The Tien Shan range of mountains in Xinjiang, China from 38,000 feet, enroute from Beijing to Ashgabat.
Bogda Feng (博格达峰), means “Bogda Peak”, standing at 5,445 meters (17,864 feet), seen here from our flight from Beijing to Ashgabat from 38,000 feet [!]. It is the highest peak, part of the Bogda Shan (博格达山) means “Bogda Mountains” and refers to the entire subrange of the eastern Tien Shan Mountains in Xinjiang, China, and is in the eastern Tien Shan range of Xinjiang, China.
Known as the “God Mountain,” it’s revered locally for its beauty and spiritual significance. With its year-round snowcap and challenging terrain, it draws climbers seeking remote, technical alpine adventures.
You can climb Bogda Feng, but it’s considered a serious and technically demanding ascent. The mountain’s steep ice and rock faces, unpredictable weather, and remote location make it suitable only for experienced mountaineers. It’s not commonly climbed, partly due to its difficulty and the complex logistics of reaching it.
Climbers usually approach from Urumqi and then head to the Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) area for access. Permits may be required, and guided expeditions are recommended due to the challenging alpine conditions.
The Tien Shan range of mountains in Xinjiang, China from 38,000 feet, enroute from Beijing to Ashgabat.
Bodga Shan seen from the plane.
Bodga Feng, seen in the Tien Shan range of Xinjiang, China from 38,000 feet, enroute from Beijing to Ashgabat.
The moon seen in the background with the beautiful Tien Shan range of Xinjiang, China.