The unique state nature biosphere reserve “Ubsunur Basin” is one of the key territories of the Altai-Sayan ecoregion. Which, in turn, is included in the list of “Global 200” — a list of virgin or little-changed ecoregions of the world, which contain more than 90% of the planet’s biodiversity. Simply put, this is one of the few places on the planet where you can feel like you were 500‑1000 (or even more) years ago.

Ubsunur Basin is characterized by a rare combination of different elements of fauna, 83 species of mammals are found here. The Red Book of Russia and the reserve include the red wolf, snow leopard (irbis), Altai mountain sheep (argali) and dzeren. In 2003, the basin was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The following clusters are considered specially protected natural areas of the Ubsunur Biosphere Reserve: Kara-Khol, Mongun-Taiga, Khan-Deer, Oruku-Shynaa, Aryskannyg, Ubsu-Nur, Tsugeer-Els, Ular and Yamaalyg. As well as natural areas of republican significance: Ayangatinsky, Balgazynsky (biological), Derziksky, Durgensky, Ka’ksky, Ondumsky, Sut-Kholsky, Tapsinsky, Ush-Beldirsky, Khutinsky, Chagytaysky (biological and hydrological), Chaa-Kholsky, Shansky, Sheminsky and Eerbeksky.