🏺 Visiting the UNESCO-Listed Deer Stones and Bronze Age Monuments
Travelling through Mongolia often feels like moving between different ages of the earth. One day you’re in a modern town with mobile signal and coffee shops, and the next you’re standing in an open steppe surrounded by ancient stones that have watched over the land for nearly three thousand years. That’s exactly how it felt when we visited the UNESCO-listed Deer Stones and Bronze Age Monuments — one of the most fascinating archaeological landscapes in the country.
🏕️ Arrival in the Open Steppe
Our visit came as part of a longer journey across central Mongolia. After hours of driving through vast grasslands, the scenery opened up into a quiet valley with low hills rolling into the distance. There were no fences, no buildings, and no sound except the wind. In the middle of it all stood the Deer Stones — tall, slender slabs of granite carved with ancient symbols. Some were still upright; others leaned slightly after centuries of standing against the weather.
Our local guide told us that these stones date from the late Bronze Age, around 1200 to 700 BCE. They were carved by nomadic peoples who lived in the region long before the rise of the Mongol Empire. The exact purpose of the stones is still uncertain, but most archaeologists believe they were memorials or markers connected with burial sites of important individuals, perhaps warriors or clan leaders.
🦌 The Mystery of the Carvings
Up close, the carvings are astonishing. Graceful deer with long, curved antlers leap across the surface, drawn with an elegance that feels almost modern. The deer were thought to symbolise the soul’s journey to the afterlife — a spiritual protector guiding the dead. Some stones also show belts, daggers, bows, and other weapons, hinting at the status or occupation of the person they commemorate.
The stones are often arranged alongside khirigsuur — large burial mounds made of piled stones. Walking among them, it was easy to imagine the ancient ceremonies that might have taken place here: fires burning in the cold air, people gathered in silence, watching as a leader’s spirit was sent to join the ancestors. The entire site feels solemn yet peaceful, connected to a way of life deeply in tune with nature and the sky.
🪶 History and Preservation
Mongolia has one of the richest collections of deer stones in the world, with hundreds spread across the central and northern regions. UNESCO added them to the World Heritage List to protect not just the individual stones but also the surrounding Bronze Age burial complexes. These sites reveal much about the cultural development of the early nomadic societies that once roamed the Eurasian steppe — people who relied on horses, herding, and metalworking long before written records existed here.
Archaeologists have found that the carvings and construction styles of the stones vary between regions, suggesting different tribes or cultural traditions. Some stones may even have been re-used or moved by later generations. Despite their age, many still stand where they were first placed, their carvings clear and sharp against the pale sky. It’s a remarkable survival given the harsh winters and centuries of wind erosion.
📷 A Moment of Reflection
Standing among the Deer Stones was a quiet, moving experience. There was no visitor centre, no crowds — only open grassland and the sound of wind passing over the hills. The simplicity of the setting made it easy to sense the connection between the people who made these stones and the land that sustained them.
We took time to walk slowly around the site, pausing to trace the carvings gently with our eyes, not our hands, out of respect. The late afternoon light gave the stones a warm golden hue, and for a few moments the ancient and the present seemed to blend together.
🌅 Final Thoughts
Visiting the Deer Stones and Bronze Age Monuments is one of those rare experiences that make you feel both small and deeply connected to the past. There’s no grand monument or ornate temple here — just simple stones standing in the open, yet they carry the weight of thousands of years of human belief, art, and memory.
Planning your visit to the Deer Stones of Mongolia
Visiting the ancient Deer Stones is one of the most fascinating parts of any journey through Mongolia. These mysterious Bronze Age monuments, carved with elegant images of flying deer and weapons, are found in several locations across the country — most famously in the UNESCO-listed Orkhon Valley. Because they are often in remote areas far from main roads and towns, visiting them requires some planning and local knowledge.
🚐 Including the Deer Stones in a 19-Day Tour
We decided to include the Deer Stones as part of our 19-day tour of Mongolia, which allowed us to see not only these remarkable monuments but also the vast variety of landscapes — from desert dunes and volcanic lakes to rolling grasslands and forested valleys. Travelling this way meant that we could experience the journey at a relaxed pace, with time to stop at small villages, local markets, and monasteries along the route. The Deer Stones usually appear around the mid to later stages of such a tour, often combined with visits to other archaeological sites, ancient burial mounds, and nearby Bronze Age monuments.
🏞️ Using Goyo Travel
For a trip of this scale, we chose to travel with Goyo Travel, a Mongolian-based company that specialises in tailor-made and small-group tours. Their team helped design an itinerary that balanced cultural visits with natural highlights and practical travel times between stops. Having an experienced local guide made a huge difference — they provided detailed background about the Deer Stones’ history and significance, and they also knew the best routes and rest stops along the way. Goyo arranged everything from transport in sturdy UAZ vans to comfortable ger camps, meaning that even in remote regions the experience remained smooth and enjoyable.
🕰️ Practical Information
Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn (May to September) when the countryside is green and accessible.
Getting there: The Deer Stones are reached by road, usually from the Orkhon Valley or Khuvsgul region, depending on your route. Distances can be long, so plan for full-day drives.
Clothing: Layers are essential — even in summer, mornings and evenings can be cool. Comfortable walking shoes are important for exploring around the stone sites.
Facilities: There are no shops or cafés near the Deer Stones, so bring water and snacks. Toilets are basic or non-existent in some places.
Cultural respect: These sites are sacred to many Mongolians. Walk carefully around the stones and avoid climbing or touching the carvings.
🧭 Final Thoughts
Including the Deer Stones as part of a 19-day tour of Mongolia gives you a deeper sense of the country’s ancient heritage. Standing among those silent stones in the open steppe connects you to thousands of years of human history. Travelling with Goyo Travel made the experience simple and well-organised, allowing us to focus on the landscapes, the people, and the remarkable sense of space that defines Mongolia.
The best time to visit Mongolia
🌸 Spring (March to May)
Spring in Mongolia marks the transition from the harsh winter to milder weather, but it can still be unpredictable. March and April often remain cold, with lingering snow and strong winds across the steppe. By May, the landscapes begin to turn green, rivers start to thaw, and the nomadic herders return to the open plains. Although not yet the peak tourist season, this time offers quietness and a glimpse of daily Mongolian life before the summer crowds arrive. However, dust storms can occur in some regions, especially in the Gobi Desert.
What to pack: Warm layers, a windproof jacket, sturdy boots, gloves, and a hat. Temperatures can vary dramatically between day and night.
☀️ Summer (June to August)
Summer is the best-known season for visiting Mongolia. The weather is generally warm and pleasant, with clear blue skies, wildflowers in bloom, and green grasslands stretching to the horizon. This is also the time of the famous Naadam Festival in July, when wrestling, archery, and horse racing dominate the celebrations. It’s ideal for camping, hiking, horse riding, and visiting remote regions such as the Gobi Desert or Lake Khövsgöl. Expect occasional rain showers, particularly in July and August.
What to pack: Light clothing, a waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and insect repellent. A warm jumper or fleece is still useful for cool nights.
🍁 Autumn (September to October)
Autumn in Mongolia is brief but beautiful. The landscapes turn golden, and the air is crisp and clear, making it perfect for photography and outdoor activities. Temperatures begin to drop, especially at night, but the days often remain sunny. Tourist numbers thin out, so this season is excellent for travellers who prefer a quieter experience. Many nomads begin their preparations for winter, adding cultural interest to your trip.
What to pack: Warm layers, a medium-weight jacket, gloves, and sturdy footwear. A hat and scarf are useful for chilly evenings.
❄️ Winter (November to February)
Winter in Mongolia is extremely cold, with temperatures often dropping below -30°C in some regions. The steppe and desert turn into stark, icy landscapes, and most rural tourism slows down. However, this is also when you can experience the authentic side of Mongolian life — from the hospitality of nomadic families to winter festivals like the Ice Festival at Lake Khövsgöl and the Golden Eagle Festival in the west. Travelling can be challenging, but rewarding for adventurous visitors.
What to pack: Thermal base layers, insulated outerwear, snow boots, gloves, wool hats, scarves, and heavy socks. Warm sleeping gear is essential if staying in gers.
📊 Summary Chart
| Season | Months | Weather | Highlights | Recommended Activities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🌸 Spring | Mar–May | Cold to mild, windy | Thawing landscapes, fewer tourists | Cultural visits, steppe drives |
| ☀️ Summer | Jun–Aug | Warm, some rain | Naadam Festival, lush scenery | Trekking, horse riding, camping |
| 🍁 Autumn | Sep–Oct | Cool, clear skies | Golden landscapes, fewer crowds | Photography, hiking, cultural travel |
| ❄️ Winter | Nov–Feb | Very cold, dry | Ice & Eagle festivals | Cultural stays, winter sports |
🌤 Overall Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Mongolia is from June to September, when the weather is warm, the countryside is at its most beautiful, and most roads are accessible. July offers the excitement of Naadam and peak greenery, while September provides cooler temperatures and fewer tourists. Whether you want to explore the deserts, mountains, or grasslands, this summer-to-early-autumn period gives the most enjoyable and comfortable experience.