Khangai Nuruu National Park (Mongolian: Хангайн нуруу) spans a strip from west to east across the center of the Khangai Mountains. The eastern part of the park lies along the upper part of the Orkhon River valley. The park includes several types of habitats, such as grassland areas, forests near rivers or streams, forests with larch trees, and high mountain meadows.

Topography

The park stretches more than 200 kilometers from the western foothills of the Khangai to Kharkhorin on the eastern slope, along the Orkhon River. The Tuin River flows south from the western part of the park, and the Khuisiin Naiman Nuur ("Eight Lakes") Nature Reserve is located in the south-central area. Elevations rise from 1,700 to 2,700 meters (about 5,600 to 8,900 feet). The mountain peaks are rounded, and the highest areas have bare rock.

Climate and ecoregion

The area has a cold semi-arid climate, also called BSk in the Köppen climate system. This type of climate is found in steppe regions that are between deserts and more humid areas. These regions usually receive more rainfall than they lose through evaporation and plant growth. At least one month of the year has an average temperature below 0°C (32°F).

The western part of the park is located in the Khangai Mountains alpine meadow ecoregion. The eastern part, near the Orkhon River, is in the Selenge-Orkhon forest steppe ecoregion.

Flora and fauna

The flat area covered with grasses is called the steppe, and trees and plants grow along the rivers and streams. Higher areas are usually covered with forests made of larch, pine, and a mix of other tree types. At the highest parts of the park, there are open grassy areas known as alpine meadows. Animals and birds that are in danger of disappearing include the Pallas's fish eagle (Haliaeetus leucoryphus) and the Saker's Falcon (Falco cherrug). The park has been named an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International.