Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Besides its developing economy, Khovd is notable for being one of the most hetero-
geneous aimags in Mongolia, with a Khalkh majority and minorities of Khoton, Kazakh,
Uriankhai, Zakhchin, Myangad, Oold and Torguud peoples. Its terrain is equally varied,
with large salt lakes, fast-flowing rivers and the Mongol Altai Nuruu almost bisecting the
aimag.
NATIONAL PARKS OF KHOVD
Bulgan Gol Nature Reserve
(1840 hectares) On the southwestern border with Ch-
ina, this reserve was established to help preserve minj(beavers), sables and stone
martens. A border permit is required.
Great Gobi Strictly Protected Area (Gobi B)
Created to protect khulan(wild ass),
gazelle, jerboas and takhi(wild horses).
Khar Us Nuur National Park
(850,272 hectares;
Click here
)
Protects the breeding
grounds of antelope and rare species of migratory pelican, falcon and bustard.
Khökh Serkh Strictly Protected Area
(65,920 hectares) On the northwestern bor-
der with Bayan-Ölgii, it helps protect argali sheep, ibexes and snow leopards.
Mankhan Nature Reserve
(30,000 hectares) Directly southeast of Khovd City, it
preserves an endangered species of antelope.
Mönkh Khairkhan National Park
Established in 2006, this protects an important
habitat for ibexes and argali sheep.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Khovd City
01432, 7043 / POP 28,601 / ELEV 1406M
Khovd City is a pleasant tree-lined place developed by the Manchus during their
200-year rule in Outer Mongolia. Slightly more developed than other cities in western
Mongolia (although still basically just a small town), it boasts an agricultural university,
and some food processing and textile manufacturing.
The town offers a few sights to keep you busy for a day and some pleasant ger camps
outside town. Shops are well stocked and there are plenty of jeeps, making this a reason-
able place from which to launch a trip to the Altai Mountains or the lakes region. You
can also cross into China from here (assuming you already have your China visa), using
the little-used border at Bulgan.
