Birthplace of Genghis Khan & Mongolia’s Sacred Mountain Homeland
Khentii (Хэнтий аймаг) is one of Mongolia’s most historic and sacred provinces —
the birthplace of Chinggis Khaan (Genghis Khan) and home to the mighty Khentii Mountain Range.
Located in eastern Mongolia, it combines forested mountains, rivers, steppe, and deep cultural heritage.
This province is known for:
Burkhan Khaldun Sacred Mountain (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Delüün Boldog – Birthplace of Genghis Khan
Forests, rivers & wildlife
Rich nomadic culture and ancient Mongol history
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Khentii is one of Mongolia’s most historically significant regions.
Key Historical Timeline:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1930 | Khentii Province officially established |
| 1162 | Birth of Temüjin (Genghis Khan) at Delüün Boldog |
| 1206 | Unification of Mongol tribes begins from this region |
| 1990–2025 | Development in tourism, conservation & heritage sites |
Khentii is central to Mongolian national identity.
🧭 Basic Province Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Khentii Aimag |
| Mongolian Name | Хэнтий аймаг |
| Capital | Öndörkhaan (recent name: Chinggis City) |
| Area | ~80,300 sq km |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~77,000 |
| Region | Eastern Mongolia |
| Landscape Type | Mountains, rivers, taiga, steppe |
| Time Zone | UTC +8 |
⚖️ Government & Leadership
| Position | Information |
|---|---|
| Governor of Khentii | Appointed by national government |
| Local Parliament | Citizens’ Representative Khural |
| City Administration | Mayor of Chinggis City |
Focus areas include heritage preservation, eco-tourism, and rural development.
🗺️ Administrative Structure
Khentii Province has 18 Sums (Districts):
| Sums | Notes |
|---|---|
| Chinggis City (Öndörkhaan) | Provincial capital |
| Batnorov | Historic sites |
| Batshireet | Forest & wildlife |
| Bayankhutag | Steppe region |
| Bayan-Ovoo | Agriculture |
| Binder | Cultural sites |
| Dadal | Genghis Khan’s birthplace |
| Galshir | Steppe and nomadic herding |
| Jargaltkhaan | Bordering Sukhbaatar |
| Kherlen | River regions |
| Mörön | Mountain-steppe |
| Norovlin | Eastern plains |
| Tsagaan-Ovoo | Remote herding areas |
| Tsenkhermandal | Taiga forest region |
| Umnudelger | Scenic valleys |
| Ömnöderekh | Dry steppe |
| Darkhan (Khentii) | Nomadic zones |
| Khüremt | Rural areas |
🌐 Geography & Environment
Khentii has one of the most diverse landscapes in Mongolia:
Major Natural Features:
Khentii Mountain Range
Burkhan Khaldun Sacred Mountain (UNESCO)
Onon River & Kherlen River
Dadal Forest Zone
Bald Mountain & Sacred Ovoos
The area is rich in:
Wolves
Red deer
Bears
Siberian wildlife
Old-growth forests
Alpine valleys
Climate:
| Season | Description |
|---|---|
| Summer | Mild, green, forested |
| Winter | Cold, snowy, harsh |
| Spring/Autumn | Transitional & windy |
| Landscape | Taiga, steppe, mountains, river valleys |
🛡️ Leadership, Governance & Law Enforcement
Agencies include:
Khentii Provincial Police
Border & Forest Patrol Units
Environmental Rangers
Tourism Protection Authority
Emergency Services
Focus areas: heritage protection, forest safety, wildlife conservation.
🕊️ Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religion | Tibetan Buddhism |
| Other Traditions | Ancestral worship & mountain rituals |
| Language | Mongolian |
| Cultural Identity | Strong historical heritage & nomadic lifestyle |
Unique traditions:
Genghis Khan-related rituals
Sacred mountain ceremonies
Eastern Mongolian folk music
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Notes |
|---|---|
| Livestock | Horses, cattle, sheep, goats |
| Agriculture | Wheat, barley, vegetables |
| Tourism | Genghis Khan heritage sites |
| Forestry | Timber & forest products |
| Mining | Limited exploration |
Tourism is rapidly growing due to UNESCO status.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | Schools in all sums; colleges in Chinggis City |
| Special Programs | Tourism & cultural preservation |
| Healthcare | Khentii Provincial Hospital |
| Challenges | Remote forested districts |
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport | Khentii Airport (domestic flights) |
| Highways | Modern roads linking to Ulaanbaatar |
| Rural Roads | Mountain & forest tracks |
| Tourist Routes | Dadal → Burkhan Khaldun area |
Transport is good due to heritage tourism investment.
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Top attractions:
Burkhan Khaldun Sacred Mountain (UNESCO)
Onon–Balj National Park
Dadal – Birthplace of Genghis Khan
Genghis Khan Monument Complex
Kherlen River
Sacred ovoos & ancient mountain sites
Forest & taiga hiking routes
Chinggis City cultural museums
Khentii is a dream destination for history lovers.
🌍 Global Role & Relations
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Heritage Importance | Global center of Mongol history |
| UNESCO Status | Burkhan Khaldun recognized |
| International Tourism | Growing interest from historians & explorers |
| Environmental Programs | Forest conservation projects |
📝 Summary
Khentii Province is the spiritual and historical heart of Mongolia —
the birthplace of Genghis Khan and home to sacred mountains, rivers, forests, and ancient nomadic traditions.
It stands as one of Mongolia’s most culturally important and naturally beautiful regions.
📢 News & Articles
“UNESCO Expands Protection of Burkhan Khaldun”
“Genghis Khan Tourism Growth in Khentii 2025”
“Forest Conservation Efforts Strengthened”
🎯 Our Mission
This profile is part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, documenting the world’s regions, nations, and cultural landscapes.