Khovd Soum, located in Uvs Province, was established in 1924 and was formerly known as the Bayan Chandmani Mountain region, which was part of the Dorvod Zorigt Khan Sodnomjamts' territory. The soum consists of four baghs: Khovd, Achit, Khaliunbulag, and Shiver, with a total of 652 households and a population of 2,398. In terms of population, Khovd ranks 11th out of the 18 soums in Uvs Province, while by land area, it ranks 13th. Excluding the provincial center, the soum has a population density of 7.40 people per hectare. Located in the western part of Uvs Province, Khovd is bordered by Bukhmurun and Tarialan to the north and east, Ömnögovi to the south, and Bayan-Ölgii Province’s Bayannuur, Altantsögts, and Nogoonnuur soums to the southwest. The soum spans the Great Lakes Depression and the high Kharkhirag Mountains. It is 1,531 kilometers from Ulaanbaatar and 190 kilometers from the provincial center. Geographical Features:The soum's elevation ranges from 1,813 to 2,966 meters above sea level. Situated in the Altai Mountain range, Khovd has a harsh continental climate characterized by steppe desert and mountain forest-steppe zones. Seismic activity in the region ranges between 2.5 and 3.0 on the Richter scale. The terrain includes mountains, ridges, and hills, making it ideal for livestock farming and agriculture. Climate Conditions: Summer temperatures range from +27°C to +37°C, while winter temperatures can drop between -25°C and -40°C. The region experiences a dry, extreme continental climate, with January average temperatures between -40°C and -45°C, and July temperatures ranging from +30°C to +36°C. The average wind speed throughout the year is 14-16 m/s, with annual precipitation between 100-300 mm.Land Area: The total area of the soum is 297,100 hectares. The soum's center is located on the banks of the Khovd River, and in summer, it relocates 50 kilometers to a place called Nuuriin Bulag for camping. The area is known for its natural beauty, with poplar, willow, and larch groves along the river. The Kharkhiraa-Türgen Mountains, part of the Altai range, feature dark forests and snow-capped peaks. The soum also includes several rivers, including the Khovd, Shiver, and Nuuriin Bulag, as well as notable lakes like Achit and Shaazgai. In the Bugat bagh area, there are 108 five-colored lakes. One of the region's highlights is the Goojuur Waterfall, which cascades from a height of 18 meters. As part of the Uvs Lake Basin, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, the soum's camping areas are now under special protection. The region is home to endangered species, including the saiga antelope, snow leopard, wild boar, ibex, golden eagle, and marmot.