Khan Khukhii (Undurkhangai and Zuunkhangai sums, Uvs Province)

The Khan Khukhii range is a mountain system located in Uvs Province of Mongolia. Its supreme peak, Altan Duulga, stands at 2,928 meters above sea level. Khan Khukhii plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance by limiting the expansion of desert-steppe zones. It serves as the northwestern extension of the Khangai mountain range. Rich in forests, water, and rivers, the Khan Khukhii range is located in the territories of Zuunkhangai, Undurkhangai, and Tsagaan-Khairkhan sums in Uvs Province. It pushes into the Great Lakes Depression, serving as a watershed between the Uvs and Khyargas lake basins. The Khan Khukhii range (covering 2,205 square kilometers) and the area around Khyargas Lake (covering 3,320 square kilometers) were placed under special state protection in 2000. In 2007, it was designated as a State-Worshipped Mountain by decree of the President of Mongolia.