Mountain system running through
Kazakhstan, the
Altai Republic of the Russian Federation, western
Mongolia, and northern
China. It is divided into two parts: the Russian Altai, which includes the highest peak, Mount Belukha, 4,506 m/14,783 ft, on the border with Kazakhstan; and the Mongolian or Great Altai. Alpine pastureland is found on the upper slopes below the snowline, while the lower slopes are heavily wooded with a variety of conifer and birch trees.
© RM 2009. Helicon Publishing is division of RM.