My beautiful Mongolia

  

     I'm a citizen of Mongolia. I proud of my beautiful country and its rich land. Also I'm taking a great pride in Genghis Khan and history of my beautiful country. Beside from them I proud of my native land, Bayan-Ulgii, culture, religion and so on. Therefore, I decided to give you some information about my native land "Kazakh Aimag", Bayan-Ulgii.
    The Kazakh dominated province of BU lies in the western corner of the country, touching both China and Russia. It was created on July 25, 1940 from the western parts of Khovd and Uvs aimags, and given special recognition as a "Kazakh Aimag". The Kazakh, although a majority in this province, represent less than five per cent of the country's total population. They have their own culture and their language belongs to the Turkish Qipqak family.
    The central and northern parts of the aimag have quite a few lakes, the largest of which are Tolboo and Dayan. Springs are also abundant. The most popular Ak-Su and Chikhertinn Rashaan.
    Like the Mongols, the Kazakh are also nomadic livestock breeders and live in gers. Because of the location, the province plays an  important role in economic exchanges with China and Russia. Commerical agreements have also been made with Kazakhstan. Mongolia imports flour, onions, tobacco, oil and spake parts from Kazakhstan, and exports tungsten, copper, carpets, and leathers.
    In the early  1990's when the economic situation was at its worst people here fled in large numbers to Kazakhstan. Although some have returned, thousands of Mongol-Kazakh are still in Kazakhstan.
    Aside from the Naadam Festival held in July, Bayan-Ulgii is home to two unique festivals. In March, the locals here celebrate Naurys, a traditional Kazakh holiday that celebrates the coming of spring.  In the 1st week of October, "eagle hunters" gather in the aimag capital for Golden Eagle Festival.
    The center town of the province is Ulgii city. Ulgii has no Buddhist temple, but there is a mosque; the sound of the call to prayer may give you a dose of culture shock if you have been travelling around other parts of Mongolia. The mosque has contracts with Islamic countries, particularly Turkey, and some locals have been part in the hajj to Mecca.
     West of the Tolboo sum center is Tolboo Nuur, a large saltwater lake of 185 square kilometres,  located at 2,080metres above sea level. This was the site of a memorable battle 1921; after intense clashes, which lasted 42 days ,the joint units of the regular Mongol army and the Soviet Red Army overpowered the detachment of the White Guards and drove them out of the country. The event is commemorated by a monument south of the lake, near the town of Tolboo.
     Altai Tavan Bogd National Park is located in Bayan-Ulgii province, including Tsengel,UlaanKhus, Sagsai and Altai sums. The Tavan Bogd (Five Saints) chain includes the highest peak in Mongolia Kuiten Uul, which overlooks the frontiers with the China and Russia.
    Since the range close to China and Russia, a special border permit is needed, which can be obtained in Ulgii or Ulaanbaatar. There are around 35 glaciers in Tavan Bogd, and it is home of the snow leopard.
    Tsast Mountain  On the border with Khovd aimag, in BAyannuur sum, Tsast mountain reches 4,193 meters      in height and is more easily accessible than Tavan Bogd. This has  become a very popular walking and horse taking area for travelers. Tsast and nearby Tsambagann Mountains are usually reached from the south, as they  are just off the main route between Ulgii and Khovd.

Nauryz

map of bayan ulgii

kazakh boy with eagle 

view of bayan ulgii