Uran Togoo Volcano

Uran Togoo is an extinct volcano located in the Bulgan Province of northern Mongolia, celebrated for its nearly well-suited circular crater. It is a central feature of the Uran-Togoo Tulga-Uul National Monument, which was officially protected in 1965 due to its geological significance. The volcano was active during the Quaternary period, approximately 20 to 25 million years ago, creating a basaltic cone that rises to an elevation of 1,686 meters. The crater's diameter ranges from 500 to 600 meters, and its floor contains a small, shallow lake surrounded by a lush grove of larch trees and shrubs. This internal micro-environment thrives on the nutrient-rich volcanic soil, contrasting sharply with the surrounding arid steppe landscape. The name Uran Togoo translates to 'Artistic Cauldron,' a poetic reference to its symmetrical beauty and the steaming appearance it might have once had. The area is a sanctuary for various wildlife, including Siberian roe deer, marmots, and numerous bird species. Today, it serves as a prominent destination for hikers and researchers interested in the volcanic history and biodiversity of the Mongolian north.

Nearby cities

Ögii Lake

A scenic freshwater lake in Arkhangai, famous for its abundant fish and as a paradise for birdwatchers in the central Mongolian steppe.

Kharkhorin

Kharkhorin is located near the ruins of Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire in the 13th century.

Khujirt

A famous spa resort in the Orkhon Valley, renowned for its healing thermal springs and mud baths.

Arvaikheer

Arvaikheer is located in central Mongolia and serves as the gateway to the historical Orkhon Valley region.

Arshan

A picturesque resort town at the foot of the Sayan Mountains, known for healing mineral springs and Buddhist monasteries.

Nature

Selenge River

A mighty watercourse that drains most of northern Mongolia and is crucial to the ecosystem of Lake Baikal.

Orkhon River

Mongolia's longest river flows through a historically rich valley that was once the center of great nomadic empires.

Egiin Gol

The only outlet of Lake Khövsgöl is a crystal-clear, torrential river that winds its way through picturesque, wooded valleys.

More places

Khöshöö Tsaidam Monuments

The Khöshöö Tsaidam Monuments in the Orkhon Valley are vital 8th-century stone inscriptions.

Erdene Zuu Monastery

Erdene Zuu is probably the oldest surviving Buddhist monastery in Mongolia.

Tövkhön Monastery

Tövkhön Monastery is perched spectacularly on a rocky mountain peak surrounded by dense forests.