Bulgan Province Travel Guide: The Sights & Experiences

Bulgan Province is located in the central part of Mongolia within the Orkhon–Selenge river basin, covering an area of 48,700 km². The provincial center is Bulgan city, which is located 477 km from Ulaanbaatar. Bulgan Province has forested mountain ranges such as Bulgankhan, Büregkhangai, Dulaan Khan, Büteel, and Khantai Darkhan Khan. The province is divided into 16 soums. Along the northern edge of the province, granite rocks from the ancient Iron Age are found; in the vast southern area, sediments from the Middle and Early Iron Age are distributed; in the central region, igneous rocks from the Upper Permian, Tertiary, and Jurassic periods are widespread, along with basalt from the Quaternary period. Extinct volcanoes such as Uran Togoo, Tulga, Bürkheer, and Jalavch, which were active during the Quaternary period, are protected. Bulgan Province contains major rivers such as the Selenge, Orkhon, and Khanui; lakes including Khargal, Khunt, and Airkhan; and mineral springs such as Khulj, Khunt, Khanuin, and Asgatiin. Steppe vegetation spreads across the southern part of the province, while forests dominate the northern part, making it a rich and beautiful Khangai region with abundant wildlife.

The territory of Bulgan Province has been the cradle of the Mongol peoples since ancient times, as proven by archaeological findings and evidence. For example, there are many monuments and relics indicating the existence of the Xiongnu, the first state in Mongolia, as well as the Nirun, Xianbei, Turkic, Uyghur khanates, the Khitan, and the Kyrgyz states. There are also numerous sites associated with tribes such as the Merkid and Khereid from the 12th–13th centuries, as well as places named after Chinggis Khan. Therefore, it is referred to as the land of Central Khalkha. Even today, the majority of the province’s population consists of Central Khalkha people.

Bulgan Province is famous in Mongolia for its mare’s fermented milk, airag. In particular, the airag from Saikhan and Mogod soums of Bulgan Province is considered the best in the country in terms of taste and quality. Airag contains almost all the vitamins necessary for human health, and it is especially rich in vitamins A, C, and B. Recent research has shown that the beneficial gut bacteria levels of residents of Bulgan Province are higher compared to those of other provinces. In addition to airag, Bulgan is known as the cradle of Mongolia’s pioneers. Mongolia’s first astronaut and first Olympic champion were born in Bulgan Province.