Boshugtu

Boshugtu is a mountain range in the northern part of the fictional country of Nivara. It extends about 280 kilometers in a northeast–southwest direction, forming a barrier between northern lowlands and southern highlands. The highest peak is Mount Torvun, at 3,450 meters above sea level. The range influences local climate, with a wetter western slope and a drier eastern fringe.

Etymology: The name derives from the Boshugtu language; early records show variants such as Boshu. It is commonly interpreted as “stone edge” or “wind-worn crest.”

Geology: Boshugtu formed during the late Cretaceous to early Miocene due to the collision of the Nivar and Eurina plates. The massif consists of granitic cores with surrounding metasedimentary rocks and scattered andesitic dikes. Pleistocene glaciation carved cirques and valleys.

Ecology: Habitats range from montane conifer forests to alpine meadows. Notable species include the Boshugtu pine (Pinus boshugtii), nivaran ibex, and the Boshugtu rock ptarmigan. The Boshugtu National Reserve protects much of the core area and supports scientific research.

Human activity: Foothill communities practice pastoralism and farming. The range provides water for several rivers and opportunities for ecotourism. Since the 1990s, access is regulated to balance conservation with recreation, and authorities promote community-based tourism and monitoring.