Bayandelger: Nature, Birds and Cultural Heritage

Gun-Galuut Nature Reserve makes Bayandelger a destination focused on nature and landscapes. The local protected area was established in 2003 by the local Bayandelger parliament and covers around 20,000 hectares. Its landscape combines high mountains, steppe, rivers, lakes and wetlands. The area is divided into a tourism zone, a limited-use zone and a core zone. The character of the area for trip planning is therefore shaped both by the diversity of its habitats and by its different protected zones.

Landscapes, Lakes and Wetlands

The Kherlen River runs through the protected area and is described as one of Mongolia’s longest rivers. Ikh-Gun Lake is one of the area’s largest lakes. By comparison, the birdlife at Ayaga Lake is described as more diverse. The Delberkhii wetland is considered the main source of water for Ikh-Gun Lake and Ayaga Lake.

Birdlife and Habitats

The wetlands of Gun-Galuut are important stopover and breeding sites for migratory birds; the White-naped Crane is mentioned in particular. Waterbirds and wetland birds lay their eggs in the Tsengiin Burd wetland. An ecological assessment from 2026 reports that four pairs of the species known as “Tsen togoruu” come to Ayaga Lake and the Tsengiin Burd wetland to breed each year. A species overview for the protected area lists 63 mammal species, 81 bird species, 3 amphibian species and 38 fish species. These figures do not represent a complete species inventory, as the fauna and flora have not been thoroughly studied.

Cultural History and Archaeological Traces

The Bayandelger Cultural Center operates a library and a local history museum. D. Natsagdorj was born on November 17, 1906, in Gun Galuutai, in Bayandelger Soum, Töv Province. A memorial monument to him was erected at his birthplace in 1981. The Undur Dov ruins are located between Ikh-Gun Lake and Ayaga Lake in Bayandelger Soum. They contain the remains of a site believed to be ancient. The surviving ramparts are described as measuring 410 × 420 meters, standing 1.5 to 1.2 meters high and 4 to 5 meters thick; there is a gate on each of the four sides.

Research, Activities and Event

The Gun Galuut Nature Conservation Center is a research, education and information center for the locally protected Gun-Galuut area. Its responsibilities include monitoring local biodiversity and providing information to schoolchildren, visitors and tourists. If you are interested in a specific program, check in advance what is currently available.

Catch-and-release fishing, including fishing for taimen, is offered in the nature reserve. Horse riding is offered at Camp Steppe Nomads, located in Bayandelger Soum, Töv Province. Check in advance whether these activities are currently available.

September 17 and 18 are listed as the annual dates for Nomads’ Day in Gun-Galuut; Selena Travel and the local administration are named as cooperation partners. Check before your trip whether the event is taking place this year.

Discover more destinations: Bayandelger

For the overview of destinations in the wider region: Töv.