Ar-Bulagiyn Davaa: Driving the desolate trade route of Western Mongolia
Located in the heart of the Khovd Province in western Mongolia, the Ar-Bulagiyn Davaa (also known as Ar-Bulagiyn Pass) is a high mountain pass reaching an elevation of 2,775m (9,104ft) above sea level. This route is part of an ancient and vital corridor that has historically connected the uninhabited wilds of Western Mongolia with the Chinese border.
The journey through this pass is a traverse of one of the most desolate landscapes on Earth. The road, as seen in recent satellite imagery and ground photos, has seen significant improvements during the 2010s. While once a treacherous dirt track, large sections are now paved as part of a strategic regional development project. However, the modern asphalt does not diminish the intensity of the environment: a vast, treeless expanse where the horizon is dominated by the jagged peaks of the Altai Mountains.
| Road facts: Ar-Bulagiyn Davaa | |
|---|---|
| Location | Khovd Province, Western Mongolia |
| Elevation | 2,775 m (9,104 ft) |
| Length | 160 km (99.4 miles) |
| Route | Altai (City) to Tsetseg |
| Surface | Mostly Paved (Improved 2010-2020) |
How long is the road through Ar-Bulagiyn Davaa?
The road through the pass stretches for 160 km (99.4 miles), running from the town of Altai to Tsetseg. This is a journey through what locals call "nowhere land." Settlements are extremely scarce, and the few people you may encounter are nomadic tribes and diverse ethnic groups living in temporary homes (gers) according to the seasons. For travelers, respecting local traditions and maintaining impeccable manners at Ar-Bulagiyn Davaa is not just a courtesy—it is the law of the desert.
While the road has been improved to facilitate trade, the isolation remains total. Most tourists visiting the Altai Mountains never reach this far south or west, staying closer to the infrastructure surrounding Ulaanbaatar. Driving here requires absolute self-sufficiency. If your vehicle breaks down at Ar-Bulagiyn Davaa, help may be days away, and there is virtually no information online regarding motorized transit in this specific sector, with most accounts coming from extreme long-distance cyclists.
What are the weather hazards at Ar-Bulagiyn Davaa?
The climate at Ar-Bulagiyn Davaa is notoriously "crazy." Due to the high altitude and the northern latitude, the soil remains in a state of permafrost for most of the year. This can lead to unexpected road damage as the ground shifts during the brief summer thaw. Even in the middle of July, temperatures at the pass can plummet below freezing at night, and sudden snowstorms can blind drivers in minutes.
The status of the China-Mongolia border posts at either end of this corridor is often uncertain and subject to sudden closures. Before attempting this route, it is crucial to verify if the international crossing is open to foreign nationals. The lack of reliable road reports makes Ar-Bulagiyn Davaa one of the last frontiers for adventure driving in Asia.
How to prepare for driving the Ar-Bulagiyn Davaa pass?
Because of the extreme desolation of the Ar-Bulagiyn Davaa route, you must carry a surplus of fuel, water, and cold-weather gear. The road is now mostly paved, but the shoulders are often soft sand or gravel, and there are no guardrails or lighting. High winds are constant at these altitudes, which can make steering a high-profile 4x4 challenging. This is an ancient trade route that demands modern respect; it is a place for the experienced explorer who values the silence of the high steppe over the comforts of civilization.
Road suggested by: jorge manuel gómez sánchez