Bayan-Ulgii Province Travel Guide: The Sights & Experiences

Established in 1940, Bayan-Ölgii Province is one of the five westernmost provinces of Mongolia. The provincial center is Ölgii city, located 1,636 kilometers from Ulaanbaatar. The majority of the population consists of ethnic Kazakhs, while Uriankhai, Tuva, and Khalkha of Mongol origin make up a smaller portion of the population. The province has a total of 14 soums, with a territory covering 45.8 thousand square kilometers.

The highest point of Bayan-Ölgii Province is Khüiten Peak (4,374 m) of Altai Tavan Bogd Mountain, which is also the highest point in Mongolia, while the lowest point is the center of Bayannuur soum at 1,301 meters above sea level. Since more than 90 percent of the territory lies above 1,600 meters, the local climate is cool. Bayan-Ölgii Province has more than 80 freshwater lakes, including Dayan, Khoton, and Khorgo. There are over 100 rivers and streams such as the Khovd, Tsagaan, Sogoot, and Yolt, as well as more than 200 springs. The Khovd River stretches for 506 kilometers.

Tolbo and Achit lakes have fishery resources. In addition to globally rare animals such as argali sheep, ibex, snow leopards, and lynx, the province is home to wolves, foxes, martens, marmots, hares, badgers, and birds including falcons, bearded vultures, golden eagles, saker falcons, woodpeckers, swans, pelicans, grouse, golden orioles, geese, and ducks.

Bayan-Ölgii Province attracts significant tourist interest with Altai Tavan Bogd Mountain and trained golden eagles. The unique yurts and traditional food and drink of the Kazakh people are also of great interest.