9/5 Tovkhon Monastery and Orkhan River

Today we rode to Tovkhon Monastery which is on top of a mountain. At least it wasn't too hot for the horses since it was tree covered. Four monks were still there when we arrived. Others had gone to another temple for the winter. Tovkhon holds significant historic importance since it is where the first religious king of Mongolia, the Ondor Gegeen Zanabazar, worked and lived. It is said that he prayed alone in a cave at the very top of the mountain. The adventurous ones climbed to it. The rest of us decided to wait for the photos. We also went inside the temple which was modest in comparison to the interiors of those of Erdenezuu. After lunch we rode down the mountain and then up another, smaller mountain. We were back to camping riverside after riding along the Orkhan River. Another beautiful camp site.

Here is the link to the photos from Day 7: http://www.flickr.com/photos/54764455@N00/sets/72157602144881328/