The peaceful and harmonious coexistence of over 10 ethnic groups constitutes the unique fabric of Khovd Aimag, a preferred destination for every traveler seeking ethnographic and cultural experiences. The numerous human stones, deer stones, and Turkic stelae are strong evidence of the area's rich social structure.

Mongolia's past shows no intention of fading away, thankfully. One of the region's most important characteristics is its profound appreciation for history. Everything here is cherished and kept close at hand, from ancient artifacts and architecture to age-old farming traditions.

The TSAMBAGARAV MOUNTAIN, perpetually snow-capped at an altitude of 4,208 meters, straddles the border between Khovd and Bayan-Ulgii aimags and is accessible from both sides. While traveling in the region, you can engage in activities such as camping, trekking, horseback riding, and rock climbing.

Did you know... that evidence of the earliest existence of a human species can be found in Khoid Tsenheriin Agui in Khovd aimag, dating back to 30,000 years ago?

The rock paintings of Khoid TSENHERIIN AGUI, or the Blue Caves, dating back to 20,000-15,000 years ago, are rightly considered world-class evidence of the Upper Paleolithic period. Numerous symbols and animals painted in pink and brown hues in the depths of the cave depict a silent standing deer, a horned buffalo, oxen, ibexes, elephants, ostriches, and two-humped camels, separately or overlapping each other.

The rugged beauty of BAYAN-ULGII AIMAG, with its sharp-peaked mountains reaching towards the sky and vast valleys crossed by meandering streams, has always set it apart from the western aimags of Mongolia. Bayan-Ulgii is the homeland of the second largest ethnic group: the Kazakhs, with their unique culture, who continue to hunt with trained golden eagles, in addition to herding goats.

The Altai region is rich in significant archaeological sites dating back to the Paleolithic era, evidence of human settlements dating back to 40,000 to 12,000 years ago. Bronze age petroglyphs, late Turkic stone men, and deer stones can be found in this region, along with khurgans or burial mounds. In this region, rich in natural wonders and archaeology, elaborate tombs of Scythian warriors and princesses have also been discovered. The rock paintings of Tsagaan Salaa and Baga Oirog, depicting prominent scenes of hunting and livestock, are important monuments marking the transition from ancient hunter-gatherer societies to pastoralism and the onset of the classic nomadic economy in Mongolia.

The Altai mountain range, stretching 900 km across Russia, Mongolia, and China, along with the Tavan Bogd National Park, have always stood out from any other part of Mongolia.

The highest peak of the mountain, Khuiten Uul, at 4,374 meters (14,300 feet), flanked by four other peaks along with the Potanin River, the source of a massive glacier, is commonly known as Tavan Bogd or the Five Saints. The range is home to Argali sheep, ibex, the maral (a large Siberian deer similar to elk), brown bears, marmots, foxes, and wolves, as well as the endangered snow leopard and lynx. Birds include saker falcons, Altai snowcocks, and golden eagles. Camping at the foot of Altai Tavan Bogd after a day of mountaineering or trekking and horseback riding through the varied terrain, and being hosted by friendly Tuva people for a couple of nights, is an experience you would cherish for the rest of your life.

The twin peaks of Kharkhiraa Uul (4037 m) and Turgen Uul (3965 m) dominate the western part of the Aimag and are equidistant from the lakes Achit, Uureg, and Uvs.

Uvs aimag boasts a rich ethnographic composition, encompassing the Durvud, Bayad, Khalkh, Khoton, Torguud, Zakhchin, and Uriankhai ethnicities. It is renowned for its historical and cultural sites, such as stone figures and various types of rock art, including those depicting ancient marine fauna and flora on the rocks of Mount Yamaat, situated at 3,000 meters above sea level.

National parks like KHAN KHONII and KHYARGAS NUUR provide sanctuary for snow leopards, wolves, and musk deer. Uvs aimag is enriched by numerous lakes and rivers, positioning it as a renowned destination for birdwatching enthusiasts.

Mountains play a crucial role in sustaining Lake Uvs Nuur, part of the UVS NUUR basin, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mountain peaks offer magnificent trekking routes and opportunities for rafting and kayaking. The KHOTON people, renowned throughout Mongolia for their shamanic practices, constitute the largest ethnic group. Remnants of statues and relics of the Uighurs are scattered throughout the region.

