Khovd town. Places to visit to Khovd aimag.
THE REGIONS OF MONGOLIA
Khovd aimag.
KHOVD
Khovd aimag is situated in the far West of Mongolia. On the West and South-West Khovd aimag borders with the Peoples Republic of China. The highest
point of the territory is the Munkhkhairkhan peak. Its altitude is 13,793 feet (4204 m) above sea level, and the lowest point is Altain Bor tsonj, its altitude
being 3694 feet (1,126 m) above sea level. 20 percent of the territory is semi-desert and steppe.
Khovd. Population 35,000. Elevation 1406m. Once a small farming community, and later a center for trade with Russia, Khovd city is the major
industrial center of western Mongolia. It was one of the last cities to be liberated from the Chinese, in 1912 (and again in 1921), by the forces of the
Mongolian commanders Dambijantsan, Magsarjav and Damdinsiiren.
A pleasant and easygoing city built near the fast-flowing Buyant Gol, Khovd is a good place to
start a trip around western Mongolia. The city is not prosperous but survives on an agricultural economy, food processing and some light manufacturing of
building materials. It also boasts an agricultural institute and the main university in western Mongolia. About 300 Kazakhs live in the town and more live
in the sum centre of Buyan, 25km North of Khovd.
A small statue in the central square honours Aldanjavyn Ayush (1859-1939), a local revolutionary hero
who agitated against the Manchus to lower taxation and who was made head of Tsetseg sum after the 1921 revolution.
PLACES TO VISITED.
- The museum in Khovd city has the usual collection of stuffed wildlife, some excellent ethnic costumes, Buddhist and Kazakh art, and a snow leopard pelt tacked up
on the wall. One of the more interesting exhibits is the recreation of cave paintings at Tsenkheriin Agui. There are also several examples of the
deer stones scattered around the aimag.
- Ard Ayush Square: Here you can see the general picturesque beauty of the town, and if you’re lucky you can see a fine show in the evening. There are
several statues dedicated to Galdan Boshigt, Folk Ayush and “The Buyant River” song.
- The movie theatre Khatanbaatar Magsarjav: This is one of the town’s most visited places as it screens local and foreign films, including some of the latest releases.
- Sangiin Kherem (Manchu Ruins). At the northern end of the city are some rapidly disappearing walls built around 1762 by the Manchu (Qing dynasty) warlords who once conquered,
and brutally governed, Mongolia. The 40,000 sq.m walled-compound once contained several temples, a Chinese graveyard and the homes of the Manchu rulers, though there's little left
to see. Three enormous gates provided access. At one time, there was a moat (2m deep and 3m wide) around the 4m-high walls, but this has been completely filled in.
The 1500-man Chinese garrison was destroyed after a 10-day siege and two-day battle in August 1912. The one legacy of Manchurian rule which has remained are the
magnificent 200-year-old trees which line the streets of Khovd city.
- Tureemel Amarjuulagai Khiid. The original Shar Sum (Yellow Temple) was built outside of Khovd in the 1770s but was completely destroyed during 1937.
The monastery was recently relocated into the centre of the city but it's not all that active.
- The Sports Palace: This is biggest sports complex in the five western provinces. Various sporting activities are held here and it is one of the most crowded places in Khovd town.
- Khovd Theater: Here you can see folk-art performances, plays, concerts
and other types of entertainment.
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