Once every four years, a special religious sacrifice ceremony takes place near the peaks of some of Mongolia’s most sacred mountains. This year, the Mongolian President and government officials have authorized a ceremony for Mt Otgontenger (22^nd of July) and Mt Sutai (24^th of July).

Towering at more than 4,000 meters above sea level, snow-capped Otgontenger Uul (mountain), stands on the western edge of the Khangai Mountain range, of which it is the highest peak. In 1992 the government of Mongolia declared Otgontenger as a protected nature reserve. The strictly-protected zone covers an area of 955 square kilometers. Badar Khundaga Lake that lies on Otgontenger Mountain forms a unique feature of this landscape.

The mountain has been a site of religious worship by ethnic groups since VI-VIII century. In 1995, Mongolian President decreed that a religious sacrifice could take place on the mountain once in every four years. Mt Otgontenger, is located 20 km from the nearest camp and 100 km from Uliastai city.