Taikhar Rock is located 22 kilometers west of Tsetserleg town, in Ikhtamir Soum, Arkhangai Province. Rising 18 meters high, this massive granite monolith is one of the most iconic natural and historical landmarks in central Mongolia. It is famous for its ancient inscriptions—over 150 carvings in different scripts, including Turkic, Uyghur, Mongolian, Tibetan, Manchu, and Chinese—making it a site of immense archaeological and cultural value.
Location
Tsonjin Boldog, 54 km east of Ulaanbaatar, Erdene soum
Protection
State Protection in 1994
Ancient Heritage
Inscriptions date back to the 6th–7th centuries
Height
18 meters high
Taikhar Rock stands dramatically on the northern bank of the Khoid Tamir River, surrounded by lush meadows and gentle hills. Over time, natural forces have sculpted the granite into its current monumental form.
Today, visitors come to admire not only its mysterious beauty but also the centuries-old inscriptions that tell stories of Mongolia’s ancient past. The rock’s summit features an ovoo, or sacred stone heap, where locals still make offerings for good fortune.
According to legend, a giant snake once emerged from a hole near the river, devouring people and livestock. The villagers, desperate for help, called upon a heroic man named Bukhbilegt. After a fierce battle, he managed to push the serpent back into the hole and sealed it by dropping the enormous rock over it. To this day, locals believe the snake remains trapped beneath the stone, giving Taikhar Rock a sacred and mysterious aura.
Discover ancient carvings and inscriptions in multiple historical scripts.
Enjoy stunning nature and riverside views in central Mongolia.
Learn the legend of Bukhbilegt and the serpent, rooted in local folklore.
Visit a state-protected heritage site that blends myth, history, and nature.
It’s about 480 km (8–9 hours by car) west of Ulaanbaatar and 22 km from Tsetserleg town.
Climbing is not recommended, as the surface is steep and protected for preservation, but you can walk around its base.
Yes, you can find guesthouses and ger camps in Tsetserleg town or near Tsenkher Hot Springs, within 30–40 minutes’ drive.
