Uvurkhangai Aimag (Province)
The aimag's territory consists of a Khangai (mountain steppe region), steppe and gobi regions. The aimag is occupied with a steppe in the central part, with the Branch Mountains of the Altai range and sandy steppe in the southern part, with the Branch Mountains of the Khangai range in the northern part of the region. A wooded-steppe occupies 23.0% of the entire aimag territory while a steppe occupies 28.2% and desert-steppe occupies 48.8% of the territory respectively. Since the aimag is divided into three different natural zones, it is rich with natural resources. Plenty of high mountains and hills that are elevated at 2,000-3,590m above sea level such as Khyatruun and Bituut of Khangai range, Bagabogd and Myangan Yamaat of MongolAltai range. Moreover, 24 meters high beautiful waterfall of Orkhon river named "Ulaan Tsutgalan", naturally created unique Khuisiin Naiman lakes and Tamchiin Yol cliffs at an elevation of 2,500m above the sea level, exist in this region.
Also, many eye-widening steppes such as Arvaikheer, Shagj, Doloodoi, Khongor, Guchingiin Tal and Orkhon valley lies in this aimag. The northern part of the aimag is occupied with the Branch Mountains of the Khangai range whereas the southern part is occupied with the steppe. Bagabogd and Artsbogd mountains lie in the southern steppe of the aimag.
Khangai vast forest and taiga are spread throughout the north of the aimag's territory. Steppe plants are found in the eastern parts and gobi plants are found in the southern parts of the aimag. Pine, birch, cedar, larch and evergreen trees grow in the high mountain regions.
The aimag is a home to many endangered animals of forest, taiga and gobi regions. 38 species of animals of 26 genus, 12 families and 4 orders inhabit the aimag territory. In Khangai region deers, antelopes, steppe foxes, wolves and wildcats are found. Whereas in the gobi region Argali the wild sheep, Ibex wild goats, white antelopes, black tailed gazelles and snowcocks are plenty. World and nation widely endangered animals that are included in the World Red Book such as Khulan the wild ass, endangered species of lynx and leopard, and Daguur hedgehog live in the gobi areas.
Mongolian geographical central point is located in a spot called Uvurkhushuut at the southern side of the Ongon Mountain of Burd sum. The largest historical and Buddhist heritage of Mongolia, the Erdene Zuu monastery and the remains of the Capital of Ancient Mongolian Empire, Karakorum (Kharkhorin) City are all located in Uvurkhangai aimag.
