| Alkhanay National Park | |
|---|---|
| Алханай | |
 Alkhanay National Park | |
  Location of Park | |
| Location | Zabaykalsky Krai |
| Nearest city | Chita, Zabaykalsky Krai |
| Coordinates | 50°50′N 113°25′E / 50.833°N 113.417°E |
| Area | 138,234 hectares (341,584 acres; 1,382 km2; 534 sq mi) |
| Established | March 5, 1999 |
| Governing body | FGBU "Alkhanaya" |
| Website | http://npalania.ru/ |
Alkhanay National Park (Russian: Национальный парк «Алханай») encompasses the area around Mt. Alkhanai, a central focus and sacred mountain to the Buryats people, who today are the largest indigenous group in Siberia. Mt. Alkanai has been adopted as sacred by later Mongols, shamanistic people, and Buddhists. The Dalai Lama has made two unofficial visits to Alkhanay. The area takes its name from an old legend, in which a princess took refuge from her pursuers on the top of the mountain, defiantly shouting as they approached, "kill me!", which translates to "Alkhanai" in the local language. Despite the ancient name, the focus today of Buddhist pilgrims as they ascend the mountain pathway is one of peacefulness and healing. The park seeks to balance support for continued pilgrimage to the rock landforms and mineral springs, with conservation of nature and recreational tourism.[1] Alkhanay NP is located in the Trans-Baikal (East Siberia) region of Russia, about 300 miles east of the lake, and 75 miles north of Mongolia's northern border. It is in the administrative region of Aginsky District, Zabaykalsky Krai.[2]
- ^ "Official Site. Alkhanay National Park". Alhkanay National Park.
- ^ "Protected Area - Alkhanay". Protected Areas of Russia. Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2015-12-13.