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Mongolia - Archeology + Gobi Desert 715 images Created 15 Jun 2021

Mongolian archaeology and a Nat Geo Expeditions tour to Gobi Desert and other mountain areas of Mongolia as part of a Nat Geo Magazine assignment.
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  • Ornately sculpted altars & deities in Choijinlam Temple, a rare, remaining Tibetan Buddhist sanctuary in Ulaanbaator, Mongolia, a country where monks and lamas were executed after communist takeover.  The religion is making a resurgence after independence
    MGe 060624-005.jpg
  • Buddha figure in Choijinlam Temple, a rare, remaining Tibetan Buddhist sanctuary in Ulaanbaator, Mongolia, a country where monks and lamas were executed after communist takeover.  The religion is making a resurgence after independence
    MGe 060624-006.jpg
  • Wrathful & protective deities in Choijinlam Temple, a rare, remaining Tibetan Buddhist sanctuary in Ulaanbaator, Mongolia.  During the country's Soviet occupation, religion was discouraged and thousands of monks and lamas were executed.  The religion is making a resurgence after independence.
    MGe 060624-011.jpg
  • A modern Mongolian visitor makes a cell phone call from the Temple of the Yadam at Choijin Lama Temple, a rare, remaining Tibetan Buddhist sanctuary in Ulaanbaator.  During the country's Soviet occupation, religion was discouraged and thousands of monks and lamas were executed.  The religion is making a resurgence after independence.
    MGe 060624-022.jpg
  • Choijinlam Temple, a rare, remaining Tibetan Buddhist sanctuary in Ulaanbaator, Mongolia. During the country's Soviet occupation, religion was discouraged and thousands of monks and lamas were executed.  The religion is making a resurgence after independence.
    MGe 060624-026.jpg
  • Buddha figures in Choijinlam Temple, a rare, remaining Tibetan Buddhist sanctuary in Ulaanbaator, Mongolia. During the country's Soviet occupation, religion was discouraged and thousands of monks and lamas were executed.  The religion is making a resurgence after independence.
    MGe 060624-030.jpg
  • Doorknob at Choijinlam Temple, a rare, remaining Tibetan Buddhist sanctuary in Ulaanbaator, Mongolia.  During the country's Soviet occupation, religion was discouraged and thousands of monks and lamas were executed.  The religion is making a resurgence after independence.
    MGe 060624-033.jpg
  • A protective "singha" lion outside Choijinlam Temple, a rare, remaining Tibetan Buddhist sanctuary in Ulaanbaator, Mongolia. During the country's Soviet occupation, religion was discouraged and thousands of monks and lamas were executed.  The religion is making a resurgence after independence.
    MGe 060624-036.jpg
  • This modern restaurant in Ulaanbaator, Mongolia, (which is closed for the morning) is known for strong beer and scantily-clad waitresses.
    MGe 060624-040.jpg
  • Stone painting at Ganden Monastery in Ulaanbaator, Mongolia.
    MGe 060624-042.jpg
  • A traditional nomadic ger contrasts with modern high-rise buildings in Ulaanbaator, Mongolia
    MGe 060624-045.jpg
  • Traditional nomadic ger & modern high-rise buildings in Ulaanbaator, Mongolia
    MGe 060624-046.jpg
  • A traditional nomadic ger contrasts with modern high-rise buildings in Ulaanbaator, Mongolia
    MGe 060624-048.jpg
  • Mysterious, 2700+ year-old, Bronze Age deer stones at Ushkin Uver site near Muren, Mongolia
    MGe 060625-004.jpg
  • Enkhbold, driver for National Geographic photo team during 2006 archaeology expedition near Muren, Mongolia
    MGe 060625-007.jpg
  • Lake Erkhel, north of Muren, a salt-water sink that gaining infamy in 2005 as a site of massive bird kills from avian flu.  Ulaan Tolgoi, a major deer stone site lies just west of the lake.
