Khovd (city)

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Khovd (Mongolian: Ховд) is the capital of the Khovd Province of Mongolia. It is situated at the foot of the Mongolian Altay Mountains, on the Buyant Gol river. The city has a population of 26,023 (2000 census).

Khovd is known throughout the region for its watermelon harvest in the late summer, as well as the high quality of its seasonal meat products. There are sixteen distinct ethnic groups living in Khovd province--each with their own distinctive literary, cultural, artistic, and musical traditions. The Khalkh, Zakhchin, Torgood, Oeld, Durved, Myangad, Uriankhai, Monchog, and Kazakh ethnic groups have the highest populations in throughout province.

A Meeting of Hovd Ethnic Groups, Photo: S. Tsatsralt 2002

The Khar Us Nuur (Black Water Lake) is located approximately 25 km east of Khovd, and is the location of a Strictly Protected Area (Mongolian Government designation), called the Mankhan Nature Preserve.