The Uvs Nuur, Mongolia's largest lake, is five times saltier than the ocean and devoid of edible fish and outlets. Its surface sits at an altitude of 759 meters, making it the lowest point in western Mongolia and an excellent venue for global warming research. The lake is fed by 38 rivers. Ornithologists have documented over 200 bird species around Uvs Nuur, including cranes, shovelers, geese, and eagles, as well as gulls that travel thousands of kilometers from the southern coast of China to spend the summer in Mongolia.

ALTAN ELS, or Golden Sands, located in the Strictly Protected Area of Uvs Nuur, is another splendid wildlife observation area, situated on the border between Uvs and Zavkhan aimags.

KHYARGAS NUUR NATIONAL PARK is renowned for its wonderful thermal springs. South of Khyargas Nuur, at the mouth of the Zavkhan River, lies the freshwater lake Airag Nuur, where over 20 pairs of migratory Dalmatian pelicans nest annually. The lakes Khar Us Nuur or Ulgii Nuur and Uureg complete the rich array of lakes in Uvs aimag, each with its own natural beauty, abundant with flora and fauna. Lastly, Lake Achit, the largest freshwater lake in Uvs, offers spectacular sunsets and sunrises, as well as excellent fishing opportunities.

ZAVKHAN AIMAG is rich in numerous rivers and lakes. In addition to the Zavkhan River, stretching 808 kilometers and responsible for the province's name, rivers like the Ider, Tes, and Khun flow through the region. Lakes such as Otgon, Telmen, Khar, and Kholboo vary in size. The eastern border of Zavkhan Aimag abuts the western slope of the Khangai Nuruu, the second-highest mountain range in Mongolia. This area is characterized by spectacular forests and lakes, dotted with snow-capped peaks, clear water streams, and both hot and cold thermal springs. Natural attractions of the Aimag also include the mountains of Otgontenger, Ulaan Khaalga, and Khojuul. Local fauna includes bears, deer, wild boars, musk deer, wild sheep, ibexes, lynxes, and mountain antelopes, as well as black-tailed gazelles on the steppes. Among bird species, there is a significant avifauna population, while the highest peak of the Khangai range, the Tergun Uul, standing at 3,905 meters, is a particular draw for daring climbers and alpine explorers.

KHAR NUUR, located in the western part of Zavkhan Aimag, is surrounded by fine sand dunes and mountains covered with dense forests. It's one of the most stunning and remote natural landscapes, inviting exploration. The same allure can be found at the salt lake of Bayan Nuur, nestled amidst the sand dunes of Bor Khyariin Els, where local residents engage in fishing.

The beauty of the Gobi-Altai Aimag, coupled with its sparsely populated mountainous and desert environment, has led to much of the Aimag's territory being designated as national parks: Alag Khairkhan Nature Reserve, Great Gobi Strictly Protected Area, Eej Khairkhan Nature Reserve, Khasagt Khairkhan Nature Reserve, Sharga Nature Reserve, and Takhiin Tal Nature Reserve.

These nature reserves collectively protect the habitat of the Altai, which is home to the snow leopard, argali sheep, ibex, wild ass, Gobi bear, wild Bactrian camel, jerboa, and antelope, just to name a few.

Embarking on a hike in the Eej Khairkhan Nature Reserve (Sacred Mother), which took over 100 years to establish, is a surreal experience. The Eej Khairkhan Mountain, standing at 2,275 meters, is located in the Gobi-Altai aimag north of the Great Gobi Strictly Protected Area. The Nature Reserve was state-protected in 1992. For centuries, the Sacred Mother mountain has been revered and honored by locals, who believe it blesses families with children. The nine stone-framed pools and paintings of ibex, horsemen, and archers are some of the attractions for nature enthusiasts.

Takhiin Tal, also known as the wild steppe of the Przewalski's horse, borders the northern part of the Dzungarian National Park. In 1996, 8 wild horses were reintroduced to the reserve, and today there are over 60 of them.

Dashpeljeelen Khiid is a small monastery built in 1990, hosting 30 lamas who perform religious ceremonies and daily prayers. Situated in the capital of Gobi-Altai Aimag, the monastery is an example of the country's religious revival. More than 35 sites of historical and cultural significance, including ruins of ancient cities, religious and cultural artifacts, and burial sites, are scattered across the 14 soums of Gobi-Altai.