Uliastai is the center of Zavkhan Province and lies 1,115 kilometers from Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. Those looking for a vacation rental in the city can get a sense of the place from its tangible traces of history and its rivers. Its role as a provincial center and its distance from the capital provide two points of geographical reference.
Historical Traces in Uliastai
A military town was established near Altar Tolgoi in 1733. Troops were stationed at Aldar Tolgoi, west of present-day Uliastai. Only about five meters of the old city wall remain—a very small remnant. The city also preserves millstone relics dating from the 18th to the 19th century. Thus, a specifically dated construction event, a geographically located troop station, and material traces with different time spans and measures of scale stand side by side.
The Bogdyn Gol and Chigestein Gol rivers flow through Uliastai. They add two geographical points of reference to the historical traces. This offers a distinction for choosing a place to stay: interest in the city’s history or interest in its location.
In Zavkhan Province: Museum and Landscape
The Zavkhan Province Museum was founded in 1924. Its collection and exhibits comprise more than 10,500 objects in total. Exhibitions are presented to the public in a total of 18 halls across the two departments, “Oron nutgiin muzei” and “Aldartny muzei.” According to a 2023 exhibition report, the Zavkhan Province Museum of Local Studies has an archaeological hall with more than 100 valuable exhibits, including finds from Yamaan-Us dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 1st century CE.
The Uliastai City History Hall opened in 2025 and presents the city’s history in five periods: old Uliastai, Uliastai during the Manchu period, Uliastai in the Bogd Khanate of Mongolia, Uliastai during the Mongolian People’s Republic, and modern Uliastai. As exhibition details may change, check which exhibits are currently on display before visiting.
Otgontenger reaches 4,021 meters and is located in the sums of Aldarkhaan and Otgon in Zavkhan Province. According to tradition, the mountain has been revered since the 6th century; its veneration was revived in 1779 and later continued as part of Buddhist rites. This regional landmark thus combines a clearly stated elevation with a long religious tradition. The Otgontenger Strictly Protected Area covers 102,000 hectares in Otgon Sum.
Ulaagchinii Khar Lake is about 30 kilometers long, 5 to 10 kilometers wide, and 48 to 54 meters deep. To the north, it is bordered by sand dunes and sand springs, while reed beds and Mount Tovkhosh characterize its southern shore. It lies 80 kilometers northeast of the center of Erdenekhairkhan Sum and 110 kilometers from the provincial center of Zavkhan.
For the broader travel overview: Aldarkhaan.