    MGe 060625-013.jpg
  • Wildflowers grow above an archaeologists' camp at Ulaan Tolgoi ("Red Hill"), west of Lake Erkhel and north of Muren, Mongolia.
    MGe 060626-001.jpg
  • 2700+ year-old, bronze age Deer Stone at Ulaan Tolgai site near Lake Erkhel & Moron, Mongolia.  A "khirigsuur" burial mound of similar age is in the background.
    MGe 060626-003.jpg
  • A 2700+ year-old, bronze age Deer Stone stands on a hill called Ulaan Tolgoi ("Red Hill"), near Lake Erkhel & Muren, Mongolia.
    MGe 060626-004.jpg
  • A 2700+ year-old, bronze age Deer Stone stands on a hill called Ulaan Tolgoi ("Red Hill"), near Lake Erkhel & Muren, Mongolia.
    MGe 060626-005.jpg
  • Dr. William Fitzhugh unearths ancient charred bones in a 2700+ year-old, bronze age  "khirigsuur" burial mound at Ulaan Tolgoi archaeological site near Lake Erkhel, north of Muren, Mongolia.  Tsogtbayar Tsolmon ("Tsoomoo") & Christie Leece background.  (Nick Wiltsie's hand).
    MGe 060626-007.jpg
  • Mongolian archaeologist Jamsranjav Bayarsaikhan ("Bayaraa") unearths ancient horse skull in a 2700+ year-old, bronze age  "khirigsuur" burial mound at Ulaan Tolgoi archaeological site near Lake Erkhel, north of Muren, Mongolia.
    MGe 060626-008.jpg
  • Mongolian archaeologist Jamsranjav Bayarsaikhan ("Bayaraa") unearths ancient horse skull in a 2700+ year-old, bronze age  "khirigsuur" burial mound at Ulaan Tolgoi archaeological site near Lake Erkhel, north of Muren, Mongolia., Mongolia., Mongolia.  A deer stone of similar age is in the background.
    MGe 060626-009.jpg
  • Smithsonian archaeologist Dr. William Fitzhugh take compass bearing on the orientation of an ancient horse skull in a 2700+ year-old, bronze age  "khirigsuur" burial mound at Ulaan Tolgoi site near Lake Erkhel, north of Muren, Mongolia.
    MGe 060626-010.jpg
  • An ancient horse skull lies in a 2700+ year-old, bronze age  "khirigsuur" burial mound at Ulaan Tolgoi archaeological site near Lake Erkhel, north of Muren, Mongolia.  The site is associated with mysterious deer stone monuments.
    MGe 060626-011.jpg
  • Mongolian archaeologist Tovuudorj Sanjmyatov ("Sasha") (MR) sketches carvings on a 2700+ year-old, bronze age deer stone monument at Ulaan Tolgai archaeological site near Lake Erkhel, north of Muren, Mongolia.   <br />
MS0702_060626_0161.NEF
    MGe 060626-015.jpg
  • Mongolian archaeologist Tovuudorj Sanjmyatov ("Sasha") (MR) sketches carvings on a 2700+ year-old, bronze age deer stone monument at Ulaan Tolgoi archaeological site near Lake Erkhel, north of Muren, Mongolia.
    MGe 060626-017.jpg
  • Mongolian archaeologist Tovuudorj Sanjmyatov ("Sasha") (MR) studies carvings on a 2700+ year-old, bronze age deer stone monument at Ulaan Tolgoi archaeological site near Lake Erkhel, north of Muren, Mongolia.   Sasha is a renowned pioneer of Mongolian archaeology, some of it pursued & published during Soviet era.
    MGe 060626-018.jpg
  • Mongolian archaeologist Tovuudorj Sanjmyatov ("Sasha") (MR) replants vegetation at a 2700+ year-old, bronze age deer stone site at Ulaan Tolgoi, near Lake Erkhel, north of Muren, Mongolia.  Christina Leece bkg.
    MGe 060626-021.jpg
  • MONTOLIAN NAADAM FESTIVAL. Young, costumed bareback riders approach end of a 20km race at a traditional naadam festival on a remote pass in Arbulag Sum, near Muren in Hovsgol Aimag, Mongolia.
