Darkhad Valley

The Darkhad valley (Mongolian: Дархадын хотгор) is a large valley in northwestern Khövsgöl aimag, Mongolia. It is situated between the Ulaan Taiga and Khoridol Saridag ranges at an altitude of about 1600 m, about 160 km long and 40 km wide. The area is 4270 km². It was transferred from the People's Republic of Tannu Tuva to the Mongolian People's Republic in 1925 as a Soviet concession to the Mongolians, who had wanted to incorporate the territory of Tannu Uriankhai into their country.^[1][2]

The valley is rich in lakes and rivers, the biggest of which are Dood Tsagaan Lake and Shishged River, respectively. The area is famous for its natural beauty, but relatively remote and inaccessible even by Mongolian standards.

The Darkhad valley is divided between the Ulaan-Uul, Renchinlkhümbe, and Tsagaannuur sums. Inhabitants are mainly Darkhad (whom the valley's name derives from), and also some Tsaatan.

Coordinates: 51°10′N 99°30′E / 51.167°N 99.5°E / 51.167; 99.5

References

1. ^ Denis Sinor. The Uralic and Altaic Series Volume 126. Richmond: Curzon Press Ltd., 1997. pp. 7-8.
2. ^ Peter S. H. Tang. Russian and Soviet Policy in Manchuria and Outer Mongolia, 1911-1931. London: Duke University Press., 1959. p. 417.