Major Rivers of Mongolia

Mongolia's Vital Waterways

Despite its reputation for vast steppes and the Gobi Desert, Mongolia possesses a significant river network fed by mountain snowmelt and seasonal rains. Key rivers include:

• Onon River
• Kherlen River
• Selenge River
• Orkhon River
• Tuul River
• Kharaa River
• Bayankhongor River
• Govi-Altai River
• Khovd River
• Uvs River
• Zavkhan River

Ecological and Cultural Importance

These rivers sustain nomadic herding, agriculture, and unique ecosystems—from taiga forests in the north to desert oases in the south. Many are transboundary, linking Mongolia with Russia and China.