The ecoregion is in the temperate grasslands, savannas, and shrublands biome, and the Palearctic realm, with a Humid Continental climate.

The terrain is relatively flat lowland plains [2] The area is surrounded by the Sayan montane conifer forests ecoregion.

This climate is characterized by high variation in temperature, both daily and seasonally; with long, cold winters and short, cool summers with only three months averaging over 10 °C (50 °F).

[4] The ecoregion includes both "true" and "dry steppes", indicating relatively low moisture and narrow leaf species of plants.

The soils are generally chestnut or sandy, with dominant species of plants being Stipa krylovii (Feather grass), Potentilla acaulis (Cinquefoils), Festuca ovina (Sheep's fescue), and Artemisia frigida (Fringed sagebrush).