Olgii

The towering and sinewy massifs of the immense Altai cast a pall over Olgii. The loom is large on the horizon all around town as if demanding the attention of everybody passing by. Only when you've gotten over the spectacular and frightening landscapes can you begin to appreciate this provincial capital of Bayan-Olgii fully.

And what delicacies there are to be had! Explore the enigmatic Turkic Standing Stones (said to be 12,000 years old), look for ancient petroglyphs, or marvel at the eagle hunters' abilities during the annual Altai Kazakh Eagle Festival (in September).

Olgii is the capital of Mongolia's Kazakh heartland. It is the region's cultural, religious, and economic hub, with a unique traditional Kazakh culture.

The majority of visitors come to view the surrounding places and do not spend much time in Olgii itself. Knowing someone in the area who can introduce you to other individuals is quite beneficial! Learning at least a few Kazakh words will also be beneficial, and people would appreciate it much.

• Location: Mongolia's Kazakh
• Timing: Open all day
• Famous for: Turkic Standing Stones
• Entry Fee: Free
• Best Time To Visit: Summertime, April to August.