Zavkhan a Rising Tourism Destination
Zavkhan Province is rapidly becoming a sought-after travel destination, committed to enhancing its tourism services. As a proud partner of the ITM 2024 International Travel Mart, Zavkhan invites travelers to discover its unique offerings and experiences.
Geography and Nature
Mountains and Lakes: Home to the sacred Otgontenger Mountain and breathtaking lakes such as Telmen, Khar, and Bayan, Zavkhan showcases stunning landscapes that captivate visitors.
Ulaagchinii Khar Nuur National Park:
This protected area features rich biodiversity and unique geological formations, providing excellent opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife observation.
Sand Dunes:
Explore the impressive Bor Khyarin Els sand dunes, stretching over 100 km, offering a unique desert experience.
Rivers:
The province is traversed by major rivers like the Zavkhan, Ider, and Tes, known for their crystal-clear waters, perfect for relaxation and exploration.
Wildlife:
Zavkhan is home to diverse ecosystems supportin g arich array of wildlife, including:
- Snow Leopards
- Ibex
- Red Deer
- Musk Deer
It s also a birdwatcher s paradise, featuring majestic species such as eagles, vultures, and swans.
Transportation
Zavkhan is easily accessible by airplane, with regular flights from Ulaanbaatar to Uliastai. Bus services are also available throughout the week for those preferring land travel.
Cultural and Historical Sites
Ancient Monuments: The province is steeped in history, with significant artifacts like the Bugan Chuluu and Hun Chuluu monuments, along with ancient petroglyphs and inscriptions that narrate its rich past.
Uliastai:
As the provincial capital and one of Mongolia s oldest settlements, Uliastai offers a fascinating glimpse into the country s historical and cultural heritage.
Tourism Activities
Zavkhan provides a variety of activities for every traveler:
Hiking and Trekking:
Discover breathtaking landscapes through numerous hiking and trekking routes, including those in Ulaagchinii Khar Nuur National Park.
Wildlife Watching
Ideal for enthusiasts eager to experience the province s unique fauna.
Cultural Tours:
Immerse yourself in rich history by visiting ancient monuments and learning about the nomadic lifestyle of Central Asian tribes.
Best Time to Visit:
The summer months are ideal for exploration, as winters can be extremely cold and harsh.
Tourism Infrastructure
Today, Zavkhan boasts a vibrant tourism sector with 78 enterprises and organizations, including:
- 9 Hotels
- 69 Ger camps/ Guesthouses
- 13 Tourist Camps
- 10 Health Resorts with Natural Springs
These facilities cater to a wide range of travelers, ensuring comfortable and enjoyable stays.
Otgontenger Mountain
The ancient and historically significant Otgontenger Mountain, known as the first land of the world, is located in the southern part of Zavkhan province, Otgon soum, at an altitude of 4031 meters above sea level. Mongolia, one of the three countries of Nomt, is referred to as the land of Ochirvaani Buddha. Since 1779, it has been worshipped, and after Mongolia gained independence from Manchu rule in 1911, it became a tradition to worship it. In 1992, it was placed under state special protection, and in 1995, it was declared a state worship site by the decree of the President of Mongolia.
Great and Small Dayan Khairkhan
To the west of Otgontenger, towering like a sentinel, are the majestic mountains known as Great Dayan and Small Dayan, with heights ranging from 2500 to 2700 meters. On either side of Dayan are the Blue Lake and White Lake. This area is home to rare plants such as Vanceberu, sheep juniper, golden root, and Jammyadag, which grow in the Otgontenger region. At the top of Great Dayan, there is a 20-meter-high rock where Mongolian men have traditionally climbed to rejuvenate their spirit, gazing at Otgontenger Mountain and believing they have received undiminished vigor for three years.
Bogd River Waterfall
Located 36 km east of Uliastai city in Zavkhan province, the Bogd River Waterfall is the largest artificial waterfall in Mongolia. It was created from the collected water of the Bogd River Hydroelectric Power Plant and stands as a testament to the first engineering achievements of Mongolian engineers. This waterfall, which falls from a height of approximately 15-16 meters, creates a beautiful natural environment that is a pleasant attraction for travelers.
Ulaagchinii Khar Nuur
Located in Erdenekhairkhan soum, Ulaagchinii Khar Nuur, also known as the 'Pearl of Khangai,' is a deep turquoise lake surrounded by sand dunes. This picturesque lake, which bridges the Khangai and Gobi regions, is situated 80 km northeast of Erdenekhairkhan soum center and 110 km from the center of Zavkhan province. The lake covers an area of 574.8 square kilometers, with a depth ranging from 48 to 54 meters, an average width of 15.7 kilometers, and a maximum length of 36.8 kilometers.
