Ubsunur Hollow, Endorheic basin in Central Asia, Russia and Mongolia.
The Ubsunur Hollow is a large basin spanning Russia and Mongolia that contains diverse landscapes. Within this region you will find lakes, wetlands, forests, deserts, glaciers, and tundra environments.
The Ubsunur area was home to ancient Scythian, Turkish, and Hun cultures whose remains appear at many archaeological sites. The region hosted shifting populations and dynasties over centuries that shaped the land.
The Tuvan people have lived here for centuries, continuing pastoral ways with their herds moving seasonally through the landscape. Visitors can observe how communities adapt to the changing environments across the hollow.
Access to this protected area requires special permits from Russian and Mongolian authorities. Visitors should prepare for extreme weather conditions and isolated terrain.
The area contains Uvs Lake, a large saline lake that today remains one of the last places with preserved steppe vegetation. This lake represents a rare example of ecosystems that were once common across the region.
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