When it comes to the world’s first national park, the name most often heard is Yellowstone in the United States. Established in 1872, Yellowstone marked a historic milestone in nature conservation. However, there’s another contender for this title – Bogd Khan Uul, a mountain located just south of Mongolia’s capital, Ulaanbaatar.
Bogd Khan Uul, which means “Sacred Khan’s Mountain” in Mongolian, is steeped in memories of Genghis Khan, the founder of the Mongol Empire. In 1778, Mongolian nobles wrote to the then Qing (Manchu) Emperor requesting that Bogd Khan Uul be officially recognized as a protected area. As a result, it is considered one of the world’s oldest preserved natural sites. In 1996, UNESCO declared it a Biosphere Reserve.
Meanwhile, the Main Ridge Forest Reserve of Tobago in the Caribbean is another rival for this title. Established in 1776, this reserve predates Yellowstone by nearly a century.
Bogd Khan Uul is not just a place of natural beauty; it’s deeply intertwined with Mongolian culture and spirituality. Before the spread of Buddhism, Mongolia practiced shamanism, whose followers believed that mountains and rivers possess their own spirits. The spirit of Bogd Khan Uul is worshipped as an old man, whose wrath is feared should he be disrespected.
Throughout the park, visitors can still see sacred cairns, known as “ovoo,” made of stones, wood, and colorful fabrics. It is considered highly disrespectful to litter, relieve oneself outside designated areas, or touch the ovoo without proper ritual observance.
At the summit of the mountain lie the ruins of Manzushir Monastery. Though it was destroyed in 1937 by Soviet-backed communists, local people continue to preserve its remains. Despite limited modern facilities, Bogd Khan Uul offers serene nature, star-studded skies, and breathtaking views of snowfall.
Bogd Khan Uul remains relatively unknown to international tourists, partly due to Mongolia’s geographic location and modest tourism infrastructure. However, in 2024, more than 800,000 foreign tourists visited the country—a record in Mongolia’s history. The country aims to increase tourism’s contribution to its GDP to 10% by 2030.
“Mongolia expert Saruul-Erdene Myagmarsaid, “Bogd Khan Uul is not just the world’s oldest national park; it’s an inseparable part of our faith, culture, and spirit.”