Khovd

Khovd, also written Hovd, is the capital of Khovd Province in far western Mongolia, set at roughly 1,395 metres where the fast-flowing Buyant Gol river passes through green meadows below the Altai Mountains. It is one of Mongolia's oldest cities and serves as the main gateway to the country's western region.

The city was founded in 1731 during Qing dynasty rule and grew around a Manchu fortress and garrison, later becoming a regional centre for trade and administration. The weathered Sangiin Kherem walls at the northern edge of Khovd recall the 1912 siege that ended Qing control, making it one of the last cities in Mongolia to be liberated.

Central landmarks include Ard Ayush Square, framed by the governor's palace, theatre and other public buildings, along with the Khovd Museum's ethnic costumes, Buddhist and Kazakh art, and reproductions of the Tsenkheriin Agui cave paintings. The rebuilt Tureemel Amarjuulagai Khiid Buddhist monastery, located on the airport road, is another notable stop for visitors.

Khovd is a practical base for exploring western Mongolia, including Khar Us Nuur, the country's second-largest freshwater lake, and the Tsenkheriin Agui caves with ancient rock art. The city's market, light industry and agriculture support a working regional character, and its population includes numerous ethnic groups, giving Khovd a distinctive cultural mix.

For travellers, Khovd offers an authentic, low-key alternative to Mongolia's larger cities, with a small airport, growing road links and basic services that support both independent tourism and business travel across the western Altai region.