Mongolian Altai Mountains

mountains, Mongolia

Also known as: Mongol Altayn Nuruu

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Last updated

June 17, 2026

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The Mongolian Altai Mountains are the highest and longest of the three major mountain chains in Mongolia, stretching along the Chinese border. This range is unique in Mongolia for its contemporary glaciation and reaches Mongolia's highest point at Khüiten Peak (4,374 meters). Branching off from the Mongolian Altai are the Gobi Altai Mountains, a lesser range of hills that fade into the Gobi Desert. These mountains, along with the Khangai and Khentii Mountains, form the dominant topographic features of Mongolia, which is largely an upland plateau interspersed with basins and mountain chains. The entire country is seismically active, though the low population density limits the impact of severe earthquakes.1

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Altai Mountains
…the Soviet Altai) and the Mongolian and Gobi Altai. A peak in the Altai proper, Belukha—at an elevation of 14,783 feet (4,506 metres)—is the range’s highest point. In the past these mountains were remote and sparsely populated; but in the 20th century they were opened to extensive resource exploitation, and…
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…the Soviet Altai) and the Mongolian and Gobi Altai. A peak in the Altai proper, Belukha—at an elevation of 14,783 feet (4,506 metres)—is the range’s highest point. In the past these mountains were remote and sparsely populated; but in the 20th century they were opened to extensive resource exploitation, and…
Read More

Mongolia
The mountains
Extending eastward from the Mongolian Altai are the Gobi Altai Mountains (Govi Altain Nuruu), a lesser range of denuded hills that lose themselves in the expanses of the Gobi.
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Extending eastward from the Mongolian Altai are the Gobi Altai Mountains (Govi Altain Nuruu), a lesser range of denuded hills that lose themselves in the expanses of the Gobi.
Read More