The Altai Mountains: Central Asia's Majestic Transboundary Range

The Altai Mountains (Altay Shan) form a vast mountain system in south-central Asia, straddling the borders of four countries:

• Russia (Altai Republic and Altai Krai)
• China (Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region)
• Mongolia (western aimags)
• Kazakhstan (East Kazakhstan Region)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site (Golden Mountains of Altai), the range is renowned for its biodiversity, glaciers, and cultural significance to indigenous Turkic and Mongolic peoples. Its highest peak, Belukha Mountain, reaches 4,506 meters (14,784 ft). The Altai serves as a critical water tower for Central Asia, feeding major rivers like the Ob and Irtysh.