Ulaangom

Overview

Ulaangom is the centre of Uvs aimag, on the slopes of Kharkhiraa mountain at about 940 metres, about 26 km from the shore of Uvs Lake and about 120 km south of the Russian border. Its name is often translated as "red valley".

The town is believed to have been founded in 1686; its Dechinravjaa monastery was established in 1871. A monument to Yumjaagiin Tsedenbal, the communist-era leader born in Uvs, stands in front of the aimag government building.

The climate is cold and dry, with long, frigid winters in which temperatures can fall to −45 °C, and short, warm summers.

What to See

• Uvs Lake, Mongolia's largest by area, part of the UNESCO-listed Uvs Nuur Basin
• Dechinravjaa monastery
• The Tsedenbal monument

Visiting

• Ulaangom Airport, north of the city, opened its new runway and terminal in June 2011.
• Summer is the practical season for the lake and the mountains.