Ubsunur Hollow Biosphere Reserve, Biosphere reserve in Tyva Republic, Russia
Ubsunur Hollow is a protected reserve in the Tyva Republic that brings together several distinct landscapes. Glaciers, forests, grasslands, and sandy terrain sit side by side across this expansive area.
Scientific exploration of the region started in the late 1800s under geographer Grigory Potanin. The area gained official protection in 1993 as recognition of its ecological value.
The land holds traces of ancient peoples through rock carvings and inscriptions left on stone surfaces. These marks speak to the communities that once lived in this remote area.
The reserve is best visited during the warmer months when access is most feasible. A permit is required and visitors should prepare for basic camping conditions and remote terrain.
The reserve holds the southernmost permafrost zone in Eurasia, where soil stays frozen year-round in certain areas. Lake Ubsu-Nur, a saltwater body, lies within the reserve and is shared between Russia and Mongolia.
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