Ikh Bogd Mountain (Bogd and Bayangovi sums, Bayankhongor Province)

The supreme peak of the Ikh Bogd range stands at 3,957 meters above sea level. The area features scenic landscapes with permanent and flowing water bodies and rivers, such as Orog Lake, the Greater and Lesser Red Salty Lakes of Kholboolj, and the confluence of the Tüin River. Ikh Bogd is a region of diverse microclimates: snow falls in mid-summer on its peak, rain occurs in the middle elevations, and temperatures reach 20 to 30 degrees Celsius at its foothills. Part of the Great Gobi Strictly Protected Area, it boasts numerous fascinating natural formations. It features captivating mountains such as Ikh Bogd, Icheetei Zhangiin Range, Ulzii, Noyon, Tariat, and Burgaltai. It is home to rare and protected wildlife—such as argali, ibex, and snow leopards—as well as medicinal plants like saussurea (vanguard), rhodiola (golden root), and licorice. Its wildlife includes argali, ibex, lynx, snow leopards, goitered gazelles, foxes, Pallas's cats, hares, marmots, wolves, corsac foxes, white stoats, polecats, martens, badgers, yellow ground squirrels, and pikas. It is also watered by rivers such as Icheetei, Bituutei, Ikh, Baga Naroin, and Elgen. Waterbirds like ruddy shelducks, ducks, swans, gulls, cranes, and bustards inhabit the area, alongside raptors and birds such as golden eagles, owls, eagle owls, ravens, partridges, Pallas's sandgrouse, hazel grouse, rock ptarmigans, and snowcocks. To specially protect rare and endangered species like argali, ibex, and snow leopards—which are facing extinction or fleeing due to vegetation and climate changes around Ikh Bogd and negative human impacts—an area of 262,856 hectares across the borders of Jinst, Bogd, Bayanlig, and Bayangovi sums was placed under special state protection as a National Park by Resolution No. 05 of the State Great Khural in 2008.