HOVD

also spelled Chovd, also called Jirgalanta, or Dzhirgalantu, formerly Khobdo, or Kobdo, town, administrative headquarters of Hovd aymag (province), western Mongolian People's Republic, in the northern foothills of the Mongol Altayn Nuruu (Mongolian Altai Mountains) at an elevation of 4,260 ft (1,300 m). Har Us Nuur (lake) lies to the east and is fed by the Hovd Gol (river). Founded in 1731 as a trade depot linked commercially with Peking, Hovd is the main trade centre of western Mongolia. Wool, butter, and agricultural products are among the chief items of trade. The town has an agricultural college and agriculture-based industries such as a wool-washing factory, a meat combine, and a food combine. Pop. (1979) 17,600.