Khovd is a province of Mongolia that is characterised by its extensive cultural diversity and its location in western Mongolia. People who speak Khalkh make up the vast majority of the province’s population. The people that live in this area are mostly Khoton, Kazakh, Uriankhai, Zakhchin, Myangad, Oold, and Torguud, although there are also small numbers of Myangad, Oold, and Torguud. The Mongol Altai Nuruu range serves as a natural partition between the two halves of this mostly barren and semiarid area. The landscape consists mostly of low mountains and a handful of salt lakes in this area. The territory has more than 200 different rivers. Visitors to Khovd may take advantage of a number of rewarding ecotourism possibilities, most of which are located in close proximity to the Khar Us Nuur.
The capital of the Khovd province is located in Khovd City, which is also the biggest city in western Mongolia. In the past, it served as a military town for the Manchurian army. Additionally, it is one of the most recent cities to declare its independence from China. Khovd is a lovely city that has been established next to the Buyant River. Agriculture, the processing of food, and the fabrication of construction materials are the primary means by which residents of the city of Khovd City make a living.
Main Tourist Attractions of Khovd
Khovd City Museum
This museum can be found in Khovd City, close to where the police station is. It has a collection of taxidermied wild animals as well as traditional clothing. There are a number of intriguing exhibitions, including Buddhist and Kazakh pieces of art. You may also discover here models of deer stones and a Manchurian fort in addition to reproductions of the cave paintings that can be seen in Tsenkheriin Agui.
Sangiin Kherem (Manchu Ruins)
Sangiin Kherem can be found at the very top of Khovd City. The Manchu overlords built the walls that are now crumbling away, therefore those remnants are included among the ruins. These monarchs maintained their control over the kingdom for a considerable amount of time. In times past, this area was home to a large number of temples and other buildings. On the other hand, there is not much to see at this time.
Tureemel Amarjuulagai Khiid
The Tureemel Amarjuulagai Khiid can be found in the middle of Khovd City and occupies the space that once served as the city’s Billiards Club. The original structure was known as the Yellow Temple, and it was built on the outskirts of the city in the 1770s. The year 1937 saw the complete and utter destruction of this monastery. It was later renovated, although now days there aren’t many goings-on in the monastery, and there aren’t even that many monks living there.
Tsambagarav Uul National Park
Tsambagarav Uul is a breathtaking mountain that can be found near Bayannuur. This municipality may be found at the very far northwestern part of the area. The peak that is 4,202 metres high is not very challenging to climb and is rather accessible. This mountain is located inside Tsambagarav Uul National Park, which is home to a number of picturesque valleys and lakes. Those who are interested in seeing the region in its entirety should seek the assistance of a driver who is familiar with the terrain of the area.
Khar Us Nuur National Park
Khovd City is situated around 40 kilometres to the east of Khar Us Nuur, also known as Black Water Lake. When compared to the other lakes in the nation that contain freshwater, it has the second-largest volume. The lake, which is located inside the larger Khar Us Nuur National Park, serves as an excellent habitat for a wide range of native flora and fauna, including wild ducks and wood grouse. The places of Jargalant Khairkhan and Yargaitin Ekh may be found to the south of the lake. These twin peaks are ideal locations for outdoor activities including hiking and camping.
Tsenkheriin Caves
About 100 kilometres to the southeast of Khovd City is where you’ll find the Tsenkheriin Caves. In the region of Mankhant, they are situated next to a creek. The caverns include some quite remarkable murals on the walls. The age of these paintings is estimated to be at around 15,000 years. However, the vandals managed to destroy the majority of the paintings, and today there are just a few of them remaining. The Khovd City Museum has reproductions of these artworks on display for visitors to see.
Monkh Khairkhan Uul
With an altitude of 4,435 metres, Monkh Kharikhan Uul is the second highest mountain in Mongolia. From Mankhan, it is possible to take a jeep all the way down to the mountain’s foot. The summit may be reached quickly and easily through the northern approach. However, owing to the presence of ice at the peak, you may be required to ascend using appropriate equipment such as an ice axe, ropes, and so on. The government is considering establishing it as a Strictly Protected Area in the near future.
