Bayan Olgii Mongolia

In the westernmost part of Mongolia, on the border with China and Russia, lies the remarkable province of Bayan Olgii (Bayan Ulgii). It is known that this land is the land of Kazakh descendants, whose ancestors fled their homeland to prevent the expansion of the Russian empire and seek a better future. While the rest of Mongolia is homogeneous, Bayan-Olgii has its own culture and languages.

The city of Olgii (Ulgii) is the proud capital of the province, and is often the base of operations for travelers exploring Bayan Olgii province and western Mongolia in general. The city has approximately 30,000 inhabitants and is still undergoing change, although not too fast. You can reach Olgii by taking a plane, bus or jeep. If you choose to travel by land, it takes about three days to get there from the Mongolian capital, Ulaanbaatar. The two national airlines that fly to Olgii every week are AeroMongolia and Eznis.

Olgii has some of the basic tourist services such as supermarkets, restaurants, hotels, ATMs and internet cafes. But it’s not just a place to stock up on a few supplies; It is also an excellent starting point to learn about the unique nomadic herding culture of the Kazakhs, their live music and art, as well as their close family ties. Even in the city itself, the traditional round house made of white felt called a ger is installed in people’s yards. But if you want to see the gers in a more traditional setting, all you have to do is head out of town. Whatever you choose, you will soon meet Kazakh hospitality and be pleasantly surprised.

The city is small enough to get around on foot. Take time to visit the open-air market or bazaar to see Olgii’s famous handicrafts. There is a museum on the way to the bazaar, just northeast of the main square. This three-story museum provides insight into the history, culture, and life of the various tribes that inhabit Bayan Ulgii. These tribes include the majority Kazakh population and minorities such as Dörvöd, Uriankhai, Khoshuud and Tuva. Other points of interest in the city include the social space called the Green Garden, and the Kazakh National Theatre, which regularly hosts cultural performances and concerts.

Olgii has served as a starting point for visitors wanting to head to Tsambagarav National Park and Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. Thus, hiking is one of the main activities to be carried out in the area. If you want to conquer the Altai mountain peaks, you may want to hire the services of an experienced local mountain guide. You can also sign up for a more organized tour. Despite the growth of tourism, the road infrastructure around Bayan Olgii is still not well developed. The best way to explore the natural attractions is to take organized tours, with established vendors providing transportation, food, camping equipment, and guides.

If you have an adventurous palate, don’t miss the chance to try traditional Kazakh delicacies while you are at Bayan Olgii. Some of these delicacies include fermented mare’s milk called ‘koumiss’, horse sausage called ‘kaz’ and steamed meat dish with root vegetables and flour called ‘beshbarmak’, also considered the national dish.

Also in Bayan Olgii you can find the rare Kazakh eagle hunters locally called berkutchi. A berkutchi trains golden eagles and hunts with them. Eagle hunters on horseback can be seen just outside of town.