Location and surroundings
Altan Uul is situated in Mongolia, within the administrative area of district/county Gurvantes and region Ömnögovi. Its broader mountain range hierarchy traces through the South Siberian Mountains, Altai-Sayan Region, Altai Mountains, Gobi Altai, Gurvan Saikhan Mountains, and finally the Nemegt Uul. Within the Nemegt Uul, it ranks as the 2nd highest of 2 named peaks. The surrounding landscape features arid terrain typical of the region.
Neighbouring peaks
The surrounding area features several nearby peaks and passes:
- Sarig Uula (peak), 1,359 m, 69.8 km SW
- Högshö Uula (peak), 1,745 m, 70.8 km SE
- Yihe Bayan Uula (peak), 1,888 m, 72.3 km N
- Mongol Altayn Nuruu (peak), 1,840 m, 78.0 km N
- Ih-Bayan Uul (peak), 1,831 m, 79.7 km N
- Uhur Ulaan Uul (peak), 1,410 m, 80.2 km SW
- Buhata Uula (peak), 1,007 m, 88.0 km NE
- Hongor Uula (peak), 1,179 m, 92.9 km E
Standing at 2,055 m, Altan Uul is taller than all of these listed surrounding neighbours.
The view from the summit
From the summit of Altan Uul, visibility across the surrounding terrain can be extensive on clear days. While specific major giants within a 25 km radius are not formally recorded in the database, the peak's elevation of 2,055 m provides wide vantage points over the regional landscape of Ömnögovi and the Nemegt Uul range, overlooking neighbouring formations stretching across the arid and semi-arid terrain.
The range
Altan Uul belongs to the Nemegt Uul range. The highest peak of the Nemegt Uul is Sevrey Uul, reaching 2,631 m, which is located 125 km E of Altan Uul. The range encompasses 2 named peaks in total. Within this specific grouping, Altan Uul holds the position of the 2nd highest peak.
Climate and weather
Climate figures are estimates from NASA POWER climate data covering 2001 through 2020 monthly means, with temperatures adjusted to the summit elevation. The mean temperature at the summit is warmest in July at about 20 °C and coldest in January at about -15 °C. Months with a mean above freezing at the summit include April, May, June, July, August, September, and October. Precipitation in the surrounding area is about 100 mm a year, with the wettest month being July at about 20 mm and the driest month January at about 0 mm. Regional weather hazards include sudden wind shifts and variable visibility.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Altan Uul aligns with the months that experience a mean temperature above freezing at the summit: April, May, June, July, August, September, and October. Among these, the drier months corresponding to lower precipitation averages outside of the peak summer wet period of July offer more stable conditions for travel and exploration in the region.
Nature and wildlife
The environment around Altan Uul consists of sparse vegetation adapted to arid and semi-arid conditions, typical of the Ömnögovi region and the Gobi Altai ecosystem. Wildlife in this high-elevation desert and mountain terrain generally includes hardy species capable of surviving wide temperature ranges and low annual precipitation. The landscape is dominated by rocky outcrops, gravel plains, and sparse drought-resistant shrubs.
Guides and organised ascents
For mountaineering in Mongolia, visitors typically turn to national structures such as the Mongolian National Climbing Federation. Established guiding companies operating in the country include Kazakh Tour based in Ölgii. For general emergencies, the emergency number for mountain rescue is 105, alongside police at 102, ambulance at 103, and fire at 101. Regarding permit rules in Mongolia, climbing in Altai Tavan Bogd National Park (Khüiten Peak) requires a park permit and a border-zone permit, which can be obtained in Ölgii or arranged by a tour operator.
Safety and preparation
Ascending an elevation of 2,055 m requires adequate preparation for shifting weather conditions, sun exposure, and temperature drops, particularly outside the warmest summer months. Climbers should carry sufficient water and navigation tools. In the event of an emergency, the designated mountain rescue number is 105. General emergency services can also be reached via police at 102, ambulance at 103, and fire at 101.
Interesting facts
Altan Uul is the 2nd highest of 2 named peaks in the Nemegt Uul. The highest peak of the same range, Sevrey Uul, stands at 2,631 m and is located 125 km E of Altan Uul. The mountain is situated within the Gurvantes district of the Ömnögovi region in Mongolia, anchoring part of the Gobi Altai mountain system.
FAQ
What is the elevation of Altan Uul? Altan Uul has an elevation of 2,055 m.
Where is Altan Uul located? It is located in Mongolia, within the Ömnögovi region and the district of Gurvantes.
Which mountain range does Altan Uul belong to? It belongs to the Nemegt Uul, which is part of the Gobi Altai, Altai Mountains, Altai-Sayan Region, and South Siberian Mountains.
What are the nearest peaks to Altan Uul? The nearest peaks include Sarig Uula at 69.8 km SW, Högshö Uula at 70.8 km SE, and Yihe Bayan Uula at 72.3 km N.
Is there water on the way to Altan Uul? Natural water sources are scarce in this arid region; visitors must carry adequate water supplies, typically 1.5 to 3 litres per day depending on heat and length of exertion.
What is the mobile phone coverage like on Altan Uul? Coverage in these remote hills is generally patchy and depends entirely on the operator. Emergency services can be reached via 112 over any available network, and maps should be downloaded before setting out.