Altai (Mongolia)

With a population of about 15,800, Altai is one of the smallest provincial capitals in Mongolia in one of the least densely populated provinces in the country. Straddling the western edge of the Gobi Desert where the Altai Mountains rise out of the sands, the region seems to symbolize emptiness. To the south of the city is the massive Great Gobi Strictly Protected Area 'A' and 'B'. Area A lies to the east with part of the park in Bayanhongor, and Area B is smaller and to the west. Together they cover some of the driest and more remote parts of the Gobi. Many high snow-capped mountains are closer to the city in the Altai range just to the south and west.
Govĭ-Altai is home to many rare mammals like the Govi Bear, wild Bactrian camels, Argali sheep, black-tailed gazelles, and wild cats. Many other large mammals like wolves, foxes, marmots, and birds and reptiles live in different parts of the province.

Buses and microbuses leave for Altai from Ulaanbaatar from the Dragon Center everyday at 12pm. It is also possible to take a shared jeep from either Hovd or Bayanhongor and sometimes Uliastai.

By plane

Grass runway located just outside the city has flights to Ulaanbaatar and Bayanhongor.

• AeroMongolia

  phone: +976 11 330373 (Ulaanbaatar), +976 -8808 0062 (Altai)
  It is generally cheaper, but uses older planes. Charges foreigners double the local rate. Flights on Mon, Wed, and Fri.

• Hunnu Air

  phone: +976 7000 1111 (Ulaanbaatar)
  Recently changed its name from Mongolian Airlines. Flights to and from Ulaanbaatar via Bayanhongor on Tues and Fri.