    MGe 060626-052.jpg
  • Young, costumed bareback riders approach end of a 20km race at a traditional naadam festival on a remote pass in Arbulag Sum, near Muren in Hovsgol Aimag, Mongolia.
    MGe 060626-053.jpg
  • Young nomadic herders at a naadam festival on a remote pass in Arbulag Sum, near Muren in Hovsgol Aimag, Mongolia.
    MGe 060626-054.jpg
  • Nick Wiltsie at a naadam festival on a remote pass in Arbulag Sum, near Muren in Hovsgol Aimag, Mongolia.
    MGe 060626-056.jpg
  • Spectators on motorcyles lead children racing bareback on 20km horse race at a naadam festival on a remote pass near Muren, Mongolia.
    MGe 060626-058.jpg
  • Young, costumed bareback riders approach end of a 20km race at a traditional naadam festival on a remote pass in Arbulag Sum, near Muren in Hovsgol Aimag, Mongolia.
    MGe 060626-062.jpg
  • Young, costumed bareback riders approach finish line of a 20km race at a traditional naadam festival on a remote pass in Arbulag Sum, near Muren in Hovsgol Aimag, Mongolia.
    MGe 060626-064.jpg
  • Young, costumed bareback riders approach finish line of a 20km race at a traditional naadam festival on a remote pass in Arbulag Sum, near Muren in Hovsgol Aimag, Mongolia.
    MGe 060626-065.jpg
  • A young, costumed bareback rider approaches finish line of a 20km race at a traditional naadam festival on a remote pass near Muren in Hovsgol Aimag, Mongolia.
    MGe 060626-066.jpg
  • Young, costumed bareback riders approach the end of a 20km race at a traditional naadam festival on a remote pass near Muren, Mongolia.
    MGe 060626-068.jpg
  • Young, costumed bareback riders approach the finish line of a 20km race at a traditional naadam festival on a remote pass near Muren, Mongolia.
    MGe 060626-070.jpg
  • Young, costumed bareback riders approach finish line of a 20km race at a traditional naadam festival on a remote pass in Arbulag Sum, near Muren in Hovsgol Aimag, Mongolia.
    MGe 060626-073.jpg
  • Young, costumed bareback riders approach finish line of a 20km race at a traditional naadam festival on a remote pass in Arbulag Sum, near Muren in Hovsgol Aimag, Mongolia.
    MGe 060626-074.jpg
  • Young, costumed bareback riders approach the finish line of a 20km race at a traditional naadam festival on a remote pass near Muren, Mongolia.
    MGe 060626-075.jpg
  • Young bareback rider on his family's stallion after a 20km race at a traditional naadam festival on a remote pass in Arbulag Sum, near Muren in Hovsgol Aimag, Mongolia.
    MGe 060626-077.jpg
  • A father tends to his family's horses after his children rode  bareback in a 20km race at a traditional naadam festival on a remote pass in Arbulag Sum, near Muren in Hovsgol Aimag, Mongolia.  Motorcycles are a sign of changing times.
    MGe 060626-080.jpg
  • Nomadic herders tend to their family's stallions after a 20km race at a traditional naadam festival on a remote pass near Muren, Mongolia.
    MGe 060626-082.jpg
  • Nomadic herders tend to their family's stallions after a 20km race at a traditional naadam festival on a remote passnear Muren, Mongolia.
    MGe 060626-083.jpg
  • Young, costumed, bareback boys & girls after a 20km race at a traditional naadam festival on a remote pass near Muren, Mongolia.
    MGe 060626-084.jpg
  • Young, costumed riders - some bareback- after a 20km race at a traditional naadam festival on a remote pass near Muren, Mongolia.
    MGe 060626-090.jpg
  • Nomadic herders at a naadam festival on a remote pass near Muren in Hovsgol Aimag, Mongolia.
