The Lake Uvs Basin
The Lake Uvs Basin is an awe-inspiring natural wonder situated in the northern half of the Great Lakes Depression (Ikh Nuuruudiin Khotgor) at an elevation of 759 meters above sea level. It is located just 40 km from the center of the province and is the largest lake in Mongolia, covering an area of 3350 sq. km. The lake is encircled by water, which gives it all the features of the world’s natural regions and belts, such as gobi, desert, steppe, forest, mountains, snow, and glaciers. This impressive basin consists of the Uvs Lake itself, Turgen Mountains, Tsagaan Shuvuut, Torkhilog, Tes River, and Golden Sands (Altan Els), which are all in close proximity to each other, creating a unique ecological environment.
The lake is fed by approximately 200 rivers and streams, whose deltas are responsible for the formation of wetlands, with the Tes River being one of the most prominent. The delta of the Tes River spans a width of about 40 kilometers. The area around the lake is also home to numerous migratory birds, which are drawn to this region due to its unique ecosystem. It is interesting to note that the nearest ocean is about 3000 kilometers away from the lake.
The best view of the lake’s vast dimensions can be seen from the south bank, although it is only possible to swim in certain areas, which are accessible only after wading through some damp places. During winter, the temperature in this region can drop to as low as minus 57 ° C, leading to the freezing of the lake, despite its salinity.
Ecosystem
The ecological environment of Lake Uvs is characterized by an arid and dry environment, which forms a distinctive habitat for a variety of plant species that grow along the banks of the lake and its tributaries. These include blackwood, cedar, poplar, reed, buckthorn, licorice, and cow beet. The lake is also home to more than 200 species of birds, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. The region is home to some of the rarest wetland birds in the world, such as spoonbills, snowy plovers, goat-tails, black-headed gulls, common grebes, and white-tailed sea eagles.
All in all, the Lake Uvs Basin is a natural gem that offers a unique and impressive ecosystem that is unlike any other in the world.
The Uvs Lake and its surrounding area have been under protection since 1994 and have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2003. The lake’s rich biodiversity, coupled with its unique geological and cultural significance, makes it an essential site for scientific research and exploration, as well as a popular tourist destination.
