In the westernmost part of Mongolia, on the border with China and Russia, is the remarkable province of Bayan Olgii (Bayan Ulgii). It is known that this land is the land of the Kazakh descendants, whose ancestors fled their homeland to avoid the expansion of the Russian empire and seek a better future. While the rest of Mongolia is homogeneous, Bayan-Olgii has its own culture and languages.
The city of Olgii (Ulgii) is the proud capital of the province, and is often the base of operations for travelers exploring the Bayan Olgii province and western Mongolia in general. The city has approximately 30,000 inhabitants and is still undergoing change, although not too quickly. You can get to Olgii by taking a plane, bus or jeep. If you choose to travel by land, it takes about three days to get there from the Mongolian capital, Ulaanbaatar. The two domestic airlines that fly to Olgii every week are AeroMongolia and Eznis.
Olgii has some of the basic tourist services such as supermarkets, restaurants, hotels, ATMs and Internet cafes. But it’s not just a place to stock up on a few supplies; It is also a great starting point to learn about the unique nomadic herding culture of the Kazakhs, their live music and art, as well as their close family ties. Even in the city itself, the traditional white felt round house called a ger is installed in people’s yards. But if you want to see the gers in a more traditional setting, all you have to do is get out of town. Whatever you choose, you will soon be met with Kazakh hospitality and be pleasantly surprised.
The city is small enough to get around on foot. Take time to visit the open-air market or bazaar and see the famous Olgii handicrafts. There is a museum on the way to the bazaar, just northeast of the main square. This three-story museum provides insight into the history, culture, and life of the various tribes that inhabit Bayan Ulgii. These tribes include the majority Kazakh population and minorities such as Dörvöd, Uriankhai, Khoshuud, and Tuva. Other points of interest in the city include the social space called the Green Garden, and the Kazakh National Theater, which regularly hosts cultural performances and concerts.
Olgii has served as a starting point for visitors who want to head to Tsambagarav National Park and Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. Thus, hiking is one of the main activities to do in the area. If you want to conquer the peaks of the Altai mountains, you may want to hire the services of an experienced local mountain guide. You can also sign up for a more organized tour. Despite growing tourism, the road infrastructure around Bayan Olgii is still not well developed. The best way to explore the natural attractions is to take organized tours, with established providers that provide transportation, food, camping equipment and guides.
If you have an adventurous palate, don’t miss the chance to sample traditional Kazakh delicacies while in Bayan Olgii. Some of these delicacies include fermented mare’s milk called ‘koumiss’, horse sausage called ‘kaz’ and the meat dish with tubers and steamed flour called ‘beshbarmak’, also considered the national dish.
Also in Bayan Olgii you can find the rare Kazakh eagle hunters locally called berkutchi. A berkutchi trains golden eagles and hunts with them. Eagle hunters on horseback can be seen just outside of town.