Burkhan Khaldun, Sacred summit in Khentii Mountains, Mongolia.

Burkhan Khaldun is the highest summit of the Khentii Mountains in northeastern Mongolia, a crescent-shaped massif rising to 2,362 metres. Its upper slopes are snow-covered above dark rock, with a band of coniferous taiga along the base. The Kherlen, Onon, Tuul, Kharaa and Yeruu rivers rise on its flanks.

The Secret History of the Mongols records that Genghis Khan, after hiding from the Merkit on the mountain, vowed to honour it with sacrifices every morning; he then gave it the status of a royal sacred mountain. Subutai, one of his most successful generals, was born here, not buried. Rashid al-Din places the graves of Genghis Khan, his son Tolui and later descendants such as Möngke and Kublai on its slopes, guarded by a thousand Uryankhat warriors.

Local communities view this site as sacred and conduct traditional worship ceremonies at stone cairns along specific routes. These practices remain central to how people relate to the mountain and its spiritual importance in their daily lives.

The mountain lies within the Khan Khentii Strictly Protected Area, established in 1992, so access is arranged in advance rather than on arrival. Pilgrims follow a set route past the Main Ovoo of Heaven, the Gurvan Khoriud ("Three Forbidden Precincts"), the Uud Mod ("Two Trees of Entrance") and the Bosgo Tengeriin Davaa ("Threshold Pass of Heaven"). The summit stands at 2,362 metres, and snow lingers on the upper slopes.

The mountain supports more than 250 bird species and around 50 mammal species adapted to the harsh steppe environment. This array of wildlife makes it a refuge for animals across Central Asia.