Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
Parque Nacional Altai Tavan Bogd
Altai Tavan Bogd National Park – this park is located in the remote wilderness of Mongolia’s western border with China (1,800 km west of the capital). It is named for the giant and imposing Tavan Bogd mountains, which tower over the park like a scenic backdrop. From the highest peak of these mountains, one can see (the former Soviet republic of) Kazakhstan. In the northern part of the park, visitors can see the Tsagaan Salaa rock paintings, which number over ten thousand and date back to the Neolithic and Bronze ages. There is also ample opportunity for hiking and wildlife viewing in Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, as it is a haven for many Mongolian animals, including ibex, Argali sheep, moose, beech marten, and golden eagles.
Note: There are two permits required to enter the park, a park permit and a border permit. The Park Permit is available at the Visitor Information Center in the town of Ölgii or at one of the Park Ranger Stations near Tavan Bogd Mountains and on the Hovd River south of Tsengel (on the way to the lakes). Each person should have one, which is 3000₮ for foreigners and 1500₮ for Mongolians. All visitors must go to a Ranger Station upon entering the park. There are 2 near Tavan Bogd in each of the 2 valleys approaching the mountain, plus an additional one in Syrgil between the lakes (after the Hovd River Ranger Station).
The Border Permits are needed for those going within 100 km of an international border of Mongolia. Permits for the Chinese border zone are available at the Border Patrol Office in Ölgii (near the river, 1 km west of the bridge), while permits for the Russian border are only available in Tsaagannuur village, near the Russian border crossing and 70 km north of Ölgii. The Russian border permit is required if going north of Pontuninii Glacier and to Khuiten Uul Mountain. It may also be required if rivers near Tsengel are too high to cross and require taking a northern route to the mountains. The Russian permit is not required if you enter the park near the lakes. It will be best to take a local along when going to the border patrol, as they may act hostile to those who don’t speak Mongolian or Russian. Permits are 3000₮ per group.