Dûtiin Davaa, 16 miles east of Altai, the capital of Gov-Altai, is the entrance to the Biger Depression. Elevation: 9075 feet, or about 2000 feet higher than Altai. We encountered a blizzard here on June 26th.

Burkhan Buudai Mountain, the Sacred Mountain of Gov-Altai Aimag, overlooks the Biger Depression. Height: 11,092 feet, or about 6850 feet higher than Biger Lake at the bottom of the Biger Depression.

Bogd Tsakhir Uul, just behind Burkhan Buudai Uul. Elevation: 12,312 feet

Gorge of Khurkhreet Tsakhir Gol, river flowing out of the mountains to the west of Burkhan Buudai Uul. The ice here, which never melts, is up to 50 feet thick.

Namsum (name means "bow and arrow") is a retired teacher of history and geography at the school in Biger town. Extremely knowledgable about local history and lore, he guided us around the Biger Depression area.

Local herdsman Narantsatsralt, who lives at the base of Burkhan Buudai. He went with us to the summit.

Rich pastures on the flanks of Burkhan Buudai Uul. The summer of 2003 had already seen a lot of rain.

Looking down into the Biger Depression from part way up the mountain.

Mountains to the west of Burkhan Buudai Uul. This is prime Snow Leopard country.

Rich pastures on the north side of Burkhan Buudai Uul.

Horses resting on the way to the summit of Burkhan Buudai Uul.