The governor of Sukhbaatar Province has ordered roads to be closed to Shiliin Bogd, a sacred mountain in Dariganga Soum (district). This decision follows Wednesday’s decree by Mongolian President Kh.Batulga to cancel all Tsagaan Sar public celebrations and religious gatherings.

Shiliin Bogd is actually an inactive volcano, however, the mountain is considered as a sacred place to Mongolians.  Tradition states that the soul of any man who climbs Shiliin Bogd will be renewed and filled with optimism and strength for the future. Women do not climb to this place as it is believed a spiritual mountain only for men. The mountain is normally packed with men during the eight days of the Tsagaan Sar celebration.

Located in Dariganga, the volcano stands 1778 meters above sea level and is the highest peak in Sukhbaatar.