Inner Mongolia in 2007 and a cultural relic site in 2013. Tip: Check the lunar date for the ceremony (varies yearly). Hiking requires stamina—wear comfortable shoes and bring windproof gear for temperature swings. @CommunityBenefits @CtripCommunityCreationCenter · New Barag Right Banner, Hulunbuir #WorshipCulture #SacredMountainCulture