    MGe 060626-093.jpg
  • Nomadic herders at a naadam festival on a remote pass in Arbulag Sum, near Muren in Hovsgol Aimag, Mongolia.
    MGe 060626-094.jpg
  • A young nomadic herder naps on his horse during a naadam festival on a remote pass near Muren, Mongolia.
    MGe 060626-095.jpg
  • The Father of a young Naadam racer carries his son and friends on his motorcyle at finish line of 20km horse race at a remote pass in Arbulag Sum, near Muren in Hovsgol Aimag, Mongolia.
    MGe 060626-100.jpg
  • A youngster relaxes on his father's motorcycle after riding bareback in a 20km horse race at a naadam festival on a remote pass near Muren, Mongolia. These Russian and Chinese made machines are a sign of rapid modernization in Mongolia's ancient nomadic culture.
    MGe 060626-102.jpg
  • Young, costumed, bareback riders with older relatives after a 20km race at a traditional naadam festival on a remote pass in Arbulag Sum, near Muren in Hovsgol Aimag, Mongolia. The motorcycle is a sign of rapid changes in their nomadic lifestyle.
    MGe 060626-103.jpg
  • A father carries young bareback riders on his motorcyle at the finish line of a 20km horse race at a naadam festival on a remote pass near Muren, Mongolia. These Russian and Chinese made machines are a sign of rapid modernization in Mongolia's ancient nomadic culture.
    MGe 060626-104.jpg
  • A clan elder (who is singing) leads young, costumed  winners of a 20km horseback raceat a traditional naadam festival on a remote pass near Muren, Mongolia. Many of the youngsters rode barefoot and bareback to save weight.
    MGe 060626-105.jpg
  • A young, costumed  rider poses after winning a 20km race at a traditional naadam festival on a remote pass near Muren, Mongolia. The horse's medals are from earlier races and are a great source of family honor. The medals are from his previous victories, during which he rode barefoot and bareback to save weight.
    MGe 060626-108.jpg
  • MONGOLIA. A clan elder (carrying ceremonial, fermented mare's milk) leads young, costumed  winners - some who have ridden bareback- after a 20km race at a traditional naadam festival on a remote pass in Arbulag Sum, near Muren in Hovsgol Aimag, Mongolia. The medals on the horses are from earlier races and are a source of great family pride.
    MGe 060626-113.jpg
  • A father gives his costumed son a sip of ceremonial, fermented mare's milk after he rode to victory in a 20km race at a traditional naadam festival on a remote pass near Muren, Mongolia. A victory in these competitions brings great family pride and to increase his odds, the boy rode barefoot and bareback.
    MGe 060626-116.jpg
  • A proud father displays a plaque won by his costumed son, who rode bareback and barefoot in a 20km race at a traditional naadam festival near Muren, Mongolia. Victories in these competitions are a source of great family pride. (The medal on the horse is from an earlier race).
    MGe 060626-119.jpg
  • A clan elder presents prizes after a traditional naadam festival on a remote pass near Muren, Mongolia.
    MGe 060626-125.jpg
  • Nomadic herders wrestle at a naadam festival on a remote pass near Muren, Mongolia. This ancient sport is immensely popular across the country, and legend says that men wear their unique costumes to prove that they are not women, after an early empress humiliated her warriors by beating them.
    MGe 060626-128.jpg
  • MONGOLIA. After watching a traditional horse race ridden by children such as those in the background, a nomadic herder crouches beside judge as he prepares to wrestle at a naadam festival on a remote pass in Arbulag Sum, near Muren in Hovsgol Aimag, Mongolia. This ancient sport is immensely popular across the country, and legend says that men wear their unique costumes to prove that they are not women, after a woman once humiliated male wrestlers by beating them.  The motorcycle is a sign of rapidly changing times for these herders.
    MGe 060626-131.jpg
  • Nomadic herders wrestle at a naadam festival on a remote pass near Muren, Mongolia. This ancient sport is immensely popular across the country, and legend says that men wear their unique costumes to prove that they are not women, after an early empress humiliated her warriors by beating them.