Senjit Rock
Located in Erdenekhairkhan soum of Zavkhan province, Senjit Rock is a natural wonder situated at an altitude of over 2700 meters above sea level. To reach this majestic rock formation, one must travel up the Mukhart River, descend through the gorges of Ikh and Baga Khatawch, and ascend via Asgat’s mouth. The flat-topped high ridge is adorned with unique rock formations resembling camels lying around a temple. Among these rocks, a distinctive cliff with a natural archway stands tall, creating a gateway-like appearance. This remarkable geological feature is one of the natural marvels of Zavkhan province.
Mukhart River
Located in Erdenekhairkhan soum of Zavkhan province, the Mukhart River originates from Ulaagchinii Khar Nuur. It flows from an altitude of 450 meters above sea level, beneath the sand dunes of Bor Khyar, surrounded by sand dunes. The riverbanks are adorned with willow groves, and medicinal plants such as fennel and wild thyme, as well as berries like rosehips and hawthorn, grow abundantly.
Bor Khyar Sand Dunes
The Bor Khyar Sand Dunes are located in Urgamal soum of Zavkhan province. The dunes stretch for about 180 km in length and 15 km in width, covering an area of over 1500 square kilometers. They are situated in front of the twin mountains known as Western Mongolia and Eastern Mongolia.
Bayannuur
Bayannuur is located in Santmargaz soum of Zavkhan province, 30 km from the soum center. The lake is 30 km long, 18 km wide, and 12-80 meters deep. It remains crystal clear throughout the year, surrounded by the Servey and Margaz mountains.
Kholboo Lake
Kholboo Lake is located in Nomrog soum of Zavkhan province, 30 km northeast of the soum center, at an altitude of 1944 meters above sea level. The lake is 6-8 meters deep on average, 10 km wide, and about 6 km long. It is surrounded by beautiful lakes such as Khunt Lake and Ulaan Lake, which are home to migratory birds.
Evert Tree
The Evert Tree is located in the Eternal Green Forest of the Tes River, about 4 km from the soum center. This unique tree has a horn-shaped growth resembling the horn of an argali sheep, which twists and grows each year. The local people have revered and worshipped this tree for generations.
Takhilt Waterfall
Located 35 km southeast of the center of Ider sum, Takhilt Waterfall cascades from the peaks of the Khangai Mountains. The waterfall is 10 meters deep with a 5-meter drop. It merges with the Jargalant River, Hot Springs, Tsagaan River, and Gyalgar Lake, all originating from high mountain ranges, and flows into the Ider River. The waterfall is surrounded by fruit forests and Khangai meadows, making the area exceptionally picturesque.
Oigon Lake
Oigon Lake is located in the Oigon bag of Tudevtei sum, Zavkhan aimag. This lake, with its ancient history of being a battleground for the independence and national freedom of Khalkh Mongolia, is considered an energy center. It is the birthplace of notable figures such as Jalkhanz Khutagt, Dilav Khutagt, and Ari Gegeen.
Marz Khairkhan Mountain
Marz Khairkhan Mountain, located in Tosontsengel sum of Zavkhan aimag, is 77 km south of the sum center and rises to an altitude of 3205 meters. It is part of the Tarvagatai Range complex and is home to the Khojuul Spa Resort at its base.
Khojuul Spring
The Khojuul River flows through Tosontsengel sum in Zavkhan aimag, originating from Marz Khairkhan, a branch of the Tarvagatai Range. The river, which flows for about 100 km, is fed by permafrost mountain streams and springs, revered by locals as sacred water.
Zart Spring
Zart Spring is located in the Hot Springs area of Zart bag, Ikh-Uul sum, Zavkhan aimag. It is 773 km from Ulaanbaatar, 250 km from the aimag center, and 55 km from Ikh-Uul sum. The area is known for its tourism, spa, and therapeutic services. There are 24 springs, 15 of which have been studied and utilized. The area is rich in scenic spots such as Yol Cliff and Five Trees Rock, and is home to wildlife including deer, roe deer, wild boar, wolves, foxes, and lynxes.
Telmen Lake
The Tsais Kherem ruins are located 5 km northwest of the sum center in Doono bag of Tes sum in Zavkhan aimag, on a mountain top. It is a significant historical and cultural heritage site.
