Ulaanbaatar
World’s Oldest Protected Mountain, Bogd Khan, Honored in State Worship Ceremony
Environment
Ulaanbaatar, September 12, 2025 /MONTSAME/. Heaven Hallowing State Worship Ceremony for Bogdkhan Mountain was held with grandeur on September 11, 2025.
In 1778, at the petition of Khuree Minister Yundendorj and his subordinate official Sanjaadorj, Bogd Khan Mountain was proclaimed a protected sacred site, and it has been worshipped since 1779. The tradition was revived in 1995 when the State Great Khural adopted a resolution designating it as a strictly protected mountain and, by Presidential Decree, establishing the State Worship Ceremony to be held once every five years.
Situated across Tuv aimag and Ulaanbaatar, Bogd Khan Mountain is part of the Khan Khentii Mountain range and is one of the world’s earliest legally protected natural sites. Although belonging to the Khentii basin, it stands separately from the main ridge. Its varied relief fosters forest and taiga landscapes, marking the southernmost boundary of Mongolia’s forest belt. Located at the intersection of steppe and forest-steppe zones, the mountain features alpine, mountain taiga, forest, steppe, and dry steppe ecosystems, along with northern dry steppe and meadowland areas. Bogd Khan Mountain is also home to numerous valleys of varying lengths.
