A memorial monument to the seventeen climbers who died in the deadliest mountain accident in Mongolia’s history has been erected.

The accident took place on 21 October on Mount Otgontenger, the highest peak of the Khangai mountain range in central Mongolia, standing 4,021 meters above sea level. The seventeen Mongolians, including seven women, were among a group of 27 climbers who successfully reached the top of the mountain. However during their descent,  they were hit by an avalanche.

Since 2015, the authorities have banned climbing Mount Otgontenger for environmental protection. The mountaineers went up despite the ban and ignored a call by the inspector for environmental protection of Zavkhan Province, where the peak is located, to suspend their ascent.