    MGe 060626-137.jpg
  • A nomadic herder prepares to wrestle at a naadam festival on a remote pass near Muren, Mongolia. This ancient sport is immensely popular across the country, and legend says that men wear their unique costumes to prove that they are not women, after an early empress humiliated her warriors by beating them. Here the competitor is mimicking a bird, a traditional ritual.
    MGe 060626-140.jpg
  • Nomadic herders wrestle at a naadam festival on a remote pass near Muren, Mongolia. This ancient sport is immensely popular across the country, and legend says that men wear their unique costumes to prove that they are not women, after an early empress humiliated her warriors by beating them.
    MGe 060626-145.jpg
  • Nomadic herders wrestle at a naadam festival on a remote pass near Muren, Mongolia. This ancient sport is immensely popular across the country and many youngsters do it every day, just for fun.
    MGe 060626-160.jpg
  • MONGOLIA. Nomadic herders wrestle at a naadam festival on a remote pass in Arbulag Sum, near Muren in Hovsgol Aimag, Mongolia. This ancient sport is immensely popular across the country, and is playfully practiced on a regular basis by many young men.
    MGe 060626-162.jpg
  • Nomadic herders wrestle at a naadam festival on a remote pass near Muren, Mongolia. This ancient sport is immensely popular across the country and many youngsters do it every day, just for fun.
    MGe 060626-167.jpg
  • Nomadic herders wrestle at a naadam festival on a remote pass near Muren, Mongolia. This ancient sport is immensely popular across the country, and legend says that men wear their unique costumes to prove that they are not women, after an early empress humiliated her warriors by beating them.
    MGe 060626-180.jpg
  • MONGOLIA. Nomadic herders wrestle at a naadam festival on a remote pass in Arbulag Sum, near Muren in Hovsgol Aimag, Mongolia. This ancient sport is immensely popular across the country, and legend says that men wear their unique costumes to prove that they are not women, after a woman once humiliated male wrestlers by beating them.
    MGe 060626-182.jpg
  • Nomadic herders wrestle at a naadam festival on a remote pass near Muren, Mongolia. This ancient sport is immensely popular across the country, and legend says that men wear their unique costumes to prove that they are not women, after an early empress humiliated her warriors by beating them. Here, after surviving multiple challenges, Batjargal Khadbaatar ("Khada"), wins the meet.
    MGe 060626-183.jpg
  • Batjargal Khadbaatar ("Khada"), the winner of a wrestling competition at naadam festival near Muren, Mongolia, stands by a young horse he won. This ancient sport is immensely popular across the country, and legend says that men wear their unique costumes to prove that they are not women, after an early empress once humiliated her warriors by beating them. Ironically, Khada was an archaeology student working at a nearby dig and completely surprised (and upset) the locals by winning. He also couldn't keep the horse because he lives in Ulaan Baatar.
    MGe 060626-186.jpg
  • Wrestling competitors laugh at colleagues in action at a naadam festival on a remote pass inear Muren, Mongolia. This ancient sport is immensely popular across the country, and is playfully practiced on a regular basis by many young men.
    MGe 060626-187.jpg
  • A rural herder watches a wrestling match at a naadam festival near Muren, Mongolia.
    MGe 060626-189.jpg
  • A rural herder lies passed out after drinking too much fermented mare's milk at a naadam festival on a remote pass near Muren, Mongolia. Sadly, alcoholism is a serious national problem.
    MGe 060626-190.jpg
  • MONTOLIA. Young, costumed riders after a 20km race at a traditional naadam festival on a remote pass in Arbulag Sum, near Muren in Hovsgol Aimag, Mongolia.
    MGe 060626-193.jpg
  • Rural herders and an archaeology team mingle after wrestling matches at a naadam festival on a remote pass near Muren, Mongolia. The winner on right, was one of the archaeologists, much to the locals' dismay.
    MGe 060626-194.jpg
  • A rural herder at a naadam festival on a remote pass near Muren, Mongolia.
