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Genghis Khan, while often villainized as a terrorizing warlord in the west, is regarded as a national hero in Mongolia who united the nation and established peace and prosperity across Central Asia. As such, the mountain of Burkhan Khaldun, where he was allegedly born, buried, and started his conquests, also holds a very special place in the hearts of the Mongolian people.
Holy long before Genghis Khan was around, it acquired greater significance when he designated it a special Sacred Mountain. Although mountain worship declined over time, the site has seen a revival in importance in the 20th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. State-sponsored events now occur on the mountain during the summer.
Today, the landscape of Burkhan Khaldun remains largely untouched aside from three ovoos (cairn shrines), contributing to its perceived sacredness. Together, they form a 20 km pilgrimage route that starts at Threshold Pass of Heaven by the Kherlen River. Pilgrimages typically occur on horseback in traditional nomadic Mongolian fashion.
