Why Arvaikheer
Arvaikheer, also spelled Arwaiheer, serves as the capital of Övörkhangai Province and is situated near the geographical center of Mongolia. Its name translates to "Barley Steppe." As the largest urban center in the province by a wide margin, the town acts as a regional hub for goat herding, traditional handicrafts, and equestrian activities. It is particularly recognized for hosting an annual regional horse festival.
Geographically, Arvaikheer sits at an elevation of 1,813 meters (5,948 feet) at the foot of the eastern foothills of the Khangai Mountains. Positioned within a central microclimate, it experiences a cold semi-arid climate. Compared to much of the country, its location away from low-altitude cold basins gives it some of the mildest weather in Mongolia. Summers are mild with rainfall, while winters are very dry, and limited snowfall typically occurs in March, April, and October.
Historically, the town served as a base for a major Soviet Army division until 1990, an era that significantly shaped local life. Following the end of Soviet influence, various community structures were revitalized. Today, the administrative area is subdivided into 13 individual bags. The town provides essential regional infrastructure, including a sizeable hospital, early childhood education facilities, and several schools and higher education institutes.
Visitors to Arvaikheer can explore several cultural and historic points of interest. About one mile from the main square sits Gandan Muntsaglan Khiid, a Buddhist monastery originally destroyed in 1937 during political purges and reopened in 1991 to house a community of monks. The town also features the Museum of Övörkhangai Province, which displays local fossils and historical relics from Karakorum, alongside a separate museum celebrating the artist Zanabazar. Recreation areas include a Sports Palace located in the eastern district, situated across from a spacious public park.
Arvaikheer is accessible by land and air. It is connected to the national capital of Ulaanbaatar via a paved highway served by public bus routes. In addition, the town is served by Arvaykheer Airport, which features an unpaved runway operating scheduled flights to both Ulaanbaatar and Altai.
01 Weather
52°
51°
☔ 52% 
51°
41°
☔ 100% 
60°
39°
66°
46°
67°
50°
66°
49°