From Hovd Travel in Mongolia
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Uyench Soum (Үенч Сум)
Soum at a Glance
Origin of Soum Name: Uyench soum is named after a canyon and river that cut through the Altai mountain range.
Population Figures (Taken from 2007 Census)
Total Soum Population: 4,760 (Male Population: 2,384 / Female Population: 2,376)
Soum Center Population: 1,452
Soum Countryside Population: 3,308
Distance From Aimag Center: 365 km.
Chief Ethnic Group in Soum: Zakhchin (Захчин) (Though 1 of Uyench's 6 baghs is Kazakh)
One of the three soums of Hovd found south of the Altai Mountain range. Uyench is one of Hovd’s larger soum centers, and Uyench and Bulgan are worth seeing together. While in Uyench, be sure to visit the Haruul (Харуул) Ovoo (details below). The Uyench River flows through the town, and provides power to Uyench and neighboring Bulgan soum courtesy of a hydro-electric plant. The second of Hovd’s two army bases is located in Uyench.
Getting There:
The drive to Uyench takes approximately 11 hours, and on the way you will pass through Buyant, Mankhan, Must, and Altai soums. The highlight of the trip is the 80 km stretch through the Bodonch Canyon that winds its way through the Altai Mountains. The scenery through the canyon is stunning, as the road winds and crosses the Bodonch River a total of 8 times. To the west of Uyench soum is Bulgan soum, once in Bulgan, daily vehicles to Uyench can be easily found.
Drivers:
1) E. Urtnasan (Э. Уртнасан) - the owner and proprietor of the Saran Tov Hotel in Uyench, Has three vehicles for hire, a Russian Jeep and a Russian Furgon ($30 per day, plus gas), plus a Toyota Land Cruiser ($80 per day, plus gas, a very smooth ride even on Mongol roads). (Mobile: 99046625 or 96658403).
2) Ganbold (Ганболд) – Russian Jeep. Lives in Uyench. (Home Phone: 014353-2587)
3) Altankhuyag (Алтанхуяг) – Russian Jeep. Lives in Uyench. (Home Phone: 014353-0248)
4) Amarbat (Амарбат) – Russian Van. Lives in Uyench. (Home Phone: 014353-2779)
5) Nasanjargal (Насанжаргал) – Russian Van. Lives in Uyench. (Home Phone: 014353-4711)
Where to Stay
Saran Tov (Саран Төв)
Price: Lux Room (3 rooms-$10 per room) / Half Lux (2 rooms-$8 per room), Simple Rooms (5 rooms-$5 per bed)
Manager Name: E. Urtnasan (Э. Уртнасан)
Contact Information: Hotel Main Phone: 014353-1024 or 014353-1066. Mobile Phone: 99046625 / 96658403.
Description: The nicest hotel in Uyench soum, this is on-par with many of the hotels that can be found in the aimag center. It is found in the main government square. The hotel has a very nice disco/restaurant next door. There are also computers on the first floor that can be used for 800T per hour, though there is no internet connection. The hotel's restroom is an outhouse, though they claim that the Lux Rooms have bathrooms.
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Uruud Horshoo
Price: Simple Rooms (5 rooms / 18 beds-3,500T per night)
Manager Name: S. Sambuu (С: Самбуу)
Contact Information: Hotel Main Phone: 014353-2209
Description: This hotel can be found on the main road through town. The rooms are simple, affordable, and cozy. Look for the sign in the picture below, but the hotel itself is around the back.
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Badral Zochid Buudal (Бадрал Зочид Буудал)
Price: Simple Rooms (3 rooms / 13 beds - 3,000T per bed (3,500T in winter))
Manager Name: M. Tsengel (М. Цэнгэл)
Contact Information: Hotel Main Phone: 014353-2166. Mobile Phone: 99823312
Description: To find the Badral Hotel, start in the main government square. If facing the Saran Tov Hotel, turn right and look for a faded sign with “Зочид Буудал” on it.
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Where to Eat
There are a series of guanzes on Uyench's main street, but the restaurant attaached to Saran Tov Hotel is regarded as the best place in town to eat. A recent training held by an Ulaanbaatar cooking trainer enabled the restaurant to expand its menu and start offering a stronger variety of dishes.
Phone Service
Mobicom started offering service in Uyench soum as of June 1st, 2008. The prefix for dialing land lines in the soum is 014353.
Haruul Ovoo (Харуул Овоо)
A must-see attraction in Uyench soum is Haruul Ovoo, located less than an hour outside of the soum center. A towering structure of stone built upon one of the local mountain peaks. Locals say it was constructed in the 1800’s, and it stands over 25 feet tall. The climb to the top isn't difficult, and the panoramic view from the top is breathtaking, offering views of both Uyench and Bulgan soums.
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