Suvarga Khairkhan (Tsenkher sum, Arkhangai Province)

Suvarga Khairkhan Mountain rises 3,179 meters above sea level and belongs to the Khangai mountainous region. Suvarga Khairkhan Mountain has its base covered in forests and a bare summit. Just below its main peak on the mountain slope lies a clear alpine lake. It serves as a major watershed of the Khangai mountain range, with the Orkhon River originating from its southern flank, the Urd Tamir River from its rear, and the Tsetserleg River from its eastern arm. Branching off from Suvarga Khairkhan are many majestic alpine meadows on its sunny side—such as Solbidog, Jimgér, Khoshgot, Tongorogiin Ikht, Bor, and Tsagaan Urguu—characterized by granite rocks, sheer cliffs, bare peaks, hollows, and folds. Swift, boulder-strewn streams such as Tongorog River, Khoshgot River, Jimgér River, Khurvuulg, and Ulzii Teel flow through deep gorges and canyons, creating rapids and forming the headwater basin of the Orkhon River. It also feeds the Ulaan Tsutgalan waterfall, providing a vital water source for the livelihoods of many people in Orkhon, Uvurkhangai, Bulgan, and Selenge provinces. In 2007, Suvarga Khairkhan Mountain was designated as a State-Worshipped Mountain by presidential decree.