Land of Ancient Empires, Sacred Heritage & Mongolia’s Cultural Heartland
Övörkhangai (Өвөрхангай аймаг) is one of Mongolia’s oldest, most historically significant, and culturally rich provinces.
Located in central-southern Mongolia, it is home to some of the country’s most sacred Buddhist sites, ancient city ruins, and holy mountains.
This province is best known for:
Erdene Zuu Monastery – Mongolia’s first Buddhist monastery
Karakorum (Kharkhorin) – Ancient capital of the Mongol Empire
Orkhon Valley – UNESCO World Heritage Site
Sacred mountains & wide steppe landscapes
Övörkhangai is the cultural heart of Mongolia where ancient and modern Mongolian identity meets.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Övörkhangai carries more than 800 years of Mongolian imperial and Buddhist heritage.
Key Historical Timeline:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1220s | Karakorum founded by Ögedei Khan |
| 1585 | Erdene Zuu Monastery built |
| 1931 | Övörkhangai Province officially established |
| 2004 | Orkhon Valley listed as UNESCO World Heritage |
| 2020–2025 | Tourism & heritage restoration growth |
The region remains one of Mongolia’s top historical centers.
🧭 Basic Province Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Övörkhangai Aimag |
| Mongolian Name | Өвөрхангай аймаг |
| Capital | Arvaikheer |
| Area | ~63,000 sq km |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~124,000 |
| Region | Central–Southern Mongolia |
| Landscape | Steppe, mountains, rivers |
| Time Zone | UTC +8 |
⚖️ Government & Leadership
| Position | Information |
|---|---|
| Governor of Övörkhangai | Appointed by national government |
| Local Parliament | Citizens’ Representative Khural |
| Capital Administration | Arvaikheer Mayor’s Office |
Primary focus: heritage preservation, tourism, livestock economy, and environmental protection.
🗺️ Administrative Structure
Övörkhangai is divided into 19 Sums (districts):
| No. | Sum Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arvaikheer | Provincial capital |
| 2 | Bat-Ulzii | Mountainous terrain |
| 3 | Bayan-Öndör | Pastureland |
| 4 | Bogd | Desert-steppe |
| 5 | Bögööts | Rural zone |
| 6 | Guchin-Us | Livestock-heavy |
| 7 | Jargalant | Scenic valleys |
| 8 | Khangai | Forested highlands |
| 9 | Kharkhorin | Ancient capital site & UNESCO valley |
| 10 | Khairkhan | Steppe belt |
| 11 | Nariinteel | Remote settlements |
| 12 | Ölziit | Agricultural community |
| 13 | Sant | Traditional nomadic culture |
| 14 | Taragt | Central steppes |
| 15 | Tögrög | Mixed terrain |
| 16 | Uyanga | Lakes & mountains |
| 17 | Uyaanga / Ulziyengiin | Rural livestock area |
| 18 | Yesönbulag | Mountain foothills |
| 19 | Züünbayan-Ulaan | Pastoral landscape |
🌐 Geography & Environment
Övörkhangai offers some of Mongolia’s most diverse and historic landscapes.
Major Natural Features:
Orkhon River & Valley (UNESCO)
Khangai Mountains
Kharkhorin Plains
Sand dunes & wide steppe
Natural hot springs
Climate:
| Season | Description |
|---|---|
| Winter | Cold & dry |
| Summer | Warm & fertile valleys |
| Landscape | Mixture of mountains, valley forests & grasslands |
Wildlife:
Deer
Wolves
Steppe eagles
Wild horses (Takhi in nearby Kharkhorin zones)
🛡️ Leadership, Governance & Law Enforcement
Key agencies:
Övörkhangai Provincial Police
Heritage Protection Department
UNESCO Valley Rangers
Environmental and Forestry Protection Units
Emergency Services & Mountain Rescue Team
Focus: heritage security & environment.
🕊️ Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Religion | Tibetan Buddhism, Shamanism |
| Cultural Identity | Strong Buddhist heritage |
| UNESCO Sites | Orkhon Valley |
| Ethnic Groups | Mostly Khalkha Mongols |
Main cultural treasures:
Erdene Zuu Monastery
Karakorum ruins
Buddhist artifacts
Traditional festivals & Naadam
Nomadic horse culture
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Notes |
|---|---|
| Tourism | Top cultural tourism province |
| Livestock | Sheep, goats, cattle, horses |
| Agriculture | Limited crops in valleys |
| Trade | Growing market around Karakorum |
| Crafts | Handmade wool, felt, leather |
Tourism is rapidly expanding due to UNESCO and historic sites.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | Schools in all sums; colleges in Arvaikheer |
| Cultural Studies | Buddhist history & archaeology |
| Healthcare | Övörkhangai Provincial Hospital |
| Challenges | Remote mountain access |
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Roads | Highway links to Ulaanbaatar & Bayankhongor |
| Public Transport | Regular buses |
| Tour Routes | Karakorum → Orkhon Valley → Ulaan Tsutgalan Waterfalls |
| Nearby Airports | Kharkhorin Airstrip (seasonal flights) |
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Top attractions:
Erdene Zuu Monastery
Karakorum Ancient Capital
Orkhon Valley UNESCO Site
Ulaan Tsutgalan Waterfall
Khangai Mountains
Horse trekking routes
Historical museums & ruins
Övörkhangai is Mongolia’s cultural tourism capital.
🌍 Global Role & Relations
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| UNESCO Heritage Management | Orkhon Valley |
| Tourism Partnerships | International heritage groups |
| Archaeological Cooperation | Global universities |
| Cultural Preservation | Support from UNESCO & NGOs |
📝 Summary
Övörkhangai Province is the spiritual, historical, and cultural soul of Mongolia.
From the ancient capital Karakorum to the sacred monasteries, river valleys, and UNESCO sites, the region represents Mongolia’s deepest heritage and greatest cultural pride.
📢 News & Articles
“Restoration Work Continues at Erdene Zuu”
“Tourism Growth in Orkhon Valley”
“Archaeologists Uncover New Findings in Karakorum”
🎯 Our Mission
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