The Bulgan River originates from Twin Lakes on the border between Bulgan Sum and Deluun Sum of Bayan-Ulgii Province, and the ever-snowy Dush Mountain (meaning blacksmith's anvil), and flows through Bulgan Sum of Bayan-Olgii Province and Bulgan Sum of Hovd Province. It is the 2nd largest river after Khovd among the rivers in the Central Asian basin of Mongolia.
Bulgan River is also an important stopover site for various migratory passerines, waterbirds and shorebirds.