Altai Tavan Bogd

Altai Tavan Bogd Mountain of the Mongolian Altai range is located in Ulaankhus soum of Bayan-Ölgii Province. Tavan Bogd is the highest mountain range in Mongolia and is therefore known as the Roof of Mongolia. Altai Tavan Bogd has five main peaks and contains Mongolia’s three largest glaciers: Potanin Glacier, Alexander Glacier, and Grane Glacier. The largest of these is Potanin Glacier, which is approximately 14 kilometers long. Khüiten Peak is the highest peak of Altai Tavan Bogd. Friendship Peak is the tri-border point where the borders of Mongolia, Russia, and China meet.

In 1996, the watersheds of Altai Tavan Bogd Mountain, Khoton, Khurgan, and Dayan lakes, as well as the rivers Khovd, Khar Salaa, Tsagaan Salaa, Songinot, and Yolt, were designated as the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park under state protection. Altai Tavan Bogd National Park borders Russia to the north and China to the west, extending from Tavan Bogd southwest to Övchüü Mountain, covering an area 186 km in length and 42 km in width. It has a sharply continental climate.

Since Mongolian mountaineers first climbed Altai Tavan Bogd in 1956, more than 700 climbers have ascended it. Today, it remains a popular mountain for both domestic and international climbers.