Introducing Western Mongolia
With its raw deserts, glacier-wrapped mountains, shimmering salt lakes and hardy culture of nomads, falconry and cattle rustling, western Mongolia is a timeless place that fulfils many romantic notions of the classic ‘Central Asia’.
Squeezed between Russia, Kazakhstan, China and the Mongol heartland, this region has been a historical transition zone of endless cultures, the legacy of which is a patchwork of peoples including ethnic Kazakhs, Dorvods, Khotons, Myangads and Khalkh Mongols.
The Mongol Altai Nuruu forms the backbone of the region, a rugged mountain range that creates a natural border with both Russia and China. It contains many challenging and popular peaks for mountain climbers, some over 4000m, and is the source of fast-flowing rivers, most of which empty into desert lakes and saltpans.
The region’s wild landscape and unique mix of cultures is known among adventure travellers and a small tourist infrastructure has been created to support them. Bayan-Ölgii leads the pack with its own clique of tour operators and drivers prepared to shuttle visitors to the mountains. But while aimag capitals are tepidly entering the 21st century, most of the region remains stuck in another age – infrastructure is poor and old-style communist thinking is the norm among local officials.
Despite the hardships, western Mongolia’s attractions, both natural and cultural, are well worth the effort. With time and flexibility, the region may well be the highlight of your trip.
Activities in Western Mongolia
Bayan-Ölgii
Travelling to Mongolia’s westernmost province gives one the distinct feeling of reaching the end of the road, if not the end of the earth.
Ölgii
Ölgii city is a windblown frontier town that will appeal to anyone who dreams of the Wild West.
Western Mongolia destination guides
Uliastai
Along with Khovd, Uliastai is one of Mongolia’s oldest cities, founded by the Manchus during their reign in Mongolia.
Zavkhan
Zavkhan aimag occupies a transitional zone between the well-watered Khangai mountain range of central Mongolia and the harsh Great Lakes Depression of western Mongolia.
Need to know
Entertainment in Western Mongolia
Uvs
After travelling around this aimag for a while you may start to wonder why they named it Uvs (Grass), as most of the region is classified as high desert.
Shopping in Western Mongolia