Sainshand (or “Shand” as the locals say), the capital of Dornogovi province, is another 7 hours past Choir on the railway.  It’s a fairly large and spread out town with a population of about 25,000.  The town is split into 3 distinct sections.  The oldest part of town, Ar Shand is the northernmost section of town and also the location of the railway station.  Taking the main road over the pass and just a kilometer south lands you in the center of town.  This is the location of all the main stores, restaurants, hotels, banks, and government offices.  About another kilometer to the south is the district known as Denj.  Denj was basically built up around the hospital and has little else besides a few small stores.  However, the nicest apartment complex in Sainshand was recently completed in Denj to house doctors, government workers, and other state employees.