National Parks in Mongolia and Protected Natural Areas

The national parks of Mongolia, with their diverse landscapes and ecosystems, are the perfect setting for those seeking authentic experiences in nature. From its nature reserves to its protected natural areas, this country offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore wildlife, discover untouched territories, and immerse oneself in the tranquility of lands that have remained unchanged for centuries. Step into Mongolia’s most beautiful places, ideal for adventurers, nature lovers, and those looking to explore the most famous tourist routes among Mongolians.

Content

1 Information on Mongolia’s National Parks
2 List of National Parks in Mongolia
3 Natural Areas and Protected Areas in Mongolia
4 Ramsar Sites in Mongolia
5 Other Attractions in Mongolia

Information on Mongolia’s National Parks

History of the National Park Network in Mongolia

The national parks of Mongolia began to be established as a way to protect the country’s unique biodiversity and distinctive landscapes. Over the decades, several protected areas have been created with the aim of conserving endangered species as well as the ecosystems that are part of the cultural and natural identity of the country. This network has grown to include some of the most ecologically important areas, making them key destinations for responsible tourism.

Extent of Mongolia’s Protected Areas

Mongolia has a total of 109 protected areas, covering an area of 310,015 km², which represents 19.8% of the national territory, with a total area of 1,565,864 km². These areas are divided into national parks, 32 nature reserves, 14 strictly protected areas, and 13 natural monuments. Additionally, Mongolia is home to 6 UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserves, 2 World Heritage Sites, and 11 Ramsar sites dedicated to wetland protection.

The history of conservation in Mongolia dates back to 1778, when the sacred Bogd Khan Mountain was declared a protected area, long before the first national park was established in the United States, Yellowstone, in 1872. This fact highlights Mongolia’s long tradition of conserving its natural environment. Currently, Mongolia’s system of protected areas is organized into four main categories: strictly protected areas, national parks, nature reserves, and natural monuments.

It is important to note that many names of protected areas in Mongolia include key geographic terms in Mongolian. For example, ‘Nuur’ means ‘lake,’ ‘Nuruu’ refers to ‘mountains,’ ‘Uul’ denotes ‘peak’ or ‘summit,’ and ‘Chuluu’ means ‘rock.’ Knowing these terms can help better understand the names of parks and natural areas while traveling through the country.

The Most Famous and Visited Mongolian National Parks

Mongolia is divided into various regions, each with its own natural appeal. Most national parks are located in mountainous or desert areas, offering a variety of landscapes ranging from snow-covered mountains to vast deserts and crystal-clear lakes. Among the most popular are Altai Tavan Bogd National Park in the far west, near the border with Russia and China, and Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, located a few hours from the capital, Ulaanbaatar.

Best Time to Visit Mongolia’s National Parks

The best time to visit Mongolia’s national parks largely depends on the specific park and the activities you want to do. Generally, the summer months from June to August are ideal for those who enjoy outdoor excursions and hiking, with warmer temperatures and long days. However, western parks like Altai Tavan Bogd also offer a unique winter experience for adventurers looking to explore nature under the snow.

List of National Parks in Mongolia

Altai Tavan Bogd National Park

Located on Mongolia’s western border, Altai Tavan Bogd National Park is known for its mighty mountain peaks, including the five “Saints of Altai,” which attract climbers and mountaineers. In addition to its spectacular geography, the park is home to glaciers, lakes, and vast steppe areas.

Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park

This park spans the Gobi Desert and is famous for its rolling sand dunes, canyons, and desert landscapes. Gobi Gurvansaikhan is a perfect destination for those seeking to explore the desert and discover rare species like the snow leopard and the wild Bactrian camel.

Gorkhi-Terelj National Park

Just 70 km from Ulaanbaatar, Gorkhi-Terelj National Park is one of Mongolia’s most accessible parks. It is known for its unusual rock formations and offers various outdoor activities, such as hiking, horseback riding, and rafting. It’s ideal for those looking for a natural experience close to the city.

Khustain Nuruu National Park

This park is famous for being home to the Przewalski’s horse, also known as takhi, an emblematic species that was reintroduced to the wild after being on the brink of extinction. You can observe herds of these horses in their natural habitat.

Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur National Park

Known for its extinct volcano and beautiful lake, Khorgo-Terkhiin Tsagaan Nuur offers a unique mix of volcanic and lake landscapes. It is a popular destination for those who enjoy camping and exploring untouched territories.

Onon-Balj National Park

Located in the northeastern region of Mongolia, Onon-Balj is a park characterized by its forests and grasslands, where the Onon River, one of Mongolia’s most important rivers, originates. Besides its natural beauty, this park holds significant cultural value as it is associated with the history of Genghis Khan.

Noyon Khangai National Park

Noyon Khangai is one of Mongolia’s most important protected mountainous areas, and its landscape includes forested mountains, rivers, and grasslands. It is an ideal destination for hikers and nature lovers looking for an authentic mountain experience.

Natural Areas and Protected Areas in Mongolia

Khövsgöl Lake Natural Area

Known as the "younger sibling" of Lake Baikal in Russia, Khövsgöl Lake is one of Mongolia’s largest freshwater reserves. Surrounded by mountains and forests, it is a popular destination for those seeking tranquility and aquatic landscapes.

Khyargas Nuur Natural Area

This saline lake in western Mongolia is an ideal place for bird watching and enjoying the unique desert landscapes that surround it. It is one of Mongolia’s largest lakes, with waters that vary in color depending on the light.

Tarvagatai Nuruu Natural Area

With vast grasslands and gentle mountains, Tarvagatai Nuruu is an important protected area for its rich biodiversity. It is home to various species of birds and mammals that inhabit its forests and grasslands.

Tsambagarav Uul Natural Area

Tsambagarav Uul is one of Mongolia’s sacred mountains, known for its permanent glaciers and rugged slopes, making it a popular spot for adventurers and mountaineers.

Bulgan Gol-Ikh Ongog Natural Area

Bulgan Gol-Ikh Ongog is an extensive protected area in western Mongolia. The landscape here is dominated by rivers and grasslands, and it is an important site for the migration of waterfowl. Bird watching is a highlight here, along with hikes across the wide plains.

Chigertein Golin Ai Sav Natural Area

This natural area, located in the Altai region, is of great importance for the conservation of river ecosystems. Its rivers are fed by glaciers from nearby mountains and support a rich diversity of flora and fauna. The area is ideal for ecotourism and untouched nature enthusiasts.

Har Us Nuur Natural Area

Located in western Mongolia, Har Us Nuur Lake is one of the country’s largest freshwater bodies. Its lake habitats are essential for many species of waterfowl, making it a key destination for bird watching and nature photography. It is part of a broader ecosystem that includes lakes and marshlands.

Ikh Bogd Uul Natural Area

With its high mountains and plateaus, Ikh Bogd Uul is one of Mongolia’s less-explored protected areas. High-altitude landscapes offer hikers a remote and wild experience, with stunning views of southern Mongolia.

Khangai Nuruu Natural Area

The Khangai Nuruu mountains are located in central Mongolia and represent one of the country’s most important mountain systems. This region is rich in biodiversity, with dense forests, alpine meadows, and a wide variety of wildlife. The hiking trails here provide spectacular views of pristine nature and the mountains.

Khan-Khokhi Khyargas Mountain Natural Area

The Khan-Khokhi range stretches across northwestern Mongolia, bordering Lake Khyargas. It is known for its rugged mountains and unique desert landscapes, which blend with the vast surrounding plains. People often enjoy hiking and exploring in this remote and tranquil area.

Munkhkhairkhan Natural Area

Known for its glacier and dramatic mountain formations, Munkhkhairkhan is a destination for mountaineering and extreme nature enthusiasts. The glacier, located at high altitude, is one of the main attractions, along with the alpine meadows surrounding the mountain base.

Myangan-Ugalzat Natural Area

Myangan-Ugalzat is a protected reserve where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Mongolian steppe and observe some of the animal species inhabiting this area, such as deer and wild goats. It is one of Mongolia’s lesser-known areas but offers an authentic natural experience for those who wish to escape the tourist routes.

Orkhon Valley Natural Area

The Orkhon Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its cultural and natural landscapes. Besides its archaeological sites, the valley offers hiking routes and opportunities to explore the Orkhon River and its waterfalls. It is a unique blend of history and nature, ideal for those seeking a deep cultural experience.

Siilxem Nuruu Natural Area

Siilxem Nuruu is a remote mountain range in the Altai region. This protected area is famous for its wildlife, including rare animals like the snow leopard and the Siberian ibex. It is an appealing destination for adventurers looking to undertake expeditions in rugged, untouched areas.

Tengis-Shishged Natural Area

Located in northern Mongolia, this protected area is characterized by its crystal-clear rivers and dense forests. Tengis-Shishged is a paradise for hikers looking to explore river landscapes, as well as an important site for the conservation of fish and bird species.

Tujiin Nars Natural Area

Tujiin Nars is a vast pine forest area in central Mongolia. In addition to being a wildlife refuge, it is a popular spot for recreational activities like hiking, cycling, and camping. Visitors can experience the tranquility of this natural setting while exploring the dense pine forests.

Ulaagchini Khar Nuur Natural Area

Ulaagchini Khar Nuur is a secluded lake in western Mongolia, surrounded by mountains and grasslands. It is a popular destination for sport fishing and birdwatching, especially during the migration of waterfowl. The clear waters and surrounding landscape create a perfect atmosphere for relaxation and contemplation.

Undurkhaan Uul Natural Area

Undurkhaan Uul is a protected mountainous region in eastern Mongolia, known for its rolling grasslands and abundant wildlife, including antelope species and birds of prey. The area is ideal for those seeking less-traveled hiking routes and nature experiences.

Khugnu-Tarna Natural Area

Located in central Mongolia, Khugnu-Tarna combines mountains, steppes, and dunes in one place. This protected area offers diverse landscapes and is a popular site for activities like hiking, camping, and exploring the nearby rock formations and sand dunes.

Zag Baidragiin Goliin Ekhen Sav Natural Area

This natural area is important for the conservation of river ecosystems. Its rivers and lakes are home to a diversity of wildlife and are especially popular for birdwatching and fishing. It is a tranquil destination, less frequented by tourists, perfect for an ecotourism experience.

Dariganga Natural Area

Located in southeastern Mongolia, Dariganga is known for its volcanic mountains and steppe plains. Visitors can enjoy the unique landscapes and the panoramic views of the surrounding lowlands. The region also has cultural significance, with several historical monuments scattered throughout.

Mongol Els Natural Area

Mongol Els is a vast expanse of dunes in the Gobi Desert, known for its golden dunes and arid landscapes. It is a popular destination for dune hiking, camel riding, and desert exploration. The serenity and isolation of this area make it a perfect place for travelers seeking desert adventures.

Ramsar Sites in Mongolia

In Mongolia, 11 Ramsar sites, wetlands of international importance, have been designated, covering a total area of 14,395 km². Although the country’s predominant landscape is desert and steppe, numerous wetlands provide habitats for significant populations of waterbirds. In 2005, Airag Lake hosted the only known population of the Dalmatian pelican in East Asia, along with important colonies of endangered species such as the swan goose, the white-naped crane, and the relict gull, all crucial for the region’s biodiversity.

Airag Lake

Located in the Great Lakes Depression, Airag Lake is an important 450 km² protected area in Hovd Province. This shallow freshwater lake connects with Lake Jiargas through a 5 km channel, forming part of an interconnected lake system. Notable species inhabiting the area include the Dalmatian pelican, swan goose, and relict gull. Surrounded by grasslands used by semi-nomadic communities, Airag Lake is a vital reserve for Mongolia’s aquatic and avian biodiversity.

Achit Lake

Achit Lake, located in the Khovd River basin, is the largest lake in the Altai mountain region, covering 298 km² with an average depth of just 2.2 meters at an altitude of 1,435 meters. The wetlands surrounding the lake are essential for the nesting of birds like the great crested grebe, black stork, and ruddy shelduck. With no permanent human settlements, this Ramsar site offers a pristine refuge for flora and fauna, while local nomadic herders make use of the area.

Ganga Lake

Ganga Lake, located in Sühbaatar Province, is a small saline lake covering 220 hectares and surrounded by wetlands and steppes. This area is a key refuge for waterbird species such as the white-naped crane, swan goose, and great bustard. The landscape around the lake includes ancient extinct volcanoes, enriching the soil and enabling horse grazing. This unique habitat offers a mix of ecosystems, from dunes to marshes, making it a vital site for biodiversity conservation in Mongolia.

Buir Lake

Buir Lake is the largest freshwater lake in eastern Mongolia, covering an area of 1,040 km² in Dornod Province. This Ramsar site is part of a complex system of interconnected lakes and rivers, including the Jalja River. The area is a crucial habitat for the Mongolian gazelle and hosts over 230 bird species, making it a key site for wildlife conservation in Mongolia. The lake and its surroundings provide a pristine natural refuge with no significant human settlements, apart from a small fishing community.

Uvs Lake

Uvs Lake, located on the border between Mongolia and Russia, is the largest saline lake in Mongolia, with a surface area of 5,850 km². This lake is a critical wetland in the transition zone between steppe and desert, providing habitat for over 200 migratory waterbird species, such as the white-headed duck and the swan goose. With its extensive reed beds and river deltas, Uvs Lake is a vital area for bird conservation in Central Asia.

Mongol Daguur

Also known as Mongolian Dauria, Mongol Daguur is a natural reserve and strictly protected area covering 2,100 km² in northeastern Mongolia. This Ramsar site includes vast steppes, wetlands, and lakes, providing habitat for numerous endemic plant and bird species. Notable birds include six species of cranes, including the white-naped crane and the Siberian crane, both endangered. The combination of volcanic and riverine ecosystems makes Mongol Daguur a unique site for conservation.

Khurkh and Khuiten Valleys Lakes

Located in Khentii Province, the lakes in the Khurkh and Khuiten River Valleys cover 429 km² and are part of a system of permanent wetlands. This region lies in the transition zone between Mongolia’s forest and steppe, creating a diverse habitat for many threatened species. Notable birds here include the white-naped crane, common crane, Siberian crane, and demoiselle crane, along with the black stork and swan goose. The Khurkh and Khuiten Valleys are crucial for the conservation of Mongolia’s steppe and wetland fauna.

Khar Us Nuur National Park

Khar Us Nuur National Park in Hovd Province is one of Mongolia’s largest Ramsar sites, covering 3,232 km². The park includes three main lakes: Khar Us Nuur, Khar Nuur, and Dorgon Nuur, all known for their vast reed beds that provide shelter for migratory waterbirds, such as the swan goose, ferruginous duck, and relict gull. The park is also home to three endemic fish species and significant archaeological remains. The lakes and surrounding areas are used by local communities for semi-nomadic herding, balancing conservation with traditional land use.

Terhiyn Tsagaan Lake

Terhiyn Tsagaan Lake, located in Arkhangai Province, is a volcanic freshwater lake covering 61 km². Situated in the Suman River valley in the Khangai Mountains, this lake is one of Mongolia’s major Ramsar sites due to its extensive marshlands that provide nesting grounds for various waterbird species. The lake’s natural surroundings are crucial for the conservation of migratory bird species and are popular for fishing and local grazing.

Valley of Lakes

The Valley of Lakes in Bayankhongor Province covers 456 km² and is known for its chain of four saline lakes: Böön Tsagaan, Taatsiin Tsagaan, Adgiin Tsagaan, and Orog. These lakes lie in an intermontane basin between the Gobi Altai and Khangai mountains and are essential for migratory waterbirds like the Dalmatian pelican and ruddy shelduck. Additionally, the valley is home to mammals such as the manul or Pallas’s cat and the wolf, making it a key site for Mongolia’s biodiversity.

Ogii Lake

Ogii Lake, located in Arkhangai Province, is a freshwater lake spanning 25.1 km² in the Orkhon River valley. With extensive alluvial grasslands and marshes, this Ramsar site is vital for waterfowl and other aquatic birds. Ogii Lake is known for its abundance of ducks, geese, and swans, making it a popular birdwatching and fishing destination in central Mongolia.

Other Attractions in Mongolia

Khongoryn Els Dunes

The Khongoryn Els dunes, also known as the "singing dunes," are one of the Gobi Desert’s most famous attractions. Reaching up to 300 meters in height, they emit a unique sound when the wind shifts the sand, making them an unforgettable sight.

Yolyn Am Valley

This narrow valley is known for its spectacular rock formations and cold climate, which allows ice to persist for much of the year. It’s an excellent spot for hiking and birdwatching.

Orkhon River Canyon

The Orkhon River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, flows through a beautiful canyon ideal for excursions and exploring the history of the Mongol Empire. Along the river, you can find ancient archaeological sites and stunning natural landscapes.

Tsagaan Salaa Petroglyphs

The Tsagaan Salaa petroglyphs in the Altai region offer a glimpse into prehistory, with carvings depicting animals and hunting scenes. These ancient petroglyphs are located in a mountainous area that is challenging to access, but they are a must-see for those interested in archaeology and ancient history.

Erdene Zuu Monastery

Located in the ancient Mongolian capital of Karakorum, Erdene Zuu Monastery is one of the oldest and best-preserved Buddhist temples in Mongolia. Surrounded by the ruins of Karakorum, this historical site is a must-see cultural landmark for both tourists and local Mongolians.

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