Uvs / Монгол Улс
Uvs
Explore Mongolia’s Wild West: Uvs Province
Uvs Province, nestled in Mongolia's far northwest, is a land of dramatic contrasts and remote beauty. Dominated by the vast Uvs Lake—the largest in Mongolia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site—the region features diverse landscapes, from snow-capped mountains and arid desert dunes to lush river valleys and saline lakes. Uvs is renowned for its pristine nature, rare wildlife such as snow leopards and Argali sheep, and ancient burial sites that hint at its long nomadic history. Culturally, Uvs is a stronghold of Mongolian traditions, where Kazakh and Mongol herding communities maintain age-old ways of life. Visitors are drawn by the province’s vibrant Naadam festivals, centuries-old petroglyphs, and opportunities for adventure in the Altai Mountains. Uvs offers a truly off-the-beaten-path experience for those seeking Mongolia’s raw, unspoiled landscapes and authentic nomadic hospitality.
Safety
Uvs Province is generally safe for travelers, though its remoteness means medical and emergency services are limited. Exercise caution when hiking or traveling in wilderness areas, and always inform someone of your itinerary.
Visas
Mongolian visa and entry requirements apply; check with Mongolian authorities or embassies for up-to-date information before traveling.
Customs regulations
Remove your hat when entering a ger and always accept food or drink offered by your hosts. Dress modestly and show respect for local herding customs and religious sites.
Prices
Uvs is budget-friendly compared to urban Mongolia, with affordable guesthouses and meals. Expect higher costs for guided tours or renting vehicles due to the province’s remoteness.
People and nationalities
The population is predominantly ethnic Khalkha Mongols, with a significant Kazakh minority, both of whom maintain traditional herding lifestyles. Hospitality is central to local culture, and guests are often welcomed into gers (yurts) for salted milk tea and dairy treats.
Weather
Uvs experiences an extreme continental climate, with frigid winters and warm, dry summers. The best time to visit is from June to September, when temperatures are comfortable and the steppes bloom with wildflowers. Early spring and late autumn can be chilly, and winter travel is only recommended for the well-prepared.
Health
Medical facilities are basic, with the main hospital in Ulaangom; bring a supply of any necessary medications and a basic first aid kit. Pharmacies are limited outside the capital.
Food
Boortsog
Traditional deep-fried dough pieces, often served with homemade clotted cream and wild berry jams, popular as a snack or dessert in Uvs.
Airag
Fermented mare’s milk, a staple summer beverage enjoyed by herders and often shared with guests during visits to rural gers.
Boodog
A unique Mongolian barbecue where goat or marmot is cooked from the inside out with hot stones, often prepared during festive gatherings in the steppe.
Khorkhog
Lamb or goat cooked with hot stones in a sealed container, resulting in tender, smoky meat, commonly enjoyed at family celebrations.
Tsuivan
Stir-fried homemade noodles with mutton and root vegetables, a hearty meal favored by herders and travelers alike.
Transport
Domestic Flights
Regular flights connect Ulaanbaatar to Ulaangom, the provincial capital, providing the fastest access to Uvs.
Long-distance Buses
Overland buses run between Ulaanbaatar and Ulaangom, taking 30–40 hours and offering a budget-friendly option for adventurous travelers.
Car Rental and 4x4 Hire
Renting a 4x4 vehicle, often with a driver, is the most practical way to explore Uvs’s remote landscapes and unpaved roads.
Horseback Riding
For authentic local travel, hire horses and guides to traverse the steppe and mountain areas, just as local herders do.
Regions
Arhangay
Province
Bayan-Ölgiy
Province
Bayanhongor
Province
Bulgan
Province
Darhan uul
Province
Dornod
Province
Dornogovĭ
Province
Dundgovĭ
Province
Dzavhan
Province
Govĭ-Altay
Province
Govĭ-Sümber
Province
Hentiy
Province
Hovd
Province
Hövsgöl
Province
Ömnögovĭ
Province
Orhon
Province
Övörhangay
Province
Selenge
Province
Sühbaatar
Province
Töv
Province
Ulaanbaatar
Capital City
Uvs
Province
What to visit?
History
Ancient nomadic tribes inhabit the Uvs basin, leaving behind petroglyphs and burial mounds throughout the region.
The area becomes part of the Mongol Empire, serving as grazing grounds and trade routes for Genghis Khan’s armies.
Uvs comes under Qing Dynasty control, with local khans maintaining semi-autonomous rule.
Mongolia declares independence from China; Uvs is gradually integrated into the new Mongolian state.
Uvs Province is officially established as an administrative division of the Mongolian People’s Republic.
Uvs Nuur Basin is inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding natural and archaeological significance.
Uvs hosts large-scale Naadam festivals, reinforcing traditional sports and culture in the region.
Activities
Uvs Lake and Wetlands Exploration
Visit the UNESCO-listed Uvs Lake, spot rare birds and wildlife, and enjoy serene sunsets over Mongolia’s largest saline lake.
Naadam Festival Experience
Attend the summer Naadam celebrations in Ulaangom, featuring traditional wrestling, horse racing, and archery.
Altai Mountain Trekking
Embark on adventurous treks in the Turgen and Tsagaan Shuvuut mountains, home to glaciers, wildflowers, and panoramic views.
Petroglyph and Burial Site Tours
Explore ancient petroglyphs and Turkic burial mounds scattered across the province, offering a window into Mongolia’s early history.
Staying with Nomadic Families
Experience authentic nomadic life by staying in a ger, participating in daily herding tasks, and sampling traditional foods.