URAN TOGOO VOLCANO CRATER

Location: Bulgan Province, northern Mongolia

Uran Togoo is an extinct volcanic crater formed approximately 20–25 million years ago, measuring about 500 m (1,640 ft) in width and 50 m (164 ft) in depth. Ancient volcanic lava and ash enriched the soil, and forest-steppe vegetation now spreads across the area, creating a calm yet striking landscape. In winter, animals often shelter around the crater, taking advantage of the residual ground warmth. At the center of the crater lies a small lake about 20 meters (65 feet) wide, surrounded by forest dominated by larch trees. Near Uran Togoo, there are three other extinct volcanoes called Tulga, Togoo, and Jalavch.