Great Lakes Depression

The Great Lakes Depression in western Mongolia is a vast endorheic basin enclosed by the Altai, Khangai, and Sayan mountain ranges, spanning over 160,000 square kilometers. Situated at altitudes between 750 and 1,100 meters, it contains some of Central Asia's most significant bodies of water, including the saline Uvs Nuur, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Other major lakes in the system include Khyargas Nuur and Khar-Us Nuur, which are crucial for the local hydrological cycle and biodiversity. Geologically, the depression is a tectonic sink filled with Quaternary sediments and alluvial deposits from rivers flowing off the surrounding highlands. The climate is intensely continental, characterized by extreme cold in winter and dry, hot summers, with minimal annual precipitation. Ecologically, the region serves as a vital staging ground for millions of migratory birds traveling between Siberia and South Asia. The vegetation is adapted to saline soils and arid conditions, consisting mainly of semi-desert shrubs and steppe grasses. Despite the harsh environment, the depression has been a center for nomadic pastoralism for millennia, supporting traditional livestock herding near river deltas.

Nearby cities

Khovd

Khovd is one of Mongolia's oldest cities, with a history dating back to the 17th century.

Khar Us Lake

A vast freshwater wetland in western Mongolia, known for its extensive reed beds and rare aquatic birds.

Ulaangom

Ulaangom is located near the Russian border in an extreme climatic zone within the Uvs Basin.

Nature

Khar-Us Lake

This 'Black Water Lake' in western Mongolia is divided into two by a large reed island and is a paradise for water birds.

Uvs Lake

This vast, shallow salt lake in northwestern Mongolia is the center of an endorheic basin of extreme climatic importance.

Sayano-Shushensky Reserve

The Sayano-Shushensky Reserve is located in the Sayan Mountains of southern Siberia.

Sayano-Shushenski Nature Reserve

Located in the Sayan Mountains, this reserve protects a significant population of snow leopards and Siberian ibex within a dramatic mount…

More places

Mongolian Altai

A massive, glaciated mountain system that defines the western border of Mongolia and is dominated by extreme temperature fluctuations.

Sangiin Kherem Fortress Ruins

The ruins of the Sangiin Kherem fortress are located in the north of Khovd city.

Khovd Watermelon Fields

Thanks to warm summers and clever irrigation systems, farmers in Khovd province cultivate some of the sweetest watermelons in Central Asia.

Great Gobi B Strictly Protected Area

A vast semi-desert region in southwestern Mongolia dedicated to the conservation of Takhi wild horses and Asian wild asses.

Tsambagarav Mountain

A massive, snow-capped mountain in the Altai, surrounded by nomadic eagle hunters.

Uvs Sea Buckthorn Farms

Uvs Province is famous for cultivating hardy, vitamin-rich sea buckthorn, which thrives in the harsh climate and is processed into juice …