Eej Khairkhan Mountain

Eej Khairkhan, the mother mountain, is a granite massif rising from the Gobi-Altai desert, and its distinguishing feature is a chain of nine rock basins carved by water into a gully on the mountain's flank, each holding water year-round in a landscape where that is remarkable. Climbing between them involves scrambling up the smooth granite, and the pools are used by wildlife and by herders. The mountain is sacred, with an ovoo and traditions attached to the pools including wishes made at particular basins, and local people visit it as a pilgrimage as much as an outing. The setting is empty desert steppe with ibex and argali on the rock and the Gobi-Altai ranges on the horizon. Getting there is a long rough drive from Altai city with no services on the way.

What you actually see

• The nine pools - a chain of water-carved basins up the granite gully.
• The granite massif - smooth rock rising from the desert floor.
• The sacred ovoo - the cairn and traditions attached to the mountain.
• Ibex and argali - wildlife on the rock faces.

When to go

May to September; the pools hold water year-round but access is easiest in the warm months. Early morning avoids the heat on the exposed granite. Spring can bring green to the surrounding steppe briefly.

Honest expectations

The drive is long, rough and without services; fuel and water must be carried. Scrambling to the upper pools is on smooth granite and requires care, particularly when wet. There are no facilities. Sacred-site customs apply, including not bathing in some pools.

Nearby

Altai city is northeast; the Gobi Gurvansaikhan lies far east.