Bogda Shan
Mountains Mountain range in Xinjiang forming eastern Tianshan foothills
Bogda Shan sits at the eastern end of the Tianshan range in Xinjiang; mountaineers and trekkers visit for high peaks, glaciers and alpine steppe scenery.
Bogda Shan is an eastern subrange of the Tian Shan mountain system in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China, characterised by steep ridges, high peaks and glaciated valleys.
The range contains several high summits, including a dominant peak often referred to as Bogda Peak, and supports alpine glaciers and glacially shaped terrain.
The mountains form part of local nature conservation areas and are a prominent landscape east of the regional city of Ürümqi and near smaller towns such as Fukang.
Bogda Shan acts as a climatic barrier and a source of meltwater feeding rivers that flow into the surrounding basins.
- Elevation and glaciers: Part of the eastern Tian Shan; the range contains high summits that exceed 5,400 metres and perennial glaciers on the upper slopes.
What to See #
- Bogda Peak: Bogda Peak is the highest mass of the range and rises well above surrounding plains, dominated by rocky ridges and glacier-carved valleys.
- Glacial valleys: Glaciated valleys and alpine basins that feed meltwater into rivers flowing toward the Tarim Basin; these features support high-altitude steppe and specialized flora.
How to Get to Bogda Shan #
The Bogda range sits northeast of the city of Turpan in Xinjiang. Travelers typically transit through Turpan (by rail or road from Ürümqi) and then drive to valley trailheads; local permits and an organized operator are recommended.
Tips for Visiting Bogda Shan #
- If visiting the Bogda (Bogda Shan) area, acclimatize in the Turpan basin first - elevation and dry continental climate can be harsh.
- Work with local mountain operators for permits and up-to-date route conditions; weather can change rapidly in Tianshan ranges.
- Bring windproof clothing: even summer days on higher slopes can be bitter and exposed.
Best Time to Visit Bogda Shan #
Summer is the most practical season for visiting alpine sections; check permits and local travel advisories.
Weather & Climate near Bogda Shan #
Bogda Shan's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental (Dry Winter) - Warm-Summer Continental (Dry Winter) climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -20°C to 23°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -7°C and lows of -20°C. The driest month with just 3 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -18°C. The driest month with just 3 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -11°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -1°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 5°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with 33 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 5°C. Light rainfall.
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October
October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -3°C. Light rainfall.
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November
November is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -11°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -17°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
