Tannu-Ola mountains

The Tannu-Ola mountains form a range that stretches along the Mongolia border, reaching heights around 3,000 meters and displaying varied rock formations throughout. The terrain includes numerous valleys and ridges that shape the overall landscape character.

These mountains served as natural passageways for nomadic peoples moving between Siberia and Mongolia in earlier times. Their location made them an important crossroads in the migration patterns of different cultures.

The range holds deep meaning in the oral traditions of local indigenous peoples, who have navigated these slopes for countless generations. The passes and valleys continue to shape how communities move through and inhabit the landscape today.

Visitors need special permits from Russian authorities to access this area, so advance planning is essential. The best time for expeditions is from June to September when conditions are most favorable.

The range divides into western and eastern sections with different rock types, where the west displays sandstone while the east features granite formations. This geological split creates visual distinctions that trekkers notice as they move through different sections.