Uvs Nuur

Uvs Nuur is a large endorheic lake and the core feature of a broader hydrological basin in northwestern Mongolia. The lake and surrounding basin comprise a mosaic of saline lakes, marshes, steppe and mountain systems that support a wide range of habitats.

The basin is internationally recognised for its ecological diversity, with coastal marshes, salt flats and upland pastures that host migratory birds, endemic plants and a mixture of steppe and alpine species. Seasonal wetlands and river deltas around the main lake are important for birdlife and local grazing.

The basin’s natural patterns result from its closed drainage and wide climatic gradients, and it has been the subject of ecological surveys and conservation measures to protect habitat and traditional nomadic land use. The Uvs Nuur Basin is managed to balance biodiversity values with local pastoral livelihoods.

Uvs Nuur lies in northwestern Mongolia near the Russian border in a broad basin framed by mountain ranges and steppe plains; access is by road from provincial centres and the landscape is largely remote.

• World Heritage basin: Part of the transboundary Uvs Nuur Basin World Heritage area noted for its combination of desert, steppe, alpine and wetland ecosystems and high biodiversity.

What to See#

• Uvs Lake: Uvs Lake, the central saline lake of the basin, forming the hydrological focus of a wide, largely closed catchment with extensive marshes and seasonal wetlands.
• Basin landscapes: Scattered salt flats, steppe and mountain-fringed basins that together form the Uvs Nuur Basin World Heritage area with varied habitats from forest steppe to desert.

• Plan your trip for late June-August when roads and services around Uvs Nuur are most reliable and migratory bird concentrations are at their peak.
• Base yourself in the nearest regional town and hire a local driver or guide - the lake lies in a remote UNESCO biosphere area and local knowledge helps you reach the best birding and shoreline spots.
• Set aside time for short excursions to lesser-visited shores and saline flats: many visitors stick to the main viewing points and miss rich birdlife and traditional nomadic land-use patterns along quieter stretches.