Mandalgovĭ

Mandalgovĭ is the capital of Dundgovĭ province.

Understand
This small dusty town in the middle of the Gobi Desert today serves a convenient stopping place to the huge mines further south and as reasonably close place to the capital to experience the Gobi. However, at one time the winter palace of Ögedei Khan, Genghis Khan's son, was located near the city, as well as the ruins of Sum Khuh Burd temple from the 10th century and ancient forts, tombs, and monasteries. Also outside of the city, there are large wild game animals such as ibex, Argali sheep, black-tail gazelles, and antelope.

Get in
There are 2 buses a day that leave from the Dragon Center in Ulaanbaatar to Mandalgovĭ, at 8am and 2pm. The ride took about 6 hours before a paved road was completed in 2013. Probably much faster now. Tickets should be purchased a day in advance. Or you could get there much faster by hiring a driver to take you.

See

 * Province Museum
 * Dashgimpeliin Khiid Monastery opened in 1991 and has about 30 monks today.