- Capital: Olgii
- Altitude: 1710 metres
- Population: 90 404 inhabitants (2013)
- Area: 45 700 km²
- Ethnic groups: Kazakh, Uriankhai
- Ecosystem: Altai (high mountains)
Bayan-Olgii is Mongolia’s westernmost aimag. The neighboring Altai mountains are home to glaciers, moraines, lakes and rivers. Seldom found pastoral patches are the grazing ground for some 2 million livestock. Wild predators such as bears, wolves and foxes can also be spotted roaming the region.
While the majority of Mongolia is primarily of the Khalkha ethnic group, 90% of Bayan-Olgii are of Kazakh origin.
Must-See Places in Bayan Olgii
Altai Tavan Bogd national park
The Tavan Bogd (‘five Saints’) is a range of mountains that overlap between Mongolia, Russia and China. The five mountains are named as follows: Khuiten (Cold), Naran (Sun), Olgii (Earth), Burged (Eagle) and Nairamdal (friendship).Khuiten Uul is the highest peak of Mongolia sitting at 4374 meters above sea level. It is the ideal playground for professional mountaineers and hikers. The breathtaking panorama from the top allows visitors to take in the expansive landscape of the mountain ranges as well as the Potanii glacier.
Khoton Nuur
Located at the heart of the Altai Tavan Bogd Park, the Khoton nuur lake offers great opportunities for camping and horse riding.
