Otgontenger Mountain (Otgon sum, Zavkhan Province)

Otgontenger Mountain is the supreme peak of the Khangai mountain range, located in Otgon sum, Zavkhan Province, in the western region of Mongolia. Revered by Mongolians since ancient times as Ochirvaani, this mountain is a sacred, state-worshipped mountain of the Khangai range. Rising 4,008 meters above sea level, its peak is covered with eternal snow and glaciers. Surrounded by dense taiga forests, swift-flowing rivers, and abundant lakes, the surrounding mountains feature unique natural formations with an exceptionally well-preserved biosphere and ecosystem, rich in rare plants and wildlife. Otgontenger Mountain was granted protected status during the Yuan Dynasty in 1294 and again in 1818. The Otgontenger Strictly Protected Area was established in 1992, and in 1995, it was designated as a state-worshipped mountain by presidential decree.