    MGe 060626-195.jpg
  • The driver for a Smithsonian archaeology team gets water at a well near saline Lake Erkhel.  These are widely scattered and the only source of water for local livestock.
    MGe 060626-856.jpg
  • A cart driver with his ox stands in a larch forest near Lake Hovsgol and the Horidal Saridag Mountains in Hovsgol National Park, Mongolia.
    MGe 060627-001.jpg
  • Larch trees grow beside  Lake Hovsgol on foothills of the Horidol Saridog Mountains in Mongolia's Hovsgol National Park.
    MGe 060627-004.jpg
  • Larch trees grow beside  Lake Hovsgol on foothills of the Horidol Saridog Mountains in Mongolia's Hovsgol National Park.
    MGe 060627-007.jpg
  • Wildflowers grow beside Lake Hovsgol Mongolia's Hovsgol National Park.
    MGe 060627-019.jpg
  • Wildflowers grow beside Lake Hovsgol Mongolia's Hovsgol National Park.
    MGe 060627-022.jpg
  • A reindeer-herding (Tsaatan) mother & her baby sell hand-made souveniers to tourists visiting Lake Hovsgol and the Horidal Saridag Mountains in Mongolia's Hovsgol National Park.
    MGe 060627-033.jpg
  • A reindeer-herding (Tsaatan) mother & her baby sell hand-made souvenirs to tourists visiting Lake Hovsgol and the Horidal Saridag Mountains in Mongolia's Hovsgol National Park. They live in the tipi tent in the background.
    MGe 060627-042.jpg
  • Enkhtuya Ragchaa, a 53-year-old shaman of the Tsaatan (Reindeer) people, now living on the west shore of Lake Hovsgol, in northern Mongolia.  She treats a variety of spiritual maladies caused by offenses against natural spirits, either by going into a trance or with natural herbs.  Her clients include local families and foreigners, alike.
    MGe 060627-117.jpg
  • Members of a Smithsonian Museum archaeology team monitor nightime laser scanning of bronze-age Deer Stones at Ulaan Tolgoi site near Muren, Mongolia.
    MGe 060628-002.jpg
  • Members of a Smithsonian Museum archaeology team monitor nightime laser scanning of bronze-age Deer Stones at Ulaan Tolgoi site near Muren, Mongolia.
    MGe 060628-007.jpg
  • A 2700+ year-old, bronze age Deer Stone at Ulaan Tolgai, near Lake Erkhel & Muren, Mongolia.
    MGe 060628-014.jpg
  • MONGOLIA. 2700+ year-old, bronze age Deer Stone at Ulaan Tolgai site near Lake Erkhel & Muren.  <br />
<br />
MS0702_060628_0415.NEF
    MGe 060628-015.jpg
  • A mysterious 2700+ year-old, bronze age Deer Stone at Ulaan Tolgai, near Lake Erkhel & Muren, Mongolia.
    MGe 060628-020.jpg
  • MONGOLIA. 2700+ year-old, bronze age Deer Stone at Ulaan Tolgai site near Lake Erkhel & Muren.  <br />
<br />
MS0702_060628_0487.NEF
    MGe 060628-031.jpg
  • A mysterious 2700+ year-old, bronze age Deer Stone at Ulaan Tolgai, near Lake Erkhel & Muren, Mongolia.
    MGe 060628-035.jpg
  • A mysterious 2700+ year-old, bronze age Deer Stone at Ulaan Tolgai, near Lake Erkhel & Muren, Mongolia.
    MGe 060628-043.jpg
  • A mysterious 2700+ year-old, bronze age Deer Stone at Ulaan Tolgai, near Lake Erkhel & Muren, Mongolia.
    MGe 060628-044.jpg
  • A Smithsonian Museum archaeology team studies a 2700+ year-old,  khirigsur burial mound above Delger River, near Muren, Mongolia.
    MGe 060628-047.jpg
  • A Bronze-age skull discovered at an archaeological site near Muren, Mongolia.  This  may be 2700+ years old.
    MGe 060628-054.jpg
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