Galdan

Galdan is a Mongolian term used as a name and in several place names in Mongolia and surrounding regions. It can refer to historical figures as well as geographic features.

Galdan Boshugtu Khan, also transliterated as Galdan Boshughtu Khan, was a prominent ruler of the Dzungar Khanate in the early 18th century. He reigned roughly from 1697 to 1745 and expanded Dzungar influence across areas that are part of today’s Xinjiang and neighboring regions. He led multiple military campaigns against the Qing Dynasty, contributing to a period of intense conflict in the region. After his death, Qing forces renewed campaigns that eventually destroyed the Dzungar Khanate, leading to substantial demographic and political changes in Central Asia.

Galdan Uul, or Galdan Mountain, is a notable peak in western Mongolia. It lies in the western Mongolian highlands, associated with the Altai region near Bayan-Ölgii Province. The mountain and its surrounding areas are frequently visited for hiking, research, and studies of local ecosystems. The name is commonly used for the mountain feature itself as well as nearby geographic areas.

Other uses: The name Galdan appears in various related geographic and historical contexts and can be found as a personal name within Mongolian and related cultures.