Ulgii

Ölgii, also spelled Ulgii, is the capital of Bayan-Ölgii Province in western Mongolia. It lies in a broad valley at the western edge of the Mongolian Altai Mountains and serves as the province’s administrative, economic, and cultural center. The town’s population is predominantly Kazakh Mongols, with Mongolian residents and other groups making up the remainder. Kazakh is widely spoken alongside Mongolian.

Historically, Ölgii developed as the main settlement in the region during the 20th century and remains a hub for pastoral herding communities. The local economy centers on animal husbandry (sheep, goats, cattle), small-scale trade, and growing tourism tied to the Altai landscape and Kazakh cultural heritage. The International Golden Eagle Festival, an event showcasing traditional eagle hunting, is held in and around Ölgii and draws visitors from Mongolia and abroad.

The area experiences a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers, and the surrounding terrain includes mountains, steppe, and river valleys. Ölgii is connected by road to Ulaanbaatar and other aimags and is served by Ölgii Airport, which provides domestic flights.

The town functions as a gateway for visitors exploring western Mongolia, including nearby nomadic camps, Kazakh cultural sites, and protected areas in the Altai region.