The tradition of revering mountains dates back to prehistoric times. The most sacred mountains (such as Otgon Tengel, Altan Ovoo) are honoured regularly through national ceremonies. Mountains of secondary importance are venerated by the local populations surrounding them.

Visitors to a sacred mountain typically make offerings and may wish upon the spirit of the Mountain. It is considered inappropriate to ascend a sacred mountain without a clear and important purpose. Women are not permitted to climb them, but they may show respect to sacred mountains by circumambulating them.

Mongolians traditionally bestow honourable names upon Sacred Mountains, such as "khairkhan," "khaan," or "Bogd." Thus, near Ulaanbaatar one can find a mountain called Songino Khairkhan, as well as Batkhaan Mountain or Shiliin Bogd. The name Khairkhan derives from the name of a spirit believed to dwell beneath the earth and was venerated in ancient times. The word "Khan" shares the same origin as "khaan," meaning King, and originally referred to the richest or most powerful man within a group. "Bogd" comes from the word Buddha, and refers to a Buddha's reincarnation. In the context of a mountain, it is interpreted as a place as unique and great as a Buddha. Mountains named "khairkhan" are typically characterized by steep, pointed summits covered in snow and ice, with rocky slopes. Mountains designated "Khaan" or "khan" feature long, continuous summits covered in vegetation. The name "Bogd" is given to the most revered and sacred mountains, primarily located in the steppe and Gobi. Bogd Khan Mountain, situated south of Ulaanbaatar, does not possess the steep, rocky summits characteristic of most "khairkhan" mountains, yet its majesty is such that it is the only mountain in Mongolia to bear all three honourable names: "Khan Bogd Khairkhan."