From Hovd Travel in Mongolia
Ulaan Bogchiin Rashaan
Renowned as a place of healing, the natural spring of Ulaan Bogchiin Rashaan (the Rashaan is pronounced “Arshaan”) is an easy 30 minute hike northeast of town, where the paved road to Buyant soum bends around the base of the red rocky Ulaan Bogoch mountain. The spring is marked by a roadside sign, and there is a stone walkway that leads from the road to a pool of water and boulders engraved in gold lettering. Where the walkway ends you’ll find a stone fish in the ground; locals believe that drinking water from the fish will help an ailing stomach. Dip a cup in and have a drink, it tastes fine. About 20 yards away from the fish is another water source, marked by a wooden post with blue cloth tied to it. Water from this source is said to cure headaches. The area is peaceful, and a stone table with stone benches is the perfect place for a picnic. Bring along some chess pieces, the surface of the picnic table has a built-in chessboard on it.
