🧊 Potanin Glacier
The Largest Glacier in Mongolia & the Heart of Altai Tavan Bogd
Potanin Glacier – The Largest Glacier in Mongolia’s Altai Tavan Bogd
Potanin Glacier (also known as Pontuninii Glacier) is the largest and most impressive glacier in Mongolia, located deep inside Altai Tavan Bogd National Park in Bayan-Ölgii Province, western Mongolia.
Stretching approximately 14–15 km and covering around 23 km², the glacier flows from the high massif of the Five Sacred Peaks (Tavan Bogd), including Khuiten Peak, Mongolia’s highest mountain.
Potanin Glacier forms the core of high-altitude trekking and mountaineering in the Mongolian Altai.
🏔️ Geological & Natural Significance
Potanin Glacier is a classic valley glacier, shaped by thousands of years of ice movement and alpine climate.
- 🧊 Fed by permanent snowfields and ice caps
- 🏔️ Surrounded by peaks over 4,000 meters
- ❄️ Active crevasses, icefalls, and moraine fields
- 🌬️ Harsh alpine weather year-round
The glacier is a vital freshwater source, feeding rivers and lakes throughout the Altai region.
🧭 Relationship to the Five Sacred Peaks
Potanin Glacier lies directly beneath the Tavan Bogd massif, including:
- Khuiten Peak (4,374 m) – Mongolia’s highest point
- Nairamdal Peak
- Bürged Peak
- Olgii Peak
Most summit expeditions to Khuiten Peak approach via Potanin Glacier, making it the main access route for mountaineers.
🥾 Trekking & Glacier Hiking
Potanin Glacier is one of the few places in Mongolia where travelers can experience true glacier trekking.
🥾 What to Expect
- Walking along glacier edges and moraines
- Views of massive ice walls and blue crevasses
- High-altitude camping near the ice
- Optional short glacier walks with guides
⚠️ Direct travel on the glacier requires guides and safety equipment due to crevasses.
🏕️ Base Camps & Expedition Life
Several seasonal base camps are established near the glacier during summer:
- ⛺ Tavan Bogd Base Camp (~3,000 m)
- Used by trekkers, climbers, and researchers
- Horse- and camel-supported logistics
- No permanent facilities – full wilderness camping
Life around the glacier offers a true expedition atmosphere, surrounded by ice, peaks, and silence.
🐾 Wildlife & High-Alpine Environment
Despite the extreme conditions, the area around Potanin Glacier supports wildlife adapted to high altitudes:
- 🐆 Snow leopard (very rare)
- 🐐 Siberian ibex
- 🐏 Argali sheep
- 🦅 Golden eagles and lammergeiers
Lower valleys near the glacier are also used as summer pastures by nomadic herders.
🚙 Access & Logistics
- Access via Ölgii town in Bayan-Ölgii Province
- Long 4WD off-road journey into Altai Tavan Bogd
- Multi-day trek or horse-supported approach
- Visits usually part of guided expeditions only
Due to remoteness, Potanin Glacier is not suitable for independent travel.
🚙⭐ Why Visit?
- ✔ Largest glacier in Mongolia
- ✔ Close-up views of the Five Sacred Peaks
- ✔ Rare opportunity for glacier trekking
- ✔ Core of Khuiten Peak expeditions
- ✔ Ultimate wilderness & alpine experience
✨ Potanin Glacier at a Glance
- 🧊 Glacier type: Valley glacier
- 📏 Length: ~14–15 km
- 📐 Area: ~23 km²
- 📍 Location: Altai Tavan Bogd National Park
- 🏕️ Accommodation: Expedition camping only
📅 Best Time to Visit
| Season | Conditions |
|---|---|
| July – August | Best weather, trekking & climbing |
| June & September | Colder, snow & ice conditions |
| October – May | Extreme cold, inaccessible |