Bayankhongor Aimag (Province)
The territory covers gobi and steppe regions at the south western side of Mongolia that includes southern edge of Khangain mountain range, Gobi Altai mountains, and South Altai Gobi. The land surface is mixed with mountains and hallows. The highest point is Gobi-Altai's Peak - Ikh Bogd at 3,957m and the lowest point is in Altai-Uvur gobi at 750m. Also, Zeerengiin hallow, Nomingiin Govi and Altai Uvur Govi exist in the area. There was an intense earthquake in Gobi-Altai Mountains in 1957 and 300km huge opening was formed behind the Ikh Bogd and Bayantsagaan mountains. The aimag is bordered with Arkhangai aimag to the north, Zavkhan aimag to the northwest, Govi-Altai aimag to the west, Umnugovi aimag to the southeast, Uvurkhangai aimag to the east for 1,700km and the People's Republic of China to the south for 130km respectively. Bayankhongor aimag is rich with anthracite, gold and other construction material resources.There are Khar Us, Shar Us, Buyant, Khurimt, Ukheg, Sumber, Zag, Baidrag, Tui, Shargaljuut, Tsagaan Turuut rivers such that takes source from the Khangai Mountain Range, and over 160 fast flowing and fresh water rivers such as Lig, Tsagaan Gol, Bayan Tsagaan, Dalan Turuu and Urt river in this area. There are about 30 lakes such as Buun Tsagaan, Orog, Adgiin Tsagaan, Duut, Khurimt, Boorog, Bayan Nuur, Olgoi Nuur and Khukh Nuur as well. Also, beautiful oases such as right and left Tooroi and Ekhiin Gol, Shar Khulstai, Tsagaan Burgas, Khutsyn Shand, Ulziit Gol, Burkhant and Bor Ovoony Zadgai belong to this land. 20 hot and cold springs such as Shargaljuut, Ukheg, Urguut, Teel, Khaliut, Icheet, and Khuren Khad.
Out of these, Shargaljuut is the most famous for its healing properties and various mineral compounds and this spring has over 300 springheads and fountains, and the water is as hot as +45°С to +96°С, which is very rare in the world. It is elevated at 2,000m above the sea level.
There are many places with untouched natural beauty in any sums of this aimag. Bayanlig sum’s white rock crystal cave, Ulziit sum’s Uran Khairkan, Zag and Baidrag places have 500 to 750 years old ancient human remains. Throughout the region new Stone Age and Bronze Age findings including weapons, tolls, decorative items, pertoglyphs, deer stone and man shaped stone monuments are plenty. Historical monuments: Zuukh’s new stone age era homestead, Bichigt (Script) mountain cave painting, Tsakhir mountain’s Lig’s cave that was inhabited with ancient people, Amarbuyant and Mandal’s temples, stupas at Almas canyon, Shatar rock’s deer stone and man shaped stone monuments, Lamyn Gegeen Temple remains, Ikh Tsagaan mountain’s deer stone monument, Ulziit mountain’s Dayan temple remains, Shargaluut’s medicinal spring and spa, Khangai mountain ranges complex and Gobi’s national reservation area.
