Dornogovi, Administrative division in southeastern Mongolia
Dornogovi is an administrative region in southeastern Mongolia marked by expansive steppe landscapes with extreme seasonal temperature swings. The territory spans several hundred kilometers with sparse settlements and scattered herding communities spread across vast open terrain.
This region was established as an administrative unit in 1931 and served as a key stopping point along ancient trade routes connecting eastern and western Mongolia. Its strategic location made it important for the movement of goods across the landscape for centuries.
Herding communities here follow seasonal patterns, moving their livestock across the landscape in response to changing pastures and weather. This mobile lifestyle shapes daily life and remains deeply rooted in local traditions.
Visitors reach the region via paved roads from the capital to Sainshand, the main city. It is wise to travel with plenty of water and supplies, since infrastructure is sparse and distances between towns are considerable.
Beneath the arid surface lies substantial underground water reserves that make life possible despite the absence of visible lakes or rivers. These hidden water sources are essential for residents and their livestock.
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