• Petroglyphs such as these are a vital part of Mongolia's rich history.mongolian petroglyph panel image by Mike & Valerie Miller from Fotolia.com
  
  Mongolia is one of the most fascinating and beautiful countries in the world, but not necessarily one that is thought of as a vacation destination. For the intrepid traveler, however, it is a wonderful place to get off the beaten path and discover the history and culture of one of the world's last frontiers. Discover the best and most important historical monuments that Mongolia has to offer.
  
  

Deer Stones

• Located near Mörön in northern Mongolia, the Deer Stones are a grouping of ancient megaliths standing in a vast, sweeping plain. The purpose of the stones is unknown, but they do depict a series of flying deer, a common shamanic theme. Some of these stone monuments also depict human figures, which has lead some scholars to believe that they represent important ancient people. Erected during the Bronze Age around 1,000 B.C., these impressive stone monuments are now a national monument in Mongolia and a popular visitor attraction.
  
  

The Megjid Janraisig

• The Megjid Janraisig statue was erected on December 16, 1911, to commemorate Mongolia's independence from China. Later, during the 1930s, the statue and surrounding monastery were destroyed during the Communist Era purge of religion in the country. In 1996, the statue was restored with donated funds and opened to the public. It is now an important pilgrimage site and a popular stop on any tour of Mongolia. Made predominantly of solid gold and silver, the statue is decorated with 2,100 precious stones, and stands nearly 90 feet tall and weighs 90 tons. It is a very impressive monument to the Mongolian people's dedication to Buddhism.
  
  

Zaisan Memorial

• The Zaisan Memorial is an important historic landmark located just south of Mongolia's capital, Ulaanbaatar. It honors the Soviet soldiers killed in World War II, and symbolizes the friendship between the people of the former USSR and Mongolia. The monument is a circular mural of the Battle of Khalkhin Gol in 1939 surrounding a central statue that depicts a Soviet soldier. The site is popular for meetings of state in Mongolia, as well as the traditional place for university graduations. It is an impressive, if often overlooked, monument.