Photos of Bayan-Ölgii Province, Mongolia

Bayan-Ölgii (= Rich cradle/region) is Mongolia’s most western aimag or province, sharing borders with both Russia and China. It is the highest province in Mongolia, principally located in the Mongolian Altay mountains, with the Khüiten Peak in the Tavan Bogd massif the highest point at 4,374 metres. It has a total area of 45,704.89 km².

Most of the 93,000 inhabitants of Bayan-Ölgii are ethnic Kazakhs, making up almost 90% of the population. The Kazakhs practice eagle hunting, and each year in early October, Ölgii hosts the Eagle Festival, with traditional displays, horse games and camel races. In September, the village of Sagsai, 27 kilometres to the west of Ölgii., has the Altai Eagle Festival with a similar program. The region near Sagsai (Sagsai Sumiin Bigeeu) has numerous Kazakh eagle hunter families living in their yurts (called üy).

The capital, Ölgii, is a small town with a large central square, an interesting museum, a good market and a few mosques. There are good places to stay, in ger camps